When I began reading this novel, I felt it was a daunting story that would psychologically torture me, as it dealt with eerie dreams that had been haunting me for more than a decade, leaving me terrified. Moreover, the mention of supernatural forces in this story requires you to have a solid belief in them; believers alone can acknowledge these forces as real.
However, as I progressed through this novel, it seemed less daunting to me. I cannot categorize it as horror fiction; rather, it is a tale of love. Since I have experience reading complex English literature, and my nature is somewhat poetic, straightforward storytelling doesn't impact me much. The narrative style of this story is extremely simple and easy to grasp, which is undoubtedly a great aspect from an artistic and literary standpoint.
The story of this novel was not extraordinary or unique; we have encountered many similar stories in our lives. However, two particular aspects are present in this story: it is extraordinarily natural, pure, and based on reality. In ordinary stories, we come across ordinary events and emotions that we cannot name. We lack the words and sensitivity to mention them. The author has written all these events and emotions very delicately, making you feel compelled to see yourself in this story.
Two stories were running parallel in this novel:
1) The story of Shanti and Wilson connecting a small village 377/EB of Khaniwal in 1950.
2) The story of Pakistani Andria and Egyptian Raffael studying at a university in Finland.
Zilleh a supernatural force, connects the above-mentioned stories.
The story of Shanti and Andria are interesting characters; both girls are brave, loving, and simple-hearted. Where the story of peace in this novel ends with courage, love, patience, and loyalty, Andria is born, who, like every brave and strong girl, is very sensitive and positive. She sees life through the eyes of spring and silently embraces the sting of thorns among the flowers. She is a smiling face in the world and, like every strong girl, she is not taught to cry is not weakness but an extremely brave act.
The most beautiful and courageous aspect of this story is that, unlike the heroines of fairy tales, no boy becomes crazy in Andria's love; instead, Andria gets trapped in a boy's love and expresses her emotions, only to be rejected.
After rejection, the story feels interesting because the phases after rejection that Andria goes through are no less than the tales of victory of a brave warrior. And when she talks to her therapist and he tells her that she was made to love because love is within her, reading this conversation soothes the soul.
As I have mentioned that I did not find this story to be an extraordinary one. Yet, at some point in this story, I cried.
Apparently, there was no mention of such pain in this story that would make tears flow from the eyes, but after completing it, my heart felt burdened. I kept shedding tears on my berth in the train for two hours. As a writer, I felt that my tears were not unjustified; it is entirely possible that the author might have infused her tears into completing this story.
Writing is not just a matter of words reaching the reader; it also touches their hearts with all their emotions. If truth and sincerity are included in the writer's pen, the reader cannot remain untouched by their emotions. And in this regard, the author has been successful.
Another special thing that caught my attention in Andria's story is that the end of this story is not included in the novel; it feels like this story has yet to take many new turns, which could lead to the creation of Wilson's Legacy 2. Andria is the character of this story who is a traveler, and her journey does not seem to end anytime soon.
This is the author's first book, and as a reader and writer, I confess that it is one of the best books among the first books of world authors. I did not feel any hint of error from an artistic point of view, nor did I see any haste or carelessness in publishing the book.
Certainly, efforts have been made on its drafts. The chapters of the story have been given beautiful titles; unnecessary details have not made the story bulky. The fashion terminology of the author is commendable too. Therefore, I can confidently say that Sovazia is an excellent writer, and she will definitely be included in the list of classical writers one day.
Note:
I am also proud that the author was my college classfellow Sovazia Rahib. I belong to a small village, and the people of my village and city are proud of my first book being published. I want to tell them that this author also belongs to my neighboring village. This small town has given birth to two writing girls. I am extremely happy to see her book published and to read it.
