Reviews
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India Currents Covers Tangled in 1984!
Tangled In 1984: Turbulent Times Through The Lens of Innocence
Ajay Khanna’s Tangled in 1984 is an evocative story that captures the personal and collective trauma of the people of Punjab, shedding light on a dark chapter of Indian history. Read more.
More Reviews
This is a brilliantly written book by the first time author. He has done a fabulous job in capturing the events of 1984 juxtaposed with the emotions and experiences of a middle class family living in Punjab during those times. Once I started, I didn’t put the book down until I was done.
Through a Young Lens: Unraveling History and Humanity in 'Tangled in 1984:
"Tangled in 1984" offers a captivating glimpse into the year 1984, viewed through the eyes of a young boy navigating the complexities of growing up in Punjab during a tumultuous period. The author masterfully juxtaposes the regional events of 1984 in Punjab against the backdrop of global happenings, skillfully highlighting the power of perspective and the deeply personal nature of historical experience.
The narrative is seamless and fluid that enhances the reader's immersion. Characters are crafted with depth and nuance, showcasing well-thought-out personalities that resonate with the audience on multiple levels.
What sets this novel apart is its universal appeal. Readers from diverse backgrounds will find elements to connect with, whether it's the historical context, the richly portrayed characters, or the emotional depth embedded in the narrative.
The title made me pick up the book. 1984 - which Punjabi, or Indian wouldn't be intrigued by anything mentioning that year. And I am glad I did pick it up.
The fluid story accurately captures the atmosphere of the era. Being from the same area and age, I can identify most of the places and happenings. The story beautifully flits between times periods and places to convey a sense of what a child caught there would have felt.
The storyline does represent a one sided militancy as an inter-community clash, but it is about the point of view of an eleven year old child and not a political analyst.
The strength of the story lies in exploring the various emotional aspects of all the principal players, including those of teenage infatuation.
This maybe Mr Ajay Khanna's first published book, but it has all the trappings of the work of a seasoned writer.
There is a multitude of reasons that make this a must-read; I cannot find any reason significant enough not to love it. For example, it is a quick read because the story it tells pulls you in and won’t let you go until the end. It was very difficult to put the book down and resist picking it back up. One of my favorite experiences while reading was being so engrossed that I literally gasped, my eyes bulged out of their sockets, and tears actually welled up in my eyes.
I don't typically read novels, but the title of this book piqued my curiosity. Once I started the first chapter, I found myself drawn into a captivating storyline with excellent continuity. It's the kind of book that keeps you hooked, making it hard to put down until you've read it all. Highly recommended!
Nice story line. Realistic and factual information. Good coverage of the events. Well researched and focused. A must read book.
Brilliant work
I read it in one sitting! It was overwhelming and got emotional at times reading it.
Multi-layered
Tangled in 1984 by Ajay Khanna demonstrates the unimaginable political, economic, social, familial, psychological, and personal effects beyond what the standard history lesson can give. If you enjoy layered, multidimensional, and dynamic storytelling, this might be the book for you......Reading this book is the kind of experience readers fantasize about so definitely give it a read.