Book details
Title – The tree with a thousand apples
Author – Sanchit Gupta
Genre – Fiction
Publisher – Niyogi Books
No of pages – 282
Main characters – Deewan Bhat, Bilal Ahanagar and
Safeena Malik
Other characters – Malik chacha, Kamalpreet Singh,
General Chouwdhary,
Kashmir,
the heaven on earth! The first thing that comes to one’s mind is freshly
plucked Kashmiri red apples and floating shikaras on the lake. The tree with a
thousand apples aptly represents the beauty of Kashmir and the peace in
question on this intriguing plot by Sanchit Gupta.
The plot
The
story unfolds the mystery of Kashmir with its strong suspenseful storytelling.
The first chapter itself leaves a tight grip on the reader as the author
commences the story in a suspenseful manner. Inspired by true events, the tale
is about three childhood friends named, Deewan, Safeena, and Bilal who grow up
in a friendly, peaceful atmosphere of Srinagar, Kashmir until the night of
January 1990 changes their fate forever.
Three
childhood friends are forced to change their paths. While Deewan and his family
are forced to leave Kashmir in order to save their lives, Bilal embraces a life
of terror and poverty. Safeena’s family is no exception when the place once
called a paradise turns into a cruel battlefield. Many become homeless and
people become heartless. Socio-political consequences affect everyone forced to
live a life of terror.
Call
it luck or fate, after 20 years later destiny brings them together but in a
condition where everything becomes questionable and insane. Three childhood
friends separately by demeaning fate are reunited after 20 years only to meet
another fateful incident where Bilal loses life in the name of true friendship.
The
story is about Kashmiri people, their life’s struggles, relationships and much
more. Will these three friends ever find peace in their life? Will they live a
life of purpose? Or will they continue to suffer revengeful life?
The
tree with a thousand apples is a must read and I have a thousand reasons to
tell you why:
My review
The
author’s vivid narration and suspenseful storytelling grip a hold of a reader
as soon as you read the first chapter of it. The Molotov Cocktail opens the
first chapter of the story introducing you to Safeena and Bilal. Each title is
quite intriguing that makes you read further and faster. Firstly, the author
lets you peep into the world of these powerful characters of the story –
Deewan, Safeena, and Bilal. The
sentiments of nostalgic childhood by vividly describing the Kahwa recipe,
Safeena’s attraction with blue jeans and her aspirations in life; Bilal undying
love for Safeena and his rugged personality and lastly, Deewan’s fearful yet
determining nature.
As
the plot develops, the author ensures that you know well each character of the
story. His explicit description about Kashmiri culture, its beauty, and its
people takes you to Kashmir in a day. You’re instantly connected and engulfed
with Kashmir even though you’ve never been to.
I
loved the way the author has portrayed the character of Safeena, a Kashmiri
Muslim who also imagines a life of a normal teenager who would love to wear
jeans.
The
novel is not just a story but a journey of Kashmiri people, their struggles, their
ambitions and their fight for peaceful life. Throughout the novel, the author
gently raises out sensitive matters like differences between Kashmiri pundits,
Muslims, and Army. The author successfully touches the core of each issue
without any bias.
His
depiction of socio-political and cultural turmoil in the story makes the novel,
a gripping read. He balances out the heavy story by infusing light-hearted
words and poems. The story indeed
becomes an authentic read due to its vivid yet simplistic narration and
conversation style. There is no single dull moment while reading the story
despite some unfamiliar Kashmiri words. In fact, his conscious effort to
understand the Kashmiri language can be noticed in the novel.
Small
details like describing Safeena’s tears as ‘Diamonds and Emeralds’ or
Kamalpreet Singh’s two sharp dimples on his cheeks ensure that you’re never
forgotten the characters in the story.
Last
but not the least; the author ends the story with a dialogue reminding us
powerful character like Bilal who says, “For us, Deewan bhai, whatever it
takes.”
The
tree with a thousand apples is a refreshing read for all those who love Kashmir
and also those who would again fall in love with Kashmir.
The
author, Sanchit Gupta has done a fabulous job by writing the story which is as
beautiful as Kashmir itself. It’s a must-read book for all!
The Best Part
Not
another typical love story or socio-political drama, rather extremely
refreshing story!
The Not-So-Good Part
None!
The writing style
A
detailed and descriptive writing that makes one visual treat for all the
readers!
The book cover &
the title
This
blue book with hardcover and an illustration of a big tree with countless red
apples is an enriched example of Kashmir. The title is very apt as it instantly
recalls you about Kashmir.
My rating 5/5
Yes,
an absolute must-read!
About the author
 |
| Sanchit Gupta |
Sanchit
Gupta, born and brought up in the hills of Himachal Pradesh, he began his
career as a part-time copywriter with an advertising agency in Mumbai. He went
on to co-find his own theater group, worked as a freelance film screenwriter
and as executive producer–fiction for a leading television network.
His
short stories have been published in several esteemed publications and literary
journals, and have won acclaim in leading literary festivals and online forums.
To connect with this multi-talented and acclaimed writer, visit his Facebook
page or Tweet him now!
