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When Blackbirds Fly
One of the first middle-grade historical novels set in the north-east, When Blackbirds Fly
focuses on children growing up in times of conflict. Part of the Not Our War series, the
book is a sensitive insight into the ravages of war seen through the eyes of an unnamed
young boy.
Set against the backdrop of the two-decade long civil war and specifically the 1966
bombing of Aizawl, this book is a primer for young adults to a part of Indian history that
has been long sidelined.
focuses on children growing up in times of conflict. Part of the Not Our War series, the
book is a sensitive insight into the ravages of war seen through the eyes of an unnamed
young boy.
Set against the backdrop of the two-decade long civil war and specifically the 1966
bombing of Aizawl, this book is a primer for young adults to a part of Indian history that
has been long sidelined.
- GenresIndia
128 pages, Paperback
First published February 7, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
April 8, 2023
The plot has been set in backdrop of the Mautam famine of 1950s and the subsequent insurgency in name of freedom for Mizoram. The 1966 bombing of Aizwal finds centre stage in this debut novel. Despite being a Mizo herself, the author does a fine balance on this delicate theme and through the eyes of two young protagonists brings forth the utter fruitlessness of insurgency and counter insurgency and the disastrous effects it has on the general population. A riveting ‘terror-lore’ read.
June 21, 2022
When Blackbirds Fly by Hannah Lalhlanpuii
《4/5》
Melocanna baccifera is a species of Bamboo that is found primarily in the northeastern states of Tripura, Manipur, Mizoram and certain places in Assam. Every 48-50 years this species undergoes a large scale flowering and seeding phase. This is called Mautam. This causes a sudden boom in the rat population as they feed on the fallen seeds. Once the seeds are exhausted, the rodents start raiding the stored grains causing a massive famine in these parts of the northeast. These famines have shaped a lot of the region’s political history. As a mainlander, I had no idea of this and it is definitely NOT OK.
The Mizo National Front (MNF) was formed in 1960 from the Mizo National Famine Front to demand and establish a sovereign state for the Mizo people, as a protest against the apathy of the Indian Government during the Mautam famine of 1959. Insurgency was declared in the area from Feb 1966 to March 1966 that resulted later in the Mizo peace accord and seizure of the Indian Government of the territories taken by MNF.
When Blackbirds Fly by Hannah Lalhlanpuii is one of the books in Penguin’s Not Our War (NOW) series which tells us the tale of this insurgency from the perspective of a teenager.
Our unnamed narrator deems himself happy and content in his sweet little town in Aizawl. His two best friends Rini and Zuala make his life very joyous and a very sweet father and grandfather tell him stories and teach him math and he has never thought of himself as not free. So he does not understand the fight for independence. He spends his spare time collecting cartridges from the areas in his town where shootings may have happened.
The story obviously is not a happy one. It obviously ends in a tragedy. It manages to raise a ton of questions. Sometimes in the urge to become independent, we miss to check the harm done to our own people. So, ultimately whose independence are we speaking of?
It is a very tiny book, written with a lot of sensitivity and despite some very jarring editorial errors, stands very strong on its premise.
《4/5》
Melocanna baccifera is a species of Bamboo that is found primarily in the northeastern states of Tripura, Manipur, Mizoram and certain places in Assam. Every 48-50 years this species undergoes a large scale flowering and seeding phase. This is called Mautam. This causes a sudden boom in the rat population as they feed on the fallen seeds. Once the seeds are exhausted, the rodents start raiding the stored grains causing a massive famine in these parts of the northeast. These famines have shaped a lot of the region’s political history. As a mainlander, I had no idea of this and it is definitely NOT OK.
The Mizo National Front (MNF) was formed in 1960 from the Mizo National Famine Front to demand and establish a sovereign state for the Mizo people, as a protest against the apathy of the Indian Government during the Mautam famine of 1959. Insurgency was declared in the area from Feb 1966 to March 1966 that resulted later in the Mizo peace accord and seizure of the Indian Government of the territories taken by MNF.
