Train to Pakistan by Khushwant Singh (Book Review-3.75*/5)!!!

     

    I have read many articles in Hindustan Times written by Khushwant Singh along with few of his works that keeps getting circulated online. This is the first time when I have read any book of his. "Train to Pakistan" was gifted to me by a very special person and I can not thank her enough for taking me to a journey which has made me understand the state through which few people survived when partition took place while Independence. Though the book is fictional but the scenes it narrates makes you remember few incidents which has happened for real and have been read by us in History books for years. The way Khushwant Singh has written the book being unbiased and truthful makes it more special. There are many books written on the same topic but I am sure no one else would have written it as beautifully as he has. 

          Though the book can be called as a fictional work based in the times of partition but along with it, the author has also tried to give us some characters that can be well related with many people we see around us. The characterization is done so wonderfully that you can almost imagine what kind of a person each one of them are. It is shown how a person who is considered to be educated and expected to bring revolution could not do anything in the times of hardship. Similarly, another person who is treated badly throughout by government, policemen, girlfriend, villagers turns out to be the one who saves 1000s of life by putting his life at risk. Khushwant Singh has been successful in portraying how a true character of a person is showcased only when he is put into tough conditions and challenging situations. 

    "Train to Pakistan" is very beautifully written where Khushwant Singh has frankly talked about every small aspect of how the mentality affected the nation badly during partition. The whole village which was very soft and loving suddenly becomes violent and aggressive against a religion is a hard-hitting scene. The way government used to twist facts and take decisions according to their convenience is also openly discussed. There are many scenes where you will find yourself in it. That's how amazingly the author has scribbled this book and narrated each scene. I give the book 3.75 stars out of 5. 

 Thanks.

 ABHILASH RUHELA - VEERU!!!