Review of Secrets of the Kashmir Valley

[khaulah]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Secrets of the Kashmir Valley" by Farhana Qazi.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Kashmir is a territory desired by both India and Pakistan. What about the desire of the people of Kashmir? Almost every year, the people of Kashmir protest against the Indian government, demanding freedom from Indian rule. In Secrets of the Kashmir Valley, an American Muslim, Farhana Qazi travels to Kashmir to examine and document the experiences and stories of Kashmiri women. Told in their own words, the experiences of women serve as a window for the interplay between citizenship, nationalism, and gender in a situation of ongoing violent conflict. The stories show how Kashmiri women are responding to the growing conflict between the demands of tradition and the economic and political realities of life under occupation.

Women have always faced their fair share of difficulties and discrimination around the world, but Kashmiri women have faced persistent issues for decades. The book's oral narratives are essential for illuminating the atrocities Kashmiris were subjected to at the hands of Indian security forces under the pretext of national security. Each story resolves the multilayered complexity of the land of Kashmir, addressing issues like why young Kashmiris turn to militancy, why women might choose violence, what the position of women is in the Kashmiri society, and how they respond to the horrors committed against the Kashmiri people.

The fact that some of the women mentioned in the book are pursuing and fostering their empowerment in a conservative society that has been the target of conflict is what appealed to me the most. For example, Anjum, a lady who was unjustly incarcerated, didn't allow the injustices to darken her brightness. She took over the reins of a political party to expose human rights violations in Kashmir.

Brilliantly written and compiled, this book is driven by the need to expose the suffering of the Kashmiri people and succeeds in it. The simple and effective language used by the author skillfully connects us to the intense, complex, and remarkably strong women of Kashmir. Qazi effectively removes herself from the narrative, giving voice to stories that need to be shared with a broad audience. Having roots in Kashmir herself, Qazi's book offers an objective analysis of gender while being sympathetic to a situation of protracted militarized strife.

I have no complaints regarding the book. I now have a better understanding of Kashmir's historical context. I give this book a rating of 5 out of 5 stars. The book's editing is outstanding. It is free of grammatical faults, rendering my reading experience pleasurable.

I would recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about Kashmir. It is a valuable source of information for anyone researching Kashmir history in general and ethnic conflicts in particular.

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Secrets of the Kashmir Valley
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[MsH2k]

My goodness, this sounds like a very interesting and informative read! I am inspired by your introduction to the intense, complex, and remarkably strong women of Kashmir and look forward to checking out this book. Thank you for your excellent review and recommendation, khaulah!

[Hazel Mae Bagarinao]

I googled Kashmir Valley and I was fascinated with its beauty. Now, the two countries--India and Pakistan still hold control of it. It shows how strong the history was before. I'd like to know more about it. Thanks for your marvelous review, Khaulah!

[Smrithi Arun]

It is unfortunate that the people of Kashmir, sadly, are getting churned in the fight between India and Pakistan. However, I can’t shake the feeling that the Indian Army and Indians, in general, might have been shown in a worse light than the actual situation in this book; that is concerning. I hope they have also highlighted how Indian soldiers have also protected our Kashmiris whenever Pakistan has attacked.

[Smrithi Arun]

I googled Kashmir Valley and I was fascinated with its beauty. Now, the two countries--India and Pakistan still hold control of it. It shows how strong the history was before. I'd like to know more about it. Thanks for your marvelous review, Khaulah!

Kashmir is indeed a beautiful place, and Kashmiris are wonderful people! Many people call it “Heaven on Earth” as well, because of the exquisite scenery.

I felt it important to highlight that the region that Pakistan controls was illegally occupied by them in 1947. It’s famously known as POK or Pakistan Occupied Kashmir.

[Hazel Mae Bagarinao]

I googled Kashmir Valley and I was fascinated with its beauty. Now, the two countries--India and Pakistan still hold control of it. It shows how strong the history was before. I'd like to know more about it. Thanks for your marvelous review, Khaulah!

Kashmir is indeed a beautiful place, and Kashmiris are wonderful people! Many people call it “Heaven on Earth” as well, because of the exquisite scenery.

I felt it important to highlight that the region that Pakistan controls was illegally occupied by them in 1947. It’s famously known as POK or Pakistan Occupied Kashmir.

Indeed, your country is beautiful! I like the northern part of India, especially the Himalayas. I also like how diverse that country is. Rich in culture. Nature there is magical!

[khaulah]

My goodness, this sounds like a very interesting and informative read! I am inspired by your introduction to the intense, complex, and remarkably strong women of Kashmir and look forward to checking out this book. Thank you for your excellent review and recommendation, khaulah!

You're welcome, as always @MsH2k

[khaulah]

I googled Kashmir Valley and I was fascinated with its beauty. Now, the two countries--India and Pakistan still hold control of it. It shows how strong the history was before. I'd like to know more about it. Thanks for your marvelous review, Khaulah!

You can read the book to learn more! Thank you so much for stopping by.

[khaulah]

It is unfortunate that the people of Kashmir, sadly, are getting churned in the fight between India and Pakistan. However, I can’t shake the feeling that the Indian Army and Indians, in general, might have been shown in a worse light than the actual situation in this book; that is concerning. I hope they have also highlighted how Indian soldiers have also protected our Kashmiris whenever Pakistan has attacked.

I suggest you read the book and judge for yourself. It would be wonderful to see your point of view too. Thank you so much for stopping by!