About book I Shall Not Hear The Nightingale (2004)
Khushwant Singh apparently needs no introduction to an average Indian and his manner of constructing an Indian sensibility has got few parallels. The book sketches out a panoramic view of British India, close to its end of colonialism. The central characters include Buta Singh, a faithful Government servant, caught between loyalty for the British Raj and the new ideals of freedom and independence, which in fact are represented by his ow son, Sher Singh. Making up the picture, we have Sabhrai, his wife, Champak, Beena, Madan Wazir Chand and representing the white men's world, Mr and Mrs Taylor. The characters are so full of life and quirks, and the author excels in a supreme understanding of human psyche. There are some breathtakingly beautiful passages in the book, but nothing more amazing than one about the phenomenon of monsoon in India, which happens to be one of the most beautiful ones I've come across till date."To know India and its peoples, one has to know the monsoon. It is not enough to read about it in books or see it on cinema screen, or hear someone talk about it.It has to be a personal experience because nothing short of living through it can fully convey all it means to a people for whom it is not only the source of life, but also their most exciting impact with nature. What four seasons of the year means to the European, the one season of monsoon means to the Indian. It is preceded by desolation;it brings with it the hopes of spring; it has the fullness of summer and the fulfillment of autumn all in one...It is not surprising tat much of India's art, music and literature is concerned with the monsoon. Innumerable paintings depict people on rooftops looking eagerly at the dark clouds billowing out from over the horizon with flocks of herons flying in front. Of the many melodies of Indian music, Raga Malhar is the most popular because it brings to the mind distant echoes of the sound of the thunder and the pitter- patter of raindrops. It brings the odor of earth and of green vegetation to the nostrils: the cry of peacock and the call of the koel to the ear. Most Indian palaces had specially designed balconies from where noblemen could view the monsoon downpour. The commonest theme in Indian songs is the longing of lovers for each other when the rains are in full swing. Three is no joy fuller than union during monsoon time; there is no sorrow deeper than separation during the season of the rains." One can almost smell rain, huh? The magic of Mr. Singh's words...
I shall Not Hear the Nightingale -------------------------------------------------After a very long time i have read such fine novelty by Late. Mr. Khushwant Singh. One of the finest stories i have read so far told with such ease and simplicity. What a writer, what command over the language, bluntness, openness, situations, characters, narration and spellbinding story telling. The novel was all set to convey the story of a family where each family member have got their own independent thinking and ways of living yet they are bonded together with love, affection, respect, dedication, loyalty, tears, gratitude, attitude, and faith in Almighty. The loyalty of a magistrate towards the British Raj with the heart of a father for a son at home, the belief and affection of a mother and a wife, the generative, passionate, blooming hale of a young wife, the sincerety of a son and a husband, whimsical and flirtatious youth, the rake lover, opportunistic Infidelity, honesty of maid and servant, patriotism in human genes, obedience and truthfulness of a tamed dog and sympathies of an english man towards an indian family. Full on drama, suspense, action, thrill, sex, murder, plotting, crime, jail, politics, manliness, womanhood all this and lot more....excellently composed and swarmed in the form of a book. The character of Sarbhai is really very humble and devoted. Marvellous job done with her characterization. Complete portrait of Indian mother. I had tears in my eyes while reading about her demise in the chapter. Such a dignified and true portrait of Indian woman. Well...! Its the first novel that i have read by him and i can proudly say that i have an urge to read more by him. I am totally in love with his writing. The novel indeed is really very engaging. I completed it 3 days. The more i read the more i crave to know more. Its been really an awesome experience. Will recommend it to everyone who like to read and also to those who don't like to read because after reading this they will start liking to read books.
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Steller portrayal of the pre independence affluent families - their values, priorities, outlook and lifestyle in 1940s - their allegiance to the British ( for material progress ) without loosing face within local community ( to maintain social ties) strikes me as a huge insight into the Our Indian mindset and social values of that era So well written - so reminiscent of an India that existed before Sheila and Munni took overA must readKhushwant Singh is absolutely brilliant! An Open minded and honest writer
—Ymazing
This is a bitter-sweet tale of a Sikh family struggling to come to terms with the decline of the Raj in the Punjab. Like other books from Singh, he has chosen this time in history to good effect, as it was a time of turbulence, where Sikh, Hindu and Muslim began to feel less united than ever, and yet were unsure as to whether they were united against the British. At the same time, loyal subjects to the Raj (in this case, a Sikh magistrate) who were respected but also potentially reviled by their British Sahibs, were unsure as to which party they were being disloyal to - the protagonist in this case becomes torn between supporting the Raj and supporting his only son, who has become a would-be terrorist. Into all this, Singh throws in the parallel uncertainties and tempestuousness of young love, too-young marriage, faltering respect for the opinion of elders, and a deep look into everyday life in a Sikh household. I found the book easy to read, and the story riveting. I am glad I bought this as part of a 4-novel compendium, and look forward to reading the others.
—Lester
