Book Reviewers Comments
Book Geeks
The Literature Times
Keetabi Keeda
The author meticulously delineates how “the army served as both a tool of oppression within India and a shield to safeguard British rule elsewhere.” The British projected an aura of invincibility, buoyed by their superior war machinery, sophisticated training methods, formidable naval prowess, and advanced military technology. However, while they remained vigilant against threats from Russia and other quarters in the northwest of India, they woefully neglected their defenses in the northeast.
Read More:https://www.bookgeeks.in/1942-when-british-rule-in-india-was-threatened-krishna-kumar-book-review/
Keetabi Keeda
The Literature Times
Keetabi Keeda
The most striking aspect of the book is how he weaves together these multifarious strands - from Gandhi’s faltering steps to Bose’s swashbuckling campaign - to depict a country at one of the most crucial junctures in its history. 1942 was when the future course of India’s freedom struggle was being decided. Krishna ji analyzes British strategy succinctly to show how their primary aim was to retain control rather than consider Indian independence. As he remarks, “The British learned from 1857 not to oppress both Hindus and Muslims simultaneously and divided the society.”
At the same time, Krishna ji is unsparing in his objective assessment of the failures of the nationalists. He points out how the resignations by Congress ministries in 1939 played into British hands and allowed Jinnah’s Muslim League to gain influence. Later in 1942 too, the Quit India movement was nothing short of a failure. The author notes how Gandhi had launched the movement more to “keep himself relevant” rather than any realistic assessment that the British could be made to leave at the height of the World War.
Read more: https://www.keetabikeeda.in/post/untitled
The Literature Times
The Literature Times
The Literature Times
Writes the Literature times‘Krishna Kumar narrative is not just a historical account; it’s a reflection on the choices, challenges, and consequences that shaped the destiny of a nation. The strategic blunders, the shifting alliances, and the internal fractures within the British administration are presented with clarity, allowing readers to comprehend the complexity of the geopolitical chessboard during this critical juncture.’
Book Ishelf
Keveinbooksnreviews
The Literature Times
Kumar adopts a measured tone without hyperbole or dramatization. He diligently substantiates his analysis by citing a diverse range of authoritative sources. The book blends narrative flair with rigorous historical research.
Kumar ably handles the complex interconnections between the numerous developments spread across disparate geographies. He succeeds in weaving together the multifaceted strands into an accessible and lucid account.
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I book Sta
Keveinbooksnreviews
Keveinbooksnreviews
'But what took it to the next level for me was the amount of detail included for every historical event associated with the year 1942.'
Keveinbooksnreviews
Keveinbooksnreviews
Keveinbooksnreviews
'Though the book is only 169 pages, ironically it encompasses encyclopedic information about the events of the deciding year 1942.’
‘It points out major and critical part of military history and geopolitical essence that led India to the route of freedom by weakening its enemy…colonizer. Without confusion and complexity, the book presents a clear picture of the events that will leave an indelible mark on readers who are in admiration with history related to Indian independence.’
https://www.keveinbooksnreviews.in/2024/07/book-review-1942-when-british-rule-in.html
Asian Reviews
Asian Reviews
Asian Reviews
It is such an easy and good book that it draws in readers deeply and they will be invested in it. One of the best highlights is the journey of characters (real ones) and the connections they form with each other and the overall implications turned on freedom struggle. And that was all done with the lyrical prose and rich detailing of events occurring in India, Burma, Singapore…and other areas that pinned India’s bright chances of freedom but at the same time weakened British Rule.
Reading cafe6
Asian Reviews
Asian Reviews
The book is fast paced, brimming with references and historical notes that look the other side of the India’s freedom struggle. Overall, an amazing read.