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The Cord
“The greatest war we fight is the one within ourselves”, true to these words by Eric Christopher Jackson, ‘The cord’ is a personification of wars waging inside each individual in the turbulent background of 1947, with the imminent partition and the strife-torn Indian nation. As European colonists raided the world and ‘civilised’ the indigenous inhabitants, the mark they left didn’t just stop with the unruly borders and westernized organizations. As India woke up to her independence on 15th August 1947, unfortunately, her sons and daughters watched the dawn, hazed by Indo-Pak partition, communal riots, mass killings and much more. But these gores are no match to the souvenirs left in personal lives and families of the common public of the twin nations. The ones that their subconscious holds on to, till date. ‘The Cord’ follows Jamedar Ashraf Ullah, of the British Indian Army, whose family moves to Rawalpindi, leaving behind more than just traces of his lineage and Major Azad, 11th Kumaon Infantry, who gets a chance to right a wrong he had committed almost two decades ago. What would Major Azad choose? Guilt over duty? Kinship over comradery? or Love over all else? Is everything really fair in love and war?
244 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2022
About the author
Sredhanea Ramkrishnan
1 book4 followersSredhanea Ramkrishnan, A Food technologist by profession and an aspiring author by passion. She has written more than 20 blogs in the Coffelicious publications of Medium, published 7 Self-help articles in magazines like 'The Infinithoughts' and is a Freelance content writer for Carty studios. Her Debut historical fiction "THE CORD" Won best aspiring author award from 'The cherry book awards', and 'The Rising Author of the year' award by Priya's wisdom publications, ‘Budding Author of the year’ by JEC publications and was also nominated for ‘Best Debut Author’ by Felicia words Publications. She is also a co-host of LOL-Love of Literature, a podcast for aspiring authors and an avid fiction reader and reviewer.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
August 20, 2022
The times whilst one reads a book with tears in the eyes is kind of a rare occurrence. Yes, we do endure sometimes all the emotional feelings conveyed in a story but to be moved in such a manner that tears are bound to form in one’s eyes, well I would say the author has magnificently achieved what she set out to do.
Sredhanea Ramkrishnan speaks about the war, the war of Indian Independence, which started out as a sight for freedom but dug its roots as a rift between Hindus and Muslims, the reverberation echoing across centuries even now. The author introduces a young 17 year old Azad who decided to stay behind in his homeland when his father was given the marching orders to board the train to Pakistan, the decision that comes back to destroy him from the inside out in an unexpected fashion.
The story focuses its attention on the plight of the soldiers, not just Azad but the trauma that affects his father, Ashraf, thru the black shell of a man like Major Karanveer, thru the unwarranted destruction of lives and relationships when one friend has to kill the other for survival. I loved the subtle tale of Major Karanveer woven thru the pages of the story, in fact, the entire arc of his story is told thru letters and POVs from others' eyes', the author has excellently told the plight of a man hailed as a legend but left behind as a hole. The story touches on different lives, the mother’s pain, the father’s anguish, a wife’s loneliness and utter despair and terror of losing her husband to war, the friendship between the boys Viren and Azad, and that between Vijay and Ashraf, each of the thread had something touching to offer and leave the reader’s teary-eyed.
There is an effortless flaw in the story that pulls you in, so much so that I finished reading this in one go. Excellently delivered and poignantly told, The Cord is a cord that ties you in pieces and melts your heart.
Many thanks to the author for the chance to read and review this book. All opinions are expressed voluntarily.
This review is published in my blog Rain'n'Books, ##Goodreads, ##Amazon India, ##Book Bub, ##Medium.com, ##Facebook, ##Twitter.
Sredhanea Ramkrishnan speaks about the war, the war of Indian Independence, which started out as a sight for freedom but dug its roots as a rift between Hindus and Muslims, the reverberation echoing across centuries even now. The author introduces a young 17 year old Azad who decided to stay behind in his homeland when his father was given the marching orders to board the train to Pakistan, the decision that comes back to destroy him from the inside out in an unexpected fashion.
The story focuses its attention on the plight of the soldiers, not just Azad but the trauma that affects his father, Ashraf, thru the black shell of a man like Major Karanveer, thru the unwarranted destruction of lives and relationships when one friend has to kill the other for survival. I loved the subtle tale of Major Karanveer woven thru the pages of the story, in fact, the entire arc of his story is told thru letters and POVs from others' eyes', the author has excellently told the plight of a man hailed as a legend but left behind as a hole. The story touches on different lives, the mother’s pain, the father’s anguish, a wife’s loneliness and utter despair and terror of losing her husband to war, the friendship between the boys Viren and Azad, and that between Vijay and Ashraf, each of the thread had something touching to offer and leave the reader’s teary-eyed.
There is an effortless flaw in the story that pulls you in, so much so that I finished reading this in one go. Excellently delivered and poignantly told, The Cord is a cord that ties you in pieces and melts your heart.
Many thanks to the author for the chance to read and review this book. All opinions are expressed voluntarily.
This review is published in my blog Rain'n'Books, ##Goodreads, ##Amazon India, ##Book Bub, ##Medium.com, ##Facebook, ##Twitter.
March 1, 2022
The Cord by Sredhanea Ramkrishnan is a historical fiction novel that dives deep into the cracks of the partition of India and Pakistan in 1947 which was accompanied by its independence from British rule.
I love this book because it stays true to its story with excellent narration and writing while emotionally drawing you in for a bittersweet ride. We get to experience what soldiers went through during what was one of the most toughest times for the nation and how it inadvertently effected their family because choices needed to be made.
Sometimes love is all that we have, but having to choose between that and family isn't easy, especially when your family is your biggest support system. A son's relationship with his father is a bond that is unexplainable but it's also cherished.
Although it seems like a complex story with a lot of entangled lives, it's a heart-pounding story that will leave you a lot more aware and can be finished in one sitting because you'll not want to put it down.
🦄🦄🦄
Rated 8.5/10
Melina L.
I love this book because it stays true to its story with excellent narration and writing while emotionally drawing you in for a bittersweet ride. We get to experience what soldiers went through during what was one of the most toughest times for the nation and how it inadvertently effected their family because choices needed to be made.
Sometimes love is all that we have, but having to choose between that and family isn't easy, especially when your family is your biggest support system. A son's relationship with his father is a bond that is unexplainable but it's also cherished.
Although it seems like a complex story with a lot of entangled lives, it's a heart-pounding story that will leave you a lot more aware and can be finished in one sitting because you'll not want to put it down.
🦄🦄🦄
Rated 8.5/10
Melina L.
February 27, 2022
Book Title: The Cord
Author: Sredhanea Ramakrishnan
Format: Paperback
Published By: Zero Degree Publishing
ISBN & Edition: 8194973465 & 1st
Genre: Fiction
No.of pages: 244
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
About the book
The Cord is a personification of wars waging inside each individual in the turbulent background of 1947, with the imminent partition and the strife-torn Indian nation. As European colonists raided the world and ‘civilized’ the indigenous inhabitants, their left mark didn’t just stop with the unruly borders and westernized organizations. As India woke up to her independence on 15th August 1947, unfortunately, her sons and daughters watched the dawn, hazed by Indo-Pak partition, communal riots, mass killings and much more. But these gores are no match to the souvenirs left in personal lives and families of the common public of the twin nations. The ones that their subconscious holds on to, till date. ‘The Cord’ follows Jamedar Ashraf Ullah, of the British Indian Army, whose family moves to Rawalpindi, leaving behind more than just traces of his lineage and Major Azad, 11th Kumaon Infantry, who gets a chance to right a wrong he had committed almost two decades ago. What would Major Azad choose? Guilt over duty? Kinship over comradery? Or Love over all else? Is everything really fair in love and war?