When Blackbirds Fly by Hannah Lalhlanpuii is one of the books in Penguin’s Not Our War (NOW) series which tells us the tale of this insurgency from the perspective of a teenager.
Our unnamed narrator deems himself happy and content in his sweet little town in Aizawl. His two best friends Rini and Zuala make his life very joyous and a very sweet father and grandfather tell him stories and teach him math and he has never thought of himself as not free. So he does not understand the fight for independence. He spends his spare time collecting cartridges from the areas in his town where shootings may have happened.
The story obviously is not a happy one. It obviously ends in a tragedy. It manages to raise a ton of questions. Sometimes in the urge to become independent, we miss to check the harm done to our own people. So, ultimately whose independence are we speaking of?
It is a very tiny book, written with a lot of sensitivity and despite some very jarring editorial errors, stands very strong on its premise.
June 1, 2022
When Blackbirds Fly belongs to the NOW series (Not Our War). Yet again remarkable writing, vulnerable characters and an genuinely heart-wrenching plot win your heart! When Blackbirds Fly is a story of friendship, trust, loss and hope. Set amidst the independence movement in Mizoram, this story demonstrates the need for peace and understanding because wars do us no good. They ensure enough blood is spilt before any solution can be reached. Hence, when the narrator is asked to give up his individual desires (something as simple as owning a jeep and driving around), he is caught unawares. The story revolves around this young child who takes time to come to grips with the grim reality of war.
Read the complete review here: https://www.aliveshadow.com/category-...
Read the complete review here: https://www.aliveshadow.com/category-...
October 2, 2022
A short, sweet read.
January 9, 2023
I get it. I get it how important it is to gain independence from a colonial rule. India people had experienced it first hand. I am aware of their history. What I did not know was Mizoram's long struggle for independence from the Indian Union following the famine that caused a lot of deaths. People died of starvation but the central government did nothing.
I feel a lot of sympathy for the victims and survivors both.
But am also a bit uncomfortable.
Had the present right wing government been in power during 1960s , they would have stopped this book from publishing. They would not have been tolerant.
I am giving it 5 stars for portraying the history of Mizoram in a nuanced and sympathetic fashion. The writing needs a bit more polishing but overall I recommend it highly.
I feel a lot of sympathy for the victims and survivors both.
But am also a bit uncomfortable.
Had the present right wing government been in power during 1960s , they would have stopped this book from publishing. They would not have been tolerant.
I am giving it 5 stars for portraying the history of Mizoram in a nuanced and sympathetic fashion. The writing needs a bit more polishing but overall I recommend it highly.
February 21, 2022
This is the first review I am posting here. Don't ask me why. Because I may not have a tangible explanation for not posting a review before this.
However, I do have substantial reason to write this review and let it take pride in being the first of its kind - my reason is the hope that my review would do its little bit to ensure that more young readers are equipped with such books.
When I began reading When Blackbirds Fly, I knew nothing about the story in it. I don't read synopses, on principle. I want the thrill to build up. Synopses tend to destroy that thrill. I prefer to go by the title, and my instinct.
So it was only three pages into it when I realised this book wasn't just another mainstream YA book...about young romance, college nightouts etc.
I soon knew that the book was addressing a more serious subject...life in the midst of conflict, war...children growing up in conflict zones, in the midst of bombings, fear of gunfire, and hatred...dilemma of taking sides with waring groups, a dilemma that comes as part of routine and leaves you with no choice.
The story is set in North-East India, in Mizoram...Aizawl. The protagonist is a school-going boy of 'not yet fifteen'.
He often wakes up from nightmares and finds life in the rising sun and the blackbirds outside his little window. Then, one day, some other kinds of blackbirds fly in. They hover over his little peace and freedom. Our little protagonist wants to touch them, fly them. But soon, he must learn and understand that these blackbirds brought destruction and tears, and loss.
