Review by Kalin Adi -- Border Post 99 by Kedar Patankar

[Kalin Adi]

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

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4 out of 4 stars

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When thinking of wars, most of us think of guns, grenades, rifles, machineguns, troops, food rations, casualties, dead bodies, and things like that. However, Kedar Patankar spins a story about a war omitting the atrocities of it. Instead, he narrates a story about “humanity and hope,” as he says. This is Border Post 99: No Man’s Land, catalogued as other fiction.

This is a story of two soldiers, one from India and the other one from Pakistan. Both are sent to watch the border posts in their respective zones secretly because since the border is a no man’s land, there aren’t supposed to be soldiers there. Coincidentally, both parties sent their officers there at the same time to protect the area in case of a conflict; nevertheless, since a peace treaty is being negotiated between both bands, sending these men to the border has to be kept a secret.

The story starts off with Lieutenant Margesh Sharma being unhappy, for he was sent to this remote area so far away from his family, friends, and village. He’s described as a smart, young and inexperienced Indian officer. I loved him from the start. I could relate to his agony from being so far and alone. He disliked being there unprotected and, to make matters worse, he was ordered not to fire under any circumstance or do something that could cause a retaliation. Patankar does a remarkable job to let the reader know Sharma well. His likes, fears, memories, and ideas are shared in a very attractive way.

Then, when you are so enraptured with Sharma’s life and you are secretly rooting for him to end his post without any incident, the author changes the narration to Captain Abid Khan’s side, the Pakistan soldier. Intentionally, Patankar introduces Khan’s life and his situation in such a way that you have no remedy than to like him as well. I learned about his struggles, experiences, and goals, and I related to him too. His devotion to his family captivated my heart. Here’s where the conflict begins. Who’s right? Who’s wrong? Are you allowed to cheer for both soldiers?

The plot intensifies when both soldiers become aware of each other. This is the part that I loved the most in this story. None of them could kill the other one because they had no permission for that. But since they cannot hurt the enemy that does not mean they cannot trick him. I enjoyed reading their cunning ideas to set traps to the enemy. I could sense their fear when setting those traps trying to stay hidden, and I laughed when they swore to revenge the times they dumbly fell on the enemy’s traps. What will happen to these creative soldiers at the end? Will they find something in common? Or will they kill each other?

I could write much more about this enthralling story, but I won’t. I prefer you to read it and enjoy it too. With no qualms, I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. It is indeed a story to be read. I relished the writing style, plot and characters. I recommended it to readers that want to have a laugh. Also, it’s a splendid reading when commuting since it is short. But I warn you, people around you may think you are crazy when you start giggling at these soldier’s crazy vengeance ideas. Enjoy the reading!

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

[Misaki Kirihara]

The description of this book is interesting thank you for the review.

[Kalin Adi]

Indeed. The story is really fascinating. Read it. You'll have a blast!

[Max Senzi]

Sound so interesting

[Kalin Adi]

Sound so interesting

It is, Max. Especially if you like stories with well developed plots.

[kislany]

I've read a few other reviews of this book as well and pretty much everybody was positive about it. I'll have to pick it up at some point, it seems like a great book. Cool review, Kalin Adi.

[Kalin Adi]

I've read a few other reviews of this book as well and pretty much everybody was positive about it. I'll have to pick it up at some point, it seems like a great book. Cool review, Kalin Adi.

Pick it up, Kislany and read it. You may do so in one sitting. You won't regret it. Thanks for stopping by.

[Arushi Singh]

Good review. Thank you for this.

[Manang Muyang]

Hi, Kalin Adi! You seem to have really enjoyed Sharma and Khan's silly to-ing and fro-ing.

I like silly. You have utterly convinced me to read the book. Gracias, amiga!

[Kalin Adi]

Hi, Kalin Adi! You seem to have really enjoyed Sharma and Khan's silly to-ing and fro-ing.

I like silly. You have utterly convinced me to read the book. Gracias, amiga!

De nada, Miriam!

[Reet Aulakh]

Thanks for great review. It is well written and I enjoyed reading it.

[Kalin Adi]

Thanks for great review. It is well written and I enjoyed reading it.

Thanks, Reet Aulakh! I really appreciate you stopping by.

[Kelebogile Mbangi]

I agree with your rating, I loved this little gem of a book! I don't want to give out spoilers, but the twist towards the end was heartwarming! Glad you enjoyed it too!

[Kalin Adi]

I agree with your rating, I loved this little gem of a book! I don't want to give out spoilers, but the twist towards the end was heartwarming! Glad you enjoyed it too!

Yes, Kelebogile Mbangi. The book is a gem. And I know what you mean about the ending. I didn't want to spill the beans either; that's why, I didn't mention anything on the review, but it is heartwarming!

[gali]

Not really my cup of tea, but I am glad you enjoyed it! Nice review!