Book Review: Bohni: A story of a coachman Kindle Edition by Som Prakash Chaswal - June 2017

From start to end of this fourteen-page short story, you are immersed into the Indian culture and taken on a poignant journey. The main character, Abdulla, refuses to give up on his tonga (horse-drawn carriage used for transportation in India) business, despite the obvious fact that technological advances have allowed for more practical transportation: namely, the bus system.

     Abdulla has suffered shame and monetary loss due to his refusal to put his horse and carriage combo to rest and move on to another profession. He dreams of the day when the tonga is once again the desired mode of transportation, and grieves the loss of a simpler time.

     Sitting at the bus stop, we see characters growing anxious as they await the bus that is running late. The conversations taking place reveal just how dependent upon modern technology we as a people have become, and what a weakness that is. Abdulla, though mocked as being foolish for refusing to "get caught up with the times," sees through clear eyes, comprehending what everyone else seems to miss in their hurry to get to wherever the bus is supposed to take them. He wishes his fellow Indians would recognize how their need for convenience has crippled their ability to slow down and appreciate life, and how they are now unable to do something as simple as arrive at work without a machine.

     When the people awaiting the bus realize they have depended upon this modern mode of transportation too much and are in need of an alternative way to arrive at their destinations, suddenly Abdulla is no longer considered foolish, but wise! His spirits are raised, and it appears his dreams of operating a tonga full-time once again have come true.

     The story concludes in a way that shows the truths of human nature.

1. We are quick to dismiss what is good in order to attain that which is convenient.

2. We are quick to forget lessons learned.

3. Some dreams, no matter how strongly you desire them to come true, have an expiration date.

  This story offers great insight into the Indian culture while teaching practical life lessons. It has the feel of a modern-day fable, and is an educational and enjoyable read. There were moments of humor mingled with a great deal of sadness, and it is one of those stories that leave you more aware of your own humanity.

Content:

There is no sexual content, profanity, or violence in this book. This is a clean read.

I rate this story 5 our of 5 stars.

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