I Shall Not Hear the Nightingale

by Khushwant Singh

I Shall Not Hear the Nightingale is a colorful and moving pageant of an ancient people about to throw off the yoke of foreign rule. Essentially, it is the story of Buta Singh, a shrewd and wily official working with the British, and of Sher Singh, his vain and ambitious son driven to rebellion against the foreign master. It is also the story of the women of the family—Champak, Sher’s beautiful wife, her wild passions bursting the bonds of century-old prohibitions, and Sabhrai, Sher’s mother, whose matriarchal strength sustains the family in its time of crisis. What happens to this family when a brutal and senseless murder sets father against son, wife against husband, is told against the background of an India torn by religious tension and fraternal strife.

Genres: Fiction, Indian Literature, India, Historical Fiction, Novels

280 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1959

About the author

Khushwant Singh, (Punjabi: ਖ਼ੁਸ਼ਵੰਤ ਸਿੰਘ, Hindi: खुशवंत सिंह) born on 2 February 1915 in Hadali, Undivided India, (now a part of Pakistan), was a prominent Indian novelist and journalist. Singh's weekly column, "With Malice towards One and All", carried by several Indian newspapers, was among the most widely-read columns in the country.

An important post-colonial novelist writing in English, Singh is best known for his trenchant secularism, his humor, and an abiding love of poetry. His comparisons of social and behavioral characteristics of Westerners and Indians are laced with acid wit.

Reviews

[Inderjit Sanghera · Rating 5 out of 5]

To paraphrase VS Naipaul vis-a-vis Pankaj Mishra British colonialism "wanted gold and slaves, like everybody else", but also "wanted statues put up to themselves as people who had done good things for the slaves". In many ways this sums up the particular brand of modern European colonialism that idea that, in exploiting the resources, degrading the culture and systematically dehumanising the people it subjects it is fact doing them a favour and allowing them to rise out of the indigence of their existence. This is evidence in behaviour and attitude of the Indian characters in "I Shall Not Hear the Nightingale"; labouring under the load of cultural and racial subjugation, they have developed a deep sense of inferiority, whereby even the slightest act of kindness, however innocuous,  by a British person is regarded as a divine gift, whose judgements are infallible and orders unquestionable.

In 'I Shall Not Hear the Nightingale', this feeling is more deeply-embedded in the older generation who have lived their entire lives under colonial rule, whereas the younger generation are starting to clamour for independence. In many ways this inter-generational conflict is the central theme of the novel and is encapsulated in the relationship between the respected judge Buta Singh and his rebellious and charismatic, if essentially weak-willed son Sher. It would be easy-and understandable-to dismiss Buta as an idle flatterer whose sickly servility towards the British stinks of sycophancy, however it is important to understand his psychology in the context of a life-time of tacit subjugation and cultural appropriation; like-wise his son, ironically named Sher, is, beneath the bluster and arrogance a weak-willed coward more interested in flattery than revolution, more concerned with his reputation than enacting change. Again, it is important to understand Sher's personality-like that of his friend Madan-in the context of his upbringing as an essentially spoiled and privileged young man in a society where he simultaneously holds a position of power and authority amongst Indians, but is also powerless amongst the ruling British clash. And herein lies the central issue of the cessation of colonial power in Indian and elsewhere-the system of subjugation set up by the British remained after they left and were filled by natives who sought to ape and emulate their attitudes and perspectives, men like Buta and Sher, self-serving and selfish and so, following the withdrawal of the British, India experienced a continuation of imperialism, with the only real change taking place being that the oppressors were now Indian rather than British. 

Another point in the novel's favour is how-by and large-how dislikeable a lot of the characters are. With the exception of a few characters, such as Sher's illiterate and devout mother Sabhrai, most of the characters are trapped beneath a web of self-absorption, self-interest and deceit. Too often characters in Indian fiction are depicted with a one-dimensional saccharine sweet simplicity  and so it is refreshing to see Khuswant Singh subvert these tropes and cliches, such as the craven Sher being held up as a hero for defying non-existent police torture, or the affair between Sher's wife Champak and Madan.  In addition, Khuswant is able to skilfully depict Northern Indian, from the humid and oppressive Punjabi summer to the wonderful descriptions of the monsoon and the airy buoyancy of Shimla; 

 "The monsoon is given a grand farewell with fireworks....the sky is no longer a mass of shapeless grey; it is an expanse of bulbous white clouds which change their shapes and colours as they tumble away. The mists life as if raised by a magic wand, unfolding a rain-washed scenery of snow-capped mountains on one side an an infinity of brown plains intersecting a thousand gold streams on one another."

