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The Swaraj Spy
Kumar Nair moves to Singapore after being dismissed from a British paramilitary unit for refusing to disperse unarmed women agitating for India's independence. But war breaks out and the Great Depression destroys his fledgling business.
After the fall of Singapore, he joins a secret espionage school set up by Japanese Intelligence and the rebel Indian National Army in Penang, Malaya. When several cadets trained at the school are betrayed by a double agent, Kumar is sent on a rescue mission. But while the Japanese want Kumar to continue the mission with surviving agents, Indian leaders ask Kumar to save as many as possible and hunker down until the war ends.
Inspired by a true story, The Swaraj Spy will take you on a thrilling adventure through time and history.
After the fall of Singapore, he joins a secret espionage school set up by Japanese Intelligence and the rebel Indian National Army in Penang, Malaya. When several cadets trained at the school are betrayed by a double agent, Kumar is sent on a rescue mission. But while the Japanese want Kumar to continue the mission with surviving agents, Indian leaders ask Kumar to save as many as possible and hunker down until the war ends.
Inspired by a true story, The Swaraj Spy will take you on a thrilling adventure through time and history.
500 pages, Paperback
Published November 2, 2022
4 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
August 26, 2023
This book is quite an enthralling debut work by the author Vijay Balan. It’s easy to grasp and provides a deeper understanding of the World War II era.
The story is about the life journey of Kumar Nair who after being dismissed from Colonial Paramilitary Unit carries a flourishing business. Afterwards moves to Singapore and then after the Singapore falls goes on to join a secret spy school.The story goes through the emotional turmoil that he faces at different stages of his life.
The story starts with the dilemma to choose between his duty and his inner calling and goes on to showcase his courage and determination when he was sent on a rescue mission.The author has described each and every scene in so detail that you feel like you are the one travelling along with him in his journey whether it’s about discussing the market scene or dresses worn by the people of his town.
Read more: https://instatravelstyle.com/book-rev...
The story is about the life journey of Kumar Nair who after being dismissed from Colonial Paramilitary Unit carries a flourishing business. Afterwards moves to Singapore and then after the Singapore falls goes on to join a secret spy school.The story goes through the emotional turmoil that he faces at different stages of his life.
The story starts with the dilemma to choose between his duty and his inner calling and goes on to showcase his courage and determination when he was sent on a rescue mission.The author has described each and every scene in so detail that you feel like you are the one travelling along with him in his journey whether it’s about discussing the market scene or dresses worn by the people of his town.
Read more: https://instatravelstyle.com/book-rev...
December 4, 2022
The effort and research put in by the author to make the characters look authentic and realistic, shines through in the words and phrases used to describe them. Although the book presents a fictional story it is based on true events and highlights the different ways in which countless unsung heroes contributed to India’s freedom struggle. It paints a vivid image of the struggle of people during pre-independent India. It also highlights the courage and strength of character of people like Kumar, who played a role in helping India become independent in a unique way. This is a must-read book for everyone and I give it a rating of 4.8/5.
Full Review: https://www.indiacafe24.com/book-revi...
Full Review: https://www.indiacafe24.com/book-revi...
December 20, 2022
The Swaraj Spy by Vijay Balan
The Swaraj Spy is a well-researched and absorbing book that throws
light on the pre-independence era as well as the rich cultural heritage of the Malabar region.
Crisp, thought-provoking, and absolutely unputdownable, The Swaraj Spy told the untold Story of Kumar Nair and open a window to many unsung and unknown stories of pre-independence heroes. This book has easy language and a vivid narrative that takes the reader into British colonial rule, from the coast of Malabar to the era of world war 2, and shows the vitality of a rich joint family to the love story of that time.
The Swaraj Spy is a well-researched and absorbing book that throws
light on the pre-independence era as well as the rich cultural heritage of the Malabar region.
Crisp, thought-provoking, and absolutely unputdownable, The Swaraj Spy told the untold Story of Kumar Nair and open a window to many unsung and unknown stories of pre-independence heroes. This book has easy language and a vivid narrative that takes the reader into British colonial rule, from the coast of Malabar to the era of world war 2, and shows the vitality of a rich joint family to the love story of that time.
