A Princess Remembers

I read this memoir when it first came out, LOVED IT. She led a fascinating life. A couple years ago, I wanted to give a copy to a friend and ordered from the Book Behemoth that begins with A (only learned about this website very recently). When the edition arrived, I discovered it had been printed in India and it looked like a photocopy. It was readable but the photographs were very dark and muddy. I don’t know if it was the exact same publisher listed here but I wanted to warn buyers. The b/w photos were an important part of book for me.

A Princess Remembers is a terrific book for anybody who wants to understand India--what it was, what it is, and how it has made the very bumpy journey from then to now. Not only does it give a very good glimpse of the system of Maharahas that once ran the country, but because Gayatri Devi served in the Indian Parliament, it provides a fascinating window on the triumphs and pitfalls of an emerging democracy. The Maharani has lived a life that reaches from the not-so-old days of Purdah--when a princess was not free to show her face in public when men were present--through the jet-set world of a more modern, educated royalty, to the productive (and not-so-productive) era of state and world politics. Her life reflects, from a high mirror, the tremendously complicated life of her beloved state of Jaipur and her country, and as such, it definitely deserves to be read. But her story also explains much for those of us who have traveled to India and marveled at the forts and the grand palace hotels, and even, perhaps, met scions of the old ruling families. The picture of India that a traveler forms is not truly coherent without literature about the Maharajas. This book provides a rare, personal, readable, non-scholarly source, a vital piece of the enormously complex puzzle that is today's India. Susan O'Neill, author, Don't Mean Nothing: Short Stories of Vietnam

This book gives a detailed picture of personal life of Maharani Gayatri Devi. Kind of gave me more thoughts on how the India could have evolved had it been not given to the hands of Nehru(subsequently to Indira Gandhi). The book has details of early childhood, adolecense, after marriage and post independance aspects of the life of Gayatri Devi. I think the book needs a updated version, with one or 2 chapters dedicated towards her life in 80's and 1990's. This is one of the best auto-biographies I have ever read. A must read for some one interested in Indian history just before and after independance; also for folks interested in dwelling into royal lifestyles.

I have read many books about the Royal lives from various parts of the world. This book by "Gayatri Devi" is exquisite and her narration simply makes the book premier of them all. The details and the wonderful experiences amazed me. Her life has so much vitality and enthusiasm. Its a book by someone with bright spirit and great soul.

I have always been interested in the history of Princely India because I find the lives and times of the great Maharajas of India very fascinating. I found the first edition of this great book at an Indian book store in New Jersey. I was very ecstatic about my discovery since one can hardly find books about the history of Princely India in the States. This is the perfect way to find out what it was like during the time when the Maharajas ruled India. Her Royal Highness, the Maharani Gayatri Devi has done a superb job in writing this book. Her writing makes it seem as if we are there in Jaipur when they welcomed Her at the Rambhagh Palace, and we feel the emotions she might have felt when Prime Minister Mrs. Indira Gandhi imprisoned her on false charges. This book is easy to follow and flows very nicely from one chapter to the next, and from one situation to the other. The English used in this book is not too complex either, and has many great pictures so that one can feel as if they are right there when She wins the elections and welcomes Jackie Kennedy at the City Palace. This book is a must read for all people who are interested in Princely India, or interested in famous influential women. It is a must read for people who like to read a romantic story, but it is a must read for people who like to read and gain new knowledge.

I read this book while on the road in India. It was a wonderful find and a great companion on those long road trips between cities. Jaipur is a marvelous city. Of course it has changed, as have many of the great cities in India. I was able to get a glimpse of the beauty that was before the great shift in politics changed the look of India forever. Historic accounts were told simplistically with a perspective and emotion not found in ordinary text books. I thank the Maharani for her wonderful images and delightful accounts.