Capturing a Paradox

In the intricate weave of Kashmir's literary landscape, where the weight of our collective memories often finds expression through poetry and prose, emerges a remarkable debut novel that speaks to both our past and present. Apples of June, penned by Pervez Yasin, a Mechanical Engineer by profession. It arrives as a powerful addition to contemporary Kashmiri literature, offering a narrative that resonates deeply with anyone who has witnessed the valley's transformation during the turbulent 1990s. The novel's title itself is a masterful metaphor that anybody acquainted with the Kashmir and its seasons will instantly recognize. In our valley, where apple orchards define our agricultural heritage, the notion of Apples of June presents impossibility – a paradox that brilliantly captures the essence of love blooming in the most improbable of times. Just as June never witnesses the ripening of apples in Kashmir, the novel suggests that some dreams and desires defy the natural order of things.

At its heart, the story follows Rizwan; a badminton champion whose sporting achievements pale in comparison to the challenge of loving Shaheen, a college student, during the times when the valley was grappling with peak militancy and shifting social codes. Their love story unfolds in the streets of Srinagar, where every corner holds memories of what was and whispers of what could have been. Yasin's portrayal of Srinagar during this period is haunting in its accuracy. Those who lived through these times will recognize the atmosphere of uncertainty, chaos and confusion prevailing all around; the tension in the air, and the way life continued despite everything out of gear. The author captures the essence of those days when the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits (an unfortunate event in the history of Kashmir) tore apart age-old friendships and relationships, portrayed poignantly through the character of Bublee Pandita, Shaheen's confidante whose absence leaves an irreplaceable void.

The novel excels in showing how social tensions affect family bonds. When Kaka, Shaheen's uncle, confronts Rizwan's father over ideological differences, their tragic encounter mirrors the painful experiences many families in the valley have faced. Through this personal narrative, Yasin captures how larger conflicts can strain and fracture even the closest community bonds. The transformation of Rizwan into a renegade working with Commandant Krishnamurthy presents the complex choices that young Kashmiris faced during those turbulent years. What sets Apples of June apart is its unflinching look at how ordinary lives were reshaped and their social order crafted afresh by extraordinary circumstances. The author doesn't shy away from showing how various coping mechanisms, including the use of charas ( a kind of cannabis), became part of the valley's narrative of survival. Yet, the story maintains its focus on love and its potential for healing and redemption.

The novel's strength lies in its authentic portrayal of Srinagar's social fabric. Yasin writes with the precision derived from his engineering background while maintaining the soul of a storyteller. His description of locations, from the bustling streets to the quiet and isolated corners where lovers meet, will resonate with local readers who have walked these paths themselves. For many Kashmiris, particularly those who lived through the 1990s, this novel will feel like looking into a mirror of memory. The author captures the subtle nuances of that era – the changing social dynamics, the new moral codes, the fear that became a constant companion, and yet, the resilience that kept hope alive.

The love story at its centre serves as a metaphor for Kashmir itself – beautiful, complex, and often caught between opposing forces. Through Rizwan and Shaheen's relationship, Yasin explores larger questions about identity, belonging, and the price of staying true to one's heart in a world that demands conformity. Perhaps most importantly, Apples of June contributes to the growing corpus of literature that tells Kashmir's story from within. As more local voices emerge to tell our tales, this novel stands as a testament to the power of storytelling in preserving our collective memory and understanding our shared history. Yasin's background as a mechanical engineer, who previously authored the short story “Waiting for Gulshan Ara”, adds an interesting dimension to his writing. His technical mindset brings clarity to complex emotional landscapes, making the narrative both accessible and profound.

For readers outside Kashmir, the novel offers a window into the valley's soul during one of its most challenging periods. For those within, it serves as a mirror reflecting our own experiences, fears, and hopes. Apples of June reminds us that even in the darkest times, love, like those impossible June apples, finds a way to exist. As Kashmir continues to evolve and its literature grows richer, Apples of June marks an important milestone in our regional storytelling tradition. It proves that sometimes the most powerful stories are those that dare to imagine the impossible – be it apples in June or love in times of conflict. The novel will undoubtedly spark conversations about our past and present, about the nature of love and conflict, and about the stories we choose to tell. To conclude Apples of June is more than just a love story; it's a piece of our collective memory, crafted with care and told with courage.

By: Dr Zulfikar Siddiqui 

      Sadaf Mushtaq Nasti