It's never easy to tell stories for children/YA. There are numerous omissions, and commissions. When you write for young readers, you are addressing impressionable minds.
Literature is considered the highest form of education. Whatever young readers absorb from reading books, invariably goes down as the highest form of learning.
In that, it's only relieving to find (particularly in Indian English YA section) stories such as When Blackbirds Fly - stories with depth and substance, and neatly presented - standing tall on YA/kids shelves.
My personal favourite among favourites: 'The word 'independence' itself is too much of a mouthful for me. The talk about Mizoram fighting for self-government has been her obsession for the past three weeks. In fact, this subject has been the talk of the town, even in school.
I am barely concerned about what is happening. Somehow, I am fed up of all the talk about independence, the soldiers and everything. Father walking around the house, listening to Rini talk, sitting with Grandfather by the window at night - the world is perfect for me. My world is small, but I am free in it. I am independent and that's all that matters.'
My age rating: 13+ years. Parents would definitely want their kids to be in the company of such sophisticated literature. ...
Hannah LalhlanpuiiWhen Blackbirds FlyWhen Blackbirds Fly
However, I do have substantial reason to write this review and let it take pride in being the first of its kind - my reason is the hope that my review would do its little bit to ensure that more young readers are equipped with such books.
When I began reading When Blackbirds Fly, I knew nothing about the story in it. I don't read synopses, on principle. I want the thrill to build up. Synopses tend to destroy that thrill. I prefer to go by the title, and my instinct.
So it was only three pages into it when I realised this book wasn't just another mainstream YA book...about young romance, college nightouts etc.
I soon knew that the book was addressing a more serious subject...life in the midst of conflict, war...children growing up in conflict zones, in the midst of bombings, fear of gunfire, and hatred...dilemma of taking sides with waring groups, a dilemma that comes as part of routine and leaves you with no choice.
The story is set in North-East India, in Mizoram...Aizawl. The protagonist is a school-going boy of 'not yet fifteen'.
He often wakes up from nightmares and finds life in the rising sun and the blackbirds outside his little window. Then, one day, some other kinds of blackbirds fly in. They hover over his little peace and freedom. Our little protagonist wants to touch them, fly them. But soon, he must learn and understand that these blackbirds brought destruction and tears, and loss.
It's never easy to tell stories for children/YA. There are numerous omissions, and commissions. When you write for young readers, you are addressing impressionable minds.
Literature is considered the highest form of education. Whatever young readers absorb from reading books, invariably goes down as the highest form of learning.
In that, it's only relieving to find (particularly in Indian English YA section) stories such as When Blackbirds Fly - stories with depth and substance, and neatly presented - standing tall on YA/kids shelves.
My personal favourite among favourites: 'The word 'independence' itself is too much of a mouthful for me. The talk about Mizoram fighting for self-government has been her obsession for the past three weeks. In fact, this subject has been the talk of the town, even in school.
I am barely concerned about what is happening. Somehow, I am fed up of all the talk about independence, the soldiers and everything. Father walking around the house, listening to Rini talk, sitting with Grandfather by the window at night - the world is perfect for me. My world is small, but I am free in it. I am independent and that's all that matters.'
My age rating: 13+ years. Parents would definitely want their kids to be in the company of such sophisticated literature. ...
Hannah LalhlanpuiiWhen Blackbirds FlyWhen Blackbirds Fly
April 8, 2022
If you have ever wondered if children experience terror the same way as we do, you are not alone. As we grow into this vortex of adulthood, do we at any segment of time forget what fear is or what insecurity is? Its a topic to ponder over. How is terror percieved by young and formed minds, and how war, famine and disarray affects kids-- perhaps demands a sensitive, disassociated and maybe even a secluded thought. If only if we could make a child write a book, we might know. But adulthood seeps in like dampness over parched earth, and before we know it, the child might not be a child anymore at all. After all, a slow transition from childhood to adolescence and then adulthood is a well-sought privilege; unlucky are the ones who are thrust into adulthood before their time, their childish sentiments snatched away cruelly like a forbidden toy.