About the author
Sredhanea Ramakrishnan is a professional food technologist and an aspiring author by passion. She wrote more than 20 blogs in the Coffelicious publications of Medium. There are also 7 Self-help articles published in magazines like The Infinithought. Sredhanea is a Freelance content writer for Carty studios. Her Debut historical fiction, THE CORD, Won the best aspiring author award from ‘ The cherry book awards.’ She also dons the role of the co-host of a podcast for aspiring authors titled LOL (Love of Literature)
Review Headline
The pain of the partition, personified!
What to expect
Expect a story that drives through each blood cell to recount the amount of pain felt during the partition in 1947 on either side.
Expect a story that peaks into the core of a person’s conscience to define what matters the most.
Expect a story where herd emotions have the upper hand over personal feelings.
Expect a story that humanely defines the conflict between a father and a son due to unexpected events.
Expect a story that will surely rekindle the forgotten sacrifices done by our ancestors irrespective of everything.
Who can read
This book is for everyone. Any book on the India Partition is not just about history but about our existence today here. There are man unsung heroes, victims, unknown stories and man more that we are not aware of. The more we dig, the more we unearth. This holds true when we try to understand more about the ghastly event of the partition. Before I drift more on this topic on an emotional side, I recommend this book to every reader who appreciates historical fiction based on facts and events. This is a perfect travel time book that will give the reader a sense of satisfaction.
My thoughts
There is a war going on in Ukraine now. Watching the news is giving unsolvable questions. Why do people fight? Why do countries wage wars? While these were running in mind, my focus shifted to this book. For many reasons though I have finished reading a week ago, I could not pen the review. I thought this would be the perfect time to pour out my feelings with words.
Talking about this, I initially want to congratulate and applaud Sredhanea for picking up this subject. It is an evasive topic, and it is brought into a book. Sometimes, I feel, the writers want to show to the world their thoughts in some art form. Art is a form of expression. Art is a laborious work to tell the world about one’s mind. It is not easy to convince man people with one’s expression, and here any form o art acts as a catalyst. Sredhanea has done the same, and outputs is her book.
There are books that become an instant hit because of the author, title, cover, or even publications. The Cord by Sredhanea is published by Zero Degree Publication based out of Chennai. I have read books from them and especially cannot resist mentioning the prolific and great Tamil writer Sri. Charu Nivedita. The point in mentioning these names is to tell the world that this book has quality content to publish, and hence Zero Degree team accepted it. This statement might sound exaggerating, but everything will be answered if one checks the publishing team’s history.
Finally, reading this book is one of its kind of experiencing extensive emotions. Not every family story is as easy as drinking water. This story between the father-son duo is complex, hard-hitting and brutal. As the blurb says, while one waves his path into the lands of Pakistan, the other remains in India. The novel talks about their lives after, life in the army, the external factors that affect families and many more. But, the puzzling thing is the author has achieved explaining all these in lesser words!
How is the narration
As always, I quote, the narration in any story is the heart of a book. As long as the reader delves himself\herself into the book, the more interesting the reading will be. But, all this is possible only if there is an engaging narration. This book, The Cord, right from the first page, is narrated wonderfully.
To be very precise, the first few lines from the Prologue of the book captured my attention.
Azad froze.
He felt an extensive black hole drilling inside him, growing, expanding into darkness, a vacuum, sucking all his strength.
The wheels of the Mazda came to a jerking halt.
Indian Army Camp, Chandpur, Bangladesh.
The word Mazda gave so many memories of reading & watching war front books and movies. Indeed, it was chilly to read. Here is where the author has set a tone for the story. Thus, I was hooked!
About the characters
In fiction books, generally, the characters live for the span of the book or sometimes for a longer time. There are also chances a better character might replace that fondness in the reader’s mind after a while. But, in books where the characters were living examples of real incidents and assumed characters in those incidents, such characters will grow inside as long as the reader reads similar subject books.
The character of Iqbal from Mukul Deva’s Lashkar has remained long in my mind until I met another similar character in a Telugu fiction book based on army camps in Afghanistan. Likewise, I would like to quote that the central characters - Azad and Ashraf, represent many people who we all have met somewhere at some time. If you read between the lines of this sentence, you will definitely understand what I mean.
With their strength in dialogues, conversations, and the emotional quotient displayed, these characters of Azad and Ashraf are absolutely entertaining. The other characters are drafted with enough scope and precision.
Writing Style
Suppose there is one word that describes the writing style in this book, its - Overwhelming! This is not a regular fiction that is written with the facts available all over but is a work of fiction where lots of emotional turmoil is captured in words. The writing also shows author Sredhanea’s skills, the amount of research she has done on bringing together everything and finally, the impeccable story-telling. The setting of the story is larger than the imagination. But what surprised me is that she has used a lesser number of words to display the complex and hard to digest situations. Her writing in some chapters reminded me of my favourite movie director, Mr. Mani Ratnam, who uses more actors’ expressions than dialogues. No doubt, this book will stay for a long time in my mind!
Grammar & Vocabulary
Simple and easy language with the required amount of vocabulary is used in the book. This will help the beginner readers or the young readers to flow through the story hassle-free.
What did I like
1. The plot
2. The indentation of the paragraphs
3. The letters and the stamps, it was an absolute treat to look at!
4. The story ended where it started!
5. The emotions and the vividness without any discrepancy.
6. The mention of Radcliffe reminded me of many articles and books that I read about the partition
7. The honest writing and the simplicity in it.
What could have been better
Nothing!
Grab the book, simple!
Entertainment quotient
A debut book is an unbelievable phrase! It is entertaining in every aspect. It has action, drama and emotion. What more does a fine book needs?
Pick it if
you like stories based on partition and war
you want to read books that have engaging narration
April 13, 2022
The song 'No Man's Land' (অনিকেত প্রান্তর) by Artcell not only reunites all the Bengalis by both ethnicity and origin but has the power to unite and connect the family tree of all the people who once suffered during wars, partitions and freedom struggles. The song is about the partition of India-Bangladesh, there is a famous line in that song -
"Two maps were drawn, Between two lands,
Dissected feelings are still pierced in between."
(দুটো মানচিত্র এঁকে, দুটো দেশের মাঝে
বিঁধে আছে অনুভূতিগুলোর ব্যবচ্ছেদ)
Ramkrishnan's The Cord strikes the same emotions. There are numerous partition literature books and there will be more in the future. Writing about something which has historical value needs thorough research, when it comes to fiction how historical elements will affect the characters and the reader matters the most. The Cord follows the tale of a soldier and his family's fate. In the garb of a soldier, it portrays all humankind, partition, war, humanity and emotion. The concept of patriotism, religion, friendship, relationships and battle not only with outer enemies but also the inner battle of a person thoroughly provokes a reader through The Cord.
A barbed wire, a fence, and a cord create two different concepts within the people who belong to those sides that initiates their idea of what is truth and the essence of all the happenings. Here the twisted story narrates and crafts the life of the characters, the imbibed notions of truths, patriotism and guilt. The cowardliness invokes the guilt and makes them stay alone in the dark, the darkness of their conscience. The longing to meet with the separated family who once chose to follow their own conscience, the distant wind comes with the letter which pleads them to return doesn't shake their guilty appearance. Their torn dreams, the distance memories quenched their fears to question what is meant to exist in the reality and does morality is only a distant concept?
