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Small Acts of Freedom
In February 2017, Gurmehar Kaur, a nineteen-year-old student, joined a peaceful campaign after violent clashes at a Delhi University college. As part of the campaign, Kaur's post made her the target of an onslaught of social media vitriol. Kaur, the daughter of a Kargil martyr, suddenly became a focal point of a nationalism debate. Facing a trial by social media, Kaur almost retreated into herself. But she was never brought up to be silenced. ‘Real bullets killed my father. Your hate bullets are deepening my resolve,’ she wrote then. Today, Kaur is doubly determined not to be silent. Small Acts of Freedom is her story. This is the story of three generations of strong, passionate single women in one family, women who have faced the world on their own terms. With an unusual narrative structure that crisscrosses elegantly between past and present, spanning seventy years from 1947 to 2017, Small Acts of Freedom is about courage. It’s about resilience, strength and love. From her grandmother who came to India from Lahore after Partition to the whirlwind romance between her parents, from her father’s state funeral to her harrowing experiences since her days of student activism, Gurmehar Kaur’s debut is about the fierceness of love, the power of family and the little acts that beget big revolutions.
234 pages, Paperback
Published February 1, 2018
28 people are currently reading
619 people want to read
About the author
Gurmehar Kaur
2 books69 followersGurmehar Kaur is an Indian student activist. She is currently studying English Literature at Lady Shri Ram College for Women, Delhi University. She is also the ambassador for Postcards for Peace, a charitable organisation that helps eliminate any form of discrimination.
In October 2017, Time Magazine used the phrase "free speech warrior" in expressing their opinion of Kaur and included her in their “10 Next Generation Leaders” list for 2017.
In October 2017, Time Magazine used the phrase "free speech warrior" in expressing their opinion of Kaur and included her in their “10 Next Generation Leaders” list for 2017.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
June 14, 2019
I first came to know of Gurmehar Kaur in early 2017, when she was the centre of a social media storm in India. The daughter of a soldier martyred in the 1999 Kargil war, she had apparently committed the blasphemy of condemning war! Gurmehar had put up a photo of herself, holding a placard titled: "Pakistan didn't kill my father, the war did" - which practically amounted to treason in the eyes of the ultra-nationalists. She was hounded on social media for days, abused, trolled mercilessly and I even remember seeing some fake videos of her behaving inappropriately. Instead of retorting angrily, the girl fought the abuses with dignified silence - and in the process, earned many admirers among the level-headed Indian populace. From a nonentity, she had become a celebrity overnight.
These are her memoirs, where she briefly touches upon how the controversy came about, and more importantly, how she became the person she is now. Apparently, she became the target of the Hindu right-wing when she expressed solidarity with the victims of a riot engineered by the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, or ABVP, the student arm of the Hindu nationalist party BJP which is currently ruling India. Her antecedents were dug up to show her apparent anti-national leanings. However, apart from touching upon it in the introduction, Gurmehar doesn't elaborate on it. This, as she says, is the story of how the person who did such a bold act came to be.
In this book, in a series of short vignettes, the author has tried to capture her memories and interlink them with the memories of her mother and grandmother. She has purposefully followed a chaotic structure, with the narrative jumping from one protagonist to another, and over time and space. It also moves from the first to the third person. This, though it gives the book a certain unusual charm, tends to disrupt the flow of reading, like a movie done in jump cuts.
Gurmehar has a fine feel for words, and the language just flows. However, except for the sections where she narrates her life in the first person, the narrative feels contrived. What comes through effectively is her sense of loss and anger, and the laudable way in which her mother channelises it into positivity. Instead of a young woman seething in anger at an intangible foe, she has moulded a person who is not afraid to take on injustice, like her dad took on enemy bullets on the battlefield.
War - what a waste! If only we had more people who thought like this young woman - on both sides of the border...
These are her memoirs, where she briefly touches upon how the controversy came about, and more importantly, how she became the person she is now. Apparently, she became the target of the Hindu right-wing when she expressed solidarity with the victims of a riot engineered by the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, or ABVP, the student arm of the Hindu nationalist party BJP which is currently ruling India. Her antecedents were dug up to show her apparent anti-national leanings. However, apart from touching upon it in the introduction, Gurmehar doesn't elaborate on it. This, as she says, is the story of how the person who did such a bold act came to be.
In this book, in a series of short vignettes, the author has tried to capture her memories and interlink them with the memories of her mother and grandmother. She has purposefully followed a chaotic structure, with the narrative jumping from one protagonist to another, and over time and space. It also moves from the first to the third person. This, though it gives the book a certain unusual charm, tends to disrupt the flow of reading, like a movie done in jump cuts.
Gurmehar has a fine feel for words, and the language just flows. However, except for the sections where she narrates her life in the first person, the narrative feels contrived. What comes through effectively is her sense of loss and anger, and the laudable way in which her mother channelises it into positivity. Instead of a young woman seething in anger at an intangible foe, she has moulded a person who is not afraid to take on injustice, like her dad took on enemy bullets on the battlefield.
War - what a waste! If only we had more people who thought like this young woman - on both sides of the border...
January 15, 2019
Gurmeher Kaur lost her father in Kargil war when she was three. Her Ma brought her up against her odds. So did her Nani when she lost her husband. That is the sum of this story. This should have probably been an essay (a short one) and not a book.
I felt the half the book didn't have soul and felt contrived. Especially Gurmeher age two and three felt as if they were written with an aim to eek out sympathy. Loss of a parent at an early age naturally evokes natural empathy but it was something about the style of writing that it felt contrived. Remember Frank McCourt's memoir, some of the saddest things are told in a matter-of-fact voice and it churns reader's heart. No such finesse here. It was a small mercy that chapters were small or I would have never finished this book. This book strictly belongs to my sell/give away pile.
