How many writers do we have in India who would write a war story or historical fiction on the Indian army and its operations? Not many or nil. However, Sapru is easily stepping into the role with this second book of his. And it’s not the chest-thumping, rhetorics filled stories with a superhero fauji but a normal, thinking though motivated protagonist who makes mistakes, loses some wins some but tries his best. And the enemy isn’t a die-hard, thoroughly black-hearted villain but again a normal person with his own story behind all the mayhem he’s creating. And mind you, he’s brave, intelligent and believes in his cause with equal fervour if not more! You may get to sympathise with him and may even at times wish that he wins!
A thoroughly enjoyable read and brings the lesser-known IPKF operations in Sri Lanka out in the open.
Sapru, write more and maybe I’ll put you on a pedestal somewhere near to John Masters!