War doesn't differentiate family, friends, foes or even own blood lineage, it only follows the order of a bullet for a bullet. Brotherhood, motherly love and the distance of ideology between a father and a son are quite evident in The Cord. The book ends with the death of the father who lost to his own conscience but won against his son, which again questions what is guilt and what patriotism truly means?
Small chapters with not more than 7 pages in each of them, parallel running of stories of different characters through their own narratives, letters and most importantly the history won't make a reader bored or out of place for a minute. With great research on the geography and history of India, contemporary society, ideology during the time freedom movement and partition; one has to read between the lines to get habituated with the characters and their emotions. Though it's an open-end climax but has been finished in a rush and abruptly. Or it might not. The story which starts with the father ends with him too, which left the reader to imagine whether the reunion is possible considering the geographical, political and religious division or the conscience will collide with the idea of Patriotism? Hope you will get your answer through The Cord.
"Two maps were drawn, Between two lands,
Dissected feelings are still pierced in between."
(দুটো মানচিত্র এঁকে, দুটো দেশের মাঝে
বিঁধে আছে অনুভূতিগুলোর ব্যবচ্ছেদ)
Ramkrishnan's The Cord strikes the same emotions. There are numerous partition literature books and there will be more in the future. Writing about something which has historical value needs thorough research, when it comes to fiction how historical elements will affect the characters and the reader matters the most. The Cord follows the tale of a soldier and his family's fate. In the garb of a soldier, it portrays all humankind, partition, war, humanity and emotion. The concept of patriotism, religion, friendship, relationships and battle not only with outer enemies but also the inner battle of a person thoroughly provokes a reader through The Cord.
A barbed wire, a fence, and a cord create two different concepts within the people who belong to those sides that initiates their idea of what is truth and the essence of all the happenings. Here the twisted story narrates and crafts the life of the characters, the imbibed notions of truths, patriotism and guilt. The cowardliness invokes the guilt and makes them stay alone in the dark, the darkness of their conscience. The longing to meet with the separated family who once chose to follow their own conscience, the distant wind comes with the letter which pleads them to return doesn't shake their guilty appearance. Their torn dreams, the distance memories quenched their fears to question what is meant to exist in the reality and does morality is only a distant concept?
War doesn't differentiate family, friends, foes or even own blood lineage, it only follows the order of a bullet for a bullet. Brotherhood, motherly love and the distance of ideology between a father and a son are quite evident in The Cord. The book ends with the death of the father who lost to his own conscience but won against his son, which again questions what is guilt and what patriotism truly means?
Small chapters with not more than 7 pages in each of them, parallel running of stories of different characters through their own narratives, letters and most importantly the history won't make a reader bored or out of place for a minute. With great research on the geography and history of India, contemporary society, ideology during the time freedom movement and partition; one has to read between the lines to get habituated with the characters and their emotions. Though it's an open-end climax but has been finished in a rush and abruptly. Or it might not. The story which starts with the father ends with him too, which left the reader to imagine whether the reunion is possible considering the geographical, political and religious division or the conscience will collide with the idea of Patriotism? Hope you will get your answer through The Cord.
February 3, 2022
Certain novels draw our attention not just by their subject matter but also by the treatment of the subject. The craft of novel writing involves a complex amalgamation of the subject matter with the language, metaphors, metaphysics, thoughts, philosophy, plot and story. The Cord is one such novel. Commendable in its shortness and economy of style, The Cord hits all the right notes of emotions, thrill, drama, and suspense through the span of the narrative.
The Cord is a brutal story of a father and son who are taken apart by the currents of history. Both of them carve their life out in the armed forces. They settle down in their respective geopolitical sides: one in Pakistan and the other, in India. The novel deals with one of the most complex and difficult existential issues: life in the armed forces. Usually, such narratives that include armed forces portray their valour, glory, and patriotism. There are certain classic exceptions though, such as Bernard Shaw’s Arms and the Man, a play that made the Modernist mind question its loyalties, and Hemingway’s Farewell to Arms, which enabled us to let go of the burden of putting ourselves to the test of the grand virtues borne by the soldiers.
The novel moves with a tightly woven plot and strong character moments. As the story moves towards its climax, the readers are given a glimpse into the function of the novel: to explore an existential question. The question the novel explores is perhaps as old as humanity’s entire life span but seldom explored. What truly motivates a soldier, the love for one’s family or the love for the nation?
The Cord captures many emotions, ideas, and complex events with clarity. The economy of words is a surprising aspect of the novel that may serve as a good lesson for aspiring writers. A compatriot of Sredhanea, I remember wondering while reading The Cord on the author’s gift for writing a complex narrative with such a small number of words. Every word counts in this novel, and every pause matters. The visual aspect of writing is yet another takeaway. The writer shows the story rather than telling it. The novel in the Indian English writing tradition often relies on the expositional narrative, which strikes mostly an authorial monologue. This is absent if not mostly silenced in Sredhanea’s work.
The Cord is Sredhanea Ramkrishnan’s debut novel. It proves her to be a unique voice among Indian English Writers. Published by Zero Degree publishing, The Cord comes in a cover designed by Vijayan. The cover image does justice to the themes and concerns of the book. Some chapters are epistolary, designed as the inland letter, an old letter-writing sheet usually bought in post offices in India. In the present day, when letter writing has mostly undergone an advanced makeover in the digital form, the inland is no longer seen. The book is priced at Rupees 290 only and is available for purchase on Amazon.
Read more on: https://anu-lal.blogspot.com/
The Cord is a brutal story of a father and son who are taken apart by the currents of history. Both of them carve their life out in the armed forces. They settle down in their respective geopolitical sides: one in Pakistan and the other, in India. The novel deals with one of the most complex and difficult existential issues: life in the armed forces. Usually, such narratives that include armed forces portray their valour, glory, and patriotism. There are certain classic exceptions though, such as Bernard Shaw’s Arms and the Man, a play that made the Modernist mind question its loyalties, and Hemingway’s Farewell to Arms, which enabled us to let go of the burden of putting ourselves to the test of the grand virtues borne by the soldiers.
The novel moves with a tightly woven plot and strong character moments. As the story moves towards its climax, the readers are given a glimpse into the function of the novel: to explore an existential question. The question the novel explores is perhaps as old as humanity’s entire life span but seldom explored. What truly motivates a soldier, the love for one’s family or the love for the nation?
The Cord captures many emotions, ideas, and complex events with clarity. The economy of words is a surprising aspect of the novel that may serve as a good lesson for aspiring writers. A compatriot of Sredhanea, I remember wondering while reading The Cord on the author’s gift for writing a complex narrative with such a small number of words. Every word counts in this novel, and every pause matters. The visual aspect of writing is yet another takeaway. The writer shows the story rather than telling it. The novel in the Indian English writing tradition often relies on the expositional narrative, which strikes mostly an authorial monologue. This is absent if not mostly silenced in Sredhanea’s work.
The Cord is Sredhanea Ramkrishnan’s debut novel. It proves her to be a unique voice among Indian English Writers. Published by Zero Degree publishing, The Cord comes in a cover designed by Vijayan. The cover image does justice to the themes and concerns of the book. Some chapters are epistolary, designed as the inland letter, an old letter-writing sheet usually bought in post offices in India. In the present day, when letter writing has mostly undergone an advanced makeover in the digital form, the inland is no longer seen. The book is priced at Rupees 290 only and is available for purchase on Amazon.
