TR Robinson Publications, UK
5.0 out of 5 stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom
It is hard to do this book justice in a short review. The primary setting for this tale is the Middle East and the North African desert warfare campaign… The historic detail really is quite something…the ‘human costs’ are more than communicated and may well bring a tear to the reader’s eye. The author also uniquely conveys the emotions, fears and conflicts of all participants whether it be in the scenarios of war, society, family or love. The love story in itself is captivating.
There is so much contained within the pages that one read is not really adequate to take it all in, though, due to the author’s excellent writing style, it is by no means an arduous read.
A considerable amount of research must have gone into this book for which the author is to be commended. The contents of her families’ papers (the author is the daughter of the protagonists) are also presented in a meaningful manner which ties into the tale very well. The supporting photographs, especially those from the family archive, also add another valuable dimension for the reader. This is truly a literary work that adds to the world’s treasure-trove…
Five (5) (+) (+) stars. – The usual five star rating offered by most book related sites is considered inadequate to reflect the quality of this book.
Chandra Lahiri
5.0 out of 5 stars Insightful and delightful
Reviewed in the United States
I cannot recommend this book highly enough. For those who are interested in historic events – or even, just romance! – this book is both valuable and unputdownable. The fact that the author is a poet comes through clearly in the lyrical narrative sections, while the sheer depth and detail of her research are breathtaking. This is an enthralling story of two remarkable people who lived through tumultuous times, without letting history grind them under its relentless cogs. Beautifully written, it is a genuine pleasure to read, and, indeed, at the end, leaves you hungry to know how the rest of their lives turned out. As I said, I cannot recommend this book highly enough!
Zillions
5.0 out of 5 stars and enjoyed it so much that I immediately ordered
Reviewed in the United States
Verified Purchase
I purchased author Leila Sen’s earlier book of poems “Canticles”, and enjoyed it so much that I immediately ordered “Where Destiny Commands” when I found it on Amazon.
I was in for a surprise!!!
Unlike the delicate, often lighthearted verse of poems earlier, this book is part well researched military history and part fascinating love story.
It takes us back in time to a global war that continues to affect the economies and relationships of our nations to this day. It is a story of everyday people thrown into exceptional circumstances who became heroes to save the world – with all its blessings and failings that we enjoy today.
Spanning borders and cultures as it does, I would like to see this epical book as a movie (Hollywood or Bollywood), made for a global audience.
KK
5.0 out of 5 stars Highly Recommended
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸
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Set amidst the raging turmoil of war, this novel brings to life the story of a young Indian doctor in the British Indian army who finds himself engaged in the North African World War II campaign. He goes to Cairo where he meets a beautiful Armenian woman and falls in love. Well researched and compelling reading. The story is authentic, and engaging and one can easily empathize with the characters. It has been two weeks since I read the book but I am still reliving it like a movie. Highly recommended.
Dora O.
5.0 out of 5 stars A must READ!
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸
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This is one of the most enthralling books I’ve ever read. It grabs you right from page one. It is a great love story played out through the chaotic events of War World II. It has something for everyone; the romantic, the war buff, the adventurer, the pragmatist, the non-fiction enthusiast etc. etc.
I loved it!
Ann Condon
5.0 out of 5 stars Humanity in Turmoil
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸
Verified Purchase
I thought this book deserves greater recognition world wide as it is very well researched and written. I could not obtain a copy anywhere in Australia.
Sanjay Bhatnagar
5.0 out of 5 stars A Very Enjoyable Read!
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸
Verified Purchase
It took me a while to finish the book, but it was well worth it. The historical detail, the well-researched battles, the captivating characters and their true love story make this an absorbing read from beginning to end.
Bani Chatterjee
5.0 out of 5 stars
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸
This is a book for all seasons! It was great summer-time reading for me–I was completely drawn in by the breathtaking adventure and romance of the story. The global geo-politics and divisions created in the middle east of the ’40s reverberate to this day, impacting the lives of its people on a daily basis.
GM
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully written!!!
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸
This is a true love story during World War II.
This book is so beautifully written by author, Leila Sen.
Thoroughly enjoying reading it.
This is a book I recommend more than any other.
Buy it, you won’t be disappointed.
Enjoy!
Amazon Customer
JD
MUMBAI, MAHARASHTRA
5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant read!
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸
Enjoyed every bit of this book, so detailed and captivating. I loved it and highly recommend it.
jmclean
4.0 out of 5 stars
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸
This book is a treasure for many reasons, not least of which is that our sources for Indian contributions to the war effort are sadly few.