5 Star Review
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Editorial Book Review:
By Morgan Smith
Reading Vermilion Harvest: Playtime at the Bagh was like being transported to Amritsar during a time of immense beauty and devastating tragedy. The story’s power lies in how it brings humanity into historical events we might know only from textbooks. Set amid the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, the book combines human hardships with the more general political upheaval, producing a story equal parts intimate and grand. The work seemed cinematic, every scenario perfectly captured and every moment throbbing with tension and feeling.
What immediately struck me in the novel was the core relationship—a love that seemed fragile against strong political pressures. Still, it was a meditation on bravery, commitment, and the sacrifices people pay for the cause of justice, not only a love narrative. The pacing had me completely hooked. The looming dread of the tragic events at Jallianwala Bagh added a layer of urgency that made the characters’ decisions even more poignant.
The book didn’t shy away from showing the brutality of oppression and the resilience of hope. The cultural diversity woven throughout was a highlight for me. Baisakhi celebrations stood in stark contrast to the bloodshed, creating a disturbing juxtaposition. It was more than just the events of 1919; it was a commentary on how history continues to influence identities and beliefs. The author caught this sensitively, giving every character real and accessible quality.
I appreciated how the story didn’t feel like a lecture on history but rather an exploration of human choices during extraordinary times. The themes of betrayal, trust, and finding personal meaning in a chaotic world felt timeless and universal. After reading the last chapter, I thought about both the past and how strong it is to stand up for what you believe in, even when the odds are against you.
Vermilion Harvest is a book I’d recommend to anyone who loves historical fiction that delves into the human heart. It’s beautifully written, emotionally resonant, and profoundly thought-provoking. This is a story that stays with you long after the final page, reminding us of the power of love and the importance of never forgetting history.
About the Author
Reenita M. Hora
Reenita Malhotra Hora is an award-winning screenwriter, novelist and audio producer.
Her female-driven comedy, 'Operation Mom' is an Eric Hoffer Book Award Grand Prize winner, a Chanticleer International Book Awards Grand Prize winner, a Santa Barbara Screenplay Awards winner. Her YA fantasy screenplay, ‘Shadow Realm’ is a Script2Comic finalist, an LA International Screenplay Awards quarterfinalist, and a selected nominee for the New Media Film Festival.
Reenita has contributed to Bloomberg, Reuters, South China Morning Post, Wall Street Journal, New York Times, CNN, Asian Investor, Times of India, Rolling Stone, Economic Times, National Geographic Kids, Cartoon Network Asia, Disney and more. As an on-air news reporter, and producer, she has contributed to Bloomberg, RTHK Radio 3, Monocle Radio and the BBC. She has two active podcasts - Shadow Realm (narrative fantasy fiction) and the True Fiction Project (unscripted to scripted) and she is Chief Storyteller at Chapter by episode, a digital publishing platform for immersive chat fiction stories with diverse themes.
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