Read more on: https://anu-lal.blogspot.com/
June 24, 2022
🕯️The story about the lives of ordinary people of India-Pakistan partition period. It expresses thoughts and emotions of people beyond religion and borders. The book will take you to history when life isn't too easy like we're living today. The story begins when the boundary line economics and logistics seemed to matter more to people, then which mosque, temple or gurdwara should go on either side. It portrays how the Redcliffe line of Bengal was made by Christopher Beaumont, private secretary of Sir Cyril Redcliffe.
🕯️Azad, a teenager, decides to stay back in India after partition and abandoned his family for a girl, Sunaina, daughter of Major Karanveer while his family goes to Rawalpindi. 30 million muslims live in five Northern units of Punjab, Afghan province, Kashmir, Baluchistan, PAKISTAN - a land in which the pure abound. The dilemma of Azad that how it feels to live in a muslim nation where the Hindus will not be given any preferences in education, jobs or politics like in India. But his father Jamadar Ashraf Ullah has decided to enroll both his children Azad and Nafizah in Jhelum Military School by Feb 1948.
🕯️The letters of characters, added in book are connecting to readers as it tend to convey emotions and thoughts of characters in book. The story explains the strong friendship and love beyond any religion & patriotism beyond any relations. The plot shows that how partition of Indian & Pakistan led to borders drawn between families and religions. The story will take you to many incidents before and after partition.
🕯️The language is little difficult, but connecting to readers. The thought of Ashraf after killing his own friend Vijay due to circumstances -"How many more Vijay Bhais is this war going to kill? " tells the mindset on both sides of borders and their reluctance to participate in such wars. The plot is expressing perspectives and thoughts of people affected by partition.
Will Sunaina accept Azad decision?
Will Azad be able to reunite his family?
🕯️Azad, a teenager, decides to stay back in India after partition and abandoned his family for a girl, Sunaina, daughter of Major Karanveer while his family goes to Rawalpindi. 30 million muslims live in five Northern units of Punjab, Afghan province, Kashmir, Baluchistan, PAKISTAN - a land in which the pure abound. The dilemma of Azad that how it feels to live in a muslim nation where the Hindus will not be given any preferences in education, jobs or politics like in India. But his father Jamadar Ashraf Ullah has decided to enroll both his children Azad and Nafizah in Jhelum Military School by Feb 1948.
🕯️The letters of characters, added in book are connecting to readers as it tend to convey emotions and thoughts of characters in book. The story explains the strong friendship and love beyond any religion & patriotism beyond any relations. The plot shows that how partition of Indian & Pakistan led to borders drawn between families and religions. The story will take you to many incidents before and after partition.
🕯️The language is little difficult, but connecting to readers. The thought of Ashraf after killing his own friend Vijay due to circumstances -"How many more Vijay Bhais is this war going to kill? " tells the mindset on both sides of borders and their reluctance to participate in such wars. The plot is expressing perspectives and thoughts of people affected by partition.
Will Sunaina accept Azad decision?
Will Azad be able to reunite his family?
January 18, 2022
First of all, the author deserves endless praise for the amount of research she may have done to pen a story so in-depth and beautiful. Honestly, I am not much into the genre the book is in. However, I thoroughly enjoyed the story. It's a perfect blend of relationships, emotions, the strength of characters, and the stoutness one expects from a war novel.
Every character is neatly described. What I particularly loved about the story is that even the supporting characters have been given enough value and backstories of their own. It helped me connect with them and their emotions. There is this particular chapter (or maybe two) that I loved reading but am not going to give much away. It highly moved me because of the way the man's conflicting emotions were skilfully described. It came almost 70% into the book and left a lasting impression on me. You'd know when you read the book. It's a war scene involving Ashraf and his friend Vijay from the opposite sides of the border. Kudos to the author!
Okay, so by now, you must know that I am in awe of the story. It's well-researched, which was needed. Because the story goes back to the time right after India's independence. The way the family's overwhelming wave of emotions is penned during those chapters is praiseworthy. I loved the shade of traits in Azad. He was, according to me, the protagonist of the story. Every hue of him is amazingly explained. Sometimes, you may think if what he is feeling is right. And, sometimes, you'd just end up empathizing with him. That's the beauty of this character.
All in all, this is a power-packed novel meant for every type of reader out there. It's my earnest request to you all to grab this book for a rollercoaster of emotions and thrill, especially during the climax chapters. Great efforts by the author, Sredhanea. More power to you. Hoping to read more from you in the coming days.
Every character is neatly described. What I particularly loved about the story is that even the supporting characters have been given enough value and backstories of their own. It helped me connect with them and their emotions. There is this particular chapter (or maybe two) that I loved reading but am not going to give much away. It highly moved me because of the way the man's conflicting emotions were skilfully described. It came almost 70% into the book and left a lasting impression on me. You'd know when you read the book. It's a war scene involving Ashraf and his friend Vijay from the opposite sides of the border. Kudos to the author!
Okay, so by now, you must know that I am in awe of the story. It's well-researched, which was needed. Because the story goes back to the time right after India's independence. The way the family's overwhelming wave of emotions is penned during those chapters is praiseworthy. I loved the shade of traits in Azad. He was, according to me, the protagonist of the story. Every hue of him is amazingly explained. Sometimes, you may think if what he is feeling is right. And, sometimes, you'd just end up empathizing with him. That's the beauty of this character.
All in all, this is a power-packed novel meant for every type of reader out there. It's my earnest request to you all to grab this book for a rollercoaster of emotions and thrill, especially during the climax chapters. Great efforts by the author, Sredhanea. More power to you. Hoping to read more from you in the coming days.
February 26, 2022
Not many of us know what goes inside the hearts of our soldiers when they are on the war field.
The Cord is a unique attempt to showcase the emotions of Soldiers and their family. Set in the backdrop of 1947 when India and Pakistan partition took place, the novel portrays the loss of family, guilt, love and redemption.
Azad who chose love over his family. Ashraf who would throw every letter sent by his Son. Bismah who would endlessly wait for her Son to write something to his Mother. Sunaina who would be told the differences in the two Religion. Vijay who was destroyed by someone he considered his Brother. Many lives and all are interconnected. When they all come together, emotions are natural to flow through readers.
I loved how well researched the book is, especially the scenes of war. We usually know what happens on the field but we hardly talk about what goes inside the minds of these soldiers because of traumatic events in their family. We have seen soldiers to be brave and courageous, forever ready to give up their lives for our nation but they are vulnerable equally even if we don't normalize that fact. It's their power to hide their emotions better than us.
There are numerous characters and initially I had difficulty to get accustomed to them but gradually, I picked up the names and their roles. A list of major characters would be highly appreciated in the book according to me so that it is easy to keep track of them.
The writing style is simple and convincing and it often makes you emotional. The characters are well developed that when you read the story you understand their perspective of taking certain actions. Also there are letters which people send across and I personally find letters a love language. Not many people write about the inner turmoil of brave people so this becomes a great book to read and share with others.
The Cord is a unique attempt to showcase the emotions of Soldiers and their family. Set in the backdrop of 1947 when India and Pakistan partition took place, the novel portrays the loss of family, guilt, love and redemption.
Azad who chose love over his family. Ashraf who would throw every letter sent by his Son. Bismah who would endlessly wait for her Son to write something to his Mother. Sunaina who would be told the differences in the two Religion. Vijay who was destroyed by someone he considered his Brother. Many lives and all are interconnected. When they all come together, emotions are natural to flow through readers.
I loved how well researched the book is, especially the scenes of war. We usually know what happens on the field but we hardly talk about what goes inside the minds of these soldiers because of traumatic events in their family. We have seen soldiers to be brave and courageous, forever ready to give up their lives for our nation but they are vulnerable equally even if we don't normalize that fact. It's their power to hide their emotions better than us.