P.S: Reading this book made me realise that I don't think a book contract would have ever been offered if it were not for that Ramjas controversy. Also, reminded me of the placards Gurmeher had held in that video. By the way, as per tenor of her book, no Indian has any right to question her since she is daughter of a martyr. Having said that, I wouldn't ever condone the barrage of verbal abuse and rape threat any woman, who voices anything mildly disagreeable on social media, receives. That's inexcusable. But now that I have established that, I think I thought that those placards were much ado about nothing. It is naivete to say that war didn't kill my father, Pakistan did. But, Pakistan does kill. Remember 2008? There are other hundreds of acts of aggression. I don't hate Pakistanis or even Pakistani actors acting in our films which riles up most of our so-called 'nationalists' and yet it would be naive to say that Pakistan poses no threat to our country. What did this lode of bull even mean? I know few celebrities and other regular people (I didn't bother) tried to reason with Gurmeher at the time, but she chose to label all of them as unreasonable trolls. It is safer to hide behind being a martyr's daughter who is beyond reproach. I have no idea how I forgot all these things when I bought the book. I never should have bothered. This output had to be silly. :)
I felt the half the book didn't have soul and felt contrived. Especially Gurmeher age two and three felt as if they were written with an aim to eek out sympathy. Loss of a parent at an early age naturally evokes natural empathy but it was something about the style of writing that it felt contrived. Remember Frank McCourt's memoir, some of the saddest things are told in a matter-of-fact voice and it churns reader's heart. No such finesse here. It was a small mercy that chapters were small or I would have never finished this book. This book strictly belongs to my sell/give away pile.
P.S: Reading this book made me realise that I don't think a book contract would have ever been offered if it were not for that Ramjas controversy. Also, reminded me of the placards Gurmeher had held in that video. By the way, as per tenor of her book, no Indian has any right to question her since she is daughter of a martyr. Having said that, I wouldn't ever condone the barrage of verbal abuse and rape threat any woman, who voices anything mildly disagreeable on social media, receives. That's inexcusable. But now that I have established that, I think I thought that those placards were much ado about nothing. It is naivete to say that war didn't kill my father, Pakistan did. But, Pakistan does kill. Remember 2008? There are other hundreds of acts of aggression. I don't hate Pakistanis or even Pakistani actors acting in our films which riles up most of our so-called 'nationalists' and yet it would be naive to say that Pakistan poses no threat to our country. What did this lode of bull even mean? I know few celebrities and other regular people (I didn't bother) tried to reason with Gurmeher at the time, but she chose to label all of them as unreasonable trolls. It is safer to hide behind being a martyr's daughter who is beyond reproach. I have no idea how I forgot all these things when I bought the book. I never should have bothered. This output had to be silly. :)
April 12, 2018
# Media hype not withstanding, except for good prose, this biography lacks soul, with sparse intermingled sprinkle of ' deja- vu' moments.Her fonding for her late father scapes your heart but fails to make deep impact.Few tardy frivolous events mars the flow of otherwise flawless narration.Her intention to resurrect herself as apostle of feminism runs short with obstinate eulogy to her maternal pursuits which is nothing but perseverance in difficult times.
Only chapters dealing with loss of her father with vantage point of toddler does make justice to this otherwise tiresome read.#
Only chapters dealing with loss of her father with vantage point of toddler does make justice to this otherwise tiresome read.#
January 1, 2020
This might be the first time that I've given such a low rating to a book that contradicts its rating on Goodreads. I made a mistake in buying this book and trusting Goodreads :/
I usually don't like DNFing memoirs/autobiographies and the likes, since I think it might be disrespectful to the respective author's story. Having said that, this book was tiresome to complete.
Have you ever thought to yourself that you've gone through a lot in your life and you want to write about it one day? Most people at some point in their life have this thought. Most of them don't commit to it for some reason; the most common reason may be that, in hindsight they realize that their experience may not have been that unique as they had previously believed it to be. That's the kind of feeling that I get with this book. It's either that she couldn't convince the reader in me that her experiences had something new/strong to offer or that her story may have lacked the depth that one expects in a memoir/autobiographical account.
A couple of other issues are that
1. I could not feel for any of these characters and the reasons could be the jump between stories or it could even be the fact that her style of narration put me off. When she writes from the POV of a 3 year old or 6 year old, I feel she fails to separate her present self from them. No 3 year old is able to retain so much of their memory and also be able to process that memory in a manner that uses such advanced cognitive processes. This style of writing gives the writing a manufactured feel which is extremely off putting for a book of this kind. I'm not claiming that these events never happened but her way of narrating it as a 3 year old was like an insult to my intelligence.
2. Have you ever had a friend who went through a terrible breakup? You know how they can never stop talking about their ex and all the good and bad about their past relationship. You listen to them the first couple of times out of empathy, friendship and concern. But when this goes on, you eventually put your foot down, look them in their eyes and say "Move on! Life is not over, you have so much to look forward to. Stop sulking and crawling into self-pity. " You say that because, again- friendship, concern and you have the freedom to. I kind of feel like screaming the same words to this book but the book is not my friend.
3. Having said this I acknowledge that I will never be able to comprehend what it means to have lost a parent at a young age. I respect her experiences and struggles and those of the other women in this story too. However, I felt that this book would have been good as a personal journal, which would have helped her in her journey. When one writes a book for the general public I consider it important to have something to contribute to the reader which was definitely lacking. The writer could have waited to gather more experiences in life and also develop the craft of writing to create a more comprehensive account of whatever it is that she wanted to tell the reader.
