The Hills Are Burning
The Hills Are Burning is a compelling autobiographical novel by Anirban Bhattacharya that offers a deep and insightful look into the violent backdrop of the Gorkhaland Agitation that took place in the hills of West Bengal in the late 1980s. The story is based on true events and is centred around Tukai, a young boy who is forced to move from Calcutta to Kalimpong due to his father's transfer to Kalimpong.
As the story progresses, the author, who relives his growing up years in Kalimpong during the most violent period, vividly describes the GNLF protest and its subsequent silencing by the then state government, resulting in atrocities being imposed upon the locals. Through the eyes of Tukai, the reader experiences the struggle and turmoil of the Nepali-speaking people who were fighting for a separate state of Gorkhaland.
Anirban's ability to capture the essence of the events is truly remarkable. He has not only presented the events that occurred during the Gorkhaland agitation, but has also given a vivid description of the emotional and psychological trauma that the people of the region went through. By doing so, he has not only provided a historical account of the events, but has also allowed readers to understand the human toll that was exacted during this dark period. Some of the chapters unabashedly showcase the inhumanity that humans are capable of displaying when they are at their most violent.
The Hills Are Burning is not just a story about the Gorkhaland Agitation, but it is also a coming-of-age story of Tukai, who has to deal with the challenges of conforming to a new school, making new friends, and dealing with bullies. The author paints a vivid picture of Tukai's life in Kalimpong, his friendships, and the people he meets, giving readers a glimpse into the Bengali sentiment of that time. Through Tukai's eyes, we witness the violent struggle that the people of Darjeeling had to endure in the past.
The characters in the novel are well-etched and relatable, making readers root for them as they navigate through the turmoil of the Gorkhaland Agitation. I, particularly, loved Ellen's strong character and resilience that caught my attention, and I found myself rooting for her throughout the story. Tukai's friends and love interests provided a sense of warmth amidst the harsh reality that the young characters were confronting and the whole world around them was burning. The book effectively balances its weighty subject matter with relatable characters that you will find engaging. It is not easy to cover a thirty-year-old movement in its entirety and yet make the book sufficiently light and accessible, but the author manages to do just that.
Since Anirban's first book, I have been a devoted fan of his writing. His storytelling style and how he vividly portrays his characters, settings, and situations have always fascinated me. With his latest book, he once again succeeds in evoking a wide range of emotions - from humour to sadness, love to horror. However, I did feel somewhat disconnected with the fictionalisation of certain characters and parts of the story, as I was expecting a more authentic memoir. Nevertheless, this doesn't diminish the overall impact of the book and the quality of the writing.
The Hills Are Burning is a powerful novel that captures the essence of the Gorkhaland Agitation and its impact on the people who lived through it. I found it an insightful and moving story that highlights the struggles of the Nepali-speaking people of West Bengal and their fight for a separate state. It is a book that should be read by anyone interested in Indian history, politics, and society.
~*~
Get your copy here:
x