'When Blackbirds fly' is so extraordinarily narrated that I often found myself gaping in awe as to how I should read it. Should I be reading it like its written: a child narrating his perception of war, insurgency and fight for freedom in his own naive way, or do I ponder over each symbolism, each allegorical nudge that the contexts implore me into? I do not have a clear answer. All I know is that sometimes perceptive topics, sensitive images and deeper references are best told from a child's lens, a untainted, observant and fresh lens that has not been shadowed elsewhere. This book bears privy to this. Zooming in into Mizoram's political conflict of the 1960s, this is a story of unusual empathy.
An unnamed boy living with his father and grandfather leads a normal life with school, friends and reveries. He finds himself in an oddly political terrain when people around him start to develop contrasting political ideologies which make him bewildered and surprised. Soon the boy faces dilemmas and suffers from the franticness that comes when war wages in the land. What follows is an interesting account of a child's view of trauma in the middle of a time where everything he held close and safe, is subject to destruction and turmoil. War truly shakes people from their core, leaving aside not even children.
Thanks Penguin India/Duckbill books for the copy.
'When Blackbirds fly' is so extraordinarily narrated that I often found myself gaping in awe as to how I should read it. Should I be reading it like its written: a child narrating his perception of war, insurgency and fight for freedom in his own naive way, or do I ponder over each symbolism, each allegorical nudge that the contexts implore me into? I do not have a clear answer. All I know is that sometimes perceptive topics, sensitive images and deeper references are best told from a child's lens, a untainted, observant and fresh lens that has not been shadowed elsewhere. This book bears privy to this. Zooming in into Mizoram's political conflict of the 1960s, this is a story of unusual empathy.
An unnamed boy living with his father and grandfather leads a normal life with school, friends and reveries. He finds himself in an oddly political terrain when people around him start to develop contrasting political ideologies which make him bewildered and surprised. Soon the boy faces dilemmas and suffers from the franticness that comes when war wages in the land. What follows is an interesting account of a child's view of trauma in the middle of a time where everything he held close and safe, is subject to destruction and turmoil. War truly shakes people from their core, leaving aside not even children.
Thanks Penguin India/Duckbill books for the copy.
June 4, 2022
Lalhlanpuii’s contemplative masterpiece takes place mainly in the mind of the young boy who is known as Lalthanmawia’s son or just plain, 'Son'. The absence of a name for the main protagonist becomes haunting when the reader learns that he lost a parent at the age of two. It’s almost as if not naming him underlines that he’s still trying to find himself. At the same time, this device makes him a voice for all the other countless anonymous children in conflict zones.
The story is structured very well beginning quietly enough with talk of haunted hostels and pastimes of feeding squirrels and adolescent crushes. Like a camera lens changing from close-up to wide-angle, the boy and his friends, family and neighbour are introduced, which then expands to his school, the neighbourhood and thence the town. Despite the hints peppering the narrative of what is to come, the shattering events creep up softly, jolting the reader.
The real feat of Lalhlanpuii is how much she manages to say with sparse narrative while sparing nothing in the telling. When Blackbirds Fly is neither a bloodless, sanitised history nor a one-sided version. The author does not hold back from telling things as is.
Canato Jimo has created an evocative cover capturing the actual historical and life changing moment in the story. But it also shows the simplicity in Lalhlanpuii’s writing that an artist is able to exactly and so brilliantly encapsulate the story in a single frame. Kudos to both the artists, one who has spoken in visuals and the other for painting her story in word pictures so beautifully.
Read the full review https://www.indiavidyakhazana.com/202...
