What a revelation this book was! This is my first WD Book and I wasn't disappointed.
I was impressed with the kind of history he managed to rake up. So many things I didn't know about Delhi. Honestly I am not a big fan of the city and the book didn't change that either but a lot of it's attitude and behaviour was put in perspective. I was a bit intrigued that the book largely covered only the Mughal era and no sign of any Hindu rulers anywhere. Then during the course of the book I realised the Mughals came in to Delhi in the early 13th century and held on till 18th, that is the british rule. He briefly delves into the Mahabharath period (in the BC he says) towards the end. I have always wondered about Mahabharatha whether it is fact or fiction err mythology may be the right word. WD kind of points that it might be a fact that has been embellished over the centuries and is in the current form of grandeur and divinity. I was very impressed with WD's deligence through out the book. And made me wonder why I never researched anything this determinedly...
There were times when I got bored of the royal ways of life but the book always draws you back into it.
My rating 4 on 5
I didn't know it was shortlisted for Pulitzer! I didn't like it! I couldn't even read beyond the first chapter. It is one of those NRI trying to find his / her roots and hating everything about the country but rediscovers patriotism anyways type of book. And the author rambles all along!
