Train to Pakistan is a heartwarming and devastating book showcasing the hard truth behind the partition. Showcasing the facts are always necessary. So, here we bring a spoiler-free book review of Train to Pakistan.
About Train to Pakistan
Title: Train to Pakistan
Author: Khushwant Singh
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: Penguin Books
Type: Standalone
Pages: 190
Goodreads rating: 3.9/5
This story is set in the fictional village of Mano Majra in the summer of 1947. The book follows the story of the village inhabitants through the independence and the partition. The failure of the magistrate and the police to maintain the village’s peace turned battleground, and through the drastic measure it was maintained, is something to know about.
Book Review of Train to Pakistan
India is known to have a very vibrant and colourful history, as depicted in countless literary works. But sometimes, the colour hides the darkness of truth behind it. One such instance is the year 1947. A proud and happy moment for a newly independent India, soon to be soured by a genocide that divided the country into two.
‘Train To Pakistan’ is a gut-wrenching book written by the undeniably esteemed Khushwant Singh on the horrors of the partition.
Khushwant Singh, Train To Pakistan
“The fact is both sides killed, both shot and stabbed and speared and clubbed. Both tortured. Both raped”
Writing a book review of Train to Pakistan is very hard because of the heartwrenching truth it depicts. But nevertheless, the book leaves us with the surprisingly lingering question- If we were to blame somebody for the Partition, who would it be? And who is to blame for the tragedy and casualties that followed?
Life was very peaceful in the village of Mano Majra, a fictional place on the border of Pakistan. There was harmony and unity among the residents, and everything was perfect. And then everything wasn’t.
When I first read Train to Pakistan, I had no idea about the ‘Ghost Trains’ concept. It is a disconcerting and gruesome concept of trains full of dead bodies suddenly crossing the border. The horrifying scene as the first train stops at the station and the details of the condition inside the train are hair-raising. Equally disturbing is the scene where countless corpses are found floating in the flooded region of the river Sutlej. Reading about such unnatural horrors made a shiver creep down my spine.
The truth about the train was a massive shock to the people of Mano Majra. It resulted in widespread panic throughout the village and shortly led to a conflict, resulting in distrust. The Sikhs in the town thought the Muslims might join hands with the advancing Pakistani forces, and the Muslims were worried they might lose their home.
As the book progresses, the Muslims are forced to leave their homes in favour of their safety. Finally, the book changes the direction to show the emotional devastation of not only the Muslims but also the other residents of the village.
Khushwant Singh
” Not forever does the bulbul sing
In balmy shades of bowers,
Not forever lasts the spring
Nor ever blossom flowers.
Not forever reigneth joy,
Sets the sun on days of bliss,
Friendships not forever lasts,
They know not life, who know not this.”
This book kept me on my toes until the end, and I was eager to know what the ending unfolds. It gives an accurate glimpse at the situation of India in that period in a fictional setting. This book requires the readers to have the emotional strength to understand and feel the characters’ emotions. All the characters from the village dacoit, Juggut Singh, the village magistrate Hukum Chand, to Iqbal Singh, an educated communist who visits Mano Majra in hopes of bringing reforms, show considerable development. These characters’ journeys throughout the book inspired me to never lose hope and that it is never too late to seek redemption.
Train To Pakistan is undoubtedly one of the best books I have read, written by an Indian author. This is one book that every Indian should markedly read to understand the period of partition and its effect on civilians.
Conclusion
Rating: 4/5
Recommendation: Absolutely, Yes!!
I love this book wholeheartedly and markedly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in the history of India’s Independence and who wants a close look at the tensions running high among the country’s people. Everything about the book, from the writing style, storytelling, and pace of the story, was perfect. I hope this book becomes a personal favourite to others as it became mine.
Buy Train To Pakistan Now:
About The Author:
Khushwant Singh, born on 2 February 1915 in Hadali, Undivided India (now a part of Pakistan), was a prominent Indian novelist and journalist. Singh’s weekly column, “With Malice towards One and All,” carried by several Indian newspapers, was among the most widely-read columns in the country.
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