Pros of this book
1. The simplistic language makes it accessible to all.
2. The print/text is easy on the eyes.
3. I only spent around Rs.60 on it on Flipkart.
I usually don't like DNFing memoirs/autobiographies and the likes, since I think it might be disrespectful to the respective author's story. Having said that, this book was tiresome to complete.
Have you ever thought to yourself that you've gone through a lot in your life and you want to write about it one day? Most people at some point in their life have this thought. Most of them don't commit to it for some reason; the most common reason may be that, in hindsight they realize that their experience may not have been that unique as they had previously believed it to be. That's the kind of feeling that I get with this book. It's either that she couldn't convince the reader in me that her experiences had something new/strong to offer or that her story may have lacked the depth that one expects in a memoir/autobiographical account.
A couple of other issues are that
1. I could not feel for any of these characters and the reasons could be the jump between stories or it could even be the fact that her style of narration put me off. When she writes from the POV of a 3 year old or 6 year old, I feel she fails to separate her present self from them. No 3 year old is able to retain so much of their memory and also be able to process that memory in a manner that uses such advanced cognitive processes. This style of writing gives the writing a manufactured feel which is extremely off putting for a book of this kind. I'm not claiming that these events never happened but her way of narrating it as a 3 year old was like an insult to my intelligence.
2. Have you ever had a friend who went through a terrible breakup? You know how they can never stop talking about their ex and all the good and bad about their past relationship. You listen to them the first couple of times out of empathy, friendship and concern. But when this goes on, you eventually put your foot down, look them in their eyes and say "Move on! Life is not over, you have so much to look forward to. Stop sulking and crawling into self-pity. " You say that because, again- friendship, concern and you have the freedom to. I kind of feel like screaming the same words to this book but the book is not my friend.
3. Having said this I acknowledge that I will never be able to comprehend what it means to have lost a parent at a young age. I respect her experiences and struggles and those of the other women in this story too. However, I felt that this book would have been good as a personal journal, which would have helped her in her journey. When one writes a book for the general public I consider it important to have something to contribute to the reader which was definitely lacking. The writer could have waited to gather more experiences in life and also develop the craft of writing to create a more comprehensive account of whatever it is that she wanted to tell the reader.
Pros of this book
1. The simplistic language makes it accessible to all.
2. The print/text is easy on the eyes.
3. I only spent around Rs.60 on it on Flipkart.
June 8, 2019
I wanted to read about the person she is but the problem with her book is that she over estimates how interesting her life story so far is. Spoiler Alert: It isn't. Yes she lost her father and needed to know what death means early in her life, but then I know a million people like that, with exact same stories. That is not their whole story, that is a PART of their story. Absolutely do not recommend.
April 24, 2019
Regret buying it.
November 12, 2019
I find this book way too much hype. Nothing special.
February 25, 2018
Gurmehar Kaur writes a memoir which is a tribute to her martyred father. He dies when she is not even turned three. She waits for him to return. She struggles over the next few years to grasp the meanings of death and expects her father to turn up any time. As she grows up, she collects memories from family members to learn about her father. This is not just Gurmehar's story but the story of the courageous women of her family. The narrative goes back and forth between Gurmehar and the stories of her mother and grandmother. Their marriages are tragically cut short but they are able to raise their children with sheer determination.
The writing shows Gurmehar’s clarity of thought, however there are a couple of inaccuracies in this short book which could have been avoided with better editing. Besides the story of her family, I wanted to know her thoughts more thoroughly on the events that brought her to limelight and its aftermath but she has not reflected too much about it. Her story shows how death is always on the back of the mind in the family of a soldier and how difficult it is to cope when it occurs. Any war comes at a huge cost of lives and lives left behind. Her message of peace will always remain relevant. The courage to stand up and speak for your rights does not come easy to everyone.
The writing shows Gurmehar’s clarity of thought, however there are a couple of inaccuracies in this short book which could have been avoided with better editing. Besides the story of her family, I wanted to know her thoughts more thoroughly on the events that brought her to limelight and its aftermath but she has not reflected too much about it. Her story shows how death is always on the back of the mind in the family of a soldier and how difficult it is to cope when it occurs. Any war comes at a huge cost of lives and lives left behind. Her message of peace will always remain relevant. The courage to stand up and speak for your rights does not come easy to everyone.
November 21, 2019
It’s a true story of Gurmehar before she became well known. It is about her mother’s struggle as child and a woman! It is written very well. Story goes hand in hand from her childhood to her parents and the way they lived and what happened. Book is hyped but it isn’t that great! It surely is easy read.
November 10, 2020
Simple read but slightly overhyped.
August 25, 2020
A premature book that seemed to have seen the light of the (publishing) day only because of the media controversy. It had some sweet stories but overall pretty meh.
July 8, 2018
I lack words to describe how much I loved this book. It's heart-breaking. I could not stop myself from crying while I read it. A must-read for each and every person.
August 6, 2018
For most of us, war ends when it ends but for some of us, it brings a sudden, unexpected and an unwanted change. This book brings first-hand emotions of families whose life war changed forever. A daughter who'd never know what having a father feels like. A woman widowed at the age of 28 and left to take care of two children on her own. And today I can say that I stand with Gurmehar. Pakistan didn't kill, but war did kill her father. Of all the celebrities and politicians who ever made a comment on her statement, had no right whatsoever to criticize, comment or discuss her statement.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 8, 2018
“I don’t fear this place that people go to and never come back. I fear this place where people have to survive each and every day on memories of two and half years, holding on to them for the rest of their lives, however long they live.”
Small Acts of Freedom is a testament to the strength that binds families together. Three generations of women who’ve had to fight their own battles resiliently display the very qualities in their roots and upbringing that makes them so. Dating back to 1947, Gurmehar recounts stories about her family, as they wade through the loss that follows war, Partition and the uncertainty of their future. This nonfiction narrative beautifully captures pain and the innocent musings of a child who is yet to come to terms with the reality of our world.
