Blurb:
1944, Kohima — a small, sleepy town in northeast India. Subhash Chandra Bose and his Indian National Army (INA) along with the Japanese, are on the brink of bringing the Empire to its knees and forcing the British out of India. But, inexplicably, the tables turn. The INA’s advance is thwarted and the victory march to Delhi is halted. Seventy years later, the British admit that the Battle of Kohima was the greatest battle they had ever fought. Even more so than the battles of Waterloo and Dunkirk. Was it then that old Indian curse — betrayal? Someone from within Netaji’s own ranks? Were there forces other than the British, waiting in the shadows closer to home, who stood to gain even more from the INA’s defeat? Or was it just love that irrevocably altered the course of India’s destiny? The Wrong Turn: Love and Betrayal in the Time of Netaji, is a sweeping tale of passion set against the freedom struggle. Debraj, the rakish playboy and scion of a distinguished Calcutta family, and Nishonko, the fiery revolutionary sworn to the cause of the INA, must not only fight their common enemy, but also for the love of Aditi, the rebel with the healing touch. A haunting tale of love, friendship and betrayal of an entire nation, The Wrong Turn veers inexorably towards a poignant redemption.
My Review:
'Love and betrayal in the Time of Netaji' is set during India's freedom struggle when Netaji Subash Chandra Bose had raised the Indian National Army (INA) which was his kind of mutiny against the British reign.
There are many documentaries we have seen on our freedom struggle. There have been various films on prominent leaders, but this probably must be the first time someone has woven a fictional tale around the time Netaji and INA were active. This very fact made me look forward to read this novel and I wasn’t disappointed. The story is a skillful mix of human emotions be it love, loyalty, and pride or greed, hate and jealousy.
The story revolves around the three protagonists Debu (Debraj Mookerjii), Jhilik (Aditi Sen) and Nishonko. Deb is a suave young man, who despite being born in an upper class rich family follows his heart. Aditi, though young has a quiet depth in her personality, which tugs at your heart. Nishonko, is another handsome lad who suffers in the hand of destiny and a future of his own desires. All of them so heroic yet so human in their failings and weaknesses. The author duo have painted strong, intense characters which is a reader’s delight.
‘The Wrong Turn’ is suspense thriller yet romantic and emotional story. The right blend of fiction with facts on Netaji, his loyal confidantes and the battle of Kohima adds to the charm of the story. The narration is eloquent and crisp, pulling one deep into the era of struggle, strife and patriotism.
I would have loved to see all of them win, loved to see us win and chase them away, but sigh… one can’t change the history. Kudos to authors for the research they must have done for the book.
A fluent and lucid tale!
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About the authors
“The Wrong Turn is a story that traverses the cities of Calcutta, Singapore, Rangoon and Kohima caught up in the blaze of the Second World War. It is about the clash of four desperate forces as they come together in Kohima to vie for the brightest jewel in the crown -- India. Victory will come to those who possess not just the coldest steel but even colder hearts.”
SANJAY CHOPRA is an airline pilot and author of two collections of short stories. Said and Done and Tailspin stories . He believes that his office forty thousand feet in the sky and his travels provide him with a view that fuels his vivid storytelling that cuts a wide arc through time and space.
His stories have won the Invisible Ink, the Millennium writers and Southport awards in the UK and USA. In the words of his readers, ‘He is a storyteller like those of the old days, yet his stories are as modern as tomorrow.
He lives in Mumbai with his wife Tisca Chopra, an actress and he is currently working on a film script and a web series.
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“This was a story waiting to be told. So much about Netaji was smoke and mirrors, partial views foisted on us by the British and other vested interests. Here was a man who was a personal hero, who was part of the lore of my childhood. And here was a chance to set the narrative straight - through the lens of a very human yet universal story of love.”
During a school project on ‘The most memorable day of my life’, NAMITA ROY GHOSE wrote about a Russian girl on the day WW2 ended. She got her first rejection slip from the teacher for making things up. Ever since, Namita has established her storytelling skills through her scriptwriting, screenplays poetry, fiction, legendary advertising campaigns, and as a renowned advertising film director. A Creative Director with HTA, she left after 13 years to start her own film company, White Light, one of India’s top ad film outfits. A social activist, she is the founder of Vanashakti, an NGO that works to protect the environment. Namita has done pro bono work on issues like domestic violence, child welfare, sexual harassment and forest preservation. She is an avid traveller, a photographer, foodie and teacher.
You can stalk her @
Praise for the book
Vidya Balan: "I like historical fiction. This one is just gripping, racing along like a thriller. I am sure people will love it and I wish Namita and Sanjay all the best for the book".
Shekhar Gupta: “Gripping reading. This is one writer duo with story-telling imagination and uncluttered turn of phrase”.
Jug Suraiya: “A sweeping saga of war, love and betrayal, set at a climactic point of India’s fight for freedom”.
Lord Meghnad Desai: “An absorbing and indeed thrilling story of one of the most crucial events in India’s history”.
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