BOOK REVIEW: SNAKES IN THE MEADOWS by ayaz kohli

LANGUAGE: ENGLISH 
GENRE:REALISTIC FICTION/ POLITICAL / ROMANCE 
LENGTH:288
PUBLISHER:Rupa Publications 
PUBLISHED: 2019

DESCRIPTION:


Jammu And Kashmir, 1987. In the hilly village of Pathri Aali, where legends appear true, Aslam and Ashwar, two young lovers, dream of marriage and of good things of life. But that is not to be. Unable to cope, Aslam leaves Pathri Aali forever. Years later, as men migrate to Saudi Arabia for employment, Pathri Aali is populated mostly by women and children. Soon they realize the Mujahideen, who guise themselves as their liberators, are the worst perpetrators, and misery seems inescapable. Ashwar refuses to be cowed down by this reign of terror and is determined not to let it devastate the once-peaceful village. The only one she can bank on is Aslam—and she calls out to him across the distance of time and space, to return and live up to the legends of their village. Snakes in the Meadows is a saga of the onset of militancy, and the suffering and the resilience of Pir Panjal—the ‘And’ of Jammu And Kashmir.


OVERVIEW/ MY OPINION :


Snakes in the meadows by ayaz kohli is a realistic fiction that throws light on the lives of the people living in the pir panjal range and the phatri ali village in Kashmir. 
The scenic beauty, brotherhood, culture and traditions flourish in the valley however the so called liberators on Kashmir are Disguised as perpetrators and the harmony along with the lives of the people is put at stake.

In the very small village lives Ashwar an ambitious girl and Aslam the son of the village head who dreams about marrying Ashwar.
But will their love story ever be complete?
Will the harmony of phatri Ali ever return?

I had a really wonderful experience with this book.  Firstly the concept around which it revolves is very deep and thought provoking. 
The writing style was good and the language used was lucid and crisp. 
The narration too was done quite well as it kept me gripped till the core while reading this book. 
The cover and the title are appropriately chosen keeping in mind the interest and curiosity of a reader. 
The storyline was beautiful and captivating, the plot was fresh and strong enough to keep me gripped till the end. 
This book is truly a very emotional read, my hear cried everytime a rape or an abusive scene came up in this book. 
The character development was good I could connect with the protagonist very well. 
Every emotion is expressed beautifully and presented perfectly. 
Im in awe of Ashwars bravery, dedication and patriotism. Along with Aslam's love for her.

This book has a story that paints the picture of Suffering, bravery and endurance before your eyes.

Overall, this was a very interesting and a fantastic read.  Definitely recommended (but not for beginners)


MY RATING: 4.5/5🌟


Incase you wish to give this book a try you may do so HERE

Special thanks to @bookscharming and @ayazkohli for the review copy in exchange for an honest review.


I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.  Views expressed (including the image (s) presented)
herein are of my own. No part of this review shall be copied/ used for any other purpose without the permission of it's owner.