Wide ranging and at times, convoluted tale centered around three very different characters, all of whom are central to understanding the background and impact of the conflict Kashmir. Maybe it was extra depressing, since I read it during the week of Kavanaugh's ultimate confirmation, witnessing firsthand the power of manipulation and misguided pride.
Arundhati Roy's book is indeed, historical fiction, but places more emphasis on the personal relationships that strengthen or extinguish under strain. Through poetry and arts from multiple cultures involved, the reader learns an element not readily experienced in other epically scoped works.
Underscoring much of the book is the effect of Nationalism in all of its strains, Hindu, Sikh, Kashmiri. Depressingly realistic, it’s clear that while there are indeed survivors, there are no winners.