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Burial at Sea
In this, his first novella in five years, one of India's most widely read authors returns to territories he knows twentieth-century Indian history, bogus religion, and sexuality. After Nehru, Victor Jai Bhagwan is Mahatma Gandhi's favourite Indian-a brilliant young man with the temperament of a leader and fiercely committed to his country. Though Victor adores and respects Gandhi, he disagrees with the Mahatma's vision for the future of India. He returns from university in England determined to bring the benefits of modern industry to the subcontinent, and within a few years of India's independence, becomes the country's biggest tycoon. But this is not the only ideal of Gandhi's that he facing a midlife crisis, he falls passionately in love with a tantric god-woman who introduces him to the pleasures of unbridled sexuality, but also becomes the reason for his downfall.
Comic, tender, and erotic by turns, Burial at Sea is vintage Khushwant Singh.
Comic, tender, and erotic by turns, Burial at Sea is vintage Khushwant Singh.
208 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2005
10 people are currently reading
279 people want to read
About the author
Khushwant Singh
295 books1,440 followersKhushwant Singh, (Punjabi: ਖ਼ੁਸ਼ਵੰਤ ਸਿੰਘ, Hindi: खुशवंत सिंह) born on 2 February 1915 in Hadali, Undivided India, (now a part of Pakistan), was a prominent Indian novelist and journalist. Singh's weekly column, "With Malice towards One and All", carried by several Indian newspapers, was among the most widely-read columns in the country.
An important post-colonial novelist writing in English, Singh is best known for his trenchant secularism, his humor, and an abiding love of poetry. His comparisons of social and behavioral characteristics of Westerners and Indians are laced with acid wit.
An important post-colonial novelist writing in English, Singh is best known for his trenchant secularism, his humor, and an abiding love of poetry. His comparisons of social and behavioral characteristics of Westerners and Indians are laced with acid wit.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
November 7, 2015
Khushwant Singh was one of the most prominent literary figures in India right up until his death last March, aged 99 – and yet I'd never heard of him until I visited the country, and I don't think I ever saw his name in a British bookshop. This slim novelette, published when he was in his late eighties, has some rather low ratings and I was a bit worried I'd done him a disservice by picking a minor, late work. I needn't have worried, though – I thoroughly enjoyed this and will definitely be reading more of him. Singh is a natural storyteller, the prose is compulsively readable, and the plot, though light, is laced with a unique combination of dry humour, secularism and sexual escapade that cannot but appeal to me.
The story concerns the life of one Jai Bhagwan, born to a middle-class Indian family in the early twentieth century, educated at Eton and Oxford, somewhat in thrall to his own hormones, and determined to singlehandedly kick-start India's economic revolution. A supporting cast is headed by his tantric lover Ma Durgeshwari, and his strong-willed daughter Bharati. I think that his general story is based on the life of Nehru (with echoes of Indira Gandhi in the daughter character), but given my patchy knowledge of Nehru's biography I'm not going to assert this too forcefully. At any rate, for Singh the plot is just there to generate entertainment and incident – though there is an interesting polemic underlying it all, over whether India should develop by adapting Western technologies and attitudes, or by looking to its own traditions.
Jai Bhagwan is dubbed ‘Victor’ as a child by his zaftig English governess, the hilariously-named Valerie Bottomley, with whom his father soon begins an affair. The cartoonish exuberance of their first sex scene (‘“You are a savage, sir,” the missionary's daughter giggled, and Mattoo heaved into her with schoolboy impatience’) sets the tone for what is to follow – a tone that starts to feel almost Rabelaisian, given some of Singh's other obsessions. Take, for instance, his gleeful description of a yoga session that takes an unexpectedly flatulent turn:
One feels one should disapprove, somehow; and yet there is such an overwhelming sense of reading an author near the end of his career, writing purely for enjoyment, that's it's very difficult not to grin along. ‘Sex’ – as our narrator points out, after all – ‘was the best antidote for the fear of death.’ How much all this flatulence, Scotch whisky, tantric sex and political machination actually relates to Nehru's life I'm not sure, but the themes are interesting and relevant anyway – and besides, factual accuracy hardly matters here. ‘We cannot claim to being authentic,’ writes Singh, tongue lodged firmly in cheek; ‘at best it makes for interesting reading.’ It sure does.