January 5, 2023
The Swaraj Spy
Wow, this is one of those books where you can smell the countryside, taste the food, hear the sounds, visualize every detail that the author offers so well in his writing style. I could read a book on any subject if the author is as successful at that as Vijay Balan is here. The story is an interesting one, getting more and more intriguing with every chapter. The ending ... well, let's just say its not what you were expecting. Definitely worth reading.
Wow, this is one of those books where you can smell the countryside, taste the food, hear the sounds, visualize every detail that the author offers so well in his writing style. I could read a book on any subject if the author is as successful at that as Vijay Balan is here. The story is an interesting one, getting more and more intriguing with every chapter. The ending ... well, let's just say its not what you were expecting. Definitely worth reading.
January 26, 2023
I greatly enjoyed the book
- as a novel, it flowed well and captured my attention cover to cover
- as a family story, it was revealing in anecdotes that filled in a lot of details of the family members and their experiences.
- as a historical story of a family set against the backdrop of the world war, colonial empires and the impact it had on ordinary citizens, families and their lives.
- references to many places, people and context that rekindled many memories from my childhood and teenage years
- as a novel, it flowed well and captured my attention cover to cover
- as a family story, it was revealing in anecdotes that filled in a lot of details of the family members and their experiences.
- as a historical story of a family set against the backdrop of the world war, colonial empires and the impact it had on ordinary citizens, families and their lives.
- references to many places, people and context that rekindled many memories from my childhood and teenage years
January 28, 2023
Full review on my blog:
https://blog.medhaapps.com/2023/01/bo...
Kumaran Nair has been part of the Malabar Special Police Forces(MSP) in Madras, serving the British administration in pre-Independent India. When he was ordered to beat up the Indian women agitating against the British rulers, Kumar goes against his Commandant, resulting in his removal from the forces. After serving for seven years, Kumar is forced to return to his native place. Once back in his family home in Calicut, Kumar partners with his brother Madhavan to setup a business of luxury cars.
Their business suffers losses and is shut down during the Great Depression, forcing Kumar to now relocate to Singapore to stay with his extended family and eventually joins as clerk in accounts in Royal Air Force(RAF), while working a second job with the local police. As World War-II begins, Kumar’s dreams to bring his wife Maalu to Singapore comes crashing down after Japan attacks the island.
As Japanese forces occupy and take over Singapore, Kumar unexpectedly lands an offer to join the India Independence League(IIL) in Penang Island and train as their spy. Will Kumar be able to rescue his mates, when few agents double cross, forms the rest of the story.
The story is fictionalized account of the real-life story of the author’s grand uncle, so the places and events are real, so are some of the characters. At almost 500 pages, the book can feel slow at places since the author covers all the major events in the protagonist’s life, from the day he is expelled from the MSP to his last day.
Once the reader is past the first few pages, the flow of narration gets into a rhythm and the reader will savor the story. The book left me with a lump in the throat by the end, as the turns that Kumar’s life takes is heartbreaking at places. From living under the British rule to the chaos in war torn Singapore to training to be a spy, Kumar’s life is what many of our ancestors have lived through in the early to mid 20th century.
The constant fear, suppression, displacement that came with the World Wars and colonization are well captured by the author. Indian’s struggle for freedom often brings up known events and fighters while there are umpteen unsung heroes like Kumar who do not receive the applause they rightfully deserve.
There are many characters in the story with focus majorly on Kumar. Unlike other fictional works, author does not intentionally elevate the protagonist. Kumar’s behaviour is subtly presented through out the story. Whether he builds a road in his native place, rushes to bring a doctor in the middle of shelling – he was a hero among the common man.
This attempt by the author coupled with extensive research to narrate such an important story, one from our unforgettable history makes for an important read, especially for the current generation. This book is definitely for serious readers who would like to read the story and the events that lead a common man to turn into a spy.
I would highly recommend this to all, as this book narrates the story from our Independence that is generally not included history books.
https://blog.medhaapps.com/2023/01/bo...
