Book Review: The Lone Wolf: The Untold Story of the Rescue of Sheikh Hasina by Neha Dwivedi

Neha Dwivedi’s The Lone Wolf is a powerful account of the life and courage of Colonel Ashok Tara. An unsung hero whose actions significantly influenced the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971. This book not only preserves a pivotal piece of history that could have been lost to time but also offers a deeply personal glimpse into the life of an extraordinary soldier.

The Story

Set against the backdrop of one of South Asia’s most significant historical events, the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971. The Lone Wolf takes us through the daring mission of Colonel Ashok Tara.

The young major entered the enemy territory unarmed and rescued Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s family, including a young Sheikh Hasina, from captivity by the Pakistani Army. His bravery and negotiation skills not only saved lives but also played a crucial role in shaping the future of Bangladesh.

I loved that the story doesn’t just focus on the mission. It paints a vivid picture of Col. Tara’s life—from his humble beginnings to his remarkable journey in the Indian Army, which is incredible.

This book hooked me right from the first chapter. Neha Dwivedi’s writing is captivating, almost like she’s narrating a movie scene by scene. The writing is powerful yet relatable. She balances historical detail with personal insight, making the book informative and emotionally engaging.

Every moment of Col. Tara’s life feels alive—the innocence of his childhood, the grit during his army days, and his resilience through challenges.

One thing that stands out is the way she humanises the history. It’s not just about dates and events. It’s about emotions, decisions, and consequences. The rescue mission itself? Goosebumps.

The Growing Unrest and the Birth of Bangladesh

One of the most compelling parts of the book is how Neha Dwivedi describes the growing unrest in East Pakistan. Through vivid storytelling, she paints a picture of a region boiling with anger and desperation.

The people of East Pakistan, marginalized and oppressed by the West Pakistani leadership, were fighting for their rights, language, and identity. The atrocities committed by the Pakistani forces are detailed with sensitivity and precision.

It highlights the brutality of Operation Searchlight—a military crackdown that led to widespread human rights violations, including mass killings and displacement.

As the conflict escalated, the plight of the Bengali people drew international attention. India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, decided to step in. The Indian Army, working in conjunction with the Mukti Bahini (the Bengali resistance), launched a coordinated effort to liberate East Pakistan.

The book captures the tense geopolitical atmosphere and the courage of those who fought to bring about the birth of Bangladesh. With India’s decisive intervention, the war culminated in the surrender of West Pakistani forces on December 16, 1971, and the emergence of Bangladesh as a sovereign nation.

The Battle of Gangasagar

Another significant moment in the book is the Battle of Gangasagar, which was a pivotal episode in the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. Under Colonel Ashok Tara’s command, the Indian Army faced intense resistance but emerged victorious due to his strategic brilliance and leadership.

The stakes were high and navigating a treacherous terrain controlled by the Pakistani Army was challenging. Colonel Tara’s role was instrumental in orchestrating a plan that leveraged both tactical acumen and the resilience of his troops.

The capture of Gangasagar, located approximately 6 kilometres south of Akhaura in the Brahmanbaria District, was vital for advancement into enemy-held territory.

The book vividly narrates the resilience and determination with which India fought and won the 1971 India-Pakistan War, leading to the liberation of Bangladesh.

And the epilogue! Oh, it hits you right in the heart. Col. Tara speaks about how his bravery went unnoticed for years. Can you imagine doing something so heroic, only to have it forgotten? But then, later in life, the world finally gave him the recognition he deserved. Reading his words was both bittersweet and inspiring.

Every page of this book felt like discovering a new layer of Col. Tara’s life. His courage, his struggles, and even his quiet moments of reflection, all of it made me pause and think about the sacrifices our soldiers make.

If you are a history buff or simply love stories of bravery and resilience, this book is gold. Neha Dwivedi doesn’t just tell a story; she honors a hero. And for that, I’m truly grateful.

PS: This read was my pick for the January prompt: A book with the name of an animal/bird in the title for #ReadingWithMuffy 2025 hosted by @kohleyedreads