Review of December Rising

[Alexander Victoria]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "December Rising" by Sean C Ward.]

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3 out of 5 stars

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"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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[Janice Miller 2]

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.

[Jennifer Coxon]

I'm a lover of historical fiction, but this is an area of history that I have had little introduction to. I think this would be a good story to be first on my list. However, I think better after the editing issues have been fixed.

Great review.

[Kirui Collins]

War is never a sweet thing. It hurts everyone. Gratitude.

[Veronica Hunter]

The narrative not only delves into the historical intricacies of Bangladesh's quest for independence but also captures the personal sacrifices and resilience of individuals like Dr. DaSilva. The damaged X-ray machine subplot, with its risky cross-border journey, serves as a compelling metaphor for the challenges faced by those striving for freedom in the face of adversity.

[Donaldo cris]

The narrative intricately explores Bangladesh's struggle for independence while portraying the personal sacrifices and resilience of figures such as Dr. DaSilva. The subplot involving the damaged X-ray machine, its risky cross-border journey, acts as a compelling metaphor symbolizing the challenges encountered by individuals striving for freedom amid adversity.

[Enjani Matendeko]

A historical account of independence told from a doctor's perspective sounds intriguing. The lives of the Arabs have been puzzling to me. Maybe I'll understand them better after reading this book.

[Dani Elle Ele]

Thank you for your input! Historical fiction can be a captivating way to explore different periods in history. If the editing issues are addressed, it could enhance the overall reading experience. Happy reading!

[McDonald Lauren]

December Rising" by Sean C. Ward masterfully depicts the struggle for Bangladesh's liberation from Pakistan, seen through the eyes of Dr. Meena DaSilva, a devoted doctor and religious sister. As she tends to the medical needs of villagers amidst oppressive conditions, her courageous decision to transport vital equipment across borders reflects the broader themes of sacrifice and resilience in the fight for independence. Ward intricately weaves together historical events and personal narratives, offering a compelling and immersive reading experience.

[Dominic Emezuru]

With a unique and refreshing perspective, the author challenges conventional thinking and leaves you questioning your own beliefs.