Love Zindabad Not Jihad

by Mahiraj Jadeja

“Love Zindabad Not Jihad” is a story covering aspects of Love, Emotion and Spirituality through words. The story leaves its readers with a relatively intense emotional yet naive foray into love, and does it in a manner which is both pure and intense. The Love story of Shiv and Mahira is going through problems of religious divide. Will they succeed in Love despite the difference in their religion, what will be the reaction from the society, will they able to define what true love and religion is?

11 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 25, 2021

About the author

Mahiraj Jadeja is a Poet, Short story writer and a Visionary from Rajkot, Gujarat, India. Having studied commerce he entered into field of writing starting his journey towards Arts and Spirituality which are his passion. His four books “A Lover’s Will” , “Love Forever” , "A Lovely Paradox" and Love Zindabad not jihad"are his beautiful collection of contemporary romance poems and inspiring short stories . The author writes to showcase reality to the world that “who are us” really? He invokes people to start a journey flowing inwards balancing materialism and spirituality as for the author balance is very important from the small matters to the infinite universe. His latest work is "Heaven Can Wait and other stories". Follow me on Goodreads and my Facebook page @Mahirajjadejaofficial.

Reviews

[Heather Adores Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

Featuring ~ 3rd person POV, first love, insta-love, religion, short story

This is the love story of Shiv and Mahira who met in college and instantly fell in love. They come from different religions, Hindu and Muslim. They must keep their relationship a secret because it’s unorthodox for them to be together.

A super quick story (11 pages) that was a heartbreaking look at how society is not always accepting of what differs from the beliefs that they are accustomed to.

*Thanks to the author for sending me a digital copy to read. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*

[Nila Eslit · Rating 1 out of 5]

Mahiraj Jadeja’s literary work, Love Zindabad Not Jihad, is still on the germinal stage. But he already shows the potential of being a writer. All he needs to do is to improve the storyline and work on the love story of his major characters.

The story in Love Zindabad Not Jihad revolves around the lovers, Shiv and Mahira. Both are 21 years old and they have just graduated from college. They have been lovers for three years albeit in secret due to the difference in their religious beliefs.

Shiv and Mahira discuss their future. But, they face a massive obstacle in their relationship. Shiv belongs to a high-caste Hindu family, while Mahira is a Muslim. It is forbidden in both religions to marry anyone from a different religious denomination.

The Book and the Author

Mahiraj Jadeja has a general concept about his story. I understand he intends to write a romance book. However, he is yet to organize the storyline in such a manner that keeps up the standard of being a book. The copy that I received from the author looks like a manuscript, and not the final book yet. He also needs to define what type of literary work Love Zindabad Not Jihad is. In the copy I got, he switches from narrative to a script format.

In fairness to the author, I credit Mahiraj’s idea. A romance story about a Hindu and a Muslim is interesting because of the great conflict it creates. At this point, his book is on the germinal stage yet. He needs to improve the storyline and establish his major characters.

Moreover, the book is full of typographical and grammatical errors. Mahiraj needs to look into this, too. In the meantime, I give Love Zindabad Not Jihad a rating of 1 out of 5 stars. I cannot recommend it to readers seeking a good read. This work needs a lot of improvement.

NOTE: The above review is also posted in The Catalyst.

[Mahimn · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is a short read with a nice message. The best part about the book is author's philosophy on love, religion, spirituality and culture. I really liked how he has articulated his thoughts precisely and conveys message explicitly. The story could have been more detailed and expanded but it is for sure that this book once you pick up to read, you won't feel to stop, it hooks the reader. Overall its a good book considering it as a short read book but somewhere, an avid reader would expect more to the story. There is no second thought about the beautiful philosophical message it conveys. That is the best part about the book. Author is great at painting portraits with pen which can be seen consistently in his every works and likewise it continues to be same in this book too. I would surely recommend this book if you are looking for some short length good story and most importantly for its message.

[Robin Ginther-Venneri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick read about a couple in love and the problems they face because of different religious backgrounds.

[Sharon Mariampillai · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay Read

I received a book review request from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Thank you Mahiraj Jadeja for the opportunity to read your book. This was an alright read. In this short story of 11 pages, we meet Shiva and Mahira who fell in love at first sight in college, and been keeping their relationship hidden from their families and society. I thought it was a good story. I wish it was longer. I wish there was more about Mahira and Shiv. This story is heartbreaking, and it is about love, religion, culture and spirituality. However, I think this book has room to grow into a longer novel with more character development. Overall, an okay read.

[OJ Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a four-chapter story about Mahira and Shiv, who are from different castes and are forbidden to love one another. Despite everything, they love each other and dream of a beautiful future. However, one incident ruined both of their lives. Fighting with society is always challenging, but where their fate takes them is the battle of egos.

It is inspiring and conveys an essential message with a few words and time. This is a realistic depiction of people who are unable to show their love and live in terror of their societies. I loved reading this.

Full review on OJ Reads

[Cheryl_cajun · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Zindabad not Jihad

 Shiv and Mahira story maybe short but the meaningful message that it carefully betrays that just being in love but force to lie because of religion belief's.  it's a truly sad but beautifully written tale of what happens when cultural norms are challenged.  

[Tasmin Bradshaw · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is a fast read, and lacks alot. It definitely has potential it just needs more. Its quite a sad love story and if there was more to it you would feel for the characters. Unfortunately there's nothing to grab a hold of. Needs more showing and less telling. It really has the potential to be a great book.
I was offered a copy of this book from the author.