India

'Patrick French brings one of the globe's most dynamic nations springing to life ... he has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the country, sensitivity to its subtler nuances and a wealth of research. He also arrives with a mischievous sense of humour and a keen eye for the absurd and the bizarre' Stanley Stewart, Sunday Times India is the biggest democracy on earth, a country of dynamic change, huge divisions and countless identities. Is there any way to discover the 'real' India? In his acclaimed book Patrick French travels all over the country talking to everyone from political leaders to mafia dons, from chained quarry workers to self-made billionaire entrepreneurs, to tell the story of post-independence India as never before. 'It's gripping . . . If you're Indian, reading the book is like learning the history of your country in four days' Nandini Krishnan, New Indian Express 'Fizzing with wit, insight and infectious curiosity . . . a thoroughly enjoyable romp through six momentous decades' Sadanand Dhume, Wall Street Journal Asia 'Wide-ranging, clear-sighted, warm-hearted and immensely readable . . . The human tales that French finds are engrossing' Nirpal Dhaliwal, Evening Standard 'A rich colouring of contemporary characters and events, many of them sharply observed at first hand. Crammed with elegant portraits' Economist