Flames of the Cherry Tree
1940. Aafreen Khan lives in the home of her beloved Dadaji (grandfather), a doctor, in the Kashmir Valley. She is loved and sheltered and wants to be a doctor like Dadaji. But when she and her best friend Hussein wander outside their property, they are met with the reality of life in Kashmir. Kashmiri Muslims under the Maharaj at that time experienced systemic racism, and Aafreen is never the same after witnessing it. Edward, the son of their servant, suffers even more discrimination, as he is looked down upon by both sides. As Aafreen grows up and attends medical school, her dreams await her, but fear, riots, and discrimination are in the cards as well.
This novel is Aafreen’s coming of age story, but it also explores love, friendship, and the challenges faced in the 1940s by Muslim women who pursued careers. At the same time, the events of 1940 – 1948 before and after the partition of India are shown to us through Aafreen, and we see the terrible violence on both sides. While all of this is happening, a love story still dances across the page.
We also look back at the death of Aafreen’s father. Considered one of the Heroes of Kashmir, he was murdered during a 1931 uprising against the oppression of Maharaja Hari Singh, the Hindu Dogra ruler. This well-written and impactful book successfully weaves Aafreen’s story with the food, customs, and difficult history of the Kashmir Valley. Highly recommended.
