After the Storm

What Our Readers Are Saying

Add a comment for a chance to win!

Average customer rating based on 1 comment:

Sally-Jayne, December 6, 2012 (view all comments by Sally-Jayne)
After the Storm by Sangeeta Bhargava
After the Storm is an amazing cross section of post-WWII Indian turmoil. The author, of Indian heritage herself, has a unique understanding of the trials, issues, and concerns of the peoples of the regions embroiled in working and fighting for independence from the British monarchy and rule. It takes place in 1947, a time of world-wide change, but it concentrates on the experiences of four young people, two girls in particular, and their teacher, a man of British decent with Indian sympathies. The story highlights how the native people of India had a difficult time under a foreign rule, affecting all of them, including the royal family.
Ms. Bhargava paints an interesting picture of a princess, Mili, sent to a boarding school with her best friend, Vicki. The two are very young and immature upon their arrival, but circumstances cause them to face adult situations, some of which no one should ever have to encounter. The book treats many of these events with a delicacy and diplomacy that allows the reader to become comfortable with the characters, but there is a jarring reality that is suddenly presented to the reader, causing a juxtaposition of emotions.
The first half of the text seemed to be aimed at teenagers or young adults, but the violent scenes quickly remind the audience of the somber nature of the times and place. There is a psychological dance between the genders, where trust must be earned, and sometimes is betrayed; however, the main focus is the romance between the protagonist and the antagonist. It is a very tantalizing hint of emotions throughout most of the book, but only after they have learned what is truly important in life do they understand what they want. Unfortunately, it may have been a realisation that comes too late for both.
After the Storm draws lines in the sand between rulers and ruled, male and female, royalty and subjects, and most importantly, between cruelty and compassion. The only thing that would give this book more impact would be a little more background on the times and struggle for independence. It is a unique situation, but many countries and cultures have and still do grapple with the desire for autonomy and freedom. Not all have accomplished it and a little more information on Gandhi and his followers would have been appreciated. A historical romance is what this book is, and the romance portion is very well done.
Ms. Bhargava weaves a wonderful tale about the friendship between two sets of young people, one male and one female. Her writing skills are superb and draw the reader into the interactions and culture of a very misunderstood (in the Western world) realm, making it a little less mysterious and unreachable. It is a book adults should read and then share with their teenage counterparts.

Was this comment helpful? | Yes | No

report this comment

Product Details

ISBN:

9780749009441

Author:

Bhargava, Sangeeta

Publisher:

Allison & Busby

Subject:

Romance - General

Copyright:

2012

Publication Date:

20121131

Binding:

HARDCOVER

Language:

English