Book Review:  Revolutionaries by Sanjeev Sanyal

Book: Revolutionaries
Author: Sanjeev Sanyal
Genre: Colonialism and Imperialism History
Publisher: HarperCollins India
Pages: 364

The history of India’s Freedom Struggle is always known, appreciated, and idealised for its non-violent movement. Yet it cannot be neglected that at the same time, there was armed resistance against the Britishers, and yet it has been ignored carefully throughout History. Either they are ignored, or their story is represented as an overambitious, directionless activity that does not have a wider reach and network. But it might not be the case and the author Sanjeev Sanyal through his book – “Revolutionaries: The Other Story Of How India Won Its Freedom” highlights and narrates their story having names including Vinayak Savarkar, Aurobindo Ghosh, Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad and Subhas Chandra Bose, amongst many others, and this book shows their vision of establishing a modern republic.

This book comes at a time when a lot of historical narratives are questioned and a lot of voids in the narratives are being identified and filled. And this book is one such initiative in that case.

In the book, a lot of information has been beautifully carved out by the author in the form of a linear story that makes the historical narrative even more interesting to read rather than any factual book, making it more connecting and taking the readers closer to their history.

There’s a lot that can be said about this book and how the author very gracefully penned down some heart-wrenching stories of our freedom struggle but it would be better if you read this book by yourself.

There’s a line from the book that depicts why it is important to read this book-

The friction between the two factions is usually referred to as the rivalry between ‘extremists’ and ‘moderates’. The very use of the terms tells you who would later write the official history of that period.

An excerpt from the book

This is an essential book that should be read to know our past and our leaders more deeply and closely and something that will initiate more conversations, debates, opinions, diversity, and research and development- something that a country always needs for its betterment. Thus, this book is highly recommended.

Rating: 5/5

I was provided a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

You can buy the book from Amazon or any bookstore near you!

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