I Shall Not Hear the Nightingale is a well-written and interesting depiction of pre-independence Indian, of colonialism and of the privilege of the soon to be ruling Indian classes, as well as being a well constructed character study of the wide cast of characters who populate the novel. 

[Tushar Rastogi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I shall Not Hear the Nightingale
-------------------------------------------------
After a very long time i have read such fine novelty by Late. Mr. Khushwant Singh. One of the finest stories i have read so far told with such ease and simplicity. What a writer, what command over the language, bluntness, openness, situations, characters, narration and spellbinding story telling.

The novel was all set to convey the story of a family where each family member have got their own independent thinking and ways of living yet they are bonded together with love, affection, respect, dedication, loyalty, tears, gratitude, attitude, and faith in Almighty.

The loyalty of a magistrate towards the British Raj with the heart of a father for a son at home, the belief and affection of a mother and a wife, the generative, passionate, blooming hale of a young wife, the sincerety of a son and a husband, whimsical and flirtatious youth, the rake lover, opportunistic Infidelity, honesty of maid and servant, patriotism in human genes, obedience and truthfulness of a tamed dog and sympathies of an english man towards an indian family. Full on drama, suspense, action, thrill, sex, murder, plotting, crime, jail, politics, manliness, womanhood all this and lot more....excellently composed and swarmed in the form of a book.

The character of Sarbhai is really very humble and devoted. Marvellous job done with her characterization. Complete portrait of Indian mother. I had tears in my eyes while reading about her demise in the chapter. Such a dignified and true portrait of Indian woman.

Well...! Its the first novel that i have read by him and i can proudly say that i have an urge to read more by him. I am totally in love with his writing. The novel indeed is really very engaging. I completed it 3 days. The more i read the more i crave to know more. Its been really an awesome experience.

Will recommend it to everyone who like to read and also to those who don't like to read because after reading this they will start liking to read books.

[Gorab · Rating 4 out of 5]

A masterpiece of simple narration by Khushwant uncle. Set in 1942-43 Punjab with a Sikh family facing multiple dilemmas. Father Buta Singh, being a very loyal magistrate of British, having conflicting ideologies with his son Sher Singh, being a youth rebellion leader against the British. All other family members are also great characters, each with his or her own individuality and each reacting differently to the same situation.

Like in Train to Pakistan, the title of this book also makes an impact into the story towards the end. That too a manner in which it will keep reverberating in my head.
A simple yet powerful tale I enjoyed very much.

[Lester · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a bitter-sweet tale of a Sikh family struggling to come to terms with the decline of the Raj in the Punjab. Like other books from Singh, he has chosen this time in history to good effect, as it was a time of turbulence, where Sikh, Hindu and Muslim began to feel less united than ever, and yet were unsure as to whether they were united against the British. At the same time, loyal subjects to the Raj (in this case, a Sikh magistrate) who were respected but also potentially reviled by their British Sahibs, were unsure as to which party they were being disloyal to - the protagonist in this case becomes torn between supporting the Raj and supporting his only son, who has become a would-be terrorist.

Into all this, Singh throws in the parallel uncertainties and tempestuousness of young love, too-young marriage, faltering respect for the opinion of elders, and a deep look into everyday life in a Sikh household.

I found the book easy to read, and the story riveting. I am glad I bought this as part of a 4-novel compendium, and look forward to reading the others.

[Ramneet Kaur · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book has all elements typical to any Khushwant Singh novel. However, the story seems to be very loosely tied together. only in the end does it gain momentum. A simple story has been made long by inclusion of unnecessary description of small stories within the main story. The writer fails to grasp the emotional content of readers. Khushwant Singh has tried to portray the spiritual connection of main character and her implication on the people around. But it is visible only in the last few chapters. One can divide the novel in two parts- first part consists of building around the story which constitutes more than 80% of the novel and second part consists of the real story which happens in last 20% of the novel.

[Aravind · Rating 4 out of 5]

In my limited exposure to works of Indian writers, I can safely state that there is nobody like Khushwant Singh. His flowing language and gripping narrative make the most commonplace of stories memorable. This one, in spite of its somewhat loose plot, touches the reader's heart due to the sheer brilliance of the author. In so little a number of pages, he has told the story of an era through characters that are well etched out, and dialogues that are very sharp. A true winner from the master!