Kumaran Nair has been part of the Malabar Special Police Forces(MSP) in Madras, serving the British administration in pre-Independent India. When he was ordered to beat up the Indian women agitating against the British rulers, Kumar goes against his Commandant, resulting in his removal from the forces. After serving for seven years, Kumar is forced to return to his native place. Once back in his family home in Calicut, Kumar partners with his brother Madhavan to setup a business of luxury cars.
Their business suffers losses and is shut down during the Great Depression, forcing Kumar to now relocate to Singapore to stay with his extended family and eventually joins as clerk in accounts in Royal Air Force(RAF), while working a second job with the local police. As World War-II begins, Kumar’s dreams to bring his wife Maalu to Singapore comes crashing down after Japan attacks the island.
As Japanese forces occupy and take over Singapore, Kumar unexpectedly lands an offer to join the India Independence League(IIL) in Penang Island and train as their spy. Will Kumar be able to rescue his mates, when few agents double cross, forms the rest of the story.
The story is fictionalized account of the real-life story of the author’s grand uncle, so the places and events are real, so are some of the characters. At almost 500 pages, the book can feel slow at places since the author covers all the major events in the protagonist’s life, from the day he is expelled from the MSP to his last day.
Once the reader is past the first few pages, the flow of narration gets into a rhythm and the reader will savor the story. The book left me with a lump in the throat by the end, as the turns that Kumar’s life takes is heartbreaking at places. From living under the British rule to the chaos in war torn Singapore to training to be a spy, Kumar’s life is what many of our ancestors have lived through in the early to mid 20th century.
The constant fear, suppression, displacement that came with the World Wars and colonization are well captured by the author. Indian’s struggle for freedom often brings up known events and fighters while there are umpteen unsung heroes like Kumar who do not receive the applause they rightfully deserve.
There are many characters in the story with focus majorly on Kumar. Unlike other fictional works, author does not intentionally elevate the protagonist. Kumar’s behaviour is subtly presented through out the story. Whether he builds a road in his native place, rushes to bring a doctor in the middle of shelling – he was a hero among the common man.
This attempt by the author coupled with extensive research to narrate such an important story, one from our unforgettable history makes for an important read, especially for the current generation. This book is definitely for serious readers who would like to read the story and the events that lead a common man to turn into a spy.
I would highly recommend this to all, as this book narrates the story from our Independence that is generally not included history books.
Read
January 13, 2023Review Copy thanks to @harpercollinsin
The Swaraj Spy by Mr. Vijay Balan is a compelling and well-written historical fiction novel that tells the story of Kumar Nair, a man who is dismissed from a British paramilitary unit for refusing to disperse unarmed women agitating for India's independence. After moving to Singapore, Kumar's business is destroyed by the Great Depression and the fall of Singapore. He joins a secret espionage school set up by Japanese Intelligence and the rebel Indian National Army in Penang, Malaya.
The novel is based on the real life of the author's uncle and this sense of authenticity is palpable throughout the book. The characters are well-developed and the plot is both exciting and informative. The reader is transported to a different time and place and the historical context is expertly woven into the story.
The novel is also a thrilling adventure story, as Kumar is sent on a rescue mission after several cadets trained at the school are betrayed by a double agent. The tension and suspense are palpable as Kumar navigates the dangerous terrain of war-torn Penang, Malaya. The reader is left on the edge of their seat as Kumar tries to save as many people as possible and hunker down until the war ends.
The Swaraj Spy is a novel that is not only entertaining but also informative. It offers a glimpse into a little-known period of history and the sacrifices made by those who fought for India's independence. It is a novel that will appeal to both fans of historical fiction and adventure stories.
Overall, The Swaraj Spy is a well-written, thrilling and informative novel that is highly recommended. Mr. Vijay Balan has done a great job in bringing to life a true story that would otherwise be lost to history. The book is a great read for anyone interested in India's independence movement and the espionage aspect of World War II.
The Swaraj Spy by Mr. Vijay Balan is a compelling and well-written historical fiction novel that tells the story of Kumar Nair, a man who is dismissed from a British paramilitary unit for refusing to disperse unarmed women agitating for India's independence. After moving to Singapore, Kumar's business is destroyed by the Great Depression and the fall of Singapore. He joins a secret espionage school set up by Japanese Intelligence and the rebel Indian National Army in Penang, Malaya.
