Book Review : Dusk Over the Mustard Fields

“Dusk Over the Mustard Fields” by Dr Ranjit Powar is a beautifully crafted novel set in the colonial Punjab, deftly exploring human emotions against the backdrop of the deeply ingrained patriarchal system and the socio-political upheaval of the Partition. The narrative, rich with indigenous words, evokes a profound sense of nostalgia, transporting readers to a bygone era from pre-partitioned India to the heart-wrenching division of the subcontinent. The narrative is so compelling, touching the heart and stirring up deep emotions in the readers while highlighting the intricate social hierarchy, distinctive village life and the very ethos of Army life.

The story follows Nimmo ,the daughter of the Zaildar of village Sahneval,a carefree young girl married to an Army man who does not value her due to her lack of education and sophistication. The plot is full of twists and turns, keeping readers engaged as they observe the complexities of Nimmo's journey and her survival in the highly patriarchal system of then socio-cultural milieu . Nimmo's fate—whether she survives and reintegrates into Army life, her relationship with her husband's second wife and the future of her child—remains unresolved, leaving readers yearning for a sequel.

Dr Ranjit powar's craft of intense storytelling and the unresolved questions about Nimmo's fate call for a sequel or the rich imagery and cinematic quality of the narrative makes it a ripe plot for a movie adaptation !