The story concerns the life of one Jai Bhagwan, born to a middle-class Indian family in the early twentieth century, educated at Eton and Oxford, somewhat in thrall to his own hormones, and determined to singlehandedly kick-start India's economic revolution. A supporting cast is headed by his tantric lover Ma Durgeshwari, and his strong-willed daughter Bharati. I think that his general story is based on the life of Nehru (with echoes of Indira Gandhi in the daughter character), but given my patchy knowledge of Nehru's biography I'm not going to assert this too forcefully. At any rate, for Singh the plot is just there to generate entertainment and incident – though there is an interesting polemic underlying it all, over whether India should develop by adapting Western technologies and attitudes, or by looking to its own traditions.
Jai Bhagwan is dubbed ‘Victor’ as a child by his zaftig English governess, the hilariously-named Valerie Bottomley, with whom his father soon begins an affair. The cartoonish exuberance of their first sex scene (‘“You are a savage, sir,” the missionary's daughter giggled, and Mattoo heaved into her with schoolboy impatience’) sets the tone for what is to follow – a tone that starts to feel almost Rabelaisian, given some of Singh's other obsessions. Take, for instance, his gleeful description of a yoga session that takes an unexpectedly flatulent turn:
He churned the muscles of his abdomen till they looked like ripples of waves running down from his chest to his hips. Then he raised his body on both his hands and let out a resounding fart. Victor had to hold back breaking into a guffaw of laughter. Swamiji sensed his discomfort and said, ‘Gas is no laughing matter. Please notice, my gas has no smell—it is uttam padvi, of the highest order.’ Victor wasn't sure he wanted further demonstration of this kind. But before he could say anything Swamiji was on his back. He bent his legs and pulled them up till his knees were close to his neck. ‘Pavan mukta asana,’ he said, ‘to set the gas free.’ This time he farted long and slow, an extended musical note that ended in a melancholic whine. ‘Please notice again,’ the swami said, ‘no smell.’ Victor was dismayed. It would be a long session of farts.
One feels one should disapprove, somehow; and yet there is such an overwhelming sense of reading an author near the end of his career, writing purely for enjoyment, that's it's very difficult not to grin along. ‘Sex’ – as our narrator points out, after all – ‘was the best antidote for the fear of death.’ How much all this flatulence, Scotch whisky, tantric sex and political machination actually relates to Nehru's life I'm not sure, but the themes are interesting and relevant anyway – and besides, factual accuracy hardly matters here. ‘We cannot claim to being authentic,’ writes Singh, tongue lodged firmly in cheek; ‘at best it makes for interesting reading.’ It sure does.
August 16, 2017
2.5
In spite of warning from friends on how futile reading this would be, picked this as this was the only remaining novel which I hadn't read.
Till 50%, it was going brilliant with a great setting on an interesting character, but something was amiss. The KS signature. And then it started - out of nowhere the plot nosedived to chapters on tantric sex and efficient farts!
The blurb throws in a red herring while describing the protagonist as Mahatma Gandhi's next favorite Indian after Nehru. And "coincidentally", the characters Jai Bhagwan (Victor) and his daughter Bharati, strikingly resemble to you know who!
Overall, its readable and non boring, but full of flaws and meaningless in terms of plot or prose. For those who say its the worst work by him, I bet you haven't heard of Sunset Club ;)
In spite of warning from friends on how futile reading this would be, picked this as this was the only remaining novel which I hadn't read.
Till 50%, it was going brilliant with a great setting on an interesting character, but something was amiss. The KS signature. And then it started - out of nowhere the plot nosedived to chapters on tantric sex and efficient farts!
The blurb throws in a red herring while describing the protagonist as Mahatma Gandhi's next favorite Indian after Nehru. And "coincidentally", the characters Jai Bhagwan (Victor) and his daughter Bharati, strikingly resemble to you know who!
Overall, its readable and non boring, but full of flaws and meaningless in terms of plot or prose. For those who say its the worst work by him, I bet you haven't heard of Sunset Club ;)
August 8, 2021
Life story of a successful wealthy Indian industrialist from a bygone era. A work of fiction.
