What do you think?
Rate this book
Insomnia: Army Stories
A retired General is haunted by voices of dead men.
Soldiers from two enemy nations manning posts in freezing Siachen form a strange connection.
A young Lieutenant dying in the jungles of Arunachal is watched over by three men, one of whom would have his destiny changed forever.
What is the dark secret held by a Major and his men operating incognito in Kashmir?
What surprise is a train bound for Agra bringing to the all-male bastion of 13 Para?
Who are the invisible people a little girl awaiting brain surgery in the Lansdowne Military Hospital talks to?
Soldiers from two enemy nations manning posts in freezing Siachen form a strange connection.
A young Lieutenant dying in the jungles of Arunachal is watched over by three men, one of whom would have his destiny changed forever.
What is the dark secret held by a Major and his men operating incognito in Kashmir?
What surprise is a train bound for Agra bringing to the all-male bastion of 13 Para?
Who are the invisible people a little girl awaiting brain surgery in the Lansdowne Military Hospital talks to?
140 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 19, 2020
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
November 19, 2020
Very moving and touching stories, written from very deep understanding on what's the life is like in defense forces.
November 26, 2020
The latest release from Rachna Bisht Rawat's armed forces series offers a fictional take on true incidents, in the form of short stories surrounding varied army experiences - touching tales, humorous anecdotes, and frightening forays of life in the armed forces.
A mixed bag from the world of olive green inhabited not only by heroes, but the people, animals and things around them as well. Rawat touches issues of subtle sexism faced by women officers, the reminiscences of retired officers, the friendly bullying of new recruits that can take serious undertones, the bond between soldiers and stray animals, the lives of army doctors and nurses who are at the forefront in casualties of border skirmishes and war but away from media attention; the fear, terror, solitude faced by army wives living on their own in secluded areas; and the lives of army children moving through schools, teachers, friends as their parents' postings change.
The book is filled with beautiful lines that touch you in different ways, depending on the emotions surrounding each story. "Stories are born in the heart - from seeds quietly sown by people who once walked in and out of it - and can only be written when they start to choke you with their weight", reads one of my favorite lines from the book, which strongly reiterates Rawat's own prowess as a writer and the stories within her that gush forth in a multitude of themes and emotions. She can make you shed a tear, laugh out uproariously, fear macabre episodes, and flood your heart with warmth for the people who keep our country safe. While the author writes predominantly about the Indian armed forces, the book is readable for anyone around the globe as her themes are universal.
A mixed bag from the world of olive green inhabited not only by heroes, but the people, animals and things around them as well. Rawat touches issues of subtle sexism faced by women officers, the reminiscences of retired officers, the friendly bullying of new recruits that can take serious undertones, the bond between soldiers and stray animals, the lives of army doctors and nurses who are at the forefront in casualties of border skirmishes and war but away from media attention; the fear, terror, solitude faced by army wives living on their own in secluded areas; and the lives of army children moving through schools, teachers, friends as their parents' postings change.
The book is filled with beautiful lines that touch you in different ways, depending on the emotions surrounding each story. "Stories are born in the heart - from seeds quietly sown by people who once walked in and out of it - and can only be written when they start to choke you with their weight", reads one of my favorite lines from the book, which strongly reiterates Rawat's own prowess as a writer and the stories within her that gush forth in a multitude of themes and emotions. She can make you shed a tear, laugh out uproariously, fear macabre episodes, and flood your heart with warmth for the people who keep our country safe. While the author writes predominantly about the Indian armed forces, the book is readable for anyone around the globe as her themes are universal.
January 8, 2021
The stories are of defence background which itself makes it more interesting to read. From the lines used by the author, you can clearly conclude that author is sensitive about the emotions of defence personals and understands the feelings of family members of such men. She covers almost all the events which are likely to take place in the life of an army personal. These are so-called fictional stories which are inspired by real events. You can read this book if you are interested in knowing the tales of armed forces.
October 11, 2021
I generally don't read fiction genre but since this was from Rachna Bisht who has written wonderful books on army stories, I gave this one a try.
I don't think this book is completely fictional. I guess this book has lot of true stories from Rachna's conversation within the army eco-system with a tinch of fiction in it.
I enjoyed reading this small book by Rachna and if you want to get a glimpse of life style of army men I think you should go for it.
I don't think this book is completely fictional. I guess this book has lot of true stories from Rachna's conversation within the army eco-system with a tinch of fiction in it.
I enjoyed reading this small book by Rachna and if you want to get a glimpse of life style of army men I think you should go for it.
November 2, 2021
The author accurately captures the joie de vivre, espirit de Corps and camaraderie in the Indian armed forces – specifically within the "Queen of Battle" – the Infantry Corps. There is humour, horror, valour, and instances of moral dilemma. Munni Mausi appears to be autobiographical. Wonderful collection of beautifully crafted stories.
February 7, 2023
4.4, the story is accurately displayed with it's ups and downs and humorous moments.
July 20, 2022
A nice read.
January 26, 2021
They say being an army wife/husband, sister/brother, mother/father, daughter/son is not easy. I now know why.
'Insomnia' by Rachna Bisht is a collection of short stories from the lives of uniformed wo/men and the ones who have an influence on their lives, including animals. The stories are about the experiences our army personells create while dealing with the routine, regulations and situations in army cantonments like Siachen, Kashmir, South Glacier etc.
