doomreader reviewed The Collaborator by Mirza Waheed
Violent, depressing, compelling
4 stars
Trigger warnings apply. A painful tale about militancy in Kashmir in the 1990s and the actions of the Indian government there.
The protagonist telling his story is a young man witnessing all the horror and tragedy happening to his friends and neighbours. The narration is more of a relentless lament.
I didn't like the ending, which seemed a tad predictable (and reminded me of the ending of Kamila Shamsie's Home Fire), although I understand it illustrates the desperation, hopelessness, helplessness and guilt rather powerfully. These four qualities make up the young narrator's story.
Despite its depressing content it's an excellent read. It might make you want to read his other works and more on the topic.