March 13, 2018
Started off as an alternative life of Nehru in a parallel universe perhaps, ended up in bizarre tale of tantric sex.
I had been warned.
I had been warned.
January 16, 2019
In this, his first novella in five years, one of India's most widely read authors returns to territories he knows best: twentieth-century Indian history, bogus religion, and sexuality. After Nehru, Victor Jai Bhagwan is Mahatma Gandhi's favourite Indian-a brilliant young man with the temperament of a leader and fiercely committed to his country. Though Victor adores and respects Gandhi, he disagrees with the Mahatma's vision for the future of India. He returns from university in England determined to bring the benefits of modern industry to the subcontinent, and within a few years of India's independence, becomes the country's biggest tycoon. But this is not the only ideal of Gandhi's that he defies: facing a midlife crisis, he falls passionately in love with a tantric god-woman who introduces him to the pleasures of unbridled sexuality, but also becomes the reason for his downfall.
Comic, tender, and erotic by turns, Burial at Sea is vintage Khushwant Singh.
Comic, tender, and erotic by turns, Burial at Sea is vintage Khushwant Singh.
October 28, 2014
Khushwant Singh – Before I read him I had a lot of information on him but never an impression. And for that matter I still don’t. Whether he is the writer of famous joke books, or the editor of known literary works, or the famous tongue in cheek humour, or the Sikh who spoke his mind, or just some old man writing explicit and erotic stuff.
This book showed a totally new side of him - A Narrator, mind you not a story teller with imagination and vivid details but a narrator who lays down the series of events as they happened without bringing in his own extra input.
To read more:
http://storywala.blogspot.in/2011/10/...
This book showed a totally new side of him - A Narrator, mind you not a story teller with imagination and vivid details but a narrator who lays down the series of events as they happened without bringing in his own extra input.
To read more:
http://storywala.blogspot.in/2011/10/...
June 18, 2023
I was quite excited to read another novel by the same writer after reading 'Train to Pakistan', but left heavily disappointed.
The whole story felt like a mixture of Bollywood movies like 'Shivaji: The Boss', 'Murder or Jism', keeping the partition of 1947 in the background.
The whole story felt like a mixture of Bollywood movies like 'Shivaji: The Boss', 'Murder or Jism', keeping the partition of 1947 in the background.
May 7, 2019
Burial at Sea This is my first read of a novel by the K Singh. I was a bit sceptical in starting the novel as some reviews said the second half of the novel was just about sex without a decent story. However, I was pleasantly surprised, and it was a difficult book to put down. The political backdrop is interesting, and having read Gandhi’s autobiography Experiments with Truth, these other (economic) perspectives of freedom fighters were intriguing. It seemed the protagonist Victor Jai Bhagwan (VJB) had come the full circle, having found his material lifestyle unfulfilling, it is through yoga asanas and sexual acts that he found physical and mental fulfilment and healing. The sex acts are well intertwined within the story, giving it a real life feel. Singh does not mention either VJB or his daughter Bharati learning or practising meditation directly, which would be just as important for mind and body healing. Nair is interesting character, friend cum foe, claims to be fighting for the common cause but really it is about his ego. Gandhi included a similar character in his book, a man who lived on tea and biscuits, all bone, but feisty in character. The book includes a bit of history, some family and personal dramas and titillating love affairs, it is an enjoyable read.
.
.
March 25, 2011
If you are a writer you will hate this book but if you are a sex lover want some thrill then you must read this. Sing knows three S Sex, Scotch and salivation and he is good at erotica.
This is blatant story telling and the writer is present everywhere. He has left the stage seldom or rarely to the characters like Victor, Bharati or Nair. This Nair has played a significant role but stage is absent as the writer has not given a chunk of place.
There is only telling and there is no showing. It was published by a publication house because of name of the writer and his long association with the publication house because he does not have to go through the process of Query.
This is a sequel to the story of Company of Women and nothing much. Thanks.
This is blatant story telling and the writer is present everywhere. He has left the stage seldom or rarely to the characters like Victor, Bharati or Nair. This Nair has played a significant role but stage is absent as the writer has not given a chunk of place.
