The Tale of Two Countries

outside environment seemed to have completely overshadowed his genes. He was getting more and more anglicized with every passing year and almost felt embarrassed of being the son of his parents. He felt that they were out of tune withife in Britain.'' When a young Gursevak Grewal first sees Sukhvinder Kaur inahore, it isove at first sight for both of them. But then the country is brutally ripped apart, forcing the youngovers to push their emotions back and begin an arduous journey back to their country-India. Having survived the horrors of Partition, the couple begins another journey-of blissful matrimony. Supporting each other through the various ups and downs ofife, they migrate to England, start a business and see the birth of their only child, Gursukh, in due course. Everything seems perfect, yet the couple makes oneast journey-this time, back to India. What makes them take this journey? Weaving history with fiction, The Tale of Two Countries is a moving saga of a family as well as a commentary on theives of hundreds of Grewals who,ured byife abroad, take the plunge, and have to deal with both the pressure to make good in the alienand as well as theonging for the motherlandeft behind. The Tale of Two Countries deftly mixes historical elementsike India''s Partition and racial strife in England with fiction. The author beautifully describes the rural and urban ethos in India near about its Independence andater of England. He has also highlighted the anxieties on the minds of migrants as they take the plunge. The book also talks about the familyife, as it has evolved during the present times. Besides, it delicately deals with the plight of a cancer-ridden wife, who begs for euthanasia and, strangely, her husband supports her decision. An emotional roller coaster, The Tale of Two Countries makes for a riveting read.

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