By Marissa Wells
Contributing Writer
In the politically charged atmosphere of Amritsar in 1919, an Anglo-Indian schoolteacher and a spirited Muslim student activist find themselves falling in love.
Their courtship is met with challenges as they navigate being from different communities and his political involvement. As the deadline of a ticking time bomb draws near, the schoolteacher discovers a dire threat: General Dyer is planning a brutal attack on Jallianwala Bagh. Racing against time, she must find and warn her lover before it’s too late.
So goes “Vermillion Harvest: Playtime at the Bagh” by Reenita M. Hora.
Inspiration for the epic love story came from Hora’s familial connection to the Jallianwala Bagh massacre through her late grandfather’s vivid memories of its aftermath as a young boy and from a character Hora portrayed in a play as a teenager.
“As a Punjabi, the tragedy of Amritsar strikes a profound chord; with my grandfather from there and my mother born there, the massacre feels intensely personal,” Hora said.
“Vermillion Harvest” was written because Hora recognized the need for historical fiction that not only testifies to the experiences of South Asians but that is also told through the voice of a South Asian author.
“Though I learned about this tragedy in school, many outside India remain unaware of its significance,” Hora said. “Despite its monumental impact, the Jallianwala Bagh massacre has largely faded from global historical memory.”
“Vermillion Harvest” may pique the interest of readers who enjoy historical fiction, literary fiction and romance novels. It’s unique in that it’s the first fictional story set against the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
“This horrific event was a turning point for the Indian independence movement, igniting a nationwide push for freedom that culminated in 1947,” Hora said. “Through ‘Vermilion Harvest,’ I aim to delve into the complexities of historical trauma, the enduring scars of colonialism and the resilient spirit that emerges from understanding and reconciling these deep-seated wounds.”
In addition to being an author, Hora has multiple years of experience in media, entertainment, communications, tech/innovation and wellness industries. She is based in both Los Angeles and San Francisco. For more information about the author and to stay up to date on upcoming book signings, visit reenita.com.
“Vermillion Harvest: Playtime at the Bagh” is available for $34.95 (hardcover) and $24.95 (paperback) via amazon.com, bookasmillion.com, and barnesandnoble.com.