There are numerous characters and initially I had difficulty to get accustomed to them but gradually, I picked up the names and their roles. A list of major characters would be highly appreciated in the book according to me so that it is easy to keep track of them.
The writing style is simple and convincing and it often makes you emotional. The characters are well developed that when you read the story you understand their perspective of taking certain actions. Also there are letters which people send across and I personally find letters a love language. Not many people write about the inner turmoil of brave people so this becomes a great book to read and share with others.
March 6, 2023
🌸About the Content
🔹Well first of all, this book appeals to me because I love historical fictions.
🔹The context of the story is the 1947 Indo-Pak partition up until the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. Azad, a young Muslim boy of age 17, is presented by the author as a main character. When his father was given the go-ahead to board the train to Pakistan, Azad chose to remain in his home country, a choice that would ultimately and unexpectedly destroy him from the inside out.
🔹The plot also centres on some other noteworthy characters. Father of Azad, Ashraf, was known for simply throwing every letter that his son sent. A mother named Bismah would patiently wait for her son to write his mother. Sunaina, to whom it was explained the distinctions between the two religions. Vijay, whom he considered a brother, was obliterated. There are many lives, all connected. Readers' emotions will unavoidably flow when they are combined.
🔹Both action and patriotism abound in this book. The book describes the lives of common people during the partition of India and Pakistan. The author also emphasises the moral conundrum and how, in our nation, religions continue to be prioritised over love and emotion.
🔹Numerous touching and emotional incidents are featured in the story, which keep the readers engaged.
🌸 About the book
🔹Each character in this book is skillfully introduced. I really enjoyed the story because it gave even the supporting characters enough importance and their own anecdotes.
🔹The book's cover is very appealing and written in simple and easily understandable language. The book has excellent descriptions and is elegantly written.
...............................................................
Personally, I enjoyed this book and honestly believe everyone should read it. 💯✌️
🔹Well first of all, this book appeals to me because I love historical fictions.
🔹The context of the story is the 1947 Indo-Pak partition up until the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. Azad, a young Muslim boy of age 17, is presented by the author as a main character. When his father was given the go-ahead to board the train to Pakistan, Azad chose to remain in his home country, a choice that would ultimately and unexpectedly destroy him from the inside out.
🔹The plot also centres on some other noteworthy characters. Father of Azad, Ashraf, was known for simply throwing every letter that his son sent. A mother named Bismah would patiently wait for her son to write his mother. Sunaina, to whom it was explained the distinctions between the two religions. Vijay, whom he considered a brother, was obliterated. There are many lives, all connected. Readers' emotions will unavoidably flow when they are combined.
🔹Both action and patriotism abound in this book. The book describes the lives of common people during the partition of India and Pakistan. The author also emphasises the moral conundrum and how, in our nation, religions continue to be prioritised over love and emotion.
🔹Numerous touching and emotional incidents are featured in the story, which keep the readers engaged.
🌸 About the book
🔹Each character in this book is skillfully introduced. I really enjoyed the story because it gave even the supporting characters enough importance and their own anecdotes.
🔹The book's cover is very appealing and written in simple and easily understandable language. The book has excellent descriptions and is elegantly written.
...............................................................
Personally, I enjoyed this book and honestly believe everyone should read it. 💯✌️
January 19, 2022
A heart full with multifaceted emotions and nostalgia
Usha Nagaswamy(Further Education teacher,London) reviews THE CORD by Sredhanea Ramkrishnan through email on 16th July 2021
‘The cord’ is set in the gory blood-stained independence and partition history of India. The short novel is a brainchild of a budding author wise beyond her young years. Sredhanea Ramakrishnan has just begun her journey and it is hard to conceive this fact in the mature approach she has taken to handle some very sensitive issues - patriotism versus filial duty, love versus family values, a story of betrayal of trust of a family, abandonment of family in pursuit of love, the true friendships that spanned across the borders of the two newly formed countries, the grossly insensitive and utterly cruel partition of an India where Muslims and Hindus had hitherto fore lived as brethren and comrades rather than as perceived and projected by the British to the rest of the world.
The story tells of sacrifices made by a Muslim mother and father in the newly formed Pakistan, and the son in the original homeland adopted by a Hindu friend of the family. The author has successfully presented us with a lot of army life related facts in a very interesting but indirect way through crisp conversations and subtle notes.
The author has blended her research with her storyline which is very streamlined and non-taxing in nature to the reader’s mind. The book does echo some notes of ‘The Other Side of Midnight’ and other similar post partition/ independence theme but it stands out in its clarity and ease of narration as unique. ‘The Cord’ is a good read that leaves the heart full with multifaceted emotions and nostalgia.
Usha Nagaswamy(Further Education teacher,London) reviews THE CORD by Sredhanea Ramkrishnan through email on 16th July 2021
‘The cord’ is set in the gory blood-stained independence and partition history of India. The short novel is a brainchild of a budding author wise beyond her young years. Sredhanea Ramakrishnan has just begun her journey and it is hard to conceive this fact in the mature approach she has taken to handle some very sensitive issues - patriotism versus filial duty, love versus family values, a story of betrayal of trust of a family, abandonment of family in pursuit of love, the true friendships that spanned across the borders of the two newly formed countries, the grossly insensitive and utterly cruel partition of an India where Muslims and Hindus had hitherto fore lived as brethren and comrades rather than as perceived and projected by the British to the rest of the world.
The story tells of sacrifices made by a Muslim mother and father in the newly formed Pakistan, and the son in the original homeland adopted by a Hindu friend of the family. The author has successfully presented us with a lot of army life related facts in a very interesting but indirect way through crisp conversations and subtle notes.
The author has blended her research with her storyline which is very streamlined and non-taxing in nature to the reader’s mind. The book does echo some notes of ‘The Other Side of Midnight’ and other similar post partition/ independence theme but it stands out in its clarity and ease of narration as unique. ‘The Cord’ is a good read that leaves the heart full with multifaceted emotions and nostalgia.
May 8, 2022
The Cord by Sredhanea Ramkrishnan is a terrific page-turner novel. It casts the characters that are entwined in a common plight due to circumstances of fate. At one time, they were having common comradeship and brotherhood, but the partition of the country separated them for nation above their personal interests.
The novel is multi-layered with many subplots and its timeline expanse is large…i.e. before 1947 to that Bangladesh liberation war of 1971. The story begins with the division of British Indian Army for two countries – India and the newly formed Pakistan.
Major Ashraf goes to Pakistan with his family but his son Azad hides and remains in India. Why? That is another story within the novel.
On the other hand, Major Ashraf leads the front of the Pakistan army and his family longs to see their lost son Azad coming back to them…will that happen anytime sooner or later? The partition not only broke civilians but this novel shows how the army serving people also got affected with wounds that were beyond repair with passage of time.
Later in the novel, you will find it heartbreaking to see people facing each other at the border that once served in the same army, one side. But nation and patriotism is above family and memories. The same Ashraf who was once a part of the Indian Army, by a stroke of fate, comes face to face with his son Azad in the Bangladesh liberation war. Now what will happen? Can a father and a son fight in the opposite armies? What if they have to kill each other for their respective nations? A high drama ensues as the shackles of fate unfurls at every juncture of life. The novel is packed with drama, emotions, and military action. All aspects blend into one another quite effortlessly.
The novel is multi-layered with many subplots and its timeline expanse is large…i.e. before 1947 to that Bangladesh liberation war of 1971. The story begins with the division of British Indian Army for two countries – India and the newly formed Pakistan.
