Review of Secrets of the Kashmir Valley
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Kelly Santiago
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- Latest Review: Secrets of the Kashmir Valley by Farhana Qazi
Review of Secrets of the Kashmir Valley
[Following is a volunteer review of "Secrets of the Kashmir Valley" by Farhana Qazi.]
Farhana Qazi's "Secrets of the Kashmir Valley" is a story that goes beyond the usual ones that are about this region. Instead of paying attention to the political games or the military tactics, Qazi goes in-depth into the real-life stories of Kashmiris, especially the women, who are usually ignored in this situation.
The Kashmir conflict is usually depicted in the media as a matter of military strength and political manipulation. Qazi upends this narrative. Her power is in the fact that she emphasizes the lives of Kashmiri women—mothers, daughters, wives—who live their daily lives with quiet courage. We come across widows who are wracked by the loss, young girls who struggle with the constant threat of violence, and women who manage households under the ever-present shadow of the military.
Qazi's success is in making readers go deeper than just the headlines. The book doesn't hesitate to discuss the brutal aspects of violence, disappearances, and the ever-present fear that people face in their daily lives. Nonetheless, in the gloom, there are rays of hope. The stories depict the unbreakable spirit of Kashmiri women, who turn into breadwinners, activists, and the backbone of their families. Their acts of defiance, both big and small, represent resistance to the status quo and show the human capacity to persevere.
I will rate this book 5 stars out of 5. The editing was superb, without any negative remarks. Besides, the book's power is also in its endeavor to give a complicated view. Through the inclusion of the stories of both sides of the divide—Indian-administered Kashmir and Pakistan-administered Kashmir—Qazi does not give a one-sided image. Nevertheless, the author's Pakistani background could have a slight influence on the depiction of the topic. Thus, awareness of this possible bias makes the readers read the events more critically.
"Secrets of the Kashmir Valley" is not a breeze to read. The uncontrolled emotions and the terrifying ordeals can be emotionally exhausting. Nevertheless, it is a mandatory book for those who want to gain a more detailed insight into the human price of this long-lasting war. Through Qazi's portrayal of the voiceless, the author urges the readers to go beyond the stereotypes and develop the feelings of the people who are in the middle of the conflict. The book is strong evidence that peace is not only about political solutions but also about the awareness of the pain of the people and the dream of a future without violence.
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Secrets of the Kashmir Valley
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Farhana Qazi's "Secrets of the Kashmir Valley" is a story that goes beyond the usual ones that are about this region. Instead of paying attention to the political games or the military tactics, Qazi goes in-depth into the real-life stories of Kashmiris, especially the women, who are usually ignored in this situation.
The Kashmir conflict is usually depicted in the media as a matter of military strength and political manipulation. Qazi upends this narrative. Her power is in the fact that she emphasizes the lives of Kashmiri women—mothers, daughters, wives—who live their daily lives with quiet courage. We come across widows who are wracked by the loss, young girls who struggle with the constant threat of violence, and women who manage households under the ever-present shadow of the military.
Qazi's success is in making readers go deeper than just the headlines. The book doesn't hesitate to discuss the brutal aspects of violence, disappearances, and the ever-present fear that people face in their daily lives. Nonetheless, in the gloom, there are rays of hope. The stories depict the unbreakable spirit of Kashmiri women, who turn into breadwinners, activists, and the backbone of their families. Their acts of defiance, both big and small, represent resistance to the status quo and show the human capacity to persevere.
I will rate this book 5 stars out of 5. The editing was superb, without any negative remarks. Besides, the book's power is also in its endeavor to give a complicated view. Through the inclusion of the stories of both sides of the divide—Indian-administered Kashmir and Pakistan-administered Kashmir—Qazi does not give a one-sided image. Nevertheless, the author's Pakistani background could have a slight influence on the depiction of the topic. Thus, awareness of this possible bias makes the readers read the events more critically.
"Secrets of the Kashmir Valley" is not a breeze to read. The uncontrolled emotions and the terrifying ordeals can be emotionally exhausting. Nevertheless, it is a mandatory book for those who want to gain a more detailed insight into the human price of this long-lasting war. Through Qazi's portrayal of the voiceless, the author urges the readers to go beyond the stereotypes and develop the feelings of the people who are in the middle of the conflict. The book is strong evidence that peace is not only about political solutions but also about the awareness of the pain of the people and the dream of a future without violence.
******
Secrets of the Kashmir Valley
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Secrets of the Kashmir Valley by Farhana Qazi
