Nov 03, 2007 01:22 PM
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(Updated Nov 03, 2007 01:26 PM)
Khushwant Singh writes well - which was evident in the old days when he was with Illustrated Weekly and more recently with this more recent work. The book hops from different eras in the history of Delhi - modern to historical.
The prose is humorous, pithy and very satirical in some passages. Whatever the circumstance he describes: the reactionary anti-Sikh violence after the passing of Indira Gandhi, etc is done with finesse and great skill.
I wouldnt start out with this particular title if your new to Khushwant Singh - there are other less difficult and intricate works he's done i.e. Train to Pakistan regarding another dark period in India's history. What strikes me unique about Khuswant Singh is his secular stance on historical events giving both the Indian and Westerner an almost ubique rendering of these events. In particular, the portrayal of the rioting after Indira Gandhi's asassination by a fellow Sikh bodygaurd.
