Play Book Tag discussion

The Patient Assassin: A True Tale of Massacre, Revenge, and India's Quest for Independence-4 1/2 Stars rounded up

On April 13, 1919 in Amritsar (located in a province of Punjab India) the Jallianwala Bagh massacre took place. I had never heard of this, and I wonder how many non-Indian people have. This was one of the most odious actions I have ever read about.

The story tells the events leading up to the massacre. Diving into British entry in India, the Raj they became, the control they held over the Indian people. It tells the story from all perspectives, with stellar research on all of the main characters. The tale spans more than 20 years as Udham Singh stews over the slaughter of his people as he plans his revenge.

The story of Udham Singh begins with his execution for the assassination
of Sir Michael O'Dwyer. It then goes back in time to reveal the events that lead to Singh's arrest. Anita Anand gives equal, non-judgmental page time to both men, and also to all the other main players.

I learned so much about the cultural divide that existed in India at this time. So many of the deplorable actions of the British went unpunished. It makes you wonder, it makes you sick to your stomach.

I deducted 1/2 star because at times I got bored with all the detail, but that's just me-always wanting the meat of the story "right now". I will however look for more written by this author. The story is told as more of a "thriller" not a dry documentary.

I recommend this to anyone who loves historical non-fiction, who wants to know more about why "The Sun Never Set On The British Empire".