Butter chicken in Ludhiana: Travels in small town India

This book is not just about India. It is a melancholic account on the destruction of traditional life by a globalised, money ridden economy. The author longs for the simple sensual pleasures which, in his opinion, India of old used to offer. About 200 years ago Europe had the same problems with industrialisation India today faces with globalisation. Even now, in countries like Spain, Europe encounters them. The result is always the same. People have more money, but, in the long run, can buy less with it. They have to adapt to the rhythms of machines and computers which are different from the ones of the human body. They have to work faster and harder than ever. Today, European bodies are full of tensions. The quality of sex and food is not good. The social classes are still there. Mr. Mishra does not offer a solution. Europeans who are searching for for a way out, experiment with alternative life styles but this too often results in esoteric 'ecos' and 'ethnos' many of which are quite unattractive, drug ridden and boring. This is because for most Europeans it is too late. Their bodies are too spoilt and sick. It is to hope that Indians whose bodies still might be more sensitive to the violence of money and machines will be able to work on viable, attractive solutions. This is when India truly would be a light to the world.

I started this book one night just before going to bed,fairly certain that it will be some heavy stuff whose arcane language and endless descriptions will surely put me to sleep quickly. I ended up without getting a wink, even though the next day was a working day. I simply could not resist turning page after page. Midway, I started slowing down, savouring each sentence because I didn't want it to end. Frequently, I was just stunned. By the author's sharp insight into the minds of the people he met, especially in the first half, when he is in the north. The people he describes are not unusual or quirky. They are just everyday people. The kind Indians meet all the time in markets, bus stations and of course while in the train.(I can bet no one has described Indian train travel conversations as accurately as Pankaj Mishra has.)What Mishra does is point out with amazing sharpness, their quirks, their petty concerns, the conditioning of their minds, what's touching about their lives,and why these typical Indians are so so funny, when you step back and look at them,as if you were meeting them the first time. There is definitely something happening in Indian society. A huge undercurrent of social and economic change which in turn is changing the quality of people's values, customs, hopes and dreams.There's a lot of talk about the big city part of it, but no one's looking at the small towns. Mishra's focus on them is therefore topical, relevant and important. I have gone back several times to Butter Chicken in Ludhiana. Just to read my favourite portions, chuckle to myself and marvel at how real it is.That's the kind of book it is.

I personally think this book is amazing. I have travelled all over India myself and his description fits best to every little place he talks about. Extremely humourous and very informative. I would recommend this book to any person who wants to read about the true taste of India, its flavour and have a great laugh. I think Pankaj Mishra is a brilliant writer. I know I have read this book a number of times and will surely read it over and over again. Well Done. Kind regards, Siraj

what a book! the tongue-in-cheek title should be reason enough to give this book a trial. for once we have a travelogue that gives a personal twist to back-packing in India. the insight that the author possesses leaves one stunned and hooked. Mary Roy, mother of Arundhati Roy, makes an appearance as well. and what irony, WHAT wonderful irony!

The author has done a great job with his subject matter. An eye opener for anyone who wants a true taste of how the majority of Indians live-- not just the metropolitans and the "National Geographic" rural Indians...Great Job on his first!!