Book Review: No Guns At My Son’s Funeral

This mesmerizing book is a must read for everyone. Setting in conflict ridden Kashmir, this book addresses the chaos in the valley as well as that within the head of a young boy who is on the verge of being recruited by one of the terrorists. Getting embroiled in militancy and debating everyday about the impact of violence, proving one’s mettle and state vs. terrorists/ freedom fighters, young Aftab has to quickly decide which side is he on. Things get more complex when he sees his own sister involved in his mission. The friendship of the young Hindu, Sikh and Muslim Kashmiri boys is endearing. The hero worship of outfit leader, Akram, by Aftab is right on point, along with Akram’s philosophy of catching and using them young. The story of Major Ramneeq could have been expanded on. It seems incomplete, leaving some unanswered questions.

The book is insightful and I think should be read by youth, if not by others, in an outside of the valley. Although located in Kashmir, the situation could be the same in any conflict ridden area in India or outside. It would do well if teachers and/or parents  could read it together and discuss at length the issues at hand. As a teacher, I continue to believe that if schools were functioning better, students would be safer, more reflective and better decision makers.

Strongly recommended to read this book. It is a short book so I recommend it even to the non -readers.