When Blackbirds Fly
by Hannah Lalhlanpuii
“When Blackbirds Fly” by Hannah Lalhlanpuii. Published by Duckbill. A moving story set in the initial stages of the struggle for Mizoram’s independence against the backdrop of the 1966 bombing of Aizawl.
The narrator (also the protagonist) of the story is a boy going to high school and not yet fifteen. The story spans over a few months. His life is peaceful and sweet growing up in Aizawl. Despite having lost his mother, he has a loving family comprising of his father who is a teacher and his grandfather. His two best friends are Zuala and Rini. The narrator feels that Rini is the most beautiful girl in the world and adores her. Zuala has left school and works in his farm with his parents. Life seems idyllic and laid back. But a storm is brewing in the background.
The MNF (Mizoram National Front) is planning to fight against the Indian army for liberating Mizoram. They feel that the region has been ignored by the government so far especially during the time of the Mautam famine. While lot of people are joining MNF as volunteers, there are many who do not understand the need for freedom like the narrator for instance. He doesn’t want any fighting. He is happy to be living as is. Irrespective of what he wants, he and the people of Aizawl are inevitably drawn into a state of turmoil and anguish when bombs are dropped by Indian Air Force on the city. He has never seen a plane except in drawings and the first time he sights a plane is such a harrowing experience.
I read the book with my almost eight year old. We just couldn’t put the book down as the story was so gripping. He was so intrigued by the fact that the protagonist’s name is never revealed. This book gave us a peek into a lesser known topic that is not mentioned much. It is a debut novel by the author who is based out of Aizawl. Her write up therefore has that regional touch. I loved the clever interplay of the blackbird and its shadow which is that of a black fighter jet in the cover design of the book by Canato Jimo. The narrator thinks that the fighter jets are Blackbirds when he sees them from afar for the first time. After all, he is accustomed to seeing the Blackbirds near his window.
The bombing must be the only instance where the Indian Air Force dropped bombs on Indian soil itself. This began a twenty year long period of insurgency in the state which is believed to be the darkest period of Mizo history. The book is part of the “Not Our War (NOW)” series by Duckbill. The series deals with how children growing up in tumultuous times of conflicts feel powerless and vulnerable and yet feel brave and hopeful about a better future.
Recommended Age
The book is apt for children aged 10+ (as recommended by the publisher).
P.S - Like me if you are reading this with a younger child, you might want to check and tone down the language in 2-3 instances to make it age appropriate based on your child’s maturity level.
Reasons to Read
The book gives a peek into the life of Mizos, the Mizo movement and the bombing of Aizawl in 1966 that led to the long drawn insurgency in Mizoram.
To get a perspective of how people, especially children, who do not understand the reason for a conflict and do not take sides find themselves in turbulent times.
Where to buy from?
An independent indie bookstore, Funky Rainbow, from where I buy many of my books.
Disclaimer - We received this book from the publisher, Penguin India (Duckbill), for review. Thank you to Greeshma and Mansi, from Penguin, for sending across the book!