Major Ashraf goes to Pakistan with his family but his son Azad hides and remains in India. Why? That is another story within the novel.
On the other hand, Major Ashraf leads the front of the Pakistan army and his family longs to see their lost son Azad coming back to them…will that happen anytime sooner or later? The partition not only broke civilians but this novel shows how the army serving people also got affected with wounds that were beyond repair with passage of time.
Later in the novel, you will find it heartbreaking to see people facing each other at the border that once served in the same army, one side. But nation and patriotism is above family and memories. The same Ashraf who was once a part of the Indian Army, by a stroke of fate, comes face to face with his son Azad in the Bangladesh liberation war. Now what will happen? Can a father and a son fight in the opposite armies? What if they have to kill each other for their respective nations? A high drama ensues as the shackles of fate unfurls at every juncture of life. The novel is packed with drama, emotions, and military action. All aspects blend into one another quite effortlessly.
March 9, 2023
According to you what is the definition of a soldier? Is your love for family even greater than your love for the motherland? What would you choose, family or patriotism?
Set in post independence India, 'The Cord' brings about the pain and grief of partition through an emotional storyline that probes deep into the concepts of patriotism, love, valour and honesty. The story begins in 1947 when two best friends or can we say comrades in the Indian army,Vijay Singh and Ashraf Ullah ,have to split ways and be a part of separate countries. As the violence ridden partition dilutes the joy of independence, Ashraf realises that his son, Azad chooses to stay behind in India , citing his love for his motherland. With a heavy heart , Ashraf has to leave his son behind and entrusts Vijay Singh with the responsibility of finding the boy and taking care of him.
The storyline moves at a rapid pace when Azad tries to follow his dreams of joining the army under the guidance of Vijay Singh . As the story weaves in incidents from post independence India , we get a glimpse of how partition killed so many families both physically and mentally. We see Azad's mother waiting for her son's letter, his father burning them up after receiving them, Azad desperately trying hard to reconnect with his family and at the same time working really hard to fulfill his dream.
The climax at the end is really heartrending which will surely move every reader . The fiction is a gripping read and one which needs to be read between the lines as well. Sredhane
Ramakrishnan has been able to reflect her emotions through the mode of a storyline which makes the book an engaging read.
Will Azad be able to make it up with his father? Will their family unite? Grab the book to find out!
Set in post independence India, 'The Cord' brings about the pain and grief of partition through an emotional storyline that probes deep into the concepts of patriotism, love, valour and honesty. The story begins in 1947 when two best friends or can we say comrades in the Indian army,Vijay Singh and Ashraf Ullah ,have to split ways and be a part of separate countries. As the violence ridden partition dilutes the joy of independence, Ashraf realises that his son, Azad chooses to stay behind in India , citing his love for his motherland. With a heavy heart , Ashraf has to leave his son behind and entrusts Vijay Singh with the responsibility of finding the boy and taking care of him.
The storyline moves at a rapid pace when Azad tries to follow his dreams of joining the army under the guidance of Vijay Singh . As the story weaves in incidents from post independence India , we get a glimpse of how partition killed so many families both physically and mentally. We see Azad's mother waiting for her son's letter, his father burning them up after receiving them, Azad desperately trying hard to reconnect with his family and at the same time working really hard to fulfill his dream.
The climax at the end is really heartrending which will surely move every reader . The fiction is a gripping read and one which needs to be read between the lines as well. Sredhane
Ramakrishnan has been able to reflect her emotions through the mode of a storyline which makes the book an engaging read.
Will Azad be able to make it up with his father? Will their family unite? Grab the book to find out!
April 30, 2022
This book is invariably a nerve-wrecking military novel. It's no less than a moving reel on the lives of military personnel.
The story is unforgettably hard to put down once you will start flipping through the pages.
This story is a subtle and meticulously depicted, better say, a flawless piece of art. The characters in this story are so realistic that you will find yourself attached to them while reading this novel.
The theme, context, plot, setting and storylines in this book are extraordinarily literary in nature. The way military metaphors have been used will get you goosebumps.
Albeit, popular fiction readers will find it tedious a bit as this book feels more like critically acclaimed one or somewhat like bookerprize winning novels because of the dialogues and the layers in the story.
The story is as bold as sensual. Action, drama, romance, emotions and ethical dilemmas of a military personnel when it comes to choose between the motherland and family.
The way the author has played with the letters in between the story has invariably made this novel a classic one with it's gripping dialogues.
The story is riveting, it's guaranteed. The language of the story is not lucid as other popular fictions but still it's legible and you will be hooked to the story till the very end. It will get you experiences of all the major wars happened between India and Pakistan in words.
We often read military novels but hardly there's one with so much layers in the story. It's beautiful blend of love, romance and bravery. I personally love to read this type of literary creation. And I will suggest you all to read this one. It's an exhilarating piece and a must read guys.
The story is unforgettably hard to put down once you will start flipping through the pages.
This story is a subtle and meticulously depicted, better say, a flawless piece of art. The characters in this story are so realistic that you will find yourself attached to them while reading this novel.
The theme, context, plot, setting and storylines in this book are extraordinarily literary in nature. The way military metaphors have been used will get you goosebumps.
Albeit, popular fiction readers will find it tedious a bit as this book feels more like critically acclaimed one or somewhat like bookerprize winning novels because of the dialogues and the layers in the story.
The story is as bold as sensual. Action, drama, romance, emotions and ethical dilemmas of a military personnel when it comes to choose between the motherland and family.
The way the author has played with the letters in between the story has invariably made this novel a classic one with it's gripping dialogues.
The story is riveting, it's guaranteed. The language of the story is not lucid as other popular fictions but still it's legible and you will be hooked to the story till the very end. It will get you experiences of all the major wars happened between India and Pakistan in words.
We often read military novels but hardly there's one with so much layers in the story. It's beautiful blend of love, romance and bravery. I personally love to read this type of literary creation. And I will suggest you all to read this one. It's an exhilarating piece and a must read guys.
August 7, 2022
It strikes a cord with you. The book is a perfect blend of fiction and indepth research of author for war scenes during post independence.
THE CORD is a story based during post partition period of a family divided into two for love. Love not for the motherland but love of life.
Azad, a teenager, decides to stay back in India post the partition, while his family goes to Rawalpindi. The war continues, and so does the guilt. Will the new country or rather old country with new borders accept him as a citizen? Will his love trust him or will consider it as a betrayal for the motherland? Will Azad ever reunite with his family? And if yes, if the reunion happens after decades, what will be the consequences? I will not spoil the beans, you read it for yourself.
Azad's love for Sunaina takes a front seat over the love of the family and even the motherland. But does he really betrays his motherland or stays honest with her till his last breath? The emotions depicted are perfect with good indepth research about various ranks in the army, different fights which took during post independence period. Every war leaves scars not only on body but on heart and soul as well is been demonstrated nicely.
The only negative point I felt was there were too many characters introduced. A reader looses the interest once I have to go back again to remember who the person was. Also some of the characters have no role to play in further story could have been easily eliminated.
Overall a nice read as it strikes the cord with the reader.
Read
March 13, 2022The Cord
If you have been following me for on Instagram for the past month, you know that i have been reading the book , THE CORD. Debutant author Sredhanea Ramkrishnan writes an incredible tale about Love and War. We all know that nothing is fair, when it comes to both of these.
I will not focus on the plot of the book here, you can read the description of the book on good reads or my earlier posts on the book for the same. The author obviously has done her fair-share of research hair when it comes to the technicalities of war and the mental mess that the soldiers are in during the battle. It’s something i plan to ask her about when we chat about the book (stay tuned for that conversation).