[Sonia Dhaliwal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like some movies that are character driven and have no specific story, so can be novels. They might not have a story in particular but something special to say by the events that happen in the life of characters and how their life develops or deteriorates. Such novels are basically emotional sort of stories that tell about human emotions and that sort of soft values.

[Suraj Das · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fine display of the human fallibility during independence and which even stands true today. Khushwant Singh, novel well describes the basic nature of humanity in its primitive form, in an uncomplicated way.

[John Eliot · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hadn't heard of Kushwant Singh until I recently visited India. This is an excellent novel. A great story telling of British occupation of India during the Second World War. For those interested in history, broadening their knowledge about religion and having a good story, this is a must read.

[Ila · Rating 2 out of 5]

sex and dry humour.

[Manu · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first time an Indian novel brought tears to my eyes. Simple but beautifully narrated story.

[Surabhi Nijhawan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful book. Singh takes you through India's freedom movement, and this one is not your regular book on partition. This is a story of people with conflicting ideas and generation gap. The characters are real. The way Singh describes day-to-day lives of these characters is what makes this story intriguing. Buta Singh and Sher Singh's differences, and Sabhrai's traditional outlook on life i.e. to look for answers in god are similar to our own families. You laugh, cry, get scandalised ... and realise that Singh is an exemplary writer. This book is an absolute favourite. Would love to read it again.

[Athira Mohan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Khushwant Singh apparently needs no introduction to an average Indian and his manner of constructing an Indian sensibility has got few parallels. The book sketches out a panoramic view of British India, close to its end of colonialism. The central characters include Buta Singh, a faithful Government servant, caught between loyalty for the British Raj and the new ideals of freedom and independence, which in fact are represented by his ow son, Sher Singh. Making up the picture, we have Sabhrai, his wife, Champak, Beena, Madan Wazir Chand and representing the white men's world, Mr and Mrs Taylor. The characters are so full of life and quirks, and the author excels in a supreme understanding of human psyche. There are some breathtakingly beautiful passages in the book, but nothing more amazing than one about the phenomenon of monsoon in India, which happens to be one of the most beautiful ones I've come across till date.

"To know India and its peoples, one has to know the monsoon. It is not enough to read about it in books or see it on cinema screen, or hear someone talk about it.It has to be a personal experience because nothing short of living through it can fully convey all it means to a people for whom it is not only the source of life, but also their most exciting impact with nature. What four seasons of the year means to the European, the one season of monsoon means to the Indian. It is preceded by desolation;it brings with it the hopes of spring; it has the fullness of summer and the fulfillment of autumn all in one...It is not surprising tat much of India's art, music and literature is concerned with the monsoon. Innumerable paintings depict people on rooftops looking eagerly at the dark clouds billowing out from over the horizon with flocks of herons flying in front. Of the many melodies of Indian music, Raga Malhar is the most popular because it brings to the mind distant echoes of the sound of the thunder and the pitter- patter of raindrops. It brings the odor of earth and of green vegetation to the nostrils: the cry of peacock and the call of the koel to the ear. Most Indian palaces had specially designed balconies from where noblemen could view the monsoon downpour. The commonest theme in Indian songs is the longing of lovers for each other when the rains are in full swing. Three is no joy fuller than union during monsoon time; there is no sorrow deeper than separation during the season of the rains."
One can almost smell rain, huh? The magic of Mr. Singh's words...

[Chinmay Hota · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book depicts the Indian family and society caught in the whirlwind of rapid change brought about by the nationalist movement and a high-strung British administration. The year is 1942 and freedom struggle is at its climax while the British are pushed to the wall in their WW II war effort. Values such as loyalty, patriotism, courage and integrity are now subject to deep scrutiny, and it is obvious that moral dilemmas come to the fore as individuals confront decisive moments of their lives.

Magistrate Buta Singh’s family, the focus of the story, has a history of loyalty and opposition to British rule dating back to four generations. The ambivalence is best described by the British Deputy Commissioner, Taylor, in these words, “In a way you have the history of Indo-British relationships represented by Buta Singh’s family tree.” In the story we find Buta Singh’s loyalty for British pitted against his love for family life, and his son Sher Singh’s patriotism and political ambition pitted against his willingness to compromise on principles. Those free from moral dilemma are the ones consumed by passions such as deep religious conviction (Buta’s wife Sabhrai) or sexual liaisons (Madan, Champak, Beena and Shunno).

