Nine Lives

Absolutely loved this book, read it up in just a few days. A very engaging set of personal stories of different expressions of religion in India. Dalrymple is an amazing writer, both deeply knowledgable and able to convey intimate personal details. And bridge Indian culture to Westerners, in a way that's respectful and not pandering. That approach is particularly valuable when treating the diversity of religion in India, doubly so given the rather florid versions Dalrymple focuses on.

And such crazy diversity. I knew about Sufis of course, but not the Baul nor the tantric practices at Tarapith. Most of the stories he tells are quite foreign but also positive, holy men and women who have found fulfillment in whatever ascetic or exuberant religious tradition they have adopted. Frankly I find that kind of life incomprehensible and I thank Dalrymple for helping me understand a bit what it is like. Then there's the chapter on the life of a temple prostitute, a woman who is living a terribly miserable life. She too has dignity and her story is told well, but a poignant counterpoint to some of the other stories.

All in all just an excellent book. Also I enjoyed reading this much better than Dalrymple's other book City of Djinns, that one never quite grabbed me. Nine Lives totally engaged me and I just wish he'd write three more books exactly like it!