Summary of "Curfewed Nights" | Basharat Peer

Summary of "Curfewed Nights" by Basharat Peer

  

Theme Of The Book

"Curfewed Nights" is a memoir that focuses on the author's experiences growing up in Kashmir during the 1990s. The book explores the conflict between India and Pakistan over the region and the impact it had on the local population.

Key Ideas/Arguments 

The book portrays the violence and brutality of the conflict, including human rights abuses committed by Indian security forces and militant groups.

It highlights the impact of the conflict on the local population, including the loss of loved ones, displacement, and trauma.

The author argues that the conflict has complex roots in history, politics, and religion and cannot be reduced to a simple binary between India and Pakistan.

Chapters / Sections Of The Book

"Prologue": The author describes his memories of growing up in Kashmir and introduces the themes that the book will explore.

"The Scream": The author describes the brutal torture and killing of a young man by Indian security forces and the impact it had on his community.

"Dead Men Talking": The author describes his encounters with militants and their ideology.

"Crossing the Line": The author describes the impact of the conflict on the local population, including displacement and trauma.

"The Collaborators": The author describes the role of informers and collaborators in the conflict and the stigma they faced.

"Ghosts of the Lal Chowk": The author explores the history and symbolism of the Lal Chowk square in Srinagar, the capital of Kashmir.

"The Graveyard Shift": The author describes his experiences as a journalist covering the conflict and the challenges of reporting in a conflict zone.

"The Endgame": The author reflects on the prospects for peace in Kashmir and the complex political and religious factors that contribute to the conflict.

Key Notes

- The conflict in Kashmir has complex roots in history, politics, and religion and cannot be reduced to a simple binary between India and Pakistan.

- The conflict has had a devastating impact on the local population, including loss of loved ones, displacement, and trauma.

- The author emphasizes the importance of listening to the voices of those who have been impacted by the conflict and of acknowledging their experiences and perspectives.

Author's Background and Qualifications

Basharat Peer is a journalist and writer who grew up in Kashmir. He has worked as a correspondent for The Guardian and has written for The New York Times, Granta, and other publications. "Curfewed Nights" is his first book.

Comparison to Other Books on the Same Subject

"Curfewed Nights" is often compared to "The Meadow" by Adrian Levy and Cathy Scott-Clark, which also explores the conflict in Kashmir through the lens of personal experience.

Target Audience 

The book is intended for a general audience interested in understanding the conflict in Kashmir and its impact on the local population.

Critical Response to the Book

"Curfewed Nights" has been widely praised for its powerful and moving portrayal of the conflict in Kashmir and the impact it has had on the local population. It has been shortlisted for several awards, including the Samuel Johnson Prize and the Guardian First Book Award.

Publisher 

"Curfewed Nights" was published by HarperCollins in 2009.

Recommendations 

• "The Meadow" by Adrian Levy and Cathy Scott-Clark

• "The Book of Gold Leaves" by Mirza Waheed

• "The Collaborator" by Mirza Waheed