Radhika Dogra Swarup

This book combines a love story and a little history lesson, but, most of all, it is about going beyond prejudice and relating to others as fellow human beings. Asha is a young Hindu girl growing up next door to her best friend, Nargis, a Muslim. She is also in love with Firoze, Nargis' older brother. Firoze is becoming a lawyer and works for Asha's father. Though Asha's father knows and respects Firoze and his family, he will not consent to a marriage between him and his daughter. The partitioning of Pakistan takes place and leads to much violence. On the night that Asha's family loses everything and their home is destroyed, they are taken in by the family of Firoze and Nargis. Firoze helps them on their journey south and leaves them at what he believes to be a safe station to wait for further transport. After he leaves, the family is attacked. Asha is rescued by a Moslem family and continues her journey to where she is safe but at a price. Later, the book skips ahead fifty years and Asha again faces her past and what she gave up during the Partitioning. She must now face not the objections of her parents, but the prejudice of her daughter, though the secrets she carries could affect her daughter's view of the world.
Though the book illustrated that differences could be overcome on an individual basis, it also demonstrated that accepting the prejudice that surrounds you will come at a great cost, both to you and to society.
I enjoyed the book, though I question the actions and reactions some of the characters. If given the chance to reunite with the great love of your life, would you do so? Would you walk away? Would you give the chance to someone else that you love? Or would you hold tightly to the memories of that earlier time?
I have not been compensated in any way (other than being given a copy of this book to review) and my opinion on the book is entirely my own.… (més)