JANGALNAMA - TRAVELS IN A MAOIST GUERILLA ZONE BY SATNAM (TRANSLATED FROM THE PUNJABI BY VISHAV BHARTI)

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BOOK NAME: JANGALNAMA - TRAVELS IN A MAOIST GUERILLA ZONE

AUTHOR NAME: SATNAM (TRANSLATED FROM THE PUNJABI BY VISHAV BHARTI)

GENRE: NONFICTION

PUBLISHER: PENGUIN INDIA




BOOK REVIEW

After a long and arduous journey, I have finally completed this Punjabi travelogue exploring the lives of Maoist guerrillas and adivasis in Bastar. The idea of a book on guerrillas intrigued me, and I wanted to find out about a commoner’s experience staying with them. That was why I decided to go with this book. And honestly, I don’t regret it at all.


Though it’s a travelogue, the book is engaging and keeps your attention. I couldn’t ignore the repetition of events multiple times. But given that it is written from first-hand experience, it can be overlooked. It was interesting to read about the tribal life and how the guerrillas thrived with no basic facilities and healthcare. I am not sure if I completely agree with the author’s notion that they are all innocent and goal-driven. But still, I could sense the rage and reason behind their resistance. 


It’s a simple book written eloquently with a lot of heavy details and that can consume your time and energy. So, be prepared to lose your patience occasionally. But give the book some time and let it flow and you will end up seeing the author’s vision and purpose behind this book. 


This is a part of BlogchatterA2Z2026 challenge

#penbooksandscalpel


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