When Blackbirds Fly
When Blackbirds Fly[1][2] is a historical novel by Mizo author Hannah Lalhlanpuii, first published on 7 February 2022. The book is part of the "Not Our War" series and is among the middle-grade historical novels set in Northeast India, focusing on the Mizo community during the 1966 bombing of Aizawl. It provides a sensitive portrayal of the impact of conflict on children and civilians.[3][4]
Plot
[edit]The narrative centers around an unnamed adolescent boy living in Aizawl with his father and grandfather. His life is characterized by simple joys and close friendships with Rini, a talkative girl, and Zuala, whose father is involved in the independence movement.[5] Despite the growing political unrest and the activities of the Mizo National Front (MNF) advocating for Mizoram's independence, the protagonist remains largely indifferent, focusing instead on his personal aspirations and daily life.[6][7]
This semblance of normalcy is abruptly disrupted when the Indian Air Force conducts aerial bombings over Aizawl in March 1966, aiming to suppress the MNF-led insurgency.[8] The sudden violence forces the young boy and his community into a harrowing journey of survival, confronting the brutal realities of war and its profound impact on civilians, especially children.[9][10]
References
[edit]- ^ Thokchom, Veewon (2022-07-31). "'When Blackbirds Fly' recounts the fight for Mizo independence amid horrors created by armed forces". Scroll.in. Retrieved 2025-04-01.
- ^ "Hannah Lalhlanpuii: When Blackbirds Fly | Ukhrul Times". 2022-03-11. Retrieved 2025-04-01.
- ^ "When Blackbirds Fly". Goodreads. Retrieved 2025-03-24.
- ^ Lianhna, Lalruatpuii. A Study of Victors, Victims and Values through the Select Novels on War Zones. ISBN 978-93-93810-87-8.
- ^ "When Blackbirds Fly Book Review - A Requiem to Childhood". 2022-04-30. Retrieved 2025-04-01.
- ^ Reporter, Staff (2022-03-16). "When Blackbirds Fly by Hannah Lalhlanpuii". RobinAge. Retrieved 2025-03-24.
- ^ "'When Blackbirds Fly': Why Mizoram author Hannah Lalhlanpuii talks about insurgency from a child's eyes". Mid-day. 2022-12-17. Retrieved 2025-04-01.
- ^ "A novel recounts the Mizo 'independence' movement, and the life of a young boy caught in its turmoil". The Indian Express. 2022-08-14. Retrieved 2025-04-01.
- ^ "When Blackbirds Fly". Goodreads. Retrieved 2025-04-01.
- ^ Thokchom, Veewon (2022-07-31). "'When Blackbirds Fly' recounts the fight for Mizo independence amid horrors created by armed forces". Scroll.in. Retrieved 2025-04-01.
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