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Tamas

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Tamas

Written by: Bhisham Sahni
Narrated by: Sumit Kaul
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About this listen

 In a city in undivided Punjab, Nathu, a tanner, is bribed to kill a pig. When the animal’s carcass is discovered on the steps of the local mosque the next morning, simmering tensions explode into an orgy of bloodlust.

As the carnage ensues, ordinary lives are dramatically upturned: The women of a Sikh village resolve to make the ultimate sacrifice when faced with imminent death at the hands of an advancing mob; an elderly couple undertakes a perilous journey when the one place they call home is no longer safe for them; and wracked with guilt, Nathu must come to terms with his unwitting role in instigating the violence. Yet, despite the darkness of the times, rare moments of unexpected friendship and love also surface.

A timeless classic about the Partition of India, Tamas is also a chilling reminder of the consequences of religious intolerance and communal prejudice. Daisy Rockwell’s fresh and definitive translation expertly renders the power and passion of this iconic and award-winning novel for a new generation of readers. Classics Genre Fiction Historical Literary Fiction Political

Critic Reviews

"Together, Sahni’s and Mastur’s complementary portraits of Partition illustrate how, when political tensions are weaponized, ordinary lives are crushed by the machinery of power. Those who survive must contend with the devastation that remains, long after the noise abates." —Vikas Turakhia, Minneapolis Star Tribune
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Incredible narration by Aumit Kaul. Thanks to the audible platform. It has given life to the novel.

Wonderful narration by Sumit babu. Many thanks.

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The book is based on circumstances 80 years ago. Written about 45 years back and made into an award winning film 30 odd years from today. But have we come out of the throes of manipulation and violence since then? Not quite sure.

I listened to Tamas on Audible in English, translation by the Author himself and narrated very well by Sumit Kaul. If I come across the original would read again eagerly. Also will locate the film and watch that once again.

The book is written like wide angle view of the entire community turning upside down within hours and days. Followed by a facile and weak attempt at reconciliation and normalcy. It shows how weak our political ideologies are and therefore how easily we can be manipulated by falsehoods. If we multiply breakdown of this single community and with thousands of communities during Partition, one can well imagine the scale of devastation.

Why just Partition, Tamas has shown up several times since then. Till this day.

Must read

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God kkjj big hi li ml de NHS kji jag bvd xcf lmao plot

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Loved the book. I feel more people should it it. A pure classic. I will now recommend this book to everyone. The Naturalistic narrative of the Book will haunt you for days

Amazing Book!! Amazing Narration!!

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