Inhaling the Mahatma

by Christopher Kremmer

A sprawling portrait of India at the crossroads, this tile is an intensely personal story about coming to terms with a dazzlingly different culture, as the author's fate is entwined with a cosmopolitan Hindu family of Old Delhi, and a guru who might just change his life.

Genres: India, Travel, Nonfiction, History

512 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Insightful and personal account of years as a journalist in India, then a revisiting to research and bathe in the Ganges - not my favourite image from this book.

Enlightening to a person unfamiliar with India and I enjoyed the political and personal analysis of a complex and rapidly evolving country.

Kremmer writes well and the research impressive but the thing I enjoyed most was his descriptions of people and living with his inlaws in Delhi.

[Dhiren Parekh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent depiction of indian culture with deep insight into india ' s modern and ancient political, cultural, philosophical history narrated by an outsider (australian). this very engrossing piece of writing is a mix of travelogue, personal story and journalist's report diary

Christopher believes that India ' s IT boom has buried it's image as a timeless, caste - ridden place teeming with paupers, snake charmers and maharajahs. The world is doing yoga, wearing pashmina and reading indian authors, not to mention enjoying spicy indian cuisine and being entertained by pulsating output of bollywood cinema. As India changes, it will continue to draw strength from its traditions. Its ancient wisdom and modern ambitions can walk hand in hand towards a brighter future.

Kremmer shows through this book that he has been successful in inhaling the Mahatma literally and philosophically

[Jasmin Kaur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very engrossing read. It was interesting to see the historical conflicts between Hindus and Muslims play out within the modern context. The complexity and fine-ness that colours India is well depicted in this book. Definitely a relaxing and good read.

[Newton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am from Bangladesh and living in Australia for last 12 years. It was very interesting to see the Indian things in an Australian's eye and how he saw the history and political and religious conflicts and culture of India.

Religious and political issues are not peaceful in Indian subcontinent and people got their own view and opinion. It was good to read those things from a neutral person who doesn't belong to that culture.

[Sriram · Rating 4 out of 5]

A veritable kaleidoscope of the Indian society, politics and the nation as seen through the eyes of a journalist. The unbiased presentation makes it a compelling read.

[Kristine · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book - a journalists non-fiction account of modern day India. While there are some interesting pieces buried within the book, the narrative is often just a tedious rehash of earlier work without a coherent link, theme or premise.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a clever title... literal & philosophical at once, but you must read the passage the spawned the title to truly appreciate its cleverness.

[Rajan]

*****

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved, loved this book. If you have been to India you will really enjoy it and will relate to parts of it.

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and its insight into India and its structure.

Read the full review at OurBookClub

[Katrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book from Christopher Kremmer. A travel story from an established journalist. It is both a history lesson and a personal journey of discovery.