Review of December Rising
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Review of December Rising
"December Rising," authored by Sean C. Ward, meticulously chronicles the historical account that led to the liberation of Bangladesh from Pakistan, intricately detailing the tumultuous events and oppressive conditions under West Pakistan's authoritative forces. The narrative unfolds through the lens of Dr. Meena DaSilva, a dedicated doctor and religious sister born to an American mother and a Pakistani father, both deeply entrenched in their respective countries' intelligence agencies. Dr. DaSilva administers a hospital in East Pakistan, not only attending to the medical needs of villagers and war casualties but also fostering strong community ties within the surrounding villages.
The unfortunate intrusion by military personnel damaged the X-ray machine at her hospital. Despite initial directives for a European technician named Shane and the necessary machine parts to remain on the Indian side of the border due to strained relations between India and Pakistan, Dr. DaSilva's urgent need for the equipment for her hospital compels her to risk transporting it, navigating the looming threat of being intercepted by the rigid and oppressive Pakistani army. This perilous endeavor intertwines with the story of Bangladesh's quest for independence, the sacrifices made, and the diverse individuals woven into this fictional narrative.
The book masterfully paints scenes, events, and technical equipment with explicit clarity, earning praise for Sean C. Ward's ability to meticulously flesh out the backstory of the various characters. The harsh realities of war, impacting not only combatants but innocent civilians, are vividly depicted, emphasizing the plight of the blameless during times of unrest. Among the array of characters, Dr. Meena DaSilva emerges as a beacon of strength, intelligence, and compassion, weathering near-death experiences and personal losses and shouldering the responsibility of caring for those under her charge.
However, the narrative also bears certain shortcomings. The presence of errors and unedited highlighted sections diminishes the overall reading experience. Extended storylines, such as Major Ali Khan's tale and Shane's poignant personal tragedy, contribute to a narrative that might, for some readers, feel overly prolonged. Unresolved elements, like the abrupt disappearance of Lal and the strain induced by the small font size, detract from the reader's immersive engagement, ultimately reflecting a rating of 3 out of 5 stars.
I would recommend "December Rising" to aficionados of historical fiction, urging a pre-warning about the detailed accounts of war and surgical procedures.
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December Rising
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Great review.
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