Title : Burning Sapphires
Author : Suresh K Goswami
Publisher: Partridge Publishing
Genre : Fiction

Blurb

As the blurb says that it is a story which takes you to one of the most aesthetic locations in the world, Kashmir. The story commences with a seven year old girl, Shahzadi Gulab Sahib, strolling around the fields in her village, recollecting the days spent with her father and thinking about her ruthless step-father. And all of a sudden, a group of intruders make an instant attack on Gulab sahib. This particular incident leaves her in amazement when she met the leader of the mercenaries who assured her to be back in ten years to tie a knot with her.

With this dramatic opening, her life changed and the story reveals some unanticipated events which are narrated in forty chapters. The story consists of several anecdotes about Gulab Sahib’s school days, her family, friends, village and its inhabitants and much more. The entire journey of this girl included numerous struggles which eventually bring out a charismatic, sharp-witted, loving and caring woman. Moreover, the story unfolds scenes of the terror stricken valley, Kashmir. Be it the horrific exodus of people from their homeland or the consequences that were faced by Gulab Sahib and her family or anything else.. every portion of the book describes some sort of reality based facts of Kashmir and its residents.

My Review
“Burning Sapphires” by Suresh K Goswami is an intense story of Gulab Sahib, a Kashmiri girl who works selflessly for the people around her in order to build a secure, intellectual and a better place to live in. The book has a great storyline which is inspiring and conveys a strong message to mankind.

The author portrayed two shades in the book. The foremost part covers the misery and distress of people, while the second part delineates the brighter side i.e. courage and determination. A wonderful combination of reality and fiction enrich the storyline.

The main highlight of the book is Gulab’s character. Despite of all the troubles, heartbreaks, she did much to ameliorate living standards of the community and ultimately creates more desirable environment. Her character is a sheer example of bravery, compassion and persistence. As one gets involved with the book, a reader would find it more captivating.

It was a fast read for me. The author made a successful effort in delivering the story as the language is simple and one could clearly visualize the sequences. The sections of landscapes, mountain ranges, waterscapes all are vividly presented in the book. The title instills a sense of curiosity in reader’s mind and is absolutely appropriate for the story. However, the cover page could be more attractive but a powerful theme of the book makes us overlook the shortcomings.

I like the book for its encouragement and enthusiasm. Certainly, the story is different but it is stuffed with feelings, adventures and lot more. The author has put-forward some significant issues prevailing in our society. The book enlightens the readers and basically deals with a thought i.e. –
“Whatever you do, you need courage. There are always difficulties arising that may dishearten you. To map out a course of action and follow it to an end requires some of the same courage that a soldier needs. Peace has its victories, but it takes brave men and women to win them.”

Those who want to be entertained with a dramatic, original and passionate story, this is a nice one time read for you people!

My Rating : 4.2/5

Happy Reading! :D