The plot is also very well constructed , even if you take out the fact that this is the authors first piece of fiction. I remember feeling the way i did reading this book was when i watched the movie Uri. You feel for Azad , as you had for Vicky Kaushal’s character in the movie. (No, the plot is not remotely similar , i was just juxtapositioning the two characters)
With the war going on between Ukraine and Russia, the book could not be more relevant today. Ukraine is not allowing men between the ages of 18-60 to leave the country and asking them to fight.Just imagine all the soldiers and their loved ones must be going through. To get a glimpse of that world, do pick up the book.
If you have been following me for on Instagram for the past month, you know that i have been reading the book , THE CORD. Debutant author Sredhanea Ramkrishnan writes an incredible tale about Love and War. We all know that nothing is fair, when it comes to both of these.
I will not focus on the plot of the book here, you can read the description of the book on good reads or my earlier posts on the book for the same. The author obviously has done her fair-share of research hair when it comes to the technicalities of war and the mental mess that the soldiers are in during the battle. It’s something i plan to ask her about when we chat about the book (stay tuned for that conversation).
The plot is also very well constructed , even if you take out the fact that this is the authors first piece of fiction. I remember feeling the way i did reading this book was when i watched the movie Uri. You feel for Azad , as you had for Vicky Kaushal’s character in the movie. (No, the plot is not remotely similar , i was just juxtapositioning the two characters)
With the war going on between Ukraine and Russia, the book could not be more relevant today. Ukraine is not allowing men between the ages of 18-60 to leave the country and asking them to fight.Just imagine all the soldiers and their loved ones must be going through. To get a glimpse of that world, do pick up the book.
May 22, 2022
There is so much to "The Cord" by Sreedhanea Ramkrishnan, which I like!
I love the barbed wire title design and the title which is very apt, the cover design, the short chapters and the formatting that make it easy to read, and above all I love the storyline.
The author takes us into the lives of soldiers, their family life and into the war zone effortlessly. I can only imagine a book like this written by a soldier himself who has directly experienced war. The author's efforts in capturing the minute details of a soldiers life including their mental trauma is commendable. While reading the book, I felt like a soldier myself, on an emotional roller coaster ride, feeling the pain - when an army officer had to shoot his dear friend, when a son sees his own father as a prisoner of war.
The ending was perfect and I don't think any other way to end the story would have made sense.
The Cord lays tribute to the brave soldiers who sacrifice their lives for their country. I however dream of a world with no partition and no war! - a boderless world where human beings don't have to kill one another just because a person is on the other side of a partition!
The Cord is a must read, especially at this time of Ukraine- Russia war, proving yet again that nothing good ever comes out of a war!
I love the barbed wire title design and the title which is very apt, the cover design, the short chapters and the formatting that make it easy to read, and above all I love the storyline.
The author takes us into the lives of soldiers, their family life and into the war zone effortlessly. I can only imagine a book like this written by a soldier himself who has directly experienced war. The author's efforts in capturing the minute details of a soldiers life including their mental trauma is commendable. While reading the book, I felt like a soldier myself, on an emotional roller coaster ride, feeling the pain - when an army officer had to shoot his dear friend, when a son sees his own father as a prisoner of war.
The ending was perfect and I don't think any other way to end the story would have made sense.
The Cord lays tribute to the brave soldiers who sacrifice their lives for their country. I however dream of a world with no partition and no war! - a boderless world where human beings don't have to kill one another just because a person is on the other side of a partition!
The Cord is a must read, especially at this time of Ukraine- Russia war, proving yet again that nothing good ever comes out of a war!
February 19, 2022
🥀The Cord is one of those books that carve a mark in your heart forever. I started this book last week and once I started it, I felt a deep attachment to the storyline. War stories are mostly about the bloodshed and action and they're aren't really about what's actually going inside an individual and the way that is captured is so beautiful and heartfelt in all possible ways.
.
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I wasn't really sure of what this book has stored for me but nevertheless while moving ahead I realised it's not just a war story it's a very raw tale of waves of pure emotions that runs deep inside, it's a story of changes, it's a story of risking our loved ones for the nation, a story lives once lived. I was also highly impressed by the writing style, it's very fine, the book and language has a very good flow that is maintained throughout. The way emotions are expressed is very surreal.
.
.
It seems author Sredhanea has put a lot of work into research and learning a lot of facts to add the touch that makes it very real and while you're reading it you're transported to a very different zone altogether.
.
.
In and out The Cord is a strong read which shows the other side of the coin to the readers. Definitely recommended.
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Rating: 4.25⭐️
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.
I wasn't really sure of what this book has stored for me but nevertheless while moving ahead I realised it's not just a war story it's a very raw tale of waves of pure emotions that runs deep inside, it's a story of changes, it's a story of risking our loved ones for the nation, a story lives once lived. I was also highly impressed by the writing style, it's very fine, the book and language has a very good flow that is maintained throughout. The way emotions are expressed is very surreal.
.
.
It seems author Sredhanea has put a lot of work into research and learning a lot of facts to add the touch that makes it very real and while you're reading it you're transported to a very different zone altogether.
.
.
In and out The Cord is a strong read which shows the other side of the coin to the readers. Definitely recommended.
.
Rating: 4.25⭐️
August 24, 2022
Human relationships are complex. They would always have dilemmas. It is these dilemmas that the author explores in her debut fiction work.
The story is set in the backdrop of the 1947 Indo-Pak partition till the Bangladesh liberation war in 1971. Is the partition only a line drawn on the map? What happens if the son does not want to migrate with his family for his love? What would happen if two people who were friends just the other day look at each other through the sights of their rifles on the battlefield? What would happen to the conflicts in a mother for the love of her son and her responsibilities towards her family? How would a son react when he has to take his father a prisoner of war? Are the relationships also casualties of that line drawn on the map?
You feel the pain of all the protagonists – every one is a protagonist in his life. In the end you realise that there are no winners in this battle. This is a war that each one has to fight in own way.
A beautifully written story that would make you smile, that would also make you cry. Short chapters make reading a treat. I would look forward to more stories from this young author.
The story is set in the backdrop of the 1947 Indo-Pak partition till the Bangladesh liberation war in 1971. Is the partition only a line drawn on the map? What happens if the son does not want to migrate with his family for his love? What would happen if two people who were friends just the other day look at each other through the sights of their rifles on the battlefield? What would happen to the conflicts in a mother for the love of her son and her responsibilities towards her family? How would a son react when he has to take his father a prisoner of war? Are the relationships also casualties of that line drawn on the map?
You feel the pain of all the protagonists – every one is a protagonist in his life. In the end you realise that there are no winners in this battle. This is a war that each one has to fight in own way.
A beautifully written story that would make you smile, that would also make you cry. Short chapters make reading a treat. I would look forward to more stories from this young author.
Read
January 17, 2022The fiction uses the umbilical cord as a metaphor.
The entire fiction is woven around a soldier's choice whether the cord of the mother (family) or motherland. The narration of this action-packed fiction was like watching a Netflix or other OTT thriller, with dramatic sequences of the family bonds and friendship gripping the reader.
The author has taken pains to depict the partition of India-Pakistan and the Bangladesh liberation war in the early seventies. Her research has brought out life at those times with the exact details of arms and ammunition used by the forces.
The historical details of what was the plight of INA soldiers after Subash Chandra Bose went missing in action is very painful to note. The writing of script for the TV series won't be difficult as the narration is in the pace and flow of a film script.
