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A review by sssnoo
Mother Ocean Father Nation by Nishant Batsha
4.0
Mother Ocean Father Nation adds a compelling novel to the unfortunately scant body of literature about the global Indian diaspora. Batsha's story focuses on a brother and sister growing up on a South Pacific island nation (unnamed but loosely based on Fiji?). They are descendants of Indian indentured laborers brought to the island to work the sugar can fields.
Most non-Indians are probably not very aware of the vast global emigration from the subcontinent that resulted in large Indian populations throughout Commonwealth nations. Yet there are populations descended from these original settlers found across the globe.
Both siblings in Batsha's novel are engaging and bring layers of complexity to his story. On one level is the overarching tale of the island's Indian population as they face persecution from the more populous Melanesian population, led by a coup-installed General. On a deeper level is a dysfunctional yet tightly bound nuclear family led by an abusive father, a subservient mother, and the brother and sister protagonists.
I was engaged and interested in the outcome for both brother and sister. They each face challenges unique to the book's specific setting yet familiar to other oppressed peoples and refugees. If you are interested in humanity and hunger for original settings and stories, I suggest reading this book. Overall, it is a dark tale, but there is plenty within it to tug at your heartstrings and make you smile.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an electronic version of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Most non-Indians are probably not very aware of the vast global emigration from the subcontinent that resulted in large Indian populations throughout Commonwealth nations. Yet there are populations descended from these original settlers found across the globe.
Both siblings in Batsha's novel are engaging and bring layers of complexity to his story. On one level is the overarching tale of the island's Indian population as they face persecution from the more populous Melanesian population, led by a coup-installed General. On a deeper level is a dysfunctional yet tightly bound nuclear family led by an abusive father, a subservient mother, and the brother and sister protagonists.
I was engaged and interested in the outcome for both brother and sister. They each face challenges unique to the book's specific setting yet familiar to other oppressed peoples and refugees. If you are interested in humanity and hunger for original settings and stories, I suggest reading this book. Overall, it is a dark tale, but there is plenty within it to tug at your heartstrings and make you smile.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an electronic version of this book in exchange for an honest review.