Book Review- Hiraeth


#Hiraeth
#BookReview
Title: Hiraeth
Author: Dr. Shivani Salil
Publisher: Room9 publications
Hiraeth is a beautiful tribute by the author Dr. Shivani Salil to the millions of humans who either survived or died by one of the darkest and painful periods of history- The Partition 1947. Every year we celebrate Independence Day commemorating the freedom with great pomp. But then the greatest migration witnessed abductions, inhumane carnages, unfathomable horrors of which the wounds refuse to heal even after 70 years of independence; is the least talked about.
The book 'Hiraeth' is a compilation of 24 short stories inspired by the real-life events that portray the emotional pain and suffering of refugees (who were erstwhile normal people just like us) stunningly. The narration is flawless. It takes you to the shops of Lahore, labyrinth lanes of Delhi, the Gurudwara, and the refugee camps at several places. The assiduous research work by the author is reflected throughout the book. The references to the Urdu Poetry and Poets at few chapters, the titles in Urdu and usage of the vernacular languages evoke an intimate feeling with the author and the book. The footnotes ensure a smooth flow of narration to readers across the globe.
I visualized the pre-partition days, the tension, the wave of emotions, tears of myriad people, rich turning penniless, starvation, insanity, and so many unexpressed hurt reading it. I cried silently, sobbed, closed it mid-way, re-read and let the emotions overwhelm me. There are such soul-stirring stories that will leave you in awe. The stories are short and can be finished within a few sittings. But it is worth reading it at a slow pace with breaks, reread and, savoring it completely.

The few chapters which moved me deeply are as follows:
Beaaz (Words) – The candid characterization of Kaartar and the bitter-sweet ending made me melancholy and hopeful at the same time.
Ehsaan (Obligation) – A story of loyalty, kindness, and compassion. Bauji's character in the story shall stay with me forever.
Ghiza (Meal) – The line 'I know beggars cannot be choosers but...' simply depicts the intense pain and the acceptance of fate so beautifully. The compassion shown by Abbas tugged at my heartstrings.
Jazbaat (Emotion) – It gracefully sends across the message of humanity and love even at the times of extreme distress. I wonder how so much emotion had been conveyed so elegantly.
Kulfat (Grief) – is ineffable. This one is my most favorite. The author had aced it with words poignantly.
Pairahan (The Clothes) and Tadbeer( Strategy) is a rattling good read.
I recommend this book to everybody; it does not matter if you do not have any personal connection to the partition. Right from the cover picture, the book 'Hiraeth' speaks volumes. Hiraeth for me is an addictive like-life companion. I thank, Dr. Shivani Salil, for writing this so wonderfully.
You can order the book from the below link:
 https://www.amazon.in/Hiraeth-Parti…/…/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0…












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