In the introduction to this novel, the author briefs us about the violent clashes that took place between students of Ramjas College, Delhi and an All-India student organization, ABVP. It is the sheer courage, the need for change that resonates in her writing that had me glued to the book from the start; it also provides context to this book. I don’t read a lot of nonfiction, but if they are anything like this one, sign me up! The timeline of the stories shuffles back and forth over the course of many years. A majority of the chapters are from the perspective of a three year old Gurmehar, so the writing style is very crisp, coloured by the curiosity and innocence of a child. Once you begin reading those chapters, you simply can’t look away because of the stark honesty and sometimes, astonishing clarity you’d find there. Some of the thoughts that take shape throughout this book are so raw that they pierce your heart.
This is in no way a depressing book. The reason why I found myself tearing up quite a bit was because of the pain and loneliness that permeates the writing. And it’s so much more impactful coming from the voices of little children. It addresses very important themes like communal animosity, war and freedom. It builds a story around these themes, urging you to reflect at the state of our world and not stay silent in the face of adversity. This had been one of my most anticipated reads of 2018 and I loved it so much! It spoke to my heart. I would recommend Small Acts of Freedom to everyone! It releases on Amazon India on 15th February, 2018, so keep an eye out for it.
What do you get out of it? A heart wrenching story about how families shape us and give us the very essence of life to keep persisting.
Thank you Penguin India for sending me this book in exchange for an honest review.
Small Acts of Freedom is a testament to the strength that binds families together. Three generations of women who’ve had to fight their own battles resiliently display the very qualities in their roots and upbringing that makes them so. Dating back to 1947, Gurmehar recounts stories about her family, as they wade through the loss that follows war, Partition and the uncertainty of their future. This nonfiction narrative beautifully captures pain and the innocent musings of a child who is yet to come to terms with the reality of our world.
In the introduction to this novel, the author briefs us about the violent clashes that took place between students of Ramjas College, Delhi and an All-India student organization, ABVP. It is the sheer courage, the need for change that resonates in her writing that had me glued to the book from the start; it also provides context to this book. I don’t read a lot of nonfiction, but if they are anything like this one, sign me up! The timeline of the stories shuffles back and forth over the course of many years. A majority of the chapters are from the perspective of a three year old Gurmehar, so the writing style is very crisp, coloured by the curiosity and innocence of a child. Once you begin reading those chapters, you simply can’t look away because of the stark honesty and sometimes, astonishing clarity you’d find there. Some of the thoughts that take shape throughout this book are so raw that they pierce your heart.
This is in no way a depressing book. The reason why I found myself tearing up quite a bit was because of the pain and loneliness that permeates the writing. And it’s so much more impactful coming from the voices of little children. It addresses very important themes like communal animosity, war and freedom. It builds a story around these themes, urging you to reflect at the state of our world and not stay silent in the face of adversity. This had been one of my most anticipated reads of 2018 and I loved it so much! It spoke to my heart. I would recommend Small Acts of Freedom to everyone! It releases on Amazon India on 15th February, 2018, so keep an eye out for it.
What do you get out of it? A heart wrenching story about how families shape us and give us the very essence of life to keep persisting.
Thank you Penguin India for sending me this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 23, 2023
I saw this book among many in the old book shelf and recalled the author who had been badly trolled because of a picture she had put about the violence in DU few years back.
The book opens up with the brief encounter of the violent clashes between students of Ramjas College and ABVP, which bought the author Gurmehar Kaur into the limelight.
But this book is not about that incident or violence, or ABVP or hatred. This book is the story of three generations of women in Kaur's family who fought against fate and hatred. This book is about the courage and determination of these women and her father who sacrificed his life against militants in Kashmir.
Her story gives a very touching insight of many-many families who have members either in the army fighting for the country, or attained martyrdom fighting for the country....
The book opens up with the brief encounter of the violent clashes between students of Ramjas College and ABVP, which bought the author Gurmehar Kaur into the limelight.
But this book is not about that incident or violence, or ABVP or hatred. This book is the story of three generations of women in Kaur's family who fought against fate and hatred. This book is about the courage and determination of these women and her father who sacrificed his life against militants in Kashmir.
Her story gives a very touching insight of many-many families who have members either in the army fighting for the country, or attained martyrdom fighting for the country....
January 23, 2022
Many would know the author, Gurmehar Kaur, through the various news channels and social media posts dated back from 2017 for her alleged support towards Pakistan; claiming her to be anti-national in all senses and terms. All because she condemned war and opposed ABVP for the violence and havoc they subjected on the students. She too introduces herself and her book through this lens and gives a personal account of how it all began, how she was discovered to be the Gurmehar Kaur that we all know today. However, the introduction is all that the readers get concerning the whole Ramjas College controversy, she further goes on to focus and provide the readers with glimpses of memories and shades of hers, her mother's and her grandmother's life.
The book is written through three women's perspectives in no particular order. The author particularly tries to bring into light the few memories that she has shared with her father and how she remembered him post his demise. Most of the chapters are formulated from the eye of a young girl typically at the age of three and six which can soften hearts but also raise questions as to how did she comprehend and process so many events that might seem strange and alien to kids her age? Not to dismiss her grieving or belittle her loss but her way of dealing with these complexities with such sincere understanding and being able to retain so much of it seems crafted for better effects.
I loved the introduction of the book and was looking forward to something between the same lines or at least any kind of leads and clues to know and understand the author and the incidents that shook her life. Alas, there was nothing that could tie the introduction and end of the book together, it is almost like they are two parts of different worlds. I found the purpose of the book's subject to be lost amid these distressful reminiscences.
