Book: If I Have To Be A Soldier
Author: Nikhil J. Alva
Genre: Literary and Contemporary Fiction
Publisher: HarperCollins India
Pages: 336
If I Have To Be A Soldier by Nikhil J. Alva is a story of two long-lost friends in the backdrop of 1966’s Mizo National Front(MNF) uprising and their armed rebellion. Samuel Rego aka Sammy, the Indian Army Captain finds himself back on the land from which he ran away years ago to interrogate ‘Che’ – one of the most powerful and thus feared MNF commanders in custody, as he is capable of conversing in the local language. As he starts the interrogation, he becomes aware of the real identity of Che-Sena, his childhood friend. And with the moral dilemma and changing scenario, they make choices that stick them to one another’s fate as they become fugitives. And thus, both had to face the events of their bitter past and the test of friendship, again, as they are being hunted across the Mizo Hills and trying to save themselves, their identity and their fate. What would they do? Read the book to find out.
The book sensitively puts across the perspectives of both sides of the story – of the army and the natives from the third person perspective, and at the same time shows the brutality of the incidences, actions and plans that were operated there.
It shows how the negligence of the people in power can lead to a change in life, thoughts, psychology and thus, the ideology of the people and how it can lead to devastating results. Through the story and the characters, it reflects on the changes that, if have been brought up, could have led to an altogether different picture and how it is completely incongruent with reality.
The author has beautifully tried to capture the essence of the local tribes, their culture and traditions and their issues. The relationship of Sammy and Sena was quite fascinating to read and their relationship with their parents was a major aspect of the book that stands out. But the pace of the story was a little slow and many times it becomes a little tricky to move ahead.
Though the story was quite powerful with the theme it represents, I felt a little disconnected from it, especially in the first quarter of the story. There was so much description about some things which made it lengthy at places where it was not required and could have been substituted in describing the thought process, psychology and motives of the protagonist at some important junctions, where it lacked and thus, lacks the connection. Though it comes back on track in between, it lacks again towards the end and takes away connectivity.
The author blends facts and fiction, history and imagination, and thus shows a story that holds the attention of the readers and makes them think, reflect, and research about the ‘zamaan-o-makaan’ – the time and space, circumstances and events that make its place in the history of this subcontinent.
So overall, this book, though having some flaws in storytelling finds its success in being able to make people more aware of the issues and the history of the Mizo people through this literary and contemporary fiction and thus, it is recommended to the ones who are looking forward to starting reading about it.
Rating: 3/5
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This post is dedicated to the letter S for the word “Soldier” in the title.
Jainand Gurjar 