The Indian freedom struggle is a vast and complex tapestry, woven with the efforts of countless individuals following different ideologies, all striving toward a common goal. With so many undercurrents shaping this movement, there was never a dull moment throughout that century. As one leader faded into history, another emerged to carry the torch forward.
Looking back at this period, I see immense potential for stories and novels set against this backdrop. The sheer expanse of our country, combined with its cultural diversity and the multitude of groups involved in the struggle, offers a vast canvas for storytelling. And yet, we don’t come across many books set in this era—especially not espionage thrillers, which are even rarer.
Fortunately, Enakshi Sengupta’s The Silk Route Spy fills this gap.
Traitor or Patriot? Intriguing Espionage Story of a Double Agent
Set against the vast landscapes of India and Southeast Asia between the 1920s and 1940s, the novel tells the gripping story of Nandlal Kapur. Writing about a subject so close to one’s heart and home—one deeply embedded in family memories—can be a challenge, but Enakshi has masterfully navigated these complexities, delivering an engaging and action-packed novel.
Although Nandlal’s journey primarily takes him to Firozpur, Delhi, and Calcutta, the story effectively conveys the diversity of individuals involved in the freedom struggle. Despite being geographically scattered, these groups were united by their shared determination and unwavering commitment to a common cause.
Nandlal Kapur’s journey is thrilling and immersive, skillfully blending patriotism with the intrigue of espionage. As the story unfolds along the Silk Route, he ventures into distant lands, from the Malayan Peninsula to Japan and China. However, during these later chapters, the espionage element takes a backseat. I would have loved to see this aspect explored in greater depth, adding to the suspense and intensity of the narrative.
About the book
- Name of Book: The Silk Route Spy
- Author: Enakshi Sengupta
- Publisher: Harper Collins
- Publication year: 2024
- Pages: 216
- ISBN – 10: 9362130114
- ISBN – 13: 9789362130112
- Price: ₹ 299 (Paperback)
My ratings
Story: 3.5/5
Writing Style: 3/5
Cover Design: 4/5
Overall Rating: 3.5/5
Should you read it?
Nevertheless, it’s an engaging read. If you enjoy such stories, you should definitely give it a try at least once.
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This review is powered by the Blogchatter Book Review Program.
This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla.
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