'Patriots, Plots and Peril' successfully blends fiction with real-life history, vividly bringing to life the indomitable spirit of Jatin Mukherjee (Bagha Jatin) and other unsung heroes of India's freedom struggle. This gripping historical fiction explores the complex web of international espionage aimed at thwarting the Indian revolutionary movement. Spanning various locations across India and the world, this novel offers an insight into the global dimensions of the struggle for Indian independence during WW1. - Dr Prithwindra Mukherjee, Historian, Academician,
Padma Shri Award Recipient, Grandson of Bagha Jatin
Patriots, Plots and Peril is a historical fiction novel that explores a forgotten chapter of Indian freedom struggle, often referred to as the 'Hindu-German Conspiracy'.
Set against the backdrop of World War I, the main narrative spans from the outbreak of the war in August 1914 to the poignant demise of its primary protagonist in September 1915. The initial four chapters lay the groundwork, spanning the years 1910 to 1912; offering a context for the ensuing events. The story unfolds through the remarkable lives of formidable revolutionaries like Jatindranath Mukherjee (Bagha Jatin) and Rashbehari Bose among others, breathing vitality into these bravehearts and their struggle to bring German arms and money into Indian shores to facilitate India's freedom.
This novel also delves into the intricate scheming orchestrated by British officers globally, as they feverishly worked to thwart the Indian freedom movement. The narrative explores a world of espionage and counter-espionage, where the destinies of a young Czech man and a New York-based counter-espionage unit interlace, unveiling crucial secrets of the Indo-German plan in the process.
The tale transcends international boundaries, transitioning from daring political robberies and assassinations in Calcutta to the planning of army insurrections in Lahore, over the waters of the Ganges in Benares. As readers navigate rollercoaster within India, they are transported to Berlin's bustling streets, the vibrant atmosphere of San Francisco, on board a ship near a remote Pacific island, and the serene shores of the Ciliwung River in Batavia (modern-day Jakarta).
With over 30 chapters this historical fiction blends real historical events and characters with fictionalized incidents. It offers a captivating journey into a forgotten chapter of India's independence movement that has the potential to leave a lasting impression on the readers.