There is only telling and there is no showing. It was published by a publication house because of name of the writer and his long association with the publication house because he does not have to go through the process of Query.
This is a sequel to the story of Company of Women and nothing much. Thanks.
September 30, 2019
This is one strange book. I read this through at one sitting while travelling in the Metro Train!
The storyline is rather straight, and out of Bollywood. It starts off as some sort of whodunit, and you end up not knowing whodidit!
The characters seem to be carved out of cardboard. None of them is believable. Khushwant seems to be very focussed on the sexual relations between the hero's father, and the English governess; between the hero and the Tantric woman; and the hero's daughter's cold sexuality.
There is almost no emotion in the book. It goes from scene to scene and then ends.
The End.
The storyline is rather straight, and out of Bollywood. It starts off as some sort of whodunit, and you end up not knowing whodidit!
The characters seem to be carved out of cardboard. None of them is believable. Khushwant seems to be very focussed on the sexual relations between the hero's father, and the English governess; between the hero and the Tantric woman; and the hero's daughter's cold sexuality.
There is almost no emotion in the book. It goes from scene to scene and then ends.
The End.
December 13, 2021
It is historical fiction(wink) and my first time reading Kushwant Singh's work barring a short story from English prose in my high school, which I remember, I liked.
The book is a close narrative of a successful rich Kashmiri pandit's life spanning over pre-independence decades to well past the Indo-china war. His westernized life, ambitions, family, sexual encounters, business empire, politics. I understand, that this is not a good book to start the venture into the Kushwant Singh's works. But, it gave me what to expect from him and I definitely dig the style. It keeps you reading, although not a pleasant read overall.
PS : Underline Sexual Encounters.
The book is a close narrative of a successful rich Kashmiri pandit's life spanning over pre-independence decades to well past the Indo-china war. His westernized life, ambitions, family, sexual encounters, business empire, politics. I understand, that this is not a good book to start the venture into the Kushwant Singh's works. But, it gave me what to expect from him and I definitely dig the style. It keeps you reading, although not a pleasant read overall.
PS : Underline Sexual Encounters.
May 11, 2019
I think this book is a kind of mocking at face of several Indians. Two types of people are seen here. Victor the protagonist is born into a rich family and is home schooled. Later moves to London, even though westernised he has dreams of industrialising India. The story is quite like a sex plot. People are portrayed as though born to have sex and enjoy life. For more read the book. Its a one time quick read that mocks the attitude and culture of beurocrats, rich, poor, Left and Right parties and sadus ( swamis in India)
August 20, 2021
Again just wished KH had written more Novels (& also lengthier ones) in his lifetime, probably he ended up spending too much time with editorship of magazines or newspapers.
Nice little plot spanning lifetime of Victor who re-builds after India gains freedom.
The narration is engaging till the end and has stuff to become a motion picture in future.
The novel is only 143 pages long and hence can be easily finished in 2-3 days.
Nice little plot spanning lifetime of Victor who re-builds after India gains freedom.
The narration is engaging till the end and has stuff to become a motion picture in future.
The novel is only 143 pages long and hence can be easily finished in 2-3 days.
July 23, 2017
Khushwant Singh, many consider to be India's greatest writer and true all of the novels I've read, except for Delhi, have been excellent. Burial at Sea was close to getting a three stars, it meandered somewhat and there was too much telling rather than allowing the story to happen. A surprising twist in the end. Don't read the last page!
March 6, 2020
It started off with what seemed like a very good plot-line with interesting characters but half way through the book the story picks a turn that is weird, uninteresting and highly imaginative in contrast the realistic storyline that was present in the beginning.
However, the author has good narration skills and one can finish the book even though one might like the plot.
However, the author has good narration skills and one can finish the book even though one might like the plot.
March 11, 2021
The phrase 'After Nehru' in the blurb (and in the book description here) has a whole new meaning to me now.
I won't say the novella is exceptional; nevertheless, I had a similar feeling I had while watching Iruvar (1997), when I realized I was looking at the late MGR and Kalaignar (the late M. Karunanidhi).
