Review by Onyinyechukwu -- Border Post 99 by Kedar Patankar

[Onyinyechukwu]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Border Post 99" by Kedar Patankar.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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Border Post 99: No Man’s Land is a fictional story (other fiction) written by Kedar Patankar. It is set in the Indian-Pakistani border, considered to be ‘no man’s land’. Here, there are unwritten codes which prevent any form of military presence or activity. However, each side sends a soldier to be inconspicuous guards. Both soldiers hope to be the sole inhabitants of this ‘no man’s land’, but come to the sad realization that they are each other’s unwelcome company! It majors on provocation and retaliation of the lone soldiers from opposing sides, each saddled with the self imposed task of surpassing the other’s vengeful activity, without violating the code and committing murder.

The story opens with a description of Lieutenant Sharma and his journey to his place of assignment. He is apprehensive about the task, but Major Jadhav, his commander claims there is no danger whatsoever, especially as peace talks are underway in Delhi. Sharma knows no soldier should be found guarding this vicinity, but Major Jadhav feels it is unreasonable not to ‘keep an eye’ on the enemy. After spending a few days, it seems as if he truly is the only presence, although he still apprehensive. Then on what seems to be just another day, everything changes when he realizes that the opposition had indeed been thinking alike. He had company! This would change the rest of his stay much more than he expected.

The major characters are Lieutenant Mangesh Sharma, representative of the Indian presence and Captain Abid Khan of the Pakistani army. The two soldiers are as contrasting as night and day light. Lieutenant Sharma is fearful and inexperienced, while Captain Khan is a well experienced soldier who relishes the solitude. It seems impossible that they should have anything in common.

In my opinion the plot was impressive, simple, and reasonable with a credible climax. I was able to follow the writer’s line of thought adequately and his style possessed the ability to hold the reader’s attention. Also, the story carried the warmth of family into the pressures of military life which was really nice.

The story was undoubtedly interesting but the structure of some paragraphs was inappropriate, as they were too short and could have been merged with the previous paragraphs, this would have encouraged a proper flow. There were incomplete sentences which made parts of the introduction somewhat clumsy. These were seen in portions which are critical to a reader either continuing or discontinuing, so I consider it a weighty disadvantage.

The end of the book was abrupt and though the climax was satisfactory, I personally felt that there should have been, however short, a follow up of the effects of the experience on both sides.

I would give the book a rating of 3 out of 4 stars, because it was interesting, and had credible reasoning. I wouldn’t give it a 4 because of its lack of structure and poor sentence formation mostly in the introductory paragraphs, and the abruptness of its end. I would recommend the book to anyone who likes adventure and a good read.

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Border Post 99
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Like Onyinyechukwu's review? Post a comment saying so!

[Manang Muyang]

Thanks for an enjoyable review. You have made me curious about the ending.

[kandscreeley]

I'm glad this one held your attention. It certainly sounds interesting. Thanks for the review.

[Donatelloo]

I have heard so much about this novel . Thank you for the great review

[kislany]

Your review makes the book sound interesting. I don't have much experience with that part of the world, so I think I will pick it up to learn a bit more.

[Izesicle]

I like your suggestion of a follow-up or sequel. Feel free to check out my review. I rated it 4 out of 4 stars.

[Onyinyechukwu]

Thanks Izesicle. I will.