Book Review: Laburnum for My Head - A Window into Naga Life

There are very few things that the wider world knows about Nagaland, about the people there, their languages, cultures, and histories. In such a situation, the books of Temsula Ao become a window through which we can see the Naga world. Laburnum for My Head is one such beautiful creation that helps us learn and understand a part of Nagaland. This book brings together multiple stories that explore different aspects of Naga life. There are eight stories in the collection, and each one is different and memorable. Once you begin, it becomes difficult to put the book down. At the very least, you will not want to leave the stories unfinished.

These stories deeply touch the human core within the reader. While reading, you often feel as if the events are happening around you. There is a story of a hunter and the way he dies, and by the end of it I was sobbing. This story not only tells us about the life of a hunter in Nagaland but also brings out powerful emotions. It quietly teaches us something about hunting, survival, and the fragile line between life and death.

The book also reflects the long years of conflict in Nagaland. The political struggle, the presence of armed groups, and the impact of laws like AFSPA form the background of some stories. In this conflict between the Indian armed forces and Naga underground groups, it is the common people who suffered the most. Very little has been written about this side of history, especially about the everyday fear and uncertainty faced by ordinary villagers. In Temsula’s stories, we see how villagers were pressured by underground groups for support and taxes, and how young people were sometimes suspected, targeted, or caught between both sides. Through fiction, she brings out the pain, confusion, and helplessness of common folk living in violent times.

At the same time, the collection is not only about sorrow and conflict. There is a very funny and memorable story about a boy who “sold” an airfield. This curious and adventurous boy ends up working with British soldiers who are preparing to leave. After they go, he is the only person left in the abandoned camp and airfield. What he does next, and how he manages to sell the whole airfield to a nearby village, creates a story full of innocence, humour, and irony.

Understanding the life of women in any society is not easy. For a long time, men have mostly spoken and written from their own perspectives, and women have had fewer chances to express their own realities. This is also true in many communities across the world. It becomes even rarer to read about the lives of Naga women from within their own social context. Temsula Ao tries to fill this gap. In stories like “Three Women,” she brings out the daily challenges, emotional struggles, and quiet strength of Naga women. The lives of women in Nagaland are in some ways different from those in many other parts of India, and these differences come alive through her characters.

The title story, “Laburnum for My Head,” is especially touching. It is about a woman who wishes to plant a laburnum tree in her garden but is unable to do so easily. The story follows her efforts, thoughts, and small strategies about where and how to plant it, and this wish continues almost until the end of her life. Through something as simple as a tree, the story speaks about longing, memory, and the desire to leave something beautiful behind.

Temsula Ao writes with deep sensitivity and quiet strength. Her storytelling style is simple, gentle, and direct, yet filled with emotional depth. She does not shout, but her stories stay with you for a long time. The English in the book is clear and easy to read, which makes it accessible even to readers who know only basic English.

These stories give readers a meaningful understanding of Naga society, something that many people know very little about. Written in a fictional style, the book remains engaging and never feels heavy, even when dealing with painful themes. Anyone who enjoys fiction and wants to read stories from a unique and beautiful part of the world should read this book. It not only tells stories, it quietly opens a door into lives, memories, and histories that deserve to be seen and felt.

About the Author: Nitesh Mahto, a resident of West Singhbhum, Jharkhand, is a Project Manager and Editor at Adivasi Lives Matter. Deeply influenced by Adivasi philosophy and way of life, he travels across various Adivasi regions of India to understand and engage with Adivasiyat. He reads and writes about Adivasi culture, lifestyle, and literature.