Khushwant Singh employs an unconventional style to develop his story - each chapter begins with his philosophizing on a related issue before carrying the story forward. Thus he deliberates on monsoon, religion, sexual conduct of Indian couples, childbirth, a married person’s power of anticipation of the spouse’s behavior and thought in his trademark manner, tinged with humor and sex. The sex subplots are developed to a high point of anticipation but then left midway without informing us how the forbidden acts impacted the universe of the novel in the end.

The novel derives its title from Sher Singh’s statement made to his mother, “Spring will come to our land once more, Once more the nightingale will sing”. Towards the end of the story Sher’s mother, now gravely ill, whispers, “I shall not hear the nightingales, my son.” Poignant moments indeed.

[Sagar Shirodkar · Rating 4 out of 5]

My First read of Khushwant Singh in the form of "I shall not hear the nightingale".
I regret why I took so long to start with his books.

This is a story dating to the pre-independence era consisting of a high class Punjabi family serving as
loyal officers to the British Dynasty for as good as 3 generations with Buta Singh as juggling his roles of the family head and the Judge in the British Raj. His wife Sabhrai a typical religious home maker , however surprisingly she does dominate the climax of the Novel.

Sher Singh(dreamer,coward,leader) his wife Champak(ever growing sexual demands) and sister Beena a college student having crush on his Brother's friend Madan Chand(who is already married) who's father Wazir Chand an associate of Buta Singh.Madan Chand is a charming man of lesser moral scruples, and doesn’t hesitate to make passes to both Sher Singh’s wife and his sister Beena and gets lucky with Champak at couple of instances.

The other interesting and important characters to the story are Deputy commissioner John Taylor and wouldn't miss Sher Singh's the Alsatian dog Dyer .

With the independence struggle moving ahead in a feverous pitch and Buta Singh been muddled in his thoughts with Sher singh revelation as a suspect in a murder of missing Police informer keeps the story interesting with a general pace maintained .

The author handles emotional dilemmas of various character effectively and would definitely appreciate the boldness of the author on the matter of sex considering the time when this novel was written is appreciable where he has almost avoided any form of vulgarity however kept things for the readers imaginations.

Tough the story isn't powerful in itself the characters portrayed by the Author keeps the reader interested in the book.

All summing up to make the book a Good Read .

Quoting from the book below :
"Spring will come to our barren land once more…
Once more the nightingales will sing."

[Yakshi Gupta · Rating 2 out of 5]

Post reading Train to Pakistan by Khushwant, a rather well knit novel with vivid characters, I had decided that I want to give another book of Khushwant Singh a try. The only other book that had decent reviews was this one. But to my disappointment, this book was not even close to the kind of writing that was reflected in Khushwant Singh's Train to Pakistan.
First, of all, there is no plot or story. Second, there are way too many confusing characters whose intentions were unclear from beginning till the end. Third, there are way too many sexual scenes, at one point the book had become pure porn.
Anyway, just to give an overview of what I think the book was trying to reflect was the dichotomy between notions of freedom over generations. Set in 1942, at the time when the freedom movement was at its peak, the book reflects difference in opinions of people over generations. Buta Singh, a magistrate under the British Government, was a loyal servant of the British and was often torn between the loyalties that he had inherited from his father and the actions of his son. He, barring some confusing times, did not want the British to leave because of the fear of the chaos that will be caused thereafter. His son, Sher Singh, was a college going, 21 year old, greatly protected aspiring freedom fighter. He wanted nothing but a free India, at any cost.
Then there are characters like his wife, Champak, who was weirdly overtly sexual, his Sister Beena, who had a thing for Madan, Sher Singh's frenemy and his mother, an extremely religious woman who had this apparent sixth sense of knowing if something is going to go wrong in her family.
All in all, I wouldn't recommend this book to anybody because of the unclear message. I mean I did not get the end objective of this book. Plus the characters were often not true to their character, and henceforth, quite confusing. And there was no clear plotline.