Through the stories, Bisht tells us that there is a heart, beating ever so hard, behind those uniformed wo/men, which continues to flow warmth even in the negative temperatures.
She also talks about the trauma the family of these personnels go through and how physical and mental scars leave an unforgettable and permanent marks.
The author separates the fact from fiction and tells it straight as it is. In one of the stories, Bisht presnets the readers with a choice to select their own ending. The choice an army personnel never has.
Bisht further talks about women officers not being a part of the parachute regimen, but simultaneously creates a dream-like-vision for it to come true one day.
Bisht's writing is lucid and detailed, making you feel present in the surroundings. The use of Hindi in between presents a deeper connection.
These stories warmed my heart but broke it too, bringing me to tears at times. Overall, it's a good read to learn more about our army wo/men and their sacrifices for the nation.
'Insomnia' by Rachna Bisht is a collection of short stories from the lives of uniformed wo/men and the ones who have an influence on their lives, including animals. The stories are about the experiences our army personells create while dealing with the routine, regulations and situations in army cantonments like Siachen, Kashmir, South Glacier etc.
Through the stories, Bisht tells us that there is a heart, beating ever so hard, behind those uniformed wo/men, which continues to flow warmth even in the negative temperatures.
She also talks about the trauma the family of these personnels go through and how physical and mental scars leave an unforgettable and permanent marks.
The author separates the fact from fiction and tells it straight as it is. In one of the stories, Bisht presnets the readers with a choice to select their own ending. The choice an army personnel never has.
Bisht further talks about women officers not being a part of the parachute regimen, but simultaneously creates a dream-like-vision for it to come true one day.
Bisht's writing is lucid and detailed, making you feel present in the surroundings. The use of Hindi in between presents a deeper connection.
These stories warmed my heart but broke it too, bringing me to tears at times. Overall, it's a good read to learn more about our army wo/men and their sacrifices for the nation.
December 26, 2020
Insomnia : Army Stories by @rachna_bishtrawat
Each story took me to a different world of Olive Green's.
The book offers a collection of different fictional stories in the armed forces world inspired by some true incidents.
At the end of the first story, I was startled by the kindness and courage of Brigadier Rathore towards the soldier who accidentally shot his son Major Abhay Singh Rathore on the training field and it brought tears to my eyes , and strange friendship of Lance Naik Javed and Soldier Satyapal, a beautiful bonding between animals and soldier's , reflection on the lives of army doctor and nurses, the secret of a retired colonel ,the lives of army children moving from one school to other with their parents postings, the lives of army wives , the discrimination faced by women officers, the humorous exchange of words .
The author coming from the family of Olive Green's has touched almost every aspect of the Army world.
The writing and language is very simple and engaging ,it will keep you hooked until the very last chapter.
***A very easy and engaging read***
Each story took me to a different world of Olive Green's.
The book offers a collection of different fictional stories in the armed forces world inspired by some true incidents.
At the end of the first story, I was startled by the kindness and courage of Brigadier Rathore towards the soldier who accidentally shot his son Major Abhay Singh Rathore on the training field and it brought tears to my eyes , and strange friendship of Lance Naik Javed and Soldier Satyapal, a beautiful bonding between animals and soldier's , reflection on the lives of army doctor and nurses, the secret of a retired colonel ,the lives of army children moving from one school to other with their parents postings, the lives of army wives , the discrimination faced by women officers, the humorous exchange of words .
The author coming from the family of Olive Green's has touched almost every aspect of the Army world.
The writing and language is very simple and engaging ,it will keep you hooked until the very last chapter.
***A very easy and engaging read***
January 18, 2021
Completed Insomnia ... !! ❤️
after reading stories of soldiers....behind uniform their is heart with all the flows and though they are ready to make supreme sacrifice when country needs them...big salute to all the man in uniforms and their families!! 👏All stories are well written and connected with you, you can feel them...!!!
after reading stories of soldiers....behind uniform their is heart with all the flows and though they are ready to make supreme sacrifice when country needs them...big salute to all the man in uniforms and their families!! 👏All stories are well written and connected with you, you can feel them...!!!
January 8, 2022
A warm, sometimes heat tugging, funny but very lucid, easy read. Rachna has used her army background and her writing skills to bring out the different stories of life in the army. I was hooked from the first story itself. I have now bought two more of her books and am now on to 'Shoot, Dive. Fly' . Am looking forward to another interesting book., to be followed by '1971....' For those with aspirations to join our armed Forces, this is your guide. For those already in the Forces, these stories are like savouring a quiet glass of Whiskey in a cozy corner of the govt accn.
October 10, 2021
I love her writings and have never missed any of her books. This was definitely not her best work- stories were fictional and had an art movie kind of feel where the endings are disturbing incomplete and abrupt. But they are so gripping that would make you think about them even when you have closed the book and the ones that would make you come back for more.
The title says it INSOMNIA....random rambling penned down to pacify an exhausted but sleep weary mind.
The title says it INSOMNIA....random rambling penned down to pacify an exhausted but sleep weary mind.
May 28, 2021
Cute little stories
Nicely plotted cute little stories from army cantonments, being from the same background,no could relate to most of them... waiting for the next one
Nicely plotted cute little stories from army cantonments, being from the same background,no could relate to most of them... waiting for the next one
July 12, 2025
Short stories.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews