India: From Midnight to the Millennium

While I was born in India, I have lived most of my life in the United States and as such, I have little in-depth knowledge of India's rich history, religious strife, political demarcations and business climate. I am grateful that an erudite and insightful writer as Shashi Tharoor has taken the time to write India: From Midnight to Millennium. This work will allow the reader to get a firm overview of the major points that drive India. If there is a minor fault in the work, it is that Tharoor fails to include any sort of bibliography that could serve the reader to learn more about the topics.Occasionally, Tharoor's deep love of India becomes distracting in this otherwise objective book. But then again, it is that precise subjectivity that Tharoor is communicating through his book - India is at least 1 billion truths. From Midnight to Millennium is one such excellent truth that will provide the reader a powerful starting point for learning more about India.

As an citizen of India, who immigrated to America at the age of 9, I have a profound connection to my motherland. I have several times tried and failed to find a good history book on India. However, Mr Tharoor's book is beyond compare. It bring history alive with all of the major players from PM Nerhu, PM Indira Gandhi, and many others. The book is a running dialogue between the author and the reader combined with insightful comments and even humor. From its opening which is stunning and very provacative,this book keeps your interest and even increases it. I highly recommend this book to those who are searching for a good book on India's history and for those who want a glimpse into understanding modern India. The best quality is that it contains information about current topics like economic liberalization and Hindu fundamentalism. I liked the book so much that I read The Great Indian Novel which is equally facinating satire of India's political dynasty. I can say with confidence that many NRI's will identify with author's unique background and his feelings about India. In short, this book fills a much needed void.

Tharror's work is one of the best that I have read so far on modern India. Tharoor's unique background of being born and raised in India (responsible for his love for her) and currently residing out of India in the US (responsible for looking at India more objectively and not being blinded to faults due to patriotism), gives this book an unique flavour. What I found most heartening throughout the reading was that the concept of India was almost holy to him. India with all its faults and shortcomings is beautiful. It's pluralism and democracy are its greatest strengths and Tharoor brings this out most aptly.I think Tharoor reflects the viewpoints of the educated liberal middle class in India,which in my opinion is the most balanced position that we as Indians can take. In conclusion, I would state that this book is a must for Indians or anybody interested in India as she is today.

Shasi Tharoor's book resonates with the stark truth about contemporary India. It is both exhilarating and saddening to face the Indian potential on one side and political blunders on the other. Best work on assessment of the last 50 years of independent India that I have read so far!

From a stark and honest review of India's myriad problems and past policies to a positive articulation of an Indian vision for the future, Sashi Tharoor led me through India's independent 50 years with a blend of impressive historical and current analysis, erudition, common-sense pragmatism and pride. I came away with some important conclusions: * An affirmation of the multi-religious, multi-ethnic, pluralistic definition of the Indian identity. * India can only be compared with India. This allows me to view its tortuous progress with an enhanced understanding of its problems. * Democracy is its greatest strength and hope.