Nonetheless, the book is written with great simplicity and encapsulates the reader to complete it in no more than one sitting. It has the potential to touch hearts and provide a great sense of belonging to especially those who might have lost someone they loved and have to keep them alive through the memories of the past or those who have someone serving the country.
The book is written through three women's perspectives in no particular order. The author particularly tries to bring into light the few memories that she has shared with her father and how she remembered him post his demise. Most of the chapters are formulated from the eye of a young girl typically at the age of three and six which can soften hearts but also raise questions as to how did she comprehend and process so many events that might seem strange and alien to kids her age? Not to dismiss her grieving or belittle her loss but her way of dealing with these complexities with such sincere understanding and being able to retain so much of it seems crafted for better effects.
I loved the introduction of the book and was looking forward to something between the same lines or at least any kind of leads and clues to know and understand the author and the incidents that shook her life. Alas, there was nothing that could tie the introduction and end of the book together, it is almost like they are two parts of different worlds. I found the purpose of the book's subject to be lost amid these distressful reminiscences.
Nonetheless, the book is written with great simplicity and encapsulates the reader to complete it in no more than one sitting. It has the potential to touch hearts and provide a great sense of belonging to especially those who might have lost someone they loved and have to keep them alive through the memories of the past or those who have someone serving the country.
August 25, 2019
It's been a very long time since I've finished a book within 24 hrs.
I did this one.
It is difficult for me to write a completely unbiased review for this one.
Because, I am extremely biased to the subject. I am an army kid.
Not only my father, but my mother has also served in the Indian Army. And so, reading details of Gulmehar's earliest childhood was extremely nostalgic. Living in quarters, smell of brasso marking Sunday mornings, bhaiyyas, parties at the mess, the children's room there, being taken care of by the unit, transfers, the big black trunks...
But it was also a reminder of my father going away on duty, crying every time he left, and waiting painfully for his return (no phones even in those days). I can't thank my lucky stars enough that my parents always returned. And it left my insides wringed out, reading the chapters that describe both little Gurmehar's and her mother's emotions when they hear the news that he would never.
Yes. I can understand the disappointed reviews I read here because this book doesn't talk about the Ramjas college - ABVP incident that Gurmehar is more known through. But it never promised to. Clearly so in the blurb.
I can also understand the disappointment in the narrative because the book isn't written like a beautiful story that takes you through the places and the people, in a way that a reader buying a book would expect. I could relate, picture and place each scene very sharply because I've lived that life. But for a reader who hasn't, the descriptions wouldn't paint the pictures right. The narrative style itself does have more to want. Oh, and there were a few editorial slips that caught my attention while reading.
Overall, this book is a quick emotional sketch through the lives of three generations of women who've faced the toughest situations imaginable. And how those hardships, and these women themselves, have shaped the author. It isn't always well described, I must agree.
For me, it had all the right feels—teared me at places, took me right back to my childhood at places, reminded me of the people I'd met and then left behind as life took us to new places. And that is mainly why it gets a 3.75.
I did this one.
It is difficult for me to write a completely unbiased review for this one.
Because, I am extremely biased to the subject. I am an army kid.
Not only my father, but my mother has also served in the Indian Army. And so, reading details of Gulmehar's earliest childhood was extremely nostalgic. Living in quarters, smell of brasso marking Sunday mornings, bhaiyyas, parties at the mess, the children's room there, being taken care of by the unit, transfers, the big black trunks...
But it was also a reminder of my father going away on duty, crying every time he left, and waiting painfully for his return (no phones even in those days). I can't thank my lucky stars enough that my parents always returned. And it left my insides wringed out, reading the chapters that describe both little Gurmehar's and her mother's emotions when they hear the news that he would never.
Yes. I can understand the disappointed reviews I read here because this book doesn't talk about the Ramjas college - ABVP incident that Gurmehar is more known through. But it never promised to. Clearly so in the blurb.
I can also understand the disappointment in the narrative because the book isn't written like a beautiful story that takes you through the places and the people, in a way that a reader buying a book would expect. I could relate, picture and place each scene very sharply because I've lived that life. But for a reader who hasn't, the descriptions wouldn't paint the pictures right. The narrative style itself does have more to want. Oh, and there were a few editorial slips that caught my attention while reading.
Overall, this book is a quick emotional sketch through the lives of three generations of women who've faced the toughest situations imaginable. And how those hardships, and these women themselves, have shaped the author. It isn't always well described, I must agree.
For me, it had all the right feels—teared me at places, took me right back to my childhood at places, reminded me of the people I'd met and then left behind as life took us to new places. And that is mainly why it gets a 3.75.
February 6, 2023
3.5/5⭐
Before I moved to Delhi, the Partition of India was a historical event in the same vein for me as the Holocaust, Apartheid, or the American Civil War. They were distant, and knowing little about them or those who lived through them, hung isolated somewhere in the memory of a school textbook. Since soaking in Delhi's past, though, the Partition has come to life for me, the city becoming a breathing legacy of this horrifying time. I'm seeing traces of the event in the neighbourhoods I stroll through, in the food I happen upon, in the people I meet.
After much dithering (and failed attempts at non-fictional reading), I decided to take a plunge finally this month in seriously exploring this event in text, starting with Small Acts of Freedom written by notorious activist Gurmehar Kaur. Kaur weaves a tale about three generations of women in her family: the first, forced out of her childhood home (in modern-day Pakistan) during Partition, the second, growing up as newly independent India tries to understand its own identity, and the third - the author - comes to terms with her father's death in war against Pakistan. As a non-linear, uniquely transcendental memoir, Small Acts is personal and authentic. The seventyish years it covers feel real and fresh, and the family endears itself to the reader in their struggles and equally in their joys. For that alone, the book is worthwhile.
Nonetheless, I found myself irritated several times with the stilted writing (which works in sections where the narrator is a child, but discomfortingly offsets the gravitas in pivotal scenes between adults). I also can't comment on the realism of these events: I don't know the author and I did not choose to read this in order to sort her truths from her fabrications - I picked it up for the story it told. And so, I blame the author less and the publishers more for the few textual inconsistencies I did spot. I can say for certain that with better beta-reading and editing, this could've been a far better book; one I would've asked everyone even moderately interested in postcolonial India to read.
Before I moved to Delhi, the Partition of India was a historical event in the same vein for me as the Holocaust, Apartheid, or the American Civil War. They were distant, and knowing little about them or those who lived through them, hung isolated somewhere in the memory of a school textbook. Since soaking in Delhi's past, though, the Partition has come to life for me, the city becoming a breathing legacy of this horrifying time. I'm seeing traces of the event in the neighbourhoods I stroll through, in the food I happen upon, in the people I meet.
After much dithering (and failed attempts at non-fictional reading), I decided to take a plunge finally this month in seriously exploring this event in text, starting with Small Acts of Freedom written by notorious activist Gurmehar Kaur. Kaur weaves a tale about three generations of women in her family: the first, forced out of her childhood home (in modern-day Pakistan) during Partition, the second, growing up as newly independent India tries to understand its own identity, and the third - the author - comes to terms with her father's death in war against Pakistan. As a non-linear, uniquely transcendental memoir, Small Acts is personal and authentic. The seventyish years it covers feel real and fresh, and the family endears itself to the reader in their struggles and equally in their joys. For that alone, the book is worthwhile.
Nonetheless, I found myself irritated several times with the stilted writing (which works in sections where the narrator is a child, but discomfortingly offsets the gravitas in pivotal scenes between adults). I also can't comment on the realism of these events: I don't know the author and I did not choose to read this in order to sort her truths from her fabrications - I picked it up for the story it told. And so, I blame the author less and the publishers more for the few textual inconsistencies I did spot. I can say for certain that with better beta-reading and editing, this could've been a far better book; one I would've asked everyone even moderately interested in postcolonial India to read.
July 20, 2020
this book was genuinely very good.
i was a bit nervous going in, my knowledge of gurmehar kaur comes from seeing her on malala's social media and being interested. i had no knowledge of the incident about rajmas college / abvp, and so while i can see why people would be disappointed it's not talked about more, i personally wasn't.
really, this book is a beeautiful story about gurmehar and her family, the loss, the pain, and the resilience. i liked the bits where she writes about herself being 2 or 3 years old, as she highlights the innocence a child of that age is *supposed* to have, that was in many ways taken from her.
i was a bit nervous going in, my knowledge of gurmehar kaur comes from seeing her on malala's social media and being interested. i had no knowledge of the incident about rajmas college / abvp, and so while i can see why people would be disappointed it's not talked about more, i personally wasn't.
really, this book is a beeautiful story about gurmehar and her family, the loss, the pain, and the resilience. i liked the bits where she writes about herself being 2 or 3 years old, as she highlights the innocence a child of that age is *supposed* to have, that was in many ways taken from her.
March 5, 2019
This book made me realise how levish and magical the life is where we live. The importance of living your life fully at each and every movement.
This book veritably made me cry not because of the plot it created but because of the fortune i m living in. On reading this u can truely empathize with the write up.
This book veritably made me cry not because of the plot it created but because of the fortune i m living in. On reading this u can truely empathize with the write up.
May 6, 2019
I read this book just in 3 hours. I cried twice while reading this. It is written so beautifully. May god bless the writer.
September 14, 2018
It’s a story that can make you cry.
A story about struggle, faith, hope, love, pride and patriotism. A story of the family of every single soldier who has become a martyr for the country.
And kudos to the author for pouring her heart out and writing it with such compassion.
A story about struggle, faith, hope, love, pride and patriotism. A story of the family of every single soldier who has become a martyr for the country.
And kudos to the author for pouring her heart out and writing it with such compassion.
September 6, 2018
And after reading it, I am much satisfied .
I won't rate this book, as this book is more about someone's emotions, their journey, sacrifices, which are all true and we can't judge them.
This book will definitely give you a better understanding of what people goes through when they loose their loved ones for their nation. If we loose our Loved ones, we definitely have someone to blame upon, but war families don't blame anyone, infact they feel proud to loose their own for their nation.
This story is not only about gurmehar but also about her mother and grandmother, who after loosing their husbands at early age, didn't lost their courage, determination, and themselves just for their children, even became more strong to give them a better life. It was worth knowing them🙏
I won't rate this book, as this book is more about someone's emotions, their journey, sacrifices, which are all true and we can't judge them.
This book will definitely give you a better understanding of what people goes through when they loose their loved ones for their nation. If we loose our Loved ones, we definitely have someone to blame upon, but war families don't blame anyone, infact they feel proud to loose their own for their nation.
This story is not only about gurmehar but also about her mother and grandmother, who after loosing their husbands at early age, didn't lost their courage, determination, and themselves just for their children, even became more strong to give them a better life. It was worth knowing them🙏
July 17, 2018
The book at first seemed lacking the soul it should have as it had all the elements capable of moving you deeply; how a hollow is left in the lives of those survived by a martyr. They move on eventually but their lives are never normal again. A significant first part of the book is plain and written from a point of view of a novice writer. But it then slowly archives depth and becomes an engaging and moving account that teared me up by the end.
