This book takes the reader down unexplored and uncomfortable avenues of beautiful and enchanting but troubled and war-riven Kashmir Valley. It analyses the ups and downs of Kashmirs ailing political health since the beginning of Dogra rule more than 150 years ago, until the present time. The author has pulled off the task of juxtaposing the history of Kashmir, with a history of its medical and educational development, interweaving his own experiences of growing up in Srinagar the capital of Kashmir, to illuminate the readership with specific aspects of his story. The book gives an insight into various aspects of British involvement in Kashmir, describes the pioneering work of the UK missionaries in its social, educational and healthcare development, and points to the reciprocal contribution of the Kashmiris to present day British society. It describes the impact of political events in the international arena on Kashmir, particularly after the partition of British India. It traces the development of Kashmiri political thought process and examines the roles of various personalities from within and outside Kashmir who shaped the painful destiny of this land and its people.

本書は、美しきカシミールが抱える「政治的な病」と「公衆衛生の歩み」を鮮やかに交錯させた、魂を揺さぶるノンフィクションです。著者のガルザール・ムフティは、自身の回想録を縦糸に、百五十年以上に及ぶ激動の歴史を横糸にして、傷だらけの理想郷の真実を紡ぎ出しました。医療と教育、そして政治の変遷を一つの生命体のように捉える彼の鋭い視線は、単なる歴史記録を超えた、極めて文学的な深みを有しています。 読者は、英国宣教師による社会変革や、国際情勢に翻弄される人々の姿を通じて、この地に刻まれた痛切な運命と、それに対峙する人々の不屈の精神を目の当たりにするでしょう。個人の記憶が国家の悲劇と響き合う重層的な構成は、歴史の荒波を生き抜く「個」の尊厳を鮮烈に浮き彫りにします。知的好奇心と深い共感を呼び起こす、紛争地カシミールの深淵に触れるための不可欠な一冊です。