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BOOKS & PUBLICATIONS | |||
Why Don’t You Convert Author: Dr. K. L. Chowdhury | |||
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Title of the Book: Why don't you convert Author: Dr. K. L. Chowdhury Paperback: 278 pages Publisher: Vitasta Publication (1 April 2014) Language: English ISBN-10: 9382711643, ISBN-13: 978-9382711643 Product Dimensions: 19.6 x 13.2 x 2 cm | |||
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Book Review by Sharda Kaul | |||
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Dr. Chowdhury starts the book with a message about the universal human experience and the unity of humans despite a variety of contexts. As a primary care physician trained in Kashmir, yet practicing in the US, I felt connected to the stories both from a cultural and professional perspective. One of the most touching and poignant stories is the title story, “Why Don’t You Convert”. The story shows the struggles of a young Kashmiri Pandit girl, Meera, and her painful choice between her livelihood and personal safety. At the end of the story, the reader is at the edge of their seat, invested in the life of the main character Meera. Another story, “The Spell”, describes the ignorance and gullibility of a woman who is convinced in the magical powers of a local mullah. Dr. Chowdhury takes us through the mind of this typical Kashmiri character, who through all her struggles refuses to realize that the mullah himself is behind all her problems. The stories in this book, while not in chronological order, cover the span of several years painted through a variety of perspectives in the valley. Most touching is the thread of stories that relate to the Kashmiri Pandit experience, and eventual exodus from their homes in Kashmir. In about 23 stories, Dr. Chowdhury paints a diverse landscape of the valley through the perspective of his work as a physician and with the prowess of a seasoned storyteller. Reading through them all, it becomes evident that Dr. Chowdhury is attentive to the ordinary lives of his patients and values the story that each one of them brings. As both a physician and a person, it is a perspective that I deeply appreciate. Many physicians, who have trained in Kashmir, will relate to the tales of patients and remember the distinct Kashmiri culture that surrounds medicine in the valley. All readers will be able to find comfort in the truly human stories presented in the book. I enjoyed the stories, and the feelings that reading this book elicited. A must read for those who are looking for a way to relive memories and experiences from a not too distant past. | |||
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