Title – Mistress of Honour
Author
– Bhaavna Arora
Publication
– Penguin Books India
Genre
– General Fiction
Pages
– 191
Source
- @Booksensed
Rating
– 4/5
“No
religion is more sacred than your duty.”
Although
I have watched few army related movies but reading those lives is such a
dazzling experience, it seems like exploring a new zone of an organization. And
when I received a copy of “Mistress of Honour by Bhaavna Arora” couldn’t put down
this book and the prose is simple enough, I read it in single stretch. In her
book author beautifully managed to capture the real life events of an army
life, a gripping novel about love, longing and the astounding sacrifice of
soldiers and their brave heart wives.
The
story begins with an army man Potnis who at last convinced by her own daughter,
Rihana for having a second child but due to a sudden leaving for mission and few
complications Potnis’s wife, Pansy lost her unborn. And Rihana who is explorer
and keen observer by nature understood at very young age what the meaning of
being part of an army family.
“The
life of an army officer’s wife is a tough one, while they hold fort in war
zone, the wives have to, in most cases bring up the children single handedly
and manage things without much support from their husbands.”
Pansy’s
life was like a soap opera with elements of suspense in every episode, but
still she managed to balance responsibilities of being an army officer’s wife.
“An
army wife quickly realizes that her husband’s duty is first to the country and
only afterward to her.”
And fate
played its role when her daughter, Rihana fell in love with the NDA Cadet,
Advik who had always felt deprived of a woman’s care and love, and Rihana was
the first woman who had treated him with that tenderness. Advik’s journey is
utterly compelling, such a roller coaster ride which ends with a Tiranga over
his martyr soul. And his fiancée, Rihana’s decision about their baby left you
with teary-eyed.
Here,
Author’s style of storytelling is fast-paced still gripping and heartwarming. She
builds characters around multiple missions as blue star, The Jafna mission at
Srilanka, related to LTTE and the Kargil. She also described few experiences of
an academy (NDA) which makes you curious to read more. A great Applause for author
that she includes few life lessons which meant to be learnt in such a beautiful
manner.
“Unfortunately
things do happen, but a soldier has to make the effort to move on. Their
strength will help others more than their pain ever will.”
“You’re
attacked and assaulted, but to survive you have to keep moving. That’s how life
is.”
“Sometimes
we become judgmental about people without knowing their pain and experiences.”
“The
adage ‘hope for the best, prepare for the worst.’ Wasn’t just a saying at the
academy, it was a reality the soldiers lived every single day.”
"Hero,
if your heart rate hasn’t touch 180, you’re not truly living. Feel alive and
live every moment,
do you want to create history or be history. You’re being
groomed for war and remember there are no runners up there.”
and many more.
One more thing to tell you it is not some historical war
fiction. Though it is inspired by few true life events of an army person still
the main theme of the novel is relationships, love, courage which triggers the
readers of every age group. Highly recommended for teenagers.
“The promise that
every soldier had made when he wore his uniform was ‘I will serve my country” it
took more than a salary to stand at the border and shoot and get shot at. It
took grit and commitment.”
And this
beautiful book ends with thoughtful words that “War was finally over, with a heavy
loss of lives, each leaving scars with a hidden story.”
About
the Author –
Dr.
Bhaavna Arora is a philanthropist at heart, passionate writer at desk and a
published author of “The Deliberate Sinner” which was very well received by
both media and critics. It is her second book which should consider as
semi-fiction. The light hearted writing skill is what makes her worth read, her
books flow like a smooth wave.
Links
lead you to Author –
FaceBook
– authorbhaavnaarora
Twitter
– @bhaavnaarora
Plus,
a cover of this book is so mesmerizing, credit goes to Tara.
