Summary of Leaves from Kashmir (2017) | Saba Shafi

  "Leaves from Kashmir" by Saba Shafi"

 

"Leaves from Kashmir" is a memoir that tells the story of the author's family in Kashmir and the impact of the region's political turmoil on their lives.

Theme

The book emphasizes the human cost of the conflict in Kashmir and the ways in which it has affected the daily lives of ordinary people.

The author also explores themes of identity, belonging, and displacement, as her family members struggle to reconcile their Kashmiri heritage with their experiences of living in exile.

Through her personal experiences, the author challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about Kashmir and its people.

Chapters

Roots and Branches: The author introduces her family and their Kashmiri heritage.

The Garden of Paradise: The author describes her childhood memories of visiting Kashmir.

Fruits of Discontent: The author discusses the political situation in Kashmir and its impact on her family.

The Winter Garden: The author reflects on her experiences of living in the UK and the challenges of assimilation.

The Bitter Harvest: The author discusses the impact of the conflict on Kashmiri society.

The Orchard Keeper: The author reflects on the legacy of her family and her relationship with Kashmir.

Key Points

- The conflict in Kashmir has had a devastating impact on the lives of ordinary people, but their stories are often overlooked or ignored.

-Kashmiri people are complex and diverse, and their experiences cannot be reduced to simplistic stereotypes.

-The author's personal experiences provide a unique perspective on the conflict and its effects.

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Author's background and qualifications

Saba Shafi is a British-Kashmiri writer and poet. She was born in Pakistan and raised in the UK, and her work explores themes of identity, exile, and belonging.

Comparison to other books on the same subject

"Leaves from Kashmir" offers a personal, nuanced perspective on the conflict in Kashmir, rather than a comprehensive overview of its history or politics. Other books on the subject, such as "The Kashmir Dispute 1947-2012" by A.G. Noorani, provide a more detailed analysis of the conflict.

Target Audience

The book will appeal to readers interested in Kashmiri history and culture, as well as those interested in personal narratives of conflict and displacement.

Critical Response To The Book

The book has received positive reviews for its lyrical prose and intimate portrayal of Kashmiri life. Critics have praised the author's ability to convey the human cost of the conflict in a nuanced and empathetic way.

Publisher 

The book was published by HarperCollins India in 2018.

Recommendations

Other books on the topic of Kashmir include:

• "Curfewed Night" by Basharat Peer

• "The Collaborator" by Mirza Waheed

• "Our Moon Has Blood Clots" by Rahul Pandita

Crux

"Leaves from Kashmir" is a poignant memoir that provides a personal, nuanced perspective on the conflict in Kashmir and its impact on the lives of ordinary people.