Customer Reviews

The Sound of Water: A Novel

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A cautionary tale, 'The Sound of Water' reveals the state of coal mining in India. But the message is not limited to that nation or region. Bahadur's experience as a director of the Indian Ministry of Coal allows him to present an objective picture even in a work of fiction.

It's nearly impossible to read the word 'mining' in the newspaper without it being followed by 'accident' or 'disaster'. Next, we read of the number injured, missing or dead. Any incident seemingly needs a scapegoat quickly found to detract from in-depth study.

The story told by Bahadur builds around the situational morality of those affected by and involved in the incident at the mine. We see the families, company management, union official, law enforcement and government officials as they 'deal' with the tragedy.

This book was moving. I am thankful that I am not faced with those conditions.

I find it hard to believe it is the author's debut. It is well worded and intelligently presented. He shows a true understanding of the lives of those he portrays.

Though it is a quick read, it will have a lasting impact. I know there will be news stories in the near future that will bring this book to mind. If you have an interest in the subject or area, I think you'll like this one.

Some books are great because they take you to a place you will never go, other books introduce you to people or a life you will never experience. Fewer can do both, but the Sound of Water accomplishes just that.

Small vignettes weave the story through a coal mine accident deep in India. This book is both character study of people from the various, complicated strata of Indian life as well as a warning against materialism and the dangers the "beast" of a bureaucracy. The sections on the actual mining operations are fascinating and manage to keep up interest.

Beautifully written and fraught with philosophy, it is not necessarily an easy read, mostly because its English is Indian. Still, once I picked up the rhythm I breezed through it and it was well worth the effort.

The Sound of Water: A NovelThis book is a gift for my grandson who likes to read. He is twelve years old. Since I am writing this before he has received his gift, I have no comments about the story. The delivery for the web site was prompt and the book arrived in good condition.