I won't say the novella is exceptional; nevertheless, I had a similar feeling I had while watching Iruvar (1997), when I realized I was looking at the late MGR and Kalaignar (the late M. Karunanidhi).
September 19, 2024
Such a hard book to rate. There wasn't much to it. There were quite a few problematic things around consent and ethics, I thought. Trying not to divulge much. He is a good author and storyteller. It was also a nice and easy read. But I would not recommend it!
June 19, 2017
This is the first and last time, I have read any of Khushwant’s much talked about scintillating stuff. Definitely, a meaningless babble. Give it a miss, unless you are a hardcore Khushwant fan.
May 2, 2019
I have translated this book from English into Urdu for Nigarshat Publishers, Lahore, Pakistan. The title of Urdu translation is Samandar Mein Tadfeen سمندر میں تدفین.
September 15, 2019
Intrigued,sexy and tragic. I have always loved Khushwant Singh's writing and his way of painting the picture around a story.
August 9, 2023
bad book
February 24, 2021
Burial at sea is the life account of Jai Bhagwan. He was born in colonial India and later peregrinate to Eton for English education and then came back with a vision of prosperous and self-sustaining India. Jai Bagwan’s father was an ardent fan and admirer of Mahatma Gandhi but at the same time, he relished his English lifestyle. Jai Bhagwan himself has an entirely different conception of Swaraj comparing to Gandhi but both of them doted each other. Many times we can notice the contradiction between Gandhi and Bhagwan and also their reverence to each other.
The book can be divided into three broad components- The childhood of Jai Bhagwan, his life in England, and then his journey to becoming one of the greatest Indian entrepreneurs. The first two components are brief such that we get the life and thoughts of Jai Bhagwan. The latter part is the main content of the plot. In the second half of the book, the author describes post-colonial India and its impacts.
Khushwant Singh in his book deeply discusses the essence of the relationship among the characters. The physical and the mental interaction between the characters are well inscribed. But at the cessation, the author diverted from the main plot and turns the whole story into marginally a component of tantric sex. The introduction of god women was fine but later I felt he stick on to that for all. There may be things that should turn into a worthy read but the author diminished it. The final quarter of the book was only to shrink into a plethora of sex and emotion. The author should have stick on with the challenges and adventures of Jai Bhagwan. The final part was remotely digressing.
The book can be divided into three broad components- The childhood of Jai Bhagwan, his life in England, and then his journey to becoming one of the greatest Indian entrepreneurs. The first two components are brief such that we get the life and thoughts of Jai Bhagwan. The latter part is the main content of the plot. In the second half of the book, the author describes post-colonial India and its impacts.
Khushwant Singh in his book deeply discusses the essence of the relationship among the characters. The physical and the mental interaction between the characters are well inscribed. But at the cessation, the author diverted from the main plot and turns the whole story into marginally a component of tantric sex. The introduction of god women was fine but later I felt he stick on to that for all. There may be things that should turn into a worthy read but the author diminished it. The final quarter of the book was only to shrink into a plethora of sex and emotion. The author should have stick on with the challenges and adventures of Jai Bhagwan. The final part was remotely digressing.
August 6, 2024
Khushwant Singh is a master storyteller, and there's no denying his ability to weave a compelling narrative. Burial at Sea is no exception. The book’s exploration of India's post-independence era, through the lens of the ambitious Victor Jai Bhagwan, is fascinating. Singh's sharp wit and candidness shine through, making for some truly engaging moments.
The first half of the novel is a captivating blend of history, politics, and personal drama. Victor's journey from a Gandhian idealist to a ruthless industrialist is a rollercoaster ride. Singh's observations on India's socio-economic landscape are insightful and thought-provoking.
However, the second half of the book takes a rather unexpected turn. While Singh’s penchant for the explicit has never been a secret, the overt sexual content felt jarring and out of place. It detracted from the otherwise intriguing plotline, reducing complex characters to mere vessels for titillation.
I appreciate Singh's boldness, but in this case, it felt like a misstep. The novel's potential to delve deeper into the complexities of its characters and themes was overshadowed by the graphic content. Despite its flaws, Burial at Sea remains a quick and entertaining read, but it's a far cry from Singh's best work.
The first half of the novel is a captivating blend of history, politics, and personal drama. Victor's journey from a Gandhian idealist to a ruthless industrialist is a rollercoaster ride. Singh's observations on India's socio-economic landscape are insightful and thought-provoking.
However, the second half of the book takes a rather unexpected turn. While Singh’s penchant for the explicit has never been a secret, the overt sexual content felt jarring and out of place. It detracted from the otherwise intriguing plotline, reducing complex characters to mere vessels for titillation.
I appreciate Singh's boldness, but in this case, it felt like a misstep. The novel's potential to delve deeper into the complexities of its characters and themes was overshadowed by the graphic content. Despite its flaws, Burial at Sea remains a quick and entertaining read, but it's a far cry from Singh's best work.
May 3, 2013
This is a very short one – all of 147 pages long (notwithstanding the fact that the edition I bought had text in large font on a small-sized page. It is more like a novella and it seems to have been written in a hurry. One good thing about all Khushwant Singh’s books though is that they are very easy to read and draw you into the story effortlessly – the writing is simple and functional. No intricate, flowery sentences can be found in the book – there is certainly nothing memorable in the language. I felt that plot had a lot of potential but it did not meet my expectations ultimately. I guess it is mostly because it was so brief. It felt rushed – many things could have been dealt with in more detail. There is some explicit stuff (I found some of it comic!) which borders on the gratuitous but we can cut him some slack is what I think.
March 4, 2015
I would say that this is a story whose potential has been wasted. Having read Khushwant Singh before, I have seen what great prowess he holds over his characters, his writing skills have the ability to make you fall for his characters and his situations. But Burial at Sea seems to be a story written in a hurry. He seems to rushing through the sequences. The ending is also sort of abrupt.
The story in itself is good, with a lot of depth in the plot, the sequences are enjoyable but you just hope he would spend a little more in each of them.
However, hats off to the genius that Khushwant Singh is.
The story in itself is good, with a lot of depth in the plot, the sequences are enjoyable but you just hope he would spend a little more in each of them.
However, hats off to the genius that Khushwant Singh is.
May 28, 2014
As far as my friends suggests kushwant singh was a gem of writer among the indian writers.His writings were considered a serious contirbution to the literature not a hoax used to build his poltical carrer.Burial at sea is not the kind of book i expected from kushwant singh. It's not a bad one but i can't quite get what the auhtor's intention on writing the book.May be it's just a ficiton and my expectations were too high enough to be fullfiled and if it's a fiction i would definitely recommend to the start up readers.
August 11, 2016
An interesting, but strange story of an alternative/complementary vision to Gandhis for the direction India took during and after the fight for independence. This mix of political, industrial and social issues were interesting. As was the combination of Gandhi's and Nehru's personalities in the main character, Which is why I was yet again (like with 'Delhi') annoyed with unnecessarily long and descriptive sex scenes which did not bring anything to the main story for me. Although I think Singh is s brilliant novelist, I have only read 2 of his books which I have enjoyed.
August 23, 2007
An interesting little book recommended to me by a friend who has been living in India for a while. Singh is a popular newspaper columnist but also has written some interesting books on Indian identity. This is one of them. About the life of an elite Indan businessman - his days of education in London and how he struggles with his 'English head' as a businessman and his 'Indian heart'. Nothing mind blowing but an interesting little narrative.
February 21, 2010
This book made me sad. The protagonist eats a Thanksgiving dinner in London. Thanksgiving - you know - that holiday they celebrate in Great Britain to commemorate the date the annoying pilgrims went away.
This book read like an episode of Heroes, only with more stilted sex scenes and fewer superpowers.
This book read like an episode of Heroes, only with more stilted sex scenes and fewer superpowers.
April 17, 2012
Khushwant Singh's Burial at Sea is an okayish read. Parts of it are really brilliant and Khushwant Singh has sketched the portrait of the protagonist very well.
As with most of Khushwant Singh's book, this one too has erotica moments. Try to ignore them and read the story and you will find it a good read.
As with most of Khushwant Singh's book, this one too has erotica moments. Try to ignore them and read the story and you will find it a good read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews