#Review: When Blackbirds Fly by Hannah L.

When Blackbirds Fly
Author: Hannah Lalhlanpull
Publisher: Duckbill Books

When Blackbirds Fly belongs to the NOW series (Not Our War). Yet again remarkable writing, vulnerable characters and an genuinely heart-wrenching plot win your heart! When Blackbirds Fly is a story of friendship, trust, loss and hope. Set amidst the independence movement in Mizoram, this story demonstrates the need for peace and understanding because wars do us no good. They ensure enough blood is spilt before any solution can be reached. Hence, when the narrator is asked to give up his individual desires (something as simple as owning a jeep and driving around), he is caught unawares. The story revolves around this young child who takes time to come to grips with the grim reality of war.

When Blackbirds Fly is an interesting choice of title too. While blackbirds can symbolize hope and bad omen at the same time, it is up to the readers to search for light in the story which revolves around loss and hatred. The narrator is a character to remember, for he is vocal and pragmatic. What’s important is to appreciate how subtly the author brings forth the trauma that the people of Mizoram would have gone through with the help of this story. Emotions are overwhelming and situations become bleaker. The plot is predictable yet it doesn’t matter, for we are keener on knowing how people face death or for that matter, loss.

Overall, it was pure joy to read some of the books that are a part of the NOW series. Such stories need to be told in order to sensitize the new generation.

Best wishes to the author!

Buy this book here: Amazon