The novel is based on the real life of the author's uncle and this sense of authenticity is palpable throughout the book. The characters are well-developed and the plot is both exciting and informative. The reader is transported to a different time and place and the historical context is expertly woven into the story.
The novel is also a thrilling adventure story, as Kumar is sent on a rescue mission after several cadets trained at the school are betrayed by a double agent. The tension and suspense are palpable as Kumar navigates the dangerous terrain of war-torn Penang, Malaya. The reader is left on the edge of their seat as Kumar tries to save as many people as possible and hunker down until the war ends.
The Swaraj Spy is a novel that is not only entertaining but also informative. It offers a glimpse into a little-known period of history and the sacrifices made by those who fought for India's independence. It is a novel that will appeal to both fans of historical fiction and adventure stories.
Overall, The Swaraj Spy is a well-written, thrilling and informative novel that is highly recommended. Mr. Vijay Balan has done a great job in bringing to life a true story that would otherwise be lost to history. The book is a great read for anyone interested in India's independence movement and the espionage aspect of World War II.
December 22, 2022
𝙋𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙛𝙪𝙡 𝙀𝙭𝙘𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙣𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙬𝙖𝙧 𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙪𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙝𝙖𝙨 𝙢𝙖𝙙𝙚 𝙢𝙚 𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙
The Swaraj Spy by Vijay Balan
Genre- novel (historical fiction)
Rating - 3.9/5 🌟
The elegantly written saga of a Swaraj spy, Kumar Nair was first eliminated from a colonial paramilitary unit but his fate was waiting for him. At the age of 39, he joined another venture.
It is a very compelling story, with twists, and turns, action sequences, and an astonishing narrative of war-shattered Singapore creating this book as a page-turner. But sometimes the narrative felt so dragged and descriptive that made this book a little dull. Too much description makes the pace slow and doesn't let me connect with the characters. I feel there is a lack of intimacy with the character, only the first 2 chapters let the character bloom fully, after that the connection between readers and the character broke, then picturesque narration took the place, and stealing the show became habitual.
Except for the character building, graceful light, and shadows of life drawn here. This book offers a riveting account of the untold history of Singapore during world war 2. A very well-written and well-researched historical fiction.
The author lets readers be intimated with the plot deliberately but not with the characters. Powerful Excellent narrative of war situations has made me spellbound. It would be better if the author could have given more space and time to build his characters. Seems like the author wanted to create a big scene on a small canvas. Need more editing in the execution
The Swaraj Spy by Vijay Balan
Genre- novel (historical fiction)
Rating - 3.9/5 🌟
The elegantly written saga of a Swaraj spy, Kumar Nair was first eliminated from a colonial paramilitary unit but his fate was waiting for him. At the age of 39, he joined another venture.
It is a very compelling story, with twists, and turns, action sequences, and an astonishing narrative of war-shattered Singapore creating this book as a page-turner. But sometimes the narrative felt so dragged and descriptive that made this book a little dull. Too much description makes the pace slow and doesn't let me connect with the characters. I feel there is a lack of intimacy with the character, only the first 2 chapters let the character bloom fully, after that the connection between readers and the character broke, then picturesque narration took the place, and stealing the show became habitual.
Except for the character building, graceful light, and shadows of life drawn here. This book offers a riveting account of the untold history of Singapore during world war 2. A very well-written and well-researched historical fiction.
The author lets readers be intimated with the plot deliberately but not with the characters. Powerful Excellent narrative of war situations has made me spellbound. It would be better if the author could have given more space and time to build his characters. Seems like the author wanted to create a big scene on a small canvas. Need more editing in the execution
December 26, 2022
𝙎𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙟 𝙎𝙥𝙮 by 𝙑𝙞𝙟𝙖𝙮 𝘽𝙖𝙡𝙖𝙣
💥Did I tell you that I'm into Historical Fictions !? I guess, I did. It's one of my favourite genres after reading some really interesting, enthralling and thrilling ones through this year. And this one is one of them.
💥We all experienced the goosebumps moment and the ecstatic feeling after watching movie right. It's the same for us readers, who come around these works which leaves us thriller and enthralled.
