The US Review of Books commends “I Can’t Breathe” by Baldip Kaur because it “shows readers what it takes to hold and heal one another, to give one another a feeling of unconditional belonging”

Baldip Kaur wrote the book, “I Can’t Breathe”. The author is a British Indian who lives in London and is an accomplished exhibitor as an artist and writer. Giving a voice to those who are afflicted by injustices such as child grooming and trafficking, as well as psychological and domestic violence, inspires her writing. Her published literary works include the books “Kismet,” “Fanish,” “Maelstrom,” and “Call of Angels.” She’s also released a book called ‘Visual Reflections,’ which is a collection of her artwork and poems.

“I Can’t Breathe” tells the story of Khushboo, a lawyer who helps ethnic women escape violent relationships. She and other activists gathered for a rally in honor of George Floyd, demanding an end to police violence and racial injustice. Her mother wants her to get married as soon as possible, learn to cook and become a housewife. Khushboo, on the other hand, is adamantly opposed to this approach. She exposes herself as a strong, self-reliant individual. Meanwhile, Khushboo’s father, Anil, is having an affair with Aadrika, a woman who grew up in a London orphanage and was tormented due to her ethnicity. Every individual is confronted with racial trauma, which tests their survival skills as well as society’s flaws.

The US Review of Books’ R.J. Johnson commended Baldip Kaur’s book, “I Can’t Breathe”, saying that “Every character confronts racial trauma that highlights their survival skills and society’s shortcomings.”

Here’s an excerpt from the US Review of Books that highlights:

“What keeps readers turning the pages is discovering Anil’s plan and wondering if it will work. The uprising of farmers in India is a social issue deftly interwoven with a family crisis. Characters slowly fall apart under their own manipulations. This novel does a fine job of juggling conflicts from discrimination in the workplace to infidelity to learning to take emotional responsibility. Human struggle tests every interaction. This book shows readers what it takes to hold and heal one another, to give one another a feeling of unconditional belonging.”