Book Review – I Came Upon a Lighthouse
Book title: I Came Upon a Lighthouse: A Short Memoir Of Life With Ratan Tata
Author: Shantanu Naidu (Goodreads Author), Sanjana Desai (Illustrator)
Publisher: HarperCollins
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 232
Blurb:
An endearing portrait of an Indian legend
I told him that when I write a book, I would write about another side of him and not just historic events or business milestones. I would write about us and our adventures together, and how I saw him, colours and shades of him unknown to the world. Life beyond the great steel wall of ‘industry doyen’.
He agreed. ‘There cannot be one book that captures everything … So you do your thing, give your perspective.’
It was their shared empathy for homeless dogs that sparked an unlikely friendship. In 2014, Shantanu Naidu, an automobile design engineer in his early twenties, developed an innovation to save the local strays from being run over by speeding cars. Ratan Tata, himself known for his compassion for stray dogs, took note. Impressed, he not only decided to invest in the venture, but over the years became a mentor, boss and an unexpectedly dear friend to Shantanu.
I Came Upon a Lighthouse is an honest, light-hearted telling of this uncommon bond between a millennial and an octogenarian that gives glimpses of a beloved Indian icon in a warm light.
My Rating: 5/5
Review: The book has been on my TBR since its release. Firstly, I wanted to press a pre-release order, and later, I just wanted to impulse buy it. I could relate to the legacy Shantanu refers to in this book.
Generations working for the Tatas while he described a different city. I have another town that relates to the Tatas. We owe our existence to them. My great grandfather worked at Telco (now Tata Motors), my father followed suit, and now my sister also works at the same organization. I could relate to the enthusiasm of meeting Mr. Ratan Tata. I have never met Mr. Tata in person but felt his presence when occasions come up to celebrate the existence of Jamshedpur (Tatanagar as called to date). Recently, Mr. Tata visited the Jamshedpur plant. My sister saw him driving past in the convertible car, and she was mesmerized by just looking at his demeanors.
I loved this book more than anything I have read so far this year. I loved the simplicity and modesty reflecting in the book. Whenever working with Tatas was referred to in the book, I was nostalgic. None of my family members have met Mr. Tata in person. However, we are glad to be a part of the Tata family indirectly or directly. I always thought I could meet him someday, but I guess my sister has a better chance to see him. I have wrapped up reading this book in a single go. You would feel connected through beautiful illustration art throughout the book. I have fallen in love with this memoir. I related to the existence of Nano described by the author. At the Jamshedpur plant, the car was assembled, and many employees purchased Nano in the town.
There were instances when I thought the author mentioned Mr. Tata’s life in Mumbai and New York. But actually, he did forget a part of his life in Jamshedpur. I would love to read his thoughts about the city. The city owes its existence to the Tatas. However, overall I am delighted to have ticked this book off my TBR.
Review Goodreads
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