Book Review: ‘Gaanv Se Bees Postcard’ by Shiv Balak Misra

Book Title: Gaanv Se Bees Postcard (Hindi)
Author: Shiv Balak Misra
Publisher: Eka/The Slow Imprint
Number of Pages: 232
ISBN: 978-9360451561
Date Published: Nov. 25, 2024
Price: INR 191

Book Review

Postcards, once a vital part of India’s history, provided a window into the past, showcasing the country’s social, cultural, and geographical landscapes, especially during the colonial era and the 1990s. Through their images and messages, they captured everyday life, major events, and societal shifts. Though now rarely used, these postcards once carried personal greetings and travel stories. Their simple messages preserved moments often left out of history books.

“He left the vast fields and the endless open skies behind, stepping into a world of towering walls and flashing city lights. In search of a better life, he welcomed change, yet in doing so, he lost the simple peace he once knew. Surrounded by millions, he felt an overwhelming loneliness, torn between progress and the quiet warmth of the village he had left behind.”

This is the essence of so many lives. The prose of Gaanv Se Bees Postcard, a small book that explores these themes, beautifully captures these deep, emotional reflections.

“Gaanv Se Bees Postcard” written in the Hindi language by 86-year-old Shiv Balak Misra—a scientist, farmer, and teacher—delves into the forgotten layers of life and memory. Through 20 heartfelt letters, he explores the idea that a village resides within each of us, whether we acknowledge it or not. Its essence lingers in our food, festivals, language, and way of life, shaping us in ways we may not always realize.

The book beautifully portrays the village as a silent companion—always present, yet often unrecognized. Misra compares it to the bride’s brother at a wedding, tirelessly working behind the scenes but never appearing in a photograph. He further likens it to a mother, whose love and wisdom shape our lives, yet who is taken for granted, as if she will always be there.

Somewhere along the journey, we left our villages behind. Yet, they never truly left us. Now, like echoes from the past, these postcards arrive—carrying memories of a world we once knew. Through these words, the essence of the village lives on, its spirit deeply rooted in the heart of the one who penned them. No matter how far he traveled, across India or beyond, the village remained a part of him, woven into the very fabric of his soul. The 20 chapters in this book capture raw, heartfelt emotions. What makes it even more special is the unique chapter titles—each presented in the style of a postcard!

Check out our Latest Book Reviews

This book is more than just a collection of letters; it is a reflection of the timeless soul of India’s villages—the forgotten heart that still beats within us all. It is a must-read for all those who want to enjoy the petrichor of the forgotten soil smell and life

Books are love!

Get a copy now!