A review by eely225
Delhi by Khushwant Singh

4.0

It is important to read this book not strictly as a novel, but also as a historical treatise. Singh is not merely trying to tell stories, he is telling parallel histories in order to say something fundamental about Delhi's (and India's) history and identity. He's more historian than novelist, so you don't necessarily come for the turns of phrase, but he does a good job of making his case through the metaphorical adventures of his main character, as well as the time traveling chapters interspersed throughout. The points he makes in terms of class and identity, along with the exclusivist narratives that those things can inspire, are relevant well beyond the limits of his country. The book is a good starting place for someone looking to get a sense of the many eras of Indian governance, as well as pivotal events and transitions. The breadth of the narrative is useful for indicating points of further interest as well.