[Sachit Sehgal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would say 3.5 stars

I read this book instantly after finishing Train to Pakistan. It is a completely different kind of work, where
Train to Pakistan stood out because of Khushwant Singh's deep insight into the psychology of Indians during Partition, This novel stands out because of the way it approaches the pre-independence era. The writing is powerful to the extent that you feel you can understand what the character are going through. The best part is the way it shows the conundrum Indians, specially those closely associated with the English, faced just before independence.
Some sequences of the book are excellent, Singh's take on the intricacies of life in India, such as his funny take on privacy in Indian homes, makes this one a lively read. And Khushwant Singh has always had that knack of spicing up the most serious of issues.

However, the lack of pace somewhere in between robs the novel its chance of becoming a masterpiece. Where Train to Pakistan was a roller coaster ride, this one derails a bit in the middle. A lot of time was spent giving us insights into the minds of the characters but the story wasn't moving ahead. The sequences happening failed to give pace to the overall plot. Also, a lot of subplots were started which never ended. They felt like a complete waste of effort.

All in all, a typical Khushwant Singh novel, like many of his other works, the whole literary experience will be a very satisfying one.

[Kiran · Rating 5 out of 5]

beautiful story written in pre indepence of India...written by marvellous story teller... enjoyed it....

[JUST SOMEONE · Rating 2 out of 5]

A story that portrays the life of a normal household in Punjab during partition. Well, it's not that normal. The book comprises of - A man who serves the British and only looks forward to his promotion, although a very honest serviceman; his wife who is a typical housewife and extremely religious; his son who is a political representative in his university and his daughter who is still studying. The book revolves around the lives of these people wherein the man supports the British rule while the son stands opposite them. Just an average book.

[Maslela · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my second experience with Khushwant Singh's work and I find his writing very pleasant in a way that even if the plot itself is not too intense, his prose, layout of the plot, descriptions, and expressions are very captivating. I quite enjoyed the Sikh perspective of British rule in India and the way the magistrates are equally conflicted within themselves due to the subservient culture to the British while at the same time wanting to be their own people. The family drama and religious practices add colour to the political topic. I look forward to reading more of his work.

[মহসীন রেজা · Rating 3 out of 5]

Liked this book. Especially the character development. Some dissatisfaction prevailed while reading because of some loose story orientation. When Sher Sing was arrested then there should have some reactions of his friends but there was none. Nonetheless it was a fine book to read. Sabhrai the character I liked most.

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This little book, purchased in India in 1970 for 5 rupees, surfaced when I was cleaning out my books from my childhood home. It is worthy of a "re-read."

Kushwant Singh is most famous for his Train to Pakistan and this book also is set around the tumultuous end of the British Raj. It tells the story of a Punjabi Sikh family, the father loyal to the British and the son, a Nationalist.

[Tamanjit Bindra · Rating 3 out of 5]

the plot for me starts in one place and ends in the other end of the world taking many detours in the way. Khushwant Singh (god bless his soul) tends to do a lot with the plot. He manages to engage to certain extent, but then loses his way in between. The ending is disappointing though unpredictable.

[Jatinder Pal Singh Sandhu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Khushwant Singh was a great writer with his majestic ability to represent a simple storyline as epic genius work. This novel is full of family emotions and most of the chapter are set according to the sikh calendar starting with Basakhi (new year) along with passage from Guru Grant sahib for each season.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first time reading Singh. The characters of the book were well-drawn in their flaws, and the setting - the height of India's freedom movement - is fascinating. Read this in a single sitting, unexpectedly drawn into the (bleak) world Singh painted.

[Anant · Rating 2 out of 5]

I felt it somewhat incomplete as I was hoping for an episode between Sher Singh, Champak and Beena for what happened in Shimla. But that never came up.

Apart from this, Khushwant Singh always leaves one fascinating with his writing.

[Prateek · Rating 4 out of 5]

The plot is little weak and predictable.

But when it comes to the character of Sarbhai, Khushwant Singh has surely done a good job in capturing the usual flooded love of an Indian mother for her children.

[Subu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely stunning...i cannot beleive indian literature has disintegerated from novels like this to the hopeless things that are peddled these days.

This is one of the coolest books i have read. So much is said in simple words...it's wonderful.

[readermaverick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well written story of a family in pre-independence India, depicting the moral dilemma of choosing between loyalty to the British Government as an official, and responding to the urge for revolution.

[Shashi bhushan · Rating 4 out of 5]

a book which narrates the story of a fine family with their interest so varying but at last conclusive in a way that they wants to be in a family that protects even they are not trust worthy