Book Review : Shillong Times – by Nilanjan P Choudhury

Shillong Times – by Nilanjan P Choudhury

Shillong Times – by Nilanjan P Choudhury – is a book that started off its rating in my own mind at 2 stars, but firmly, slowly, clawed its way up through sheer dint of imaginative writing, deep storyline, faultless story progression, meaningful concept, and attention to detail, winding up at 4 stars overall  rating. The many many positives in this book successfully overcame the one or two minor negatives that were evident early on. And even these negatives are subjective in nature, others may not find them negative!

THE BOOK

This is a story of ethnicity based politics, told through the travails of 3 teenage children, from two communities in the town of Shillong. The backdrop  is Shillong of the 80s, and the two communities are Bengalis & other Non Tribals, and the Khasis, both of whom have very different ideas indeed. This is the story of a good student who undergoes some ragging and worse from the other community and yet becomes good friends with two students from that community. This is not  liked by his parents, or by other parents of the other two children. Amidst all  of this, tensions between the communities start rising, as one family starts toying with the idea of leaving Shillong… this is their story, the story of 3 families and their travails in times of mild yet fast rising tensions…

THE ANALYSIS

This is a highly sensitive subject even at the best of times, and requires uncommon maturity, understanding, sensitivity, emotional attachment, command over both words and history / current affairs, and a vivid imagination to carry off well. This is not a story that can be told without deep thought, planning, and conceptual understanding. This is a story of live tensions in society, and we have seen  many shades – some milder, some deeper – of similar tensions worldwide. That also makes it a subject to be dealt with not just maturity but also responsibility. And in all of these, it has succeeded.

I would rather not say much more, either about the story, or about the analytical part; I much prefer the reader explores this wondrous bit of fiction on the topic of societal stress and tensions for himself or herself. You will not be disappointed, of that I am very sure. It will kindle your thoughts, force you to think,  to analyse, to empathise, and to introspect. It will enable you to look at both sides of the coin, and teach you several lessons along  the way. Rising inter & intra community stress, its triggers, the ethnic lines, the other issues, the misapprehensions, and more – can all be seen in this remarkable bit of fiction writing, told with panache!

The characterization is strong, well done; the character plots are well-etched and deeply defined. And very believable; you can picturise  them in your mind with ease. The deep toned plots of the characters will impress you, leaving their mark on you. Given the background and the theme – this was vital, more so than in other themed novels. The plot has a steady pace, and progresses well – never losing its grip on you. I wouldn’t call it gripping, but it is engaging and keeps you involved. Given the backdrop, this is quite a remarkable feat indeed!

In conclusion, all I will say is that this is a novel that everyone should read, especially in the modern Donald Trump era, with ever-more-clearly defined ethnic boundaries, desires, ambitions and more. This is a novel that is a need of the times, a novel – indeed, a very skillfully penned novel that triggers thoughts, helps you empathise, opens your eyes, and teaches you a lesson, a much needed lesson. And, along the way of doing all this, it entertains you as well! Very well done, indeed! 

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