Payal Mohanka

Poignanty crafted in lucid prose, these fourteen stories are set in different geographies. The leitmotif of ‘Being Human in a War Zone’ by Meher Pestonji is mindless violence. A world fraught with brutal violence juxtaposed with moments of tenderness and compassion. The agony of gun-shots, the frightening shooting at schools targeting innocent children, the war against patriarchy as women empower themselves with education and struggle to snatch a semblance of dignity and autonomy. As the author takes us on this journey traversing different corners we see young lives snuffed out in the face of intolerance, the ravages of war and the trauma it unleashes. A must read to reinforce the desperate need for greater compassion and to understand the futility of war.

An emotional roller-coaster but a journey that’s unstoppable and well worth it. Hugely moving, often disturbing but a must-read as we delve into the sleazy underbelly of India. It is heartening to know the author is giving the proceeds from the book to organisations working with the under-privileged. Wishing Damyanti Biswas all the best for her next book! Payal Singh Mohanka