The story is structured very well beginning quietly enough with talk of haunted hostels and pastimes of feeding squirrels and adolescent crushes. Like a camera lens changing from close-up to wide-angle, the boy and his friends, family and neighbour are introduced, which then expands to his school, the neighbourhood and thence the town. Despite the hints peppering the narrative of what is to come, the shattering events creep up softly, jolting the reader.
The real feat of Lalhlanpuii is how much she manages to say with sparse narrative while sparing nothing in the telling. When Blackbirds Fly is neither a bloodless, sanitised history nor a one-sided version. The author does not hold back from telling things as is.
Canato Jimo has created an evocative cover capturing the actual historical and life changing moment in the story. But it also shows the simplicity in Lalhlanpuii’s writing that an artist is able to exactly and so brilliantly encapsulate the story in a single frame. Kudos to both the artists, one who has spoken in visuals and the other for painting her story in word pictures so beautifully.
Read the full review https://www.indiavidyakhazana.com/202...
June 28, 2022
When blackbirds fly is a part of the Duckbill’s Not Our War series and I was introduced to this book by booksonthedelhimetro’s post on Instagram. I immediately decided to get myself a copy because I was already drawn into the blurb.
Set in the 1960s, this book is narrated through the eyes of a small unnamed boy living in Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram which is now a part of India. He lives with his father and grandfather and has lovely friends and neighbours. He is cheerful and full of life and doesn’t understand why the MNF soldiers wanted freedom for their people at the expense of their lives. One fateful day, his city is bombed by the Indian army which changes his life and his perspective about life itself forever. This book is all about love, courage, faith and loss.
PROS: Such amazing writing in her debut novel itself is so commendable.
One of the very few Books that explores the North East Indian history.
Great read for beginners who want to explore historical fiction genre.
Will be a great academic historical fiction read for middle graders and even adults.
Feels like our very own version of ‘The boy in the striped pyjamas’ but with a totally different narrative and outlook.
Focuses on the courage and innocence of children and how war can change their life forever and take away their childhood itself.
A quick read with only around 120 pages.
It is so heartbreaking and emotional to read about the children’s perspective of war and their innocence.
CONS : There isn’t really any.
This is a must read for any historical fiction lover. I will also be reading the other Books in this series and will be reviewing them soon.
MY REVIEW: 5/5
Set in the 1960s, this book is narrated through the eyes of a small unnamed boy living in Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram which is now a part of India. He lives with his father and grandfather and has lovely friends and neighbours. He is cheerful and full of life and doesn’t understand why the MNF soldiers wanted freedom for their people at the expense of their lives. One fateful day, his city is bombed by the Indian army which changes his life and his perspective about life itself forever. This book is all about love, courage, faith and loss.
PROS: Such amazing writing in her debut novel itself is so commendable.
One of the very few Books that explores the North East Indian history.
Great read for beginners who want to explore historical fiction genre.
Will be a great academic historical fiction read for middle graders and even adults.
Feels like our very own version of ‘The boy in the striped pyjamas’ but with a totally different narrative and outlook.
Focuses on the courage and innocence of children and how war can change their life forever and take away their childhood itself.
A quick read with only around 120 pages.
It is so heartbreaking and emotional to read about the children’s perspective of war and their innocence.
CONS : There isn’t really any.
This is a must read for any historical fiction lover. I will also be reading the other Books in this series and will be reviewing them soon.
MY REVIEW: 5/5
July 28, 2022
𝑾𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝑰 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒏𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒔, 𝑰 𝒐𝒇𝒕𝒆𝒏 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒅 𝒎𝒚𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝒂 𝒃𝒂𝒓𝒓𝒆𝒏 𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒂 𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒍𝒆 𝒉𝒖𝒎𝒂𝒏 𝒃𝒆𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒏 𝒔𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕. 𝑴𝒂𝒚𝒃𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕'𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒔𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒆𝒏 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒆- 𝒃𝒆𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒍𝒆𝒇𝒕 𝒂𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒏𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔.
