THE NATION’S SHADOW: A LEGACY WRITTEN IN SILENCE by Ajay Achari is a tribute to the sacrifices made by the brave-hearts in uniform—some remembered, others forgotten. While this book is a quick read at 107 pages, you cannot read it without a lump in your throat or goosebumps running down your arms.
It is historical fiction, but like no other. Many books have been written in this genre, but this one stands out for the sheer strength of its emotion and the melancholic beauty of its lines. From the unification of India under the visionary Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel to covert military operations, the reader is spellbound by the cost of war and the supreme sacrifices made by the army.
Whether it is the heroes scaling the majestic heights of Siachen or those serving the country from the shadows, by the end of it, you are left in awe of their courage. The cost of war weighs heavily on them and their families, yet they carry on with their heads held high. The Black Tiger’s tale is haunting and will leave an everlasting impression on your mind. There are tender, fleeting moments that bring to mind Rumi’s wise words: ‘Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I’ll meet you there.’
I picked up this book knowing very little about it, and I’m so glad I did!