During the first half, I kept thinking of giving it 2 stars as I believed her young age shouldn't be taken as an excuse while reviewing a book rationally. But then by the end, I could see the point of it and knew that she should be motivated to write more as she has done fairly narrating her father's story of sacrifice that he made for his country. People need to know such stories from the point of view of the people who go through it themselves: what a war does to families where they lose loved ones who never come back once gone.
During the first half, I kept thinking of giving it 2 stars as I believed her young age shouldn't be taken as an excuse while reviewing a book rationally. But then by the end, I could see the point of it and knew that she should be motivated to write more as she has done fairly narrating her father's story of sacrifice that he made for his country. People need to know such stories from the point of view of the people who go through it themselves: what a war does to families where they lose loved ones who never come back once gone.
May 5, 2021
“Pain eventually passes, but loss is something that stays with you every single day of your life. It haunts you during moments of silence, during the empty days. It becomes your identity because it never leaves your eyes, no matter how loudly you laugh. It forms a barricade between your smile and your eyes.” ~Small Acts Of Freedom .
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I recently read this beautiful book. The writing of the author is quite simple yet it packs a punch. She has so beautifully explained the struggle of a child, who does not know how to bear with the loss she is facing in her life and the struggles the three generations of women in her family have gone through, making them their small acts of freedom.
I want to explain more and give you many reasons to give this one a read, but at the end I will just summarise it in these words, “Go read it now.” .
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I am someone who hesitates in picking up books by Indian authors because of bad experiences in the past, but this book was one good experience. .
My video review: https://youtu.be/zrlihautRC4
.
I recently read this beautiful book. The writing of the author is quite simple yet it packs a punch. She has so beautifully explained the struggle of a child, who does not know how to bear with the loss she is facing in her life and the struggles the three generations of women in her family have gone through, making them their small acts of freedom.
I want to explain more and give you many reasons to give this one a read, but at the end I will just summarise it in these words, “Go read it now.” .
.
I am someone who hesitates in picking up books by Indian authors because of bad experiences in the past, but this book was one good experience. .
My video review: https://youtu.be/zrlihautRC4
April 30, 2018
This is neither the one-star book that the bhakt fauj on amazon is making it out to be, nor is it the five-star book that supportive reviewers are calling it. But it is a superbly credible debut, and I really want to see Gurmehar Kaur write more.
April 4, 2019
Small Acts of Freedom
Author: Gurmehar Kaur
Genre: Autobiography, Non-fiction
“I don’t fear this place that people go to and never come back. I fear this place where people have to survive each and every day on memories of two and a half years, holding on to them for the rest of their lives, however long they live.”
Gurmehar Kaur, a Delhi University student came into limelight after an incident at Ramjas College. Soon after, she penned a book titles 'Small Acts Of Freedom'.
Many, including me, assumed that the book features this same incident that took place in the Author's life. But, the book holds much more meaning than that particular episode.
Gurmehar writes a memoir which is a tribute to her martyred father. Her father, whom she lost at the age of three and whose memories are kept alive in the stories told by her family. The portrayal of her struggles over the next few years to grasp the definitions of death and innocent expectations of her father to turn up any time.
This narrative is not only about her struggles but also that of her mother and grandmother, women of three different generations spread from 1947-2017. Defying all odds, being each other's strength and courage, the three women not only came out as strong but a true warrior indeed.
A tale of loss, grief, pain, courage and strength. I love the way it covers three generations of a family, their daily lives and routines and how things change when tragedy strikes. The book is gripping, considering the storyline and the language which is simple and straight forward.
I feel that one must read this book to not sympathise with the family for their loss, but to understand the pain a family of a martyr goes through.
I wouldn't rate this book, as this book is more about someone's emotions, their journey, sacrifices, which are true and one can't judge them.
Author: Gurmehar Kaur
Genre: Autobiography, Non-fiction
“I don’t fear this place that people go to and never come back. I fear this place where people have to survive each and every day on memories of two and a half years, holding on to them for the rest of their lives, however long they live.”
Gurmehar Kaur, a Delhi University student came into limelight after an incident at Ramjas College. Soon after, she penned a book titles 'Small Acts Of Freedom'.
Many, including me, assumed that the book features this same incident that took place in the Author's life. But, the book holds much more meaning than that particular episode.
Gurmehar writes a memoir which is a tribute to her martyred father. Her father, whom she lost at the age of three and whose memories are kept alive in the stories told by her family. The portrayal of her struggles over the next few years to grasp the definitions of death and innocent expectations of her father to turn up any time.
This narrative is not only about her struggles but also that of her mother and grandmother, women of three different generations spread from 1947-2017. Defying all odds, being each other's strength and courage, the three women not only came out as strong but a true warrior indeed.
A tale of loss, grief, pain, courage and strength. I love the way it covers three generations of a family, their daily lives and routines and how things change when tragedy strikes. The book is gripping, considering the storyline and the language which is simple and straight forward.
I feel that one must read this book to not sympathise with the family for their loss, but to understand the pain a family of a martyr goes through.
I wouldn't rate this book, as this book is more about someone's emotions, their journey, sacrifices, which are true and one can't judge them.
July 26, 2019
Central Idea: The hardships, struggles and victory of the three generations are beautifully embedded in the book. It is a reality of a little girl, Gurmehar, her mother and her maternal grandmother. The three generations of the ladies are real warriors with a war towards peace in life. They are an epitome of strength, courage and determination. Gurmeharr expresses the subtleties of her emotions in an intriguing and heart warming details.
My Take: The book is subtle, light and soft read with a tint of solemn journeys. I explored some of the untold expressions of life and found that the differences of countries is not the reason for anything but war is. The war towards life is fought with peace, which is the clear message, author has tried to deliver through the book. The secrecy of unexpressed emotions are the canvas on which this book paints its uniqueness. I could relate to each and every word of the book as we graduated from the same college and have witnessed those things mentioned in the beginning of the book. I'm totally inspired by the author and her way of dealing with life.