The young boy, sitting in a corner of the room of that unknown bungalow, thinks about all his little dreams that now shattered by the war. Glancing around, he sees people crying, the prayers of women and the wailing of children that makes it difficult for him to refuse his reality and to ignore it like he have always done. A time of realisation, but not of acceptance. His life, revolving around his father, grandfather and his best friends, Rini and Zuala, was uncomplicated until their lives bring some unexpected twists.
Set in Aizawl in Mizoram, the novel is about an important event in the history of the state: the bombing of Aizawl that led to a 20 year long insurgency in Mizoram. It mainly focuses on the challenges the community had to face and also how the raw, pristine minds of children are affected by the horrors of political conflicts. The unnamed narrator is a young boy who finds it puzzling and painful to accept the deep rift caused by the war within his frame. His upbringing is interesting, his father reminded me of Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird.
Why you should read this novel:
It is a historical fiction set in north-east India and one of the few books that portrays the dark history of Mizoram. As it's a middle-grade fiction, it's the perfect read for a beginner of historical fiction. A very short read too, can be finished in one sitting. This heartbreaking, poignant saga of Aizawl bombing narrated through the eyes of a child is a must read for everyone.
The young boy, sitting in a corner of the room of that unknown bungalow, thinks about all his little dreams that now shattered by the war. Glancing around, he sees people crying, the prayers of women and the wailing of children that makes it difficult for him to refuse his reality and to ignore it like he have always done. A time of realisation, but not of acceptance. His life, revolving around his father, grandfather and his best friends, Rini and Zuala, was uncomplicated until their lives bring some unexpected twists.
Set in Aizawl in Mizoram, the novel is about an important event in the history of the state: the bombing of Aizawl that led to a 20 year long insurgency in Mizoram. It mainly focuses on the challenges the community had to face and also how the raw, pristine minds of children are affected by the horrors of political conflicts. The unnamed narrator is a young boy who finds it puzzling and painful to accept the deep rift caused by the war within his frame. His upbringing is interesting, his father reminded me of Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird.
Why you should read this novel:
It is a historical fiction set in north-east India and one of the few books that portrays the dark history of Mizoram. As it's a middle-grade fiction, it's the perfect read for a beginner of historical fiction. A very short read too, can be finished in one sitting. This heartbreaking, poignant saga of Aizawl bombing narrated through the eyes of a child is a must read for everyone.
February 5, 2023
When blackbirds fly by Hannah Lalhlanpui
To read this book, we need to go back to the Mautam famine of 1959 in Mizoram. Flowering of bamboos resulted in boom in rat populations.
Government never sent aid , leading to the formation of the MNF organisation.
Kids debate the need for freedom from the government. Bliss of ignorance . The kid says not paying attention to politics wouldn’t cause it harm. A false sense of safety.
A family enshrouded in harmony. Warmth, togetherness and tomfoolery of children.
They do not deserve this.
Violence changes everything.
We do not treasure the mundane. An innocent crush.
A metaphorical shrapnel is lodged while the pinpricks of bombs destroy life wastefully in bleakness
Blackbirds are the audience. Beady eyes here.
War cannot be a problem until it knocks on our doorstep. This can be our haven of denial.
The lingering grotesque smoke. Machines maybe.
Children usually greet the sound of airplanes.
Wave to it in uproar.
In the Aizawl bombing of 1966, it’s the mechanical blackbirds who signal for the sepulchral tomb.
The ravens of casualty
Children who collected casings before now collect the bones of their neighbors.
What does death mean to a child whose mind is not even developed enough to realise its permanent ramifications.
Adults stand without words.
An arm here and there form a patchwork of support. Humans are after all dispensable.
But children ?
Tears dried.
Eyes on fire beckon rage.
A volcano of hopelessness.
To read this book, we need to go back to the Mautam famine of 1959 in Mizoram. Flowering of bamboos resulted in boom in rat populations.
