Author: Khushwant Singh
Editor(s): Rohini Singh
Publisher: HarperCollins
Year: 2003
Language: English
Pages: 269
ISBN/UPC (if available): 9788172236601
Description
In this anthology, which comprises some of Khushwant Singh's best writings, you can look forward to some talk of sex, a little of Scotch and much scholarship. The collection attempts to mirror the author's concerns and passions - his love of nature, his anguish over the situation in Punjab, his interest in religions of the world and his scholarly research on the one into which he was born, Sikhism.
You will find here a beautifully written piece on Guru Nanak, as well as translations of some of his hymns, a lyrical chapter on nature, as well as an analytical and perceptive article on Khalistan, a concept to which Khushwant has always been vehemently opposed. The author's years as a member of Parliament are amusingly documented in his characteristically fearless style. Pen-portraits of a number of people- some famous, others totally unknown - bear the same stamp. And then there is khushwant Singh, the globe-trotter, uninhibited, often unashamedly lecherous, always at his humorous best.
The highlight of this book, however, is the expensive, autobiographical opening piece written in Khushwant's characteristically candid style and perhaps the most complete self-portrait he has yet painted. To complete the picture, the anthology includes two brilliant short stories.
Quite simply, quintessential Khushwant.
Contents
Introduction
LOOKING BACK
On Myself
FACTS OF LIFE
Sex in Indian Life
Humor in Indian Life
Poverty in Indian Life
ON PEOPLE, WITH 'MALICE'
Giani Zail Singh
M Hidayatullah
Balwant Gargi
The Man Who Has Seen God
K L Gauba
POLITICS
My years in Parliament
Khalistan
A TRAVELLER'S DIARY
Australia: Lone Land of Magnificent Distances
Pakistan: Sweet and Sour
Southern Safari
Calcutta
NATURE
The Month of May
FICTION
Karma
The Riot