Reviews
What People Are Saying
Unlikely Humanitarian
A highly recommended reading!
“A person was sent to the WW II to kill people and later he turned out to be a great humanitarian! The story is not only a tale of the person's transformation. But the author sails the readers through a long journey to set the context why it happened, how the state heads' egos play a role to initiate wars and how the poor people dearly pay the price. The saga of the two soulmates, whose lives are torn apart in the background of a war is narrated in the author's usual sensitive style, guiding the readers through the ultimate unexpected experience. Not to mention, that the readers never miss the immense sense of humanity of the author himself that has enabled him to created the great humanitarian - the 'Father Coop'!”
— Aloke K. Das
A moving story
“This inspiring novel brings together and interconnects events in two disparate regions of the world and moreover in different historical time periods; in a very compelling and moving way with a rich historical backdrop. The resilience of the human spirit is brought out at times starkly and other times, delicately in the narrative; which moves across regions and time in a most engrossing style. A wonderful read!”
— Advait M Mogre
An instant favorite
“I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It offers readers a variety in form of history, romance and most importantly a humanitarian lesson. Someone rightly said that "Life is all about choices". Main protagonist of the story makes the right choice at crucial junction in his life and what happens next forms the core of this book. This transformation story is both inspirational and humanitarian in nature. Moreover, author has beautifully captured some of the poignant moments in the story. All this makes this book a must read.”
— Manik Gupta
Burmese Connection
A great fictional account of a largely unknown theater of WWII and it's impact on those people
”There is very little common knowledge about the Southeast Asian Theater during WWII. Ashish dives into the conflict that Japan brought into Burma, its ramifications on the Shan people, and the turmoil that caused the nation of Burma. Blending fictional elements with real life happenings, Ashish weaves a tale from the horrors of war through the modern day following a family of Shan people and their struggle to keep their traditions alive and prosperous.
It was a fascinating read that I was unable to put down and finished in about 3 sittings.”
— Jeffrey Ross
A terrific read!
“This is an excellent read - a very poignant tale that appears to focus on the life of a Shan prince, which was upended by the events leading to and during the Japanese invasion of Burma in WWII. However, in the narrative, we get an excellent backdrop of the historical events of that time period, the various actors that played their part; as well as the triumph of the human spirit.”
— Advait M Mogre
Elegant, evocative and deeply moving.
This is a true heart-wrenching and compelling novel that delves into the powerful themes of love, resilience, and the enduring human spirit. Through Ashish’s vivid storytelling, you will be transported to a bygone era, vividly experiencing the hardships and horrors of war. Nate’s growth is masterfully developed, a strong and relatable character, standing as a beacon of hope and love amid the chaos and uncertainty of war. Ashish’s attention to historical detail is commendable, making the setting and events of the time come alive. The dialogues are authentic, and the descriptions are vivid, immersing the reader into the emotional landscapes of the characters. The Unlikely Humanitarian is a touching and beautifully crafted novel that explores the depths of love and the human spirit's ability to overcome the harshest of circumstances. This book is a must-read!
— E. Donatelli
A magnificent journey through history, culture and human nature
“If you wish to understand how deeply war impacts common and innocent people around the world read this book. Very pertinent in our age and time. Ashish Basu creates vivid characters full of life and tells a great story full of suspense, weaving the disturbing elements of history with the life story of the main characters while showcasing the high points of human nature in a unique kaleidoscope. Truly inspired writing. The author has traveled around the globe and studied various communities very closely. Simply written, although rich with detail. Remarkably readable.”
— Debashish Chaterjee
A good book. Worth a read.
“An extremely powerful and inspirational story of a young American soldier who was sent to Asia while WW2 and all the incidents that transformed him to the 'Father Coop’ - a Social Activists. I started reading this book as a history enthusiast but the story of the romantic couple was the icing on the cake. The incidents of the story are wholly absorbing. This is Ashish’s seconds novel, but he has complete control of his story and his style.”
— Muneesh Verma
History buffs will love this book! A great read on transformation of a soldier to a humanitarian!
“The Unlikely Humanitarian is a great book that takes a reader on a journey through the aftermath of World War II, the Korean wars, the creation of North Korea and South Korea, the Philipines, India, and many more conflict situations. It is an amazing journey of an American youngster who moves from being a young Nate Cooper to "Nete-San" to "Father Coop". This young man amid conflicts and the aftermath of wars finds that it is the innocent and the invisible that suffer and bear the entire brunt of the wars.
This book is a virtual feast for a history lover. The aftermath of the Nagasaki and Hiroshima bombings and the subsequent defeat and surrender of the Japanese leave the citizens of Japan in disgrace and guilt. Young Nate Cooper is at the base helping build back Japan. Soon he finds himself as a POW amidst warring factions of Russia and US-backed troops in Korea. His tragedy happens when he returns after four years to find his beloved “Anya” is not to be found. Nate's life takes a complete turn. He uses his education, skills, and his beliefs to help the helpless.
The transformation of the young man is the story. It is never too late to do good and care for the poor and marginalized people.
it is a very well-written book with interwoven stories of love, ideals, and passion. Each character has something to offer the reader something to ponder on.”
— Veena
“Its like if you are in the driving seat! if ever you have driven in California, you will remember the detailed locations and have you will have a new associations after reading the book. Yet it also pulls the strings of anyone who is a refugee or living in alien land.
The author has managed to create great humanity through the main character.
I had completed the book just before the recent troubles in Burma, and when the news reporters were describing the devastation, The Burmese Connection provided the historical context accurately to help understand the continuing struggles of peoples of Burma. Spellbinding!”
— Nilesh Mandalia
Interesting fact and history based story!
“Liked how Ashish starts multiple threads, weaves them around actual historical incidents, provides a lot of micro-history along with some philosophies about society and Life....all through a set of interesting characters. Reminded me of James Michener's style of writing.”
— SM
A fantastic piece of literature. The detailed knowledge of Burma and California is beguiling.
“Its like if you are in the driving seat! if ever you have driven in California, you will remember the detailed locations and have you will have a new associations after reading the book. Yet it also pulls the strings of anyone who is a refugee or living in alien land.
The author has managed to create great humanity through the main character.
I had completed the book just before the recent troubles in Burma, and when the news reporters were describing the devastation, The Burmese Connection provided the historical context accurately to help understand the continuing struggles of peoples of Burma. Spellbinding!”
— Nilesh Mandalia
A very captivating reading!
”As the events unfold in different parts of the world, and finally converge in recent times in Texas, Ashish keeps the readers alert and surprises with unexpected turns page by page. However, the biggest credit goes to him due to the immense sense of humanity with which he brings forward the story of a little known tribe in the hills of Burma - immersing in their pride, dreams, struggle and pain! The story ends with a note of relative success of an immigrant family, though it leaves the readers wondering about many more such untold stories of many little known ethnic minorities in the world who we will never know about!”
— Aloke K Das
“There is very little common knowledge about the Southeast Asian Theater during WWII. Ashish dives into the conflict that Japan brought into Burma, its ramifications on the Shan people, and the turmoil that caused the nation of Burma. Blending fictional elements with real life happenings, Ashish weaves a tale from the horrors of war through the modern day following a family of Shan people and their struggle to keep their traditions alive and prosperous. It was a fascinating read that I was unable to put down and finished in about 3 sittings.”