Nine Lives
In Search of the Sacred in Modern India
by William Dalrymple
304 pages· 2010· ISBN 9781408801246
About
A Buddhist monk takes up arms to resist the Chinese invasion of Tibet - then spends the rest of his life trying to atone for the violence by hand printing the best prayer flags in India. A Jain nun tests her powers of detachment as she watches her best friend ritually starve herself to death. Nine people, nine lives; each one taking a different religious path, each one an unforgettable story. William Dalrymple delves deep into the heart of a nation torn between the relentless onslaught of modernity and the ancient traditions that endure to this day. LONGLISTED FOR THE BBC SAMUEL JOHNSON PRIZE
Discuss Nine Lives with other readers
Join or start a book club for Nine Lives on Readfeed. Live chat, shared reading progress, and AI discussion questions — free to get started.
Frequently asked questions
How do I join a book club for Nine Lives?
Sign up free on Readfeed, then browse public clubs or start your own club with Nine Lives as the current read. Invite friends with a share link and discuss together with live chat and AI discussion questions.
Can I discuss Nine Lives with other readers online?
Yes. Readfeed book clubs let you chat live, share progress, and join discussions about Nine Lives with readers worldwide — whether your club is virtual, in-person, or hybrid.
Is Readfeed free?
Yes. Creating an account and joining book clubs is free. Sign up to find readers who love the same books and start discussing today.