Action + Drama + Romance + Emotions + The Ethical dilemma all in one fiction is a page turner and will win the thriller readers and history fiction lovers.
The entire fiction is woven around a soldier's choice whether the cord of the mother (family) or motherland. The narration of this action-packed fiction was like watching a Netflix or other OTT thriller, with dramatic sequences of the family bonds and friendship gripping the reader.
The author has taken pains to depict the partition of India-Pakistan and the Bangladesh liberation war in the early seventies. Her research has brought out life at those times with the exact details of arms and ammunition used by the forces.
The historical details of what was the plight of INA soldiers after Subash Chandra Bose went missing in action is very painful to note. The writing of script for the TV series won't be difficult as the narration is in the pace and flow of a film script.
Action + Drama + Romance + Emotions + The Ethical dilemma all in one fiction is a page turner and will win the thriller readers and history fiction lovers.
March 2, 2022
“Older men declare war. But it is the youth that must fight and die.”
Looking at the current situation of the world, this was an apt book to read at this point of time. The ware going on between Russia and Ukraine is horrific and devastating. War brings no peace, even in the end. We can’t even think and imagine what those heroes and soldiers are going through when they’re in the war field.
The Cord is book that shows what soldiers have to go through the wars, their feelings, thoughts, struggle and the feeling of being away from their family unprotected. It’s set on the Partition of India and Pakistan. The book has characters like Azad, Ashraf, Bismah and Sunaina. It talks about their feelings and emotions about war. The author has chosen an amazing as well as critical topic to write the book. He has researched very well on the partition. The book is a great attempt by the author. The plotline could have been better. It’s good for beginners.
Looking at the current situation of the world, this was an apt book to read at this point of time. The ware going on between Russia and Ukraine is horrific and devastating. War brings no peace, even in the end. We can’t even think and imagine what those heroes and soldiers are going through when they’re in the war field.
The Cord is book that shows what soldiers have to go through the wars, their feelings, thoughts, struggle and the feeling of being away from their family unprotected. It’s set on the Partition of India and Pakistan. The book has characters like Azad, Ashraf, Bismah and Sunaina. It talks about their feelings and emotions about war. The author has chosen an amazing as well as critical topic to write the book. He has researched very well on the partition. The book is a great attempt by the author. The plotline could have been better. It’s good for beginners.
February 6, 2022
If you want to listen to war perspectives in a voice laced with angst, anger and pathos, pick up The Cord. The voice is that of a millennial, young and raw. But that does not take away from the immense research that has gone into Sredhanea's debut work.
The story is set amidst war and partition. While the story does dwell on war lexicon, including the generous sprinkling of the names of weapons and arsenal, it flits across the expansive canvas of emotion and drama, especially in the etching of the family contexts of the men fighting at the borders.
Many times, the story sits on the horns of an ethical dilemma between father and son...of rights and wrongs, of love and separation.
The writing flows fluently and keeps pace with the character arcs.
A good read for a peep into army life - on and off the battlefield.
The story is set amidst war and partition. While the story does dwell on war lexicon, including the generous sprinkling of the names of weapons and arsenal, it flits across the expansive canvas of emotion and drama, especially in the etching of the family contexts of the men fighting at the borders.
Many times, the story sits on the horns of an ethical dilemma between father and son...of rights and wrongs, of love and separation.
The writing flows fluently and keeps pace with the character arcs.
A good read for a peep into army life - on and off the battlefield.
February 21, 2022
Patriotism can mean different things to different people. There is no one definition or motivation behind why a person is patriotic towards his cause or country. That forms the core of the story of The Cord where a father and son, Ashraf and Azad choose to ally themselves on opposite sides, based on their views of country, family, religion and patriotism.
It is a well told tale with sparkling moments between the characters. It moves from the time of India's partition to the Bangladesh war. It could have probably been a longer book too if the author chose to be more indulgent in the characters as she did have some strong ones.
The only thing that didn't sit well was why the author thought it was important to state sounds in quotes. If you do like stories of war and family then this one might be what you should pick up.
It is a well told tale with sparkling moments between the characters. It moves from the time of India's partition to the Bangladesh war. It could have probably been a longer book too if the author chose to be more indulgent in the characters as she did have some strong ones.
The only thing that didn't sit well was why the author thought it was important to state sounds in quotes. If you do like stories of war and family then this one might be what you should pick up.
May 11, 2022
Book: The Cord
By: Sradhanea Ramkrishnan
The book revolves around the Indo-Pak war of 1947. The situation was deadly and families parted away.
How lives were shattered and each one of them dealt with dilemma.
The author portrays the life of people in armed forces. Their families deal with emotions of loss, war and love.
The characters are portrayed well and have been developed with a strong tinge of emotions and literature.
The words used are simple but the storyline is so damn amazing that one feels lost in the imaginary war zone of The Cord.
I appreciate the plot and flow of scenarios in the book which was a perfect blend of emotions and characterization.
Overall, a must read for all.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
For the book!!
By: Sradhanea Ramkrishnan
The book revolves around the Indo-Pak war of 1947. The situation was deadly and families parted away.
How lives were shattered and each one of them dealt with dilemma.
The author portrays the life of people in armed forces. Their families deal with emotions of loss, war and love.
The characters are portrayed well and have been developed with a strong tinge of emotions and literature.
The words used are simple but the storyline is so damn amazing that one feels lost in the imaginary war zone of The Cord.
I appreciate the plot and flow of scenarios in the book which was a perfect blend of emotions and characterization.
Overall, a must read for all.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
For the book!!
August 15, 2022
This book has an impressive begining. The plot was so good, the turns were not what I was expecting at all.
I loved how fast paced this book was yet the characters had depth portrayal. The characters were quite well shaped. The story was excellent,easy to read.
The narration was intriguing and kept me hooked from the very start. The storyline was really good but the narrative made it more interesting. The story was crisp and there were no unnecessary plots to lengthen it.
The book cover is really attractive. I really liked this book. It was lucid and written in easy language. The book is elegantly written with great descriptions. I completed the book in one sitting.
The plot was excellent,easy to interpret. I loved every page. I recommend it to all, it's fully worth it.
I loved how fast paced this book was yet the characters had depth portrayal. The characters were quite well shaped. The story was excellent,easy to read.
The narration was intriguing and kept me hooked from the very start. The storyline was really good but the narrative made it more interesting. The story was crisp and there were no unnecessary plots to lengthen it.
The book cover is really attractive. I really liked this book. It was lucid and written in easy language. The book is elegantly written with great descriptions. I completed the book in one sitting.
The plot was excellent,easy to interpret. I loved every page. I recommend it to all, it's fully worth it.
January 19, 2022
What is it for a young author of the millennial generation to be thinking of the partition of India when her grandfather was just born? Where does this thought of care come from? It intrigued me to think of her thought process when I first read ‘The Cord. Yes, the debutant author talks about love and war, but the human side of war that she sends across through them stayed with me. And the way the promising novelist portrays her male characters and the father and son bond would certainly make readers feel them, among them, in flesh and blood. Look forward to more works from this rising star.
January 11, 2022
A quick page-turner and a wonderful read. The ease of narration exhibits the detailed research and clarity of the concept that the author possesses. A soldier is not the only one fighting at the border. The emotions experienced by the family of a soldier have been portrayed well. No filmy drama 😊 A fantastic debut novel by the author. Looking forward to more books by the author.
February 5, 2023
Beautiful work, this book delivers so much knowledge and wisdom. I really like the way it's written, which make you feel like you're part of it and the people are actually your friends and family. Kudos to the author
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