Review by daikin03101996 -- Border Post 99

[Kinnera]

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

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3 out of 4 stars

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Border Post 99 by Kedar Patankar is a gripping border tale of an abandoned post in the middle of nowhere between India and Pakistan. Written in the first person, Lt. Sharma, the Indian soldier initially talks about his life in his village, his family and his feelings about being dropped at a post no one knows exists. His rival, the Pakistani veteran, wants to be left alone with his thoughts and wishes to return home as soon as possible to his family.

This short story revolves around the personal rivalry that develops between the two characters on two sides of a stream that divides the two countries. With leopards roaming the area they inhabit and each trying to one up the other, this battle of wits reaches beyond pettiness and leaves the reader wanting more.

While most stories about the border rivalry between India and Pakistan talk about the big wars, this story focuses on the little battle and how it all connects to the bigger picture. Making the story more relatable are the descriptions of the soldiers’ homes and families. They certainly strike a chord deep within and made me feel at home with the tale. It was especially lovely to me because as an Indian, I appreciate this take on the rivalry and the author’s writing that conveys that things are not always how they seem.

I would also like to mention that the story has been made as realistic as possible with respect to the military and their posts, and I was thoroughly impressed by the amount of research the author had to have done to reach that level of clarity and description.

With an underlying subplot that runs in parallel with the story line, the slow burn is interesting and has a big reveal that is surprising. However, the big reveal in the story seemed forced to me in the context of the war, and it felt a little out of place with the amount of coincidence that the story seemed to have. It might have been the intention of the author to show the small world we live in, but it seemed too implausible for my taste.

I rate this thrilling short story 3 out of 4 stars and recommend this tale for fans of suspense. The descriptions will keep you glued and the well-developed characters will definitely style their way into your heart. Border Post 99 was an enjoyable short read and I will look forward to upcoming works of this author.

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Border Post 99
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Like daikin03101996's review? Post a comment saying so!

[Kelebogile Mbangi]

I also reviewed this book and absolutely loved it! I didn't find the big reveal too implausible, but perhaps with your better knowledge of India you can be the better judge of that. I thoroughly enjoyed your review. Thank you for it!

[Kinnera]

I also reviewed this book and absolutely loved it! I didn't find the big reveal too implausible, but perhaps with your better knowledge of India you can be the better judge of that. I thoroughly enjoyed your review. Thank you for it!

The book was great and very well written, I totally agree. Thank you for reading and glad you liked the review!

[Jeremie Mondejar]

a very nice review! Rivalry? The sad part of human history, it separates friendship, family, leaders and even nation. Since in the beginning of sin, rivalry evolved.

[kandscreeley]

When it comes to this type of story, I do like that it's realistic. Thanks for the lovely review!

[Kinnera]

a very nice review! Rivalry? The sad part of human history, it separates friendship, family, leaders and even nation. Since in the beginning of sin, rivalry evolved.

Glad you liked the review! Rivalry, I think, is the basis for most stories, and it makes them human.

-- August 1st, 2017, 6:02 pm --

When it comes to this type of story, I do like that it's realistic. Thanks for the lovely review!

Glad you liked the review! Yes, absolutely. When it comes to things like this, realistic makes it more enjoyable!

[Donatelloo]

Interesting and lesson-giving novel . Thank you for such a nice review

[Kinnera]

Interesting and lesson-giving novel . Thank you for such a nice review

Glad you thought well of the review!

[Izesicle]

I was wondering about the perspective of an Indian or Pakistani when reading this book. Thank you for your review. Feel free to check out my review. I rated it 4 out of 4 stars.

[Kinnera]

I was wondering about the perspective of an Indian or Pakistani when reading this book. Thank you for your review. Feel free to check out my review. I rated it 4 out of 4 stars.

When I saw the blurb, I knew I wanted to read it, because I'm familiar with the enmity that goes between the countries. Glad you liked the review and the book!