IF I HAVE TO BE A SOLDIER BY NIKHIL J. ALVA

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BOOK NAME: IF I HAVE TO BE A SOLDIER

AUTHOR NAME: NIKHIL J. ALVA

GENRE: HISTORICAL FICTION 

PUBLISHER: HARPERCOLLINS INDIA

BOOK BUY LINK: https://www.amazon.in/If-I-Have-Be-Soldier/dp/9356998701


BOOK COVER IMAGE




BOOK REVIEW

Set in the backdrop of Mizoram's fight against the Indian army for an independent nation in the 1960s, it's a story of two friends turned rivals coming face to face after years. Captain Samuel is tasked to capture the head of the guerrillas popularly known as 'Che', named after the revolutionary Che Guevara. But Samuel manages to take Sena under his custody, his childhood friend whom he had fallen out with because of grave misunderstandings. Will Sena's capture lead him to the much sought-after Che, or is there a deep secret that no one knows about Sena and Che's connection? When Samuel learns about it, it's too late for him to act on it, as he is now caught in a labyrinth of problems. Samuel is framed as a traitor by the commandant of the army for the help he had done out of courtesy. Sena and Samuel have no other option but to reconcile and find a way out. 


This gripping historical fiction was an action-packed novel with a lot of background information on the Mizo's struggle in the early years. The book sheds light on the second-class treatment of Mizoram citizens in their own state by the army and others. Their fight against oppression, their struggle to overcome political discrimination and identify as people with rights were briefed with perfection. I was also introduced to new information, like the season of Mautam in Mizoram, where bamboo shoots die after the flowering season, inviting rats into their fields and causing severe famine. Many of the historical events in Mizoram which were previously unknown were brought out in the story. 


Even if the book had too many too-good-to-be-true incidents and a cinematic ending, the pace was energetic and lively throughout, making it an exciting read. What worked for me in the book was how close the narrative was to historical facts without deviating from the subject. The MNF - Indian army conflict was portrayed from both POVs, thus making it more understandable and humanesque. This book is best suited for those who are interested in reading the history of northeast India and the associated erasure of its indigenous tribe with an action-packed narrative. 


ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Nikhil J. Alva is an award-winning producer, director, and writer. His work has been screened on major broadcast networks and platforms worldwide. Nikhil is a serial entrepreneur, a climate change warrior, a Net Zero Fellow, a communication and social media maven, a national shooting champion, a pianist, and an avid golfer. He's arebel-without-a-pause, a chronic supporter of underdog causes, and loves the challenge of trudging off the beaten path. 


MY REVIEW: 4/5

This is a part of Blogchatter’s #TBRchallenge and #BookReviewProgram

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