Paperback Review: White Blood

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Name:White Blood

Author: Nanak Singh (Translated by Dilraj Singh Suri)

Publisher :Hachette India

Genre: Literary & Contemporary Fiction

Format: Paperback 

Buy from Here: White Blood


       A struggling writer, on the brink of financial ruin, when apprehended by the ticket officer at Amritsar's railway station, pins his hopes on his latest novel, "White Blood". This tale of two women, woven by the author's desperate imagination, may be his last chance at success. But is the story purely fictional, or does it draw from his own life experiences? As the writer races against time to complete the manuscript, his fate hangs in the balance. Will he be able to finish the book, or will his circumstances catch up with him?

                Originally written in Punjabi as "Chitta Lahu" in 1932, "White Blood" revolutionized Punjabi literature by paving a new artistic path. The translated English version by Dilraj Singh Sure is a compact novel, comprising 251 pages divided into 39 concise chapters, which begins at a railway station and unfolds as a captivating story within a story. The narrative is fast-paced and easy to follow, effortlessly carrying readers from one chapter to the next. The story features a diverse cast of characters spanning various age groups, making it a rich and engaging read.

                I thoroughly enjoyed the book's unique narrative structure, which seamlessly weaves together a story within a story. The author's masterful storytelling and vivid descriptions transported me to the 20th century Punjab. I was deeply impressed by the book's thoughtful and detailed character descriptions, which brought the characters to life. The novel's focus on women empowerment was inspiring, and the love story was portrayed with a purity and authenticity that was refreshing to read. I particularly loved Sundari's devotion and her commitment to her values. The novel's portrayal of both romantic and parental love was also exceptional, leaving a lasting impact on me.

                Unfortunately, the book's physical binding was somewhat weak, which detracted from my reading experience. Additionally, I noticed that the spacing between words on page 39 was noticeably narrower than in the rest of the book. Nevertheless, the book's compelling story and strong characters far outweighed these physical limitations.

I would rate the book:4 out of 5points

 

Comments

  1. Dilraj Suri (Translator of White Blood)25 July 2024 at 15:00

    Thanks for the wonderful review.

    ReplyDelete

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