Government never sent aid , leading to the formation of the MNF organisation.
Kids debate the need for freedom from the government. Bliss of ignorance . The kid says not paying attention to politics wouldn’t cause it harm. A false sense of safety.
A family enshrouded in harmony. Warmth, togetherness and tomfoolery of children.
They do not deserve this.
Violence changes everything.
We do not treasure the mundane. An innocent crush.
A metaphorical shrapnel is lodged while the pinpricks of bombs destroy life wastefully in bleakness
Blackbirds are the audience. Beady eyes here.
War cannot be a problem until it knocks on our doorstep. This can be our haven of denial.
The lingering grotesque smoke. Machines maybe.
Children usually greet the sound of airplanes.
Wave to it in uproar.
In the Aizawl bombing of 1966, it’s the mechanical blackbirds who signal for the sepulchral tomb.
The ravens of casualty
Children who collected casings before now collect the bones of their neighbors.
What does death mean to a child whose mind is not even developed enough to realise its permanent ramifications.
Adults stand without words.
An arm here and there form a patchwork of support. Humans are after all dispensable.
But children ?
Tears dried.
Eyes on fire beckon rage.
A volcano of hopelessness.
October 10, 2022
I have come across people who have tried to put forth the idea of war between countries or even tried to instigate fights between two groups of people. What they fail to realize are the after-effects of such wars on the general public especially children. This story deals particularly with the catastrophes of ongoing war and its mental effects on young minds. It is set in the times of Mizoram's independence movement and the ferocious bombing of 1966.
The story is narrated by our unnamed boy who just wants a peaceful life with his family and friends. Although it is narrated by a child, the story felt mature. The miseries, nightmares, and sufferings described in this book were just very sad to read about.
I learned a great many things about Mizoram. I am from the Northeast yet I didn't know about this movement. Northeastern states are often neglected so I feel this would be a good start for children as well as adults to know about the little history of Mizoram.
The story is narrated by our unnamed boy who just wants a peaceful life with his family and friends. Although it is narrated by a child, the story felt mature. The miseries, nightmares, and sufferings described in this book were just very sad to read about.
I learned a great many things about Mizoram. I am from the Northeast yet I didn't know about this movement. Northeastern states are often neglected so I feel this would be a good start for children as well as adults to know about the little history of Mizoram.
May 10, 2022
An engaging short-read that comes from the north eastern state of India-Mizoram. It narrates the story of a 15 year-old boy who lives a peaceful life with his family in Aizawl, when the tragedy strikes their city.
In this short yet captivating tale from north east, the reader embarks on a journey through the eyes of a small boy whose life revolves around his love Rini, his friend Zuala and his grandfather & father. The writer mentions a line that stays with you ' The past scares me, the future worries, but it is the present that I want to be in' .
Read this book if you want to be transported into the world of small town boy who loves a simple yet meaningful life and how a revolt by his own people against Indian army suddenly destroys all his plans.
In this short yet captivating tale from north east, the reader embarks on a journey through the eyes of a small boy whose life revolves around his love Rini, his friend Zuala and his grandfather & father. The writer mentions a line that stays with you ' The past scares me, the future worries, but it is the present that I want to be in' .
Read this book if you want to be transported into the world of small town boy who loves a simple yet meaningful life and how a revolt by his own people against Indian army suddenly destroys all his plans.
January 12, 2026
Now I know. Now I know how blissfully unaware I was of the dark history of my country. No, I’m not talking about our centuries-long freedom struggle. I am talking about one of the saddest internal wars. The one that happened in Mizoram.
I am not ashamed to say that I cried, not just for the child protagonist of When Blackbirds Fly, but for the children of many other countries who are fighting wars that were never really theirs.
This book won my heart with its heart-wrenching portrayal of how a small Mizo town changes overnight. It is devastating how life can be shattered in a single day — how blackbirds in the sky are replaced by black fighter jets, and how birdsong gives way to sirens.
