Bookless in Baghdad: Reflections on Writing and Writers

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Bookless in Baghdad: Reflections on Writing and Writers

3.41 of 5 stars 3.41 · rating details · 153 ratings · 17 reviews

Supermely personal, yet always probing and analytical, Shashi Tharoor, the acclaimed author of six books, all published by Arcade, is once again at his provocative best in this book that is part memoir, part essay and literary criticism.

Hardcover, 277 pages

Published July 11th 2005 by Arcade Publishing (first published July 1st 2005)

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Jan 07, 2011 Aldrin rated it 1 of 5 stars

This book is a selection of the newspaper columns Shashi Tharoor has written over the years. Mr. Tharoor is a very well read man and at times one wonders if the point of this book is just to ensure that everyone is very well aware of that fact. He shares with us his eclectic taste in literature: his love for Wodehouse, why he thinks Rushdie is a hero, his sympathy towards Pushkin for his few Indian readers, why he finds R K Narayan's English bland, how he identifies with Neruda as a writer invol...more

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Apr 11, 2013 Maitrey rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: indian-writing, non-fic

The only good thing that probably came out of reading this book is that I want to pick up some of the other better received books he has written.

This book doesn't contain any deep or critical thoughts on writers and books (as Tharoor himself repeatedly points out, he's never studied literature or writing in his life.) It is however a good sales pitch for his other books, especially the Great Indian Novel which he brings up repeatedly.

Some of his essays on his various visits to literary festivals...more

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Jan 14, 2013 Ved Prakash rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I started to read this book because I am a admirer of the author of this book. But this book will start to disappoint you from the very beginning. Mr. Tharoor goes on and on about his past novels explaining what he wanted to express through his early literary work. In the middle of the book, I found some chapter to be very futile. The reason I am giving 3 stars to it are, One, a deep explanation of how Mahabharata, an Indian epic has shaped Indian society and politics till now. Second, in middle...more

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Feb 03, 2013 Vismay rated it 3 of 5 stars

To Dr. Shashi Tharoor,
97 Lodhi Estate,
New Delhi-03
Tel: 24644035
Fax: 24654158

Subject:- A letter asking for apology

Respected Sir,
Like a scale firmly settled on a pipe, refusing to budge, the image that I have conjured up of your alleged persona from the various newspaper co-eds and news channels, preceded your merit. To tell you the truth, regardless of your impressive stint at the U.N., I had had never held you in a high opinion. The controversy surrounding I.P.L. (one mustn't bring out the...more To Dr. Shashi Tharoor,
97 Lodhi Estate,
New Delhi-03
Tel: 24644035
Fax: 24654158

Subject:- A letter asking for apology

Respected Sir,
Like a scale firmly settled on a pipe, refusing to budge, the image that I have conjured up of your alleged persona from the various newspaper co-eds and news channels, preceded your merit. To tell you the truth, regardless of your impressive stint at the U.N., I had had never held you in a high opinion. The controversy surrounding I.P.L. (one mustn't bring out the skeleton from the closet, but alas..) was, unfortunately the only thing that I could relate to you. It of course was my own failing, not being able to hear the other side of the story, but then you weren't as vociferous in your arguments as your critics were. Politicians have time and again taken a dig at you, and have attempted to tar your image with snide remarks.
And I have been gullible. That's why I ask for your apology. I have for long fancied myself as an independent spirit, to me, my opinions seemed impregnable from the seepage of all possible color, but I discovered yet again that there exist a possibility of correction. I recently, on impulse picked up a copy of 'Bookless in Baghdad' from the library. Just a single little statement was the clincher. One year I kept a list of the volumes I'd finished (comics didn't count), hoping to reach 365 before the calendar did. I made it before Christmas.
To tell you the truth, I haven't imagined you to be much of a writer. What I actually believed was that you might have written some longish, scholarly prose on GDP or quality of life (as you were from U.N.!) and that's why following Vismay's rule of thumb, more boring a book is, more rave reviews it receives. But I was delighted to discover that I wasn't entirely true in my judgement. This present book, was indeed an eclectic collection or what I would call 'a quanta of creatively and cogently argued confabulations with a mute reader'. Though, I do not agree with your opinion on R.K. Narayan, I have indeed received the same joy, as you most certainly have, on reading P.G. Wodehouse. Your spirited defense of Salman Rushdie, your description of the various literary fests which I have vicariously visited through this book and all the other motley bunch of writers mentioned here - I indeed have had a good time along with your book. And why shouldn't I have fun? After all, it concerned all things literary.
So as a parting note I would like to tell you, sir, that though I wouldn't most certainly drool over your every adjective, but if I do catch phrases like, 'That consensus is around the simple principle that in a democracy you don't really need to agree - except on the ground rules of how will you disagree.', '...if America is a melting pot, then to me India is a thali...' or '...and imagined them hallowed by repetition rather than hollowed by regurgitation...', you would be able to read my admiration in the smile that I would give. I once again apologize.
Yours Sincerely,
Vismay Harani
(less)

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Oct 20, 2012 Prashant rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: worth-reading, book-for-booklovers, awesome-reads, bunch-of-articles

Having read numerous newspaper articles of shashi tharoor along with a compilation of the same in the elephant the tiger and the cellphone I thought I had become fairly acquainted with his views on everything remotely related to him and to his mother land.
So when I decided to pick this book lured by the fact that I was able to get a decent condition hardback copy in second hand, my expectations were very low.

After reading on the jacket that this is another compilation of his articles written f...more

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Aug 20, 2012 Karan Kamble rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

My respect for Shashi Tharoor has enormously increased after reading this book. His knowledge of all things literary is astounding. The book was a generous invitation into Tharoor's literary world, and I was left with the experience of actually having travelled to its every corner.

His explosive enthusiasm on matters relating to India is highly infectious. And this comes from a man whose every novel is a depiction of Indian culture and heritage in one sense or another. His wisdom as a writer is s...more

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Sep 03, 2012 Kieh rated it 4 of 5 stars

I picked this book up in Kerala on my first visit to India. This book is a collection of Tharoor's newspaper columns, all centered around a 'writers and writing' theme. He is clearly passionate and well-informed about all things literary and Indian, and his passion is certainly contagious.

Tharoor chronicles topics as wide-ranging as India's global image to 'The Great Indian Novel'. Each essay initiated hours of personal research. All in all, a fantastic and fascinating lens to examine India tho...more

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Feb 15, 2013 Pawanraj rated it 2 of 5 stars

A collection of Tharoor's essays over the years. The book has nothing to do with Baghdad or "booklessness". Essays range from India's diversity, Tharoor's views on Mahabharata, his love for Wodehouse, and his literary tastes and his interactions with various literary giants in the course of his life in the UN and as an author.

Writing styles are as varied as the topics; descriptive when talking about literary festivals, didactic when talking about India and unity in diversity, snappy and witty in...more

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Jul 23, 2011 Shriya rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: non-fiction, favourites

I was moved to the edge of kicking myself for not reading it before! Though only a collection of essays on reading and writing, this book is such an eye-opener!

Let me go to the background of how I picked up this book. I was with my mother for this huge prize-selection trip for her college students which required us to stay in a bookshop all day long. To pass my time, I picked up random books from various sheves without really noticing what titles I picked. Well, was I glad I picked this up!

I sm...more

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Dec 07, 2009 Sandhya rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shashi Tharoor, in his present role as Minister, may have come under a lot of attack for a variety of reasons. When he recently put himself up at a five star suite for months on end, because the government bungalow was not ready, many thought it was unbecoming of a public representative. I felt the same. The intellectual elitism and the accompanying lifestyle that served him well all these years while he worked for the United Nations started to stick out like a sore thumb in his role as a public...more Shashi Tharoor, in his present role as Minister, may have come under a lot of attack for a variety of reasons. When he recently put himself up at a five star suite for months on end, because the government bungalow was not ready, many thought it was unbecoming of a public representative. I felt the same. The intellectual elitism and the accompanying lifestyle that served him well all these years while he worked for the United Nations started to stick out like a sore thumb in his role as a public servant.

Of course, that aspect needs to be kept somewhat separate from his credentials as an author.
One thing that clearly emerges from reading Bookless In Baghdad is Tharoor's acute literary bent of mind. One is aware that he has constantly stolen time from his busy schedules to write all his books – most of which have won rave reviews. But Bookless... which is a rare and exceptional collection of his literary columns over the years, doubly confirms his deep passion for books. Of course, he himself mentions it more than a dozen times, saying his literary pursuits are as important to him as his (erstwhile) role at the UN. He couldn't possibly give up or live without either. In any case, a true literary enthusiast can be sniffed out only by another – that unique breed that can't pass a bookstore without entering it. The kind who derive infinite joy discovering new words and phrases. That is certainly true of Tharoor.

Spread over 40 essays, Bookless In Baghdad offers Tharoor's excellent commentary on all matters literary. He talks about the authors he loves and dislikes, offering delightful anecdotes. He expounds on topics like literary criticism and reviewing patterns. Also, for those who have read his earlier books like Riot, Show Business and The Great Indian Novel, there's a great deal about them here, where Tharoor explains the themes he tried to tackle and even puts up a spirited defense for one of his books that was not well-reviewed in India.

One of the things to admire about Tharoor's writing, besides his immaculate language, is his ability to make a definite point at the end of every essay in the most lucid manner. And even if the book is about all his literary pursuits and interests, most of the writings are underlined by Tharoor's serious concerns on society, culture and politics.

The rest can be read here: http://sandyi.blogspot.com/2009/12/sh...(less)

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Jun 15, 2010 Ram rated it 4 of 5 stars

Tharoor is always readable, whether for his articles, or for his non fiction, especially in The Great Indian Novel. These pieces have appeared elsewhere earlier, nevertheless are worth reding again. In this edition one comes to know a bit more about Tharoor the person with the small revelations he makes about his personal life to emphasize a point.

1 like · like · see review

Jan 24, 2013 Nachikethas rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: literary, essays, read-in-2013

A bit self indulgent, nevertheless a nice book. Looking forward to read his novels.

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Apr 18, 2013 Oli Mukherji rated it 2 of 5 stars

A pretty good and fast read for a short journey of 3-4 hours.

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Oct 19, 2008 Shanrina rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: nonfiction

Talked about some authors I'd heard of and some I hadn't. Interesting discussion about the way people in India view certain authors. Some passages taken verbatim from India: From Midnight to the Millennium.

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Mar 03, 2013 Sudhakar Gupta rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: i-own

Tharoor's reflections on various authors, both classic and contemporary, are well worth a read.
Now I want to pick up a Wodehouse again.

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Apr 22, 2013 Anup Hegde rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

nothing great about it

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About Shashi Tharoor

Shashi Tharoor is a member of the Indian Parliament from the Thiruvananthapuram constituency in Kerala. He previously served as the United Nations Under-Secretary General for Communications and Public Information and as the Indian Minister of State for External Affairs.

He is also a prolific author, columnist, journalist and a human rights advocate.

He has served on the Board of Overseers of the Fle...more Shashi Tharoor is a member of the Indian Parliament from the Thiruvananthapuram constituency in Kerala. He previously served as the United Nations Under-Secretary General for Communications and Public Information and as the Indian Minister of State for External Affairs.

He is also a prolific author, columnist, journalist and a human rights advocate.

He has served on the Board of Overseers of the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University. He is also an adviser to the International Committee of the Red Cross in Geneva and a Fellow of the New York Institute of the Humanities at New York University. He has also served as a trustee of the Aspen Institute, and the Advisory of the Indo-American Arts Council, the American India Foundation, the World Policy Journal, the Virtue Foundation and the human rights organization Breakthrough He is also a Patron of the Dubai Modern High School and the managing trustee of the Chandran Tharoor Foundation which he founded with his family and friends in the name of his late father, Chandran Tharoor.

Tharoor has written numerous books in English. Most of his literary creations are centred on Indian themes and they are markedly “Indo-nostalgic.” Perhaps his most famous work is The Great Indian Novel, published in 1989, in which he uses the narrative and theme of the famous Indian epic Mahabharata to weave a satirical story of Indian life in a non-linear mode with the characters drawn from the Indian Independence Movement. His novel Show Business (1992) was made into the film 'Bollywood'(1994). The late Ismail Merchant had announced his wish to make a film of Tharoor’s novel Riot shortly before Merchant’s death in 2005.

Tharoor has been a highly-regarded columnist in each of India's three best-known English-language newspapers, most recently for The Hindu newspaper (2001–2008) and in a weekly column, “Shashi on Sunday,” in the Times of India (January 2007 – December 2008). Following his resignation as Minister of State for External Affairs, he began a fortnightly column on foreign policy issues in the "Deccan Chronicle". Previously he was a columnist for the Gentleman magazine and the Indian Express newspaper, as well as a frequent contributor to Newsweek International and the International Herald Tribune. His Op-Eds and book reviews have appeared in the Washington Post, the New York Times and the Los Angeles Times, amongst other papers.

Tharoor began writing at the age of 6 and his first published story appeared in the “Bharat Jyoti”, the Sunday edition of the "Free press Journal", in Mumbai at age 10. His World War II adventure novel Operation Bellows, inspired by the Biggles books, was serialized in the Junior Statesman starting a week before his 11th birthday. Each of his books has been a best-seller in India. The Great Indian Novel is currently in its 28th edition in India and his newest volume. The Elephant, the Tiger and the Cellphone has undergone seven hardback re-printings there.

Tharoor has lectured widely on India, and is often quoted for his observations, including, "India is not, as people keep calling it, an underdeveloped country, but rather, in the context of its history and cultural heritage, a highly developed one in an advanced state of decay.". He has also coined a memorable comparison of India's "thali" to the American "melting pot": "If America is a melting pot, then to me India is a thali--a selection of sumptuous dishes in different bowls. Each tastes different, and does not necessarily mix with the next, but they belong together on the same plate, and they complement each other in making the meal a satisfying repast."(less)

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India: From Midnight to the Millennium and Beyond

The Elephant, the Tiger, and the Cell Phone: Reflections on India - the Emerging 21st-Century Power

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