Viriah: Book review

Book Review
Title: Viriah
Author: Krishna Gubili
Genre: Biography
Viriah is the story about the author's search for his great grandfather named Viriah, who went to South Africa as a laborer to work in Sugar plantations and died in tragic conditions. 
Curious to know more about his ancestral history, the author spends a large part of his adult years trying to gain various sources about his family roots. When he finally stumbles upon some information, he is horrified to find out that his great grandfather was an indentured laborer. 
Due to the increasing demand for sugar in the late 1800s, 1.3 million Indians were shipped to work on sugarcane plantations in South Africa. The indenture system is largely explored in the book and showcases the appalling working conditions of coolies. They had to toil for long hours, were subjected to cruel treatment and faced psychological consequences of being separated from their families. 
The author describes the intricacies of life on sugarcane plantations, his great grandfather's unexpected meeting with Mahatma Gandhi, his marriage, return to India and facing several tragic moments. 
Stirring and emotional, Viriah is a book that tugs the strings of your heart. Themes of family, freedom and grief are dealt with largely here. It also explores the nuances of caste system and certain social evils.
Its appalling to realize that the indenture system is still largely prevalent in some parts of the world, as the author narrates in his lucid style of writing. Well researched, informative and heart-wrenching, Viriah is a definite must read. A tribute to those 1.3 million indentured Indians.

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