Book Review: ‘Cracks in the Wind’ by Arun Gupto

Book Title: Cracks in the Wind
Author: Arun Gupto
Publisher: Rupa Publications India
Number of Pages: 280
ISBN: 9379576056
Date Published: Jun 5, 2026

Book Review

“Cracks in the Wind” by Arun Gupto is a warm and thoughtful memoir set in the village of Bahadurganj in Nepal’s Lumbini region. The story is told through the memories of Onu, who looks back on his childhood and his close friendship with his neighbor Rahmat. Rahmat is a wise and unusual man who spends his days making colorful wind-spinners for children and his nights working as an undertaker. Through Rahmat’s stories and lessons, Onu learns about life, people, and the changes taking place around him.

The memoir is filled with memorable characters, including Onu’s nature-loving mother, his doctor father, and many interesting villagers. Their lives reflect both the beauty and the difficulties of living in a community shaped by tradition, religion, and social change. As the story unfolds, tensions emerge through mysterious events and personal conflicts, showing how people deal with fear, loss, and uncertainty. Rahmat’s calm outlook on life contrasts with the growing doubts and divisions appearing in the community.

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Throughout the book, Gupto explores themes of childhood, spirituality, resilience, and the struggle between tradition and modern life. The villagers hold on to stories, beliefs, and customs that have guided them for generations, even as the world around them changes. Rich descriptions of village life, nature, and human relationships give the memoir a strong sense of place and culture. “Cracks in the Wind” is ultimately a moving reflection on memory, belonging, and the enduring power of stories in times of change.

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