I highly recommend this book to people who glorify war. Read this and grow a conscience.
I am not ashamed to say that I cried, not just for the child protagonist of When Blackbirds Fly, but for the children of many other countries who are fighting wars that were never really theirs.
This book won my heart with its heart-wrenching portrayal of how a small Mizo town changes overnight. It is devastating how life can be shattered in a single day — how blackbirds in the sky are replaced by black fighter jets, and how birdsong gives way to sirens.
I highly recommend this book to people who glorify war. Read this and grow a conscience.
March 13, 2022
Poignant and forced loss of innocence amidst conflict
Story of a nameless boy not interested in politics - happy with two of his best friends by his side, pushed into a world that was not of his choosing. Wonderfully written story in present tense by the debut writer. Stuck within the conflict that is not of his making, he shows courage beyond his years as he looks for a feeling that can still be home. The home as he knew it.
Story of a nameless boy not interested in politics - happy with two of his best friends by his side, pushed into a world that was not of his choosing. Wonderfully written story in present tense by the debut writer. Stuck within the conflict that is not of his making, he shows courage beyond his years as he looks for a feeling that can still be home. The home as he knew it.
April 26, 2022
A deeply moving tale of how wars effect young children. Was moved to tears by the end of the story.
June 22, 2022
Poignant and heartbreaking.Something in our dark history about which we had no idea!
January 12, 2023
Weaving real events in history into young adult fiction. A must read for the younger generation.
March 5, 2024
It’s been a while since I enjoyed and was thoroughly engaged by not just the story but also the style of writing.
May 8, 2024
I feel like I'm with them experiencing all those pain, heartache, disaster, loss....while reading this book,, love it
August 24, 2022
When blackbirds fly by Hannah Lalhlanpuii📚
When Blackbirds Fly was a middle grade historical fiction book with an important message. It's part of "Not Our War series" from which I've previously read "Wanting Mor" and loved it. I was eager to pick this one as well. The book though narrated from a teen's point of view was still heavy to read. Even when he wasn't fully aware of what's happening, I could still read between the lines.
I've never read any book on the Northeast and I had no knowledge about the actual history of Mizoram. It was eye opener for me and heartbreaking to read about the struggles faces by everyone. Famine is a hard thing, to wonder whether you will get your next meal or keep starving is the worst possible thing that can happen to a child.
We also get to read about how normal things seem to a child after a while. War is brutal and it affects everyone in different ways. There is a never a true sense of right and wrong, sometimes there is just a whole of grey. I really felt that in this story, who was really right Mizo National Front or The Indian Government?
The unnamed boy's bond with his grandfather and father was beautiful to read about it. Also his friendship with Rini and Zuala made me grin at times. Overall, it was an educational experience. I think everyone should give this one a go.
Rating- ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Afreen Khalil
When Blackbirds Fly was a middle grade historical fiction book with an important message. It's part of "Not Our War series" from which I've previously read "Wanting Mor" and loved it. I was eager to pick this one as well. The book though narrated from a teen's point of view was still heavy to read. Even when he wasn't fully aware of what's happening, I could still read between the lines.
I've never read any book on the Northeast and I had no knowledge about the actual history of Mizoram. It was eye opener for me and heartbreaking to read about the struggles faces by everyone. Famine is a hard thing, to wonder whether you will get your next meal or keep starving is the worst possible thing that can happen to a child.
We also get to read about how normal things seem to a child after a while. War is brutal and it affects everyone in different ways. There is a never a true sense of right and wrong, sometimes there is just a whole of grey. I really felt that in this story, who was really right Mizo National Front or The Indian Government?
The unnamed boy's bond with his grandfather and father was beautiful to read about it. Also his friendship with Rini and Zuala made me grin at times. Overall, it was an educational experience. I think everyone should give this one a go.
Rating- ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Afreen Khalil
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