💥The same happened to me after reading Spy Swaraj. The story of this one is set across the Colonial era of India, and also covers various events from the real world, such as the great depression and the fights of freedom on the world level.
📌The events and plots have been inspired by the real events that have happened in the real world throughout the respective timelines. You can see the themes of each particular era vividly portrayed specifically.
📌 It not only carries thriller but a fair share of mystery also. On the contrary, it shows the dilemma of characters upon their actions and decisions throughout the story, which results in a very detailed and unique presentation.
📌A not so short read with a lucid and beginner friendly narration, which leaves you with a sense of joy and excitement. If you are an Indian then you can relate to it a little more than others though if you find yourself suited to what's mentioned above then this might be a good fit for your bookshelf.
💥Did I tell you that I'm into Historical Fictions !? I guess, I did. It's one of my favourite genres after reading some really interesting, enthralling and thrilling ones through this year. And this one is one of them.
💥We all experienced the goosebumps moment and the ecstatic feeling after watching movie right. It's the same for us readers, who come around these works which leaves us thriller and enthralled.
💥The same happened to me after reading Spy Swaraj. The story of this one is set across the Colonial era of India, and also covers various events from the real world, such as the great depression and the fights of freedom on the world level.
📌The events and plots have been inspired by the real events that have happened in the real world throughout the respective timelines. You can see the themes of each particular era vividly portrayed specifically.
📌 It not only carries thriller but a fair share of mystery also. On the contrary, it shows the dilemma of characters upon their actions and decisions throughout the story, which results in a very detailed and unique presentation.
📌A not so short read with a lucid and beginner friendly narration, which leaves you with a sense of joy and excitement. If you are an Indian then you can relate to it a little more than others though if you find yourself suited to what's mentioned above then this might be a good fit for your bookshelf.
July 12, 2024
The Swaraj Spy is a historical fiction novel based on the author’s granduncle’s life which establishes the factual and emotional essence of this chunky read.
Kumar Nair, the protagonist of this book is at the centre of all events throughout, once a foot soldier of the movement, he was expelled for disobeying an order of dispersing and assaulting (if required) peaceful women protestors agitating for India’s freedom from the British rule.
A deeply detailed plot, the author never misses to describe in depth any event, character, emotion or landscape. Spanning across significant historical events that changed the geo-political dynamics affecting our protagonist and the world in myriad ways. Kumar’s character and those supporting the plot have lived a challenging life in some way or the other. Sustaining with meager needs, attempting to establish multiple ventures to thrive financially, struggles to live a normal life as a family man come to the fore showing the capacity and grit of those who willed to make it.
I love the steady pace of this historical account, it sheds light on Singapore’s situation during the world war 2 and many significant and trivial aspects that affected those involved. This book delivers what the author intents to portray.
Read this fictional peek into a bygone era, devour it slowly.
Kumar Nair, the protagonist of this book is at the centre of all events throughout, once a foot soldier of the movement, he was expelled for disobeying an order of dispersing and assaulting (if required) peaceful women protestors agitating for India’s freedom from the British rule.
A deeply detailed plot, the author never misses to describe in depth any event, character, emotion or landscape. Spanning across significant historical events that changed the geo-political dynamics affecting our protagonist and the world in myriad ways. Kumar’s character and those supporting the plot have lived a challenging life in some way or the other. Sustaining with meager needs, attempting to establish multiple ventures to thrive financially, struggles to live a normal life as a family man come to the fore showing the capacity and grit of those who willed to make it.
I love the steady pace of this historical account, it sheds light on Singapore’s situation during the world war 2 and many significant and trivial aspects that affected those involved. This book delivers what the author intents to portray.
Read this fictional peek into a bygone era, devour it slowly.
April 9, 2025
Balan’s Swaraj Spy is more than a spy novel. It is a captivating narration of a story based on true events. The author captures a little -known chapter of the Indian Independence movement, namely the intrigues and maneuvers involved in the audacious attempt to organize an army to fight the Goliath British.! Interestingly, in the vast amount of popular Indian Independence related literature, this kind of armed revolutionary angle is barely explored and that makes this book’s subject very thought provoking.
In Swaraj Spy, Balan skillfully chronicles the personal journey of Kumaran Nair, an ambitious young man, who is completely transformed and taken by the fever of patriotism & social justice. The author explores Kumaran Nair’s personal struggles: how he leaves the comfort of his home and family and lands himself in the midst of foreign jungles and shaky alliances in his quest to find a path to a free India.
The author’s visual writing style transports the reader to the distant times and locales of wartime Southeast Asia and the narrative pace keeps the reader’s interest until the last page.
It is a Must Read.
In Swaraj Spy, Balan skillfully chronicles the personal journey of Kumaran Nair, an ambitious young man, who is completely transformed and taken by the fever of patriotism & social justice. The author explores Kumaran Nair’s personal struggles: how he leaves the comfort of his home and family and lands himself in the midst of foreign jungles and shaky alliances in his quest to find a path to a free India.
The author’s visual writing style transports the reader to the distant times and locales of wartime Southeast Asia and the narrative pace keeps the reader’s interest until the last page.
It is a Must Read.
April 9, 2025
The Swaraj Spy’s true story of the formation of an Indian National Army (INA) before the better known one led by Bose is a fascinating revelation.
Balan’s work uncovers a significant story that has remained “buried” under apathy for decades. In doing so, he has brought to life characters that bravely took on the behemoth of Colonial Britain in pursuit of Independence for India. The story inverts conventional ideas of the “good” and “bad” sides in WW2.He has navigated the nuanced layers of history very well.
Reading this book makes one realize that the country owes its independence to the selfless efforts of many courageous personalities. In that sense this book pays tribute to unsung heroes of the Indian freedom struggle like Kumaran Nair.
The author’s detailed account of the urgencies & anxieties of events as they unfold draws the reader into that time and space and gives an excellent sense of the intensity of those turbulent times of an impending revolution.
Excellent historical fiction inspired by true events! A Compelling and Must read !
Balan’s work uncovers a significant story that has remained “buried” under apathy for decades. In doing so, he has brought to life characters that bravely took on the behemoth of Colonial Britain in pursuit of Independence for India. The story inverts conventional ideas of the “good” and “bad” sides in WW2.He has navigated the nuanced layers of history very well.
Reading this book makes one realize that the country owes its independence to the selfless efforts of many courageous personalities. In that sense this book pays tribute to unsung heroes of the Indian freedom struggle like Kumaran Nair.
The author’s detailed account of the urgencies & anxieties of events as they unfold draws the reader into that time and space and gives an excellent sense of the intensity of those turbulent times of an impending revolution.
Excellent historical fiction inspired by true events! A Compelling and Must read !
April 9, 2025
This is a wonderful, fictionalized story based on the author’s detailed research on the real life of his grand uncle, who was a principled and courageous Indian patriot who fought for India’s independence in an unconventional way. In the book, Kumar joins a secret spy school created by the Japanese and Subhas Chandra Bose’s INA to free India from British rule.
But the story is much more than the tale of a patriot; it is a love story, a story of friendship and courage, and above all, a story of a brave, courageous person who had integrity and character.
In an age when these qualities are often lacking in our heroes, this thoroughly enjoyable, readable, and heart-warming story of a real hero who faced the world fearlessly is very relevant and uplifting. The last chapters of the book are especially moving as Kumar confronts some profound realities and faces the truth of who he really is and what he stands for.
But the story is much more than the tale of a patriot; it is a love story, a story of friendship and courage, and above all, a story of a brave, courageous person who had integrity and character.
In an age when these qualities are often lacking in our heroes, this thoroughly enjoyable, readable, and heart-warming story of a real hero who faced the world fearlessly is very relevant and uplifting. The last chapters of the book are especially moving as Kumar confronts some profound realities and faces the truth of who he really is and what he stands for.
April 9, 2025
A cracking read - intrigue and adventure in the context of India's freedom struggle
Vijay Balan’s The Swaraj Spy is set in India, Singapore and Penang. It is a superbly written work of historical fiction, based on more than six years of travel and research, about his grand uncle TP Kumaran Nair who trained at the famous Penang Spy School (Indian Swaraj Institute) run by the Japanese to train Indians to infiltrate British India during World War 2. He went to Penang after 5 years in Singapore, including a stint in the RAF working in their office in the airbases on the island. It is based on his grand uncle's debrief by the British, family memory and interviews with others who knew his grand uncle.
A must read for anyone interested in the history of India and what happened with the Japanese in World War II.
Vijay Balan’s The Swaraj Spy is set in India, Singapore and Penang. It is a superbly written work of historical fiction, based on more than six years of travel and research, about his grand uncle TP Kumaran Nair who trained at the famous Penang Spy School (Indian Swaraj Institute) run by the Japanese to train Indians to infiltrate British India during World War 2. He went to Penang after 5 years in Singapore, including a stint in the RAF working in their office in the airbases on the island. It is based on his grand uncle's debrief by the British, family memory and interviews with others who knew his grand uncle.
A must read for anyone interested in the history of India and what happened with the Japanese in World War II.
July 20, 2025
It’s rare to find a story that lingers like this one has. The Swaraj Spy, based on real people and events, tells the story of Kumar — a man caught between duty and conscience, two dying empires, and his own integrity.
What moved me most was the quiet power of his transformation. Just because you’re good at something doesn’t mean it’s good for you — or right. Kumar’s reckoning with that truth, and the staggering personal cost of standing by it — from captivity and torture to impossible choices involving his own family — felt viscerally real.
This isn’t just a spy story. It’s about moral clarity in a murky world — and the courage to hold on to what’s right, even when it breaks you. I didn’t expect to see myself in this story. But I did. and I think anyone who’s ever questioned the mission they serve might too.
What moved me most was the quiet power of his transformation. Just because you’re good at something doesn’t mean it’s good for you — or right. Kumar’s reckoning with that truth, and the staggering personal cost of standing by it — from captivity and torture to impossible choices involving his own family — felt viscerally real.
This isn’t just a spy story. It’s about moral clarity in a murky world — and the courage to hold on to what’s right, even when it breaks you. I didn’t expect to see myself in this story. But I did. and I think anyone who’s ever questioned the mission they serve might too.
December 27, 2023
Vijay has been able to capture human emotions very well when he describes the situations of displacement, oppression, and fearful situations. However, the storyline loses its grip over the readers mind in between. This was the reason that it took me so long to finish this book. And yet, I would say that you would not regret reading this one. The way author has manages to bring in the global events in the story is credible and brings some traction to the story. Vijay manages to bring in some action every now and then but by the end of it, he is able to pull the story together and tie it in a nice bundle.
February 21, 2024
The book runs long, with many details that I felt like weren’t useful to the story. It is however a beautiful glimpse into daily life under the British Raj in S and SE Asia.
The author has done his research. It’s not easy to write a fictionalization of actual events. One cannot let their imagination run wild, and kudos to the author for keeping it real.
I guess my only two complaints are
- the book ran a little longer than needed and
- lack of depth in some character descriptions.
The ending was quite shocking for me. I’m glad I read about these contributors to the independence of our nation. They have played important roles, yet have gone largely unnoticed.
The author has done his research. It’s not easy to write a fictionalization of actual events. One cannot let their imagination run wild, and kudos to the author for keeping it real.
I guess my only two complaints are
- the book ran a little longer than needed and
- lack of depth in some character descriptions.
The ending was quite shocking for me. I’m glad I read about these contributors to the independence of our nation. They have played important roles, yet have gone largely unnoticed.
February 10, 2025
I haven’t read a book of historical fiction in a while — but I must say, this makes for a great page-turning read! The author does a great job painting the picture of every scene with meticulous detail of the environment, the physician structures, down to the fabrics of the clothes of each character if it adds to the plot-line. The mix of fiction set in the middle of historical events (the Indian independence, the events of WWII on the south Asian diaspora in Singapore, etc.) fit in seamlessly to deliver an excellent story and a real great ‘novel’. I picked up the book by accident and was glad I did! :)
April 9, 2025
The Swaraj Spy will stay with you long after you finish reading it. The author paints vivid pictures with his words- those scenes are still in my mind. I also learned a lot of history because he weaves in copious research with easy but evocative language. But most of all, he poses karmic questions without overtly pushing the spiritual aspect of this book. I read it in one shot- each page pulled me into the next.
Hope to see this very visual work made into a movie- ideally in Malayalam perhaps with Prithviraj Sukumaran in the lead role.
- Rita
Hope to see this very visual work made into a movie- ideally in Malayalam perhaps with Prithviraj Sukumaran in the lead role.
- Rita
January 5, 2023
I really loved the balance of the author's focus between detailed cultural/geographical immersement, the historical background, and the ethical/moral/spiritual growth of the protagonist. Some of the details can be a bit overwhelming for one not versed in Indian culture like myself, but the author does a great job bringing you along in exploring the richness of Indian culture, geography and history. This is a good read and a fascinating story.
April 9, 2025
Unconditional Love
While reading The Swaraj Spy, we essentially become part of the story because the historical record is so compelling.
We feel all of Kumaran Nair's emotions from his detailed account of his compassion for family, friends, and other fellow living beings. He believed in a Higher Power, and meditated with steadfast faith though he received no satisfactory answers.
He accepted his sufferings as his karma.
Vande Mataram!
While reading The Swaraj Spy, we essentially become part of the story because the historical record is so compelling.
We feel all of Kumaran Nair's emotions from his detailed account of his compassion for family, friends, and other fellow living beings. He believed in a Higher Power, and meditated with steadfast faith though he received no satisfactory answers.
He accepted his sufferings as his karma.
Vande Mataram!
February 24, 2023
This is a stunning piece of historical fiction filled with vivid and compelling imagery. Set in a unique and less written about corner of WWII, Vijay Balan propels his character from British occupied India through Japanese occupied territory and back to British occupied India. This is a tale of one man’s journey through a raging war both internal and external.
May 19, 2023
This is historical fiction about a little known part of India’s WWII and Independence history. I learned so much from this book. It started a bit slow and confusing for me but moved into an unputdownable read. The end, though I knew it was coming, made me very sad Kumar Nairobi seems an amazing man. I am grateful to his grand-nephew for introducing him to me.
April 9, 2025
Must read!
This is a beautifully written book of a time most of us know very little of, and it certainly gives us a glimpse of those difficult pre-independence times. The author seems to have spent a lot of time in researching the facts and his vivid narration based on a true story keeps one invested in the story until the very end. It is a book that is worth reading.
This is a beautifully written book of a time most of us know very little of, and it certainly gives us a glimpse of those difficult pre-independence times. The author seems to have spent a lot of time in researching the facts and his vivid narration based on a true story keeps one invested in the story until the very end. It is a book that is worth reading.
April 11, 2025
Surprisingly accurate from a historical perspective in spite of being in the "fiction" genre. Vijay brings to vivid life the scenes and incidents of years gone by. A must read for anyone interested in Indian history over the last 100 years. Surprising facts about the INA which still evokes debate and reverent nostalgia in India
April 14, 2025
A huge thanks to Vijay for re kindling my passion for reading through his book the Swaraj spy...it is a compelling read about his great Uncle who served in the Indian army...his vivid description makes one visualise, live in the moment and experience the journey...this is one book I just could not put down and would strongly recommend it
April 16, 2025
Thrilling read...Couldn't put the book down. At the end, felt
I'd just lived through a turbulent phase of Indian history, facts I would never have known otherwise...so thanks,Vijay Balan!
The brilliant imagery and rapid pace of action just bring the story to life...a great story for a movie, I think!
I'd just lived through a turbulent phase of Indian history, facts I would never have known otherwise...so thanks,Vijay Balan!
The brilliant imagery and rapid pace of action just bring the story to life...a great story for a movie, I think!
April 16, 2025
Excellent book based in historical fiction that brings alive another aspect of the struggle for independence for India. Based on the life of Kumar Nair a freedom fighter from Kerala and his journey through an often untold story of ways people fought for independence. A good read keeps you captivated through out .
April 16, 2025
Propulsive historical novel based on the author’s great uncle and his involvement in the Indian National Army and the anti-colonial independence movement. The external journey from India to Burma and Japan parallel an internal journey of a man facing his dharma. A great read.
April 10, 2025
Fascinating story about a part of World War Two I knew nothing about.
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