As a continuation of the previous post, these are some of the time periods that I love reading about when it comes to history or historical fiction. If I have to make a chart half the pie would be of history/historical fiction and other half will consist of other genres. I am glad for this love that I possess for the genre because it has taught me not to be afraid of non-fictions. Non-fictions are great too! They are just a little but cocky!
Indian Independence and after
It is the love of Indian History especially colonial era that has drawn me to work as a conservation architect. I work on colonial structures and can’t help but think about the life and time. I have read quite a few books in colonial history in India. Some of my favourites include ‘Kohinoor’ by William Dalrymple and ‘Era of Darkness’ by Shashi Tharoor. Both these books talk about the export of loot from India to England which was much organised, carrying official stamp. I have also read ‘Indian Summer’ by Alex Von Tunzelmann where she talks about Gandhi, Nehru and Jinnah in the same breath. Indira Gandhi and Mountbatten also find their place in the book, rather by right. Going little further I have recently read ‘Indira’ by Sagarika Ghose and disliked it immensely. Somehow it finds its way of the top selling books in India but we shall let that pass.
Indian history is close to home. We all celebrate Independence Day and sing national anthem with pride. I just wanted to learn a little more about the country that I love so much. Reading is the greatest gift that I received my parents. Times like these make you realise the importance of unbiased books and need for their acceptance in the society.
Great war
This is probably where I began. I had read book thief by Markus Zuzak. Markus Zuzak failed to impress me but somehow got me interested in the time period. I then read ‘Boy in Striped Pajama’ and instantly fell in love with the author. He has a gift. I picked up a non-fiction by Shlomo Sand. The author beautifully explains the reason he stopped being a Jew in his book ‘How I Stopped Being a Jew’. One of the reasons turns out to be the existence of Holocaust industry and its shameless harnessing by Jewish crowd. An impressive point of view. I also read a family saga called’ Bicycles and Blackberries’ by Sheila Newberry. Enjoyed that too. I have plenty of books on my TBR and I hope to get around to reading more about the two wars.