In the photo Sheela Sheth
Book review by Geeta Molahally, guest writer
Courtney Park Library writers’ group
Title: Journey Through Captivity
Author: Sheela Sheth
Genre: Memoir
No. of pages: 160
Publisher: Wow Book Publishing, UK
Available on: Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble
Editor’s note: We are proud to showcase Sheela Sheth’s debut novel this month. Sheela, a long-standing writer with Family Flavours, surprised us with the genre and subject of her book.
We knew she was cooking up something, but she totally threw us off course when she concocted something totally outside of her usual realm of writing! It is truly fascinating when a writer explores new areas outside of her usual topic showing her diverse talent!
The memoir Journey Through Captivity by Indian-Canadian author Sheela Sheth, is a riveting real-life story.
It is narrated through the lens of the protagonist who was forced to navigate a world of desperation and uncertainty in the face of famine and war in Ethiopia in 1983. It is a tale of resilience and positivity under stressful circumstances.
It traverses the course of 49 days when Mahendra Sheth, the author’s husband, then a paediatrician working for Save the Children, was held hostage by rebels, along with his colleagues in 1983.
Narrative style
A traumatic period in the couple’s life is recounted by Sheth in a very matter-of-fact conversational style belying the gravity of the situation – at a time when she was left to care for their two young children not knowing whether her husband would return.
We come across the compelling story of reflections, reactions and revelations that transform the lives of the displaced as they navigate treacherous roads with landmines and desert terrain. It is not easy reliving the past, but Sheth does so with grace.
A positive outlook in dark times
Facing each day that dawned could have spelt doom and gloom for the hostages. Yet, the story is one of understated fortitude, all hostages forging ahead with the tasks at hand each day; not dwelling on fears of how long the ordeal would last.
The hostages lived one day at a time offering medical services and becoming the official doctors for the group – symbolising resilience in the face of sensory overload. The difficulties faced by the medical team, who worked tirelessly throughout their captivity, healing with limited supplies – is reminiscent of what is taking place in Palestine today.
The beauty of Africa
The reader is afforded a glimpse of the topography of this beautiful African country and its tumultuous history. Vicariously, one journeys through Tigray, weaving along the rugged contours of a fractured coastline.
The cover is evocative and metaphorical providing a visual concept of the book.
At one end, is the quiet sophistication of perfectly manicured meadows and on the other end are the empty quarters of an arid landscape. The flashbacks were a proof of life once lived, but also a sign of social withdrawal, frozen fright and survival strategy.
Migrant Pioneers
The book also touches briefly upon the early Indian migrants to Ethiopia with historical facts, whilst keeping the story emotional and personal. The novel touches upon the cultural and the social structure of joint family systems with the patriarch and elders making the decisions.
But the protagonist adroitly manages to retain his individuality through the choices he makes. One such choice is to later return to Ethiopia to work, despite having lived this ordeal there.
Readers’ take
The reader is afforded a glimpse and insights of coping with life under extreme circumstances. The novel is a source of inspiration and empathy for those who have faced or are facing similar challenges and traumatic times in their lives.
The book is a reflection of inner self, Mahendra Sheth’s confidence laced with positivity. It reveals how to make mental adjustments in times of crisis. The Amharic word for “Don’t worry!” followed by Izoh! and Izoish! mentioned in the book, reflects the sentiment that courses through the journal – when the captives are deprived of contact with family, uncertain of whether they would ever return to a normal life.
Despite this, the captives choose to remain focussed on the need of the hour; healing patients and taking each day as it comes. The book resonates with reassurance and the fact that “the end of one journey prepares for the beginning of the next stage in life.”
I found this memoir an informative and inspiring read and encourage you to read it too!