Critique: A very light critical perspective would be that the book is a bit confusing if left unread as it's meant to be read in one go, seeping in all the intricacies it has to deliver. Also, the writing style is a bit repetitive but overall this book is recommended for everyone and is a good start if someone has just began reading.
Favourite lines: 💌 Life will throw rocks at you and beat you with hammers but you will take those beatings in your stride and come out like a sword, a weapon.
💌 Religion should let you grow as human beings and evolve with time to stay relevant.
💌 When there is no love in life you need to create some for yourself.
💌 Our Sikh heroes destroy the enemy by killing them, but I destroy the enmity by saving them.
My Take: The book is subtle, light and soft read with a tint of solemn journeys. I explored some of the untold expressions of life and found that the differences of countries is not the reason for anything but war is. The war towards life is fought with peace, which is the clear message, author has tried to deliver through the book. The secrecy of unexpressed emotions are the canvas on which this book paints its uniqueness. I could relate to each and every word of the book as we graduated from the same college and have witnessed those things mentioned in the beginning of the book. I'm totally inspired by the author and her way of dealing with life.
Critique: A very light critical perspective would be that the book is a bit confusing if left unread as it's meant to be read in one go, seeping in all the intricacies it has to deliver. Also, the writing style is a bit repetitive but overall this book is recommended for everyone and is a good start if someone has just began reading.
Favourite lines: 💌 Life will throw rocks at you and beat you with hammers but you will take those beatings in your stride and come out like a sword, a weapon.
💌 Religion should let you grow as human beings and evolve with time to stay relevant.
💌 When there is no love in life you need to create some for yourself.
💌 Our Sikh heroes destroy the enemy by killing them, but I destroy the enmity by saving them.
September 14, 2018
This is a book about loss, grief, pain, courage and strength. Initially I found the timeline a little confusing, but it all started to make sense later and I guess I wouldn't want it any other way. I love the way it covers four generations of a family, their daily lives and routines and how things change when tragedy strikes.
The story of pain narrated by the little girl broke my heart. It is so hard for children, who have so many questions, so many hopes and dreams, so many plans. Everyone tells her that her father died in war, died fighting enemies, died protecting the country.. but she just wants him back. She would give up everything in life to have him back with her. She wants to go up to heaven (which she thinks is the sky) and bring him back.
The mother and grandmother are incredibly strong women, who have not only fought, lived and survived, but also brought up strong, wonderful daughters who aren't afraid of anything. There is huge difference between how widows were treated in the past, and how they are treated now - and that's another point very beautifully and subtly highlighted in this book.
The entire book is so delicately and poignantly narrated.. I loved every line and every page and will probably read it again. This book can serve as a Bible for those who want to give up, for those who feel they have lost everything; and for those who see no reason to live any more. It will teach you to be strong in the face of every challenge, and to use love as your support system.
The story of pain narrated by the little girl broke my heart. It is so hard for children, who have so many questions, so many hopes and dreams, so many plans. Everyone tells her that her father died in war, died fighting enemies, died protecting the country.. but she just wants him back. She would give up everything in life to have him back with her. She wants to go up to heaven (which she thinks is the sky) and bring him back.
The mother and grandmother are incredibly strong women, who have not only fought, lived and survived, but also brought up strong, wonderful daughters who aren't afraid of anything. There is huge difference between how widows were treated in the past, and how they are treated now - and that's another point very beautifully and subtly highlighted in this book.
The entire book is so delicately and poignantly narrated.. I loved every line and every page and will probably read it again. This book can serve as a Bible for those who want to give up, for those who feel they have lost everything; and for those who see no reason to live any more. It will teach you to be strong in the face of every challenge, and to use love as your support system.
January 2, 2020
I just finished reading " SMALL ACTS OF FREEDOM by Gurmehar Kaur", and loved it. I wanted to read this book from so long and finally picked it up yesterday. I finished it in a one go.
In this book , Gurmehar shares stories of her childhood, her mother and her grandmother. This book tells the stories of three generations of women i.e.- her mother , grandmother, and she herself.Her father died during Kargil war. How her life took a sudden turn when a three year old saw her father covered in a tiranga. She was too young to even react to the situation. This book is about courage and bravery. Their life story is so inspiring and made me feel like I already know them all. Book made me cry alot . The writing of the book is raw and powerful .it is a different type of non-fiction book . Human psychology and emotions are perfectly portrayed. Her life takes so many turns from a girl who hardly knew any emotions to a courageous and powerful woman, who has a voice and wants to do so much for her country.
This book will motivate and inspire so many lives . The message she wanted to convey through her book has been perfectly conveyed to the world. Reading this book will change the perspective of the person in so many ways.
It's a must read!!!
In this book , Gurmehar shares stories of her childhood, her mother and her grandmother. This book tells the stories of three generations of women i.e.- her mother , grandmother, and she herself.Her father died during Kargil war. How her life took a sudden turn when a three year old saw her father covered in a tiranga. She was too young to even react to the situation. This book is about courage and bravery. Their life story is so inspiring and made me feel like I already know them all. Book made me cry alot . The writing of the book is raw and powerful .it is a different type of non-fiction book . Human psychology and emotions are perfectly portrayed. Her life takes so many turns from a girl who hardly knew any emotions to a courageous and powerful woman, who has a voice and wants to do so much for her country.
This book will motivate and inspire so many lives . The message she wanted to convey through her book has been perfectly conveyed to the world. Reading this book will change the perspective of the person in so many ways.
It's a must read!!!
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