Not A Nice Man To Know: The Best Of Khushwant Singh

While I had read similar profiles in "Death at my Doorstep", the columns were new for me. Giving a glimpse into his life, Khushwant Singh also teaches readers about few basics. How to avoid great talkers, how to be happy and the best "Prepare for Death while Alive". I must admit that I did take some pointers while reading and hope to implement them. It is funny to think that as a child, I have often thought of why I was born as an Indian. And in "Why I am an Indian", Singh explains that very simply by saying "I did not have any choice: I was born one. If the good Lord had consulted me on the subject, I might have chosen a country more affluent, less crowded, less censorious in matters of food and drink, unconcerned with personal equations and free of religious bigotry."The book also contains translations of his poems "Shikwa", "Bara Mah" ( believed to be Guru Nanak's last composition). Since I have never been inclined towards poetry I can hardly comment but they would be a delight to anyone interested. There are few jokes which are not the short bawdy ones I encountered as a child but fun to read anyway. Some of his short stories like "A Bride for the Sahib", "The Death of Shaikh Burnahuddin", "Train to Pakistan" stay with you a long time after you have read them and this is the sole reason why I can never get over the debate in my head about whether Khushwant Singh is a better writer or a journalist.You can read my whole review at http://anaroiterbookreviews.blogspot.in/2014/05/not-nice-man-to-know-by-khushwant-singh.html

Khushwant Singh is a legendary figure in Indian journalism. He's been witness and participant in the incredible history of India over the past few decades. His observations are valuable because he's been through India under British Rule, Partition, Socialist governments, and a whole lot more. This is the book to read for a deep understanding of some interesting characters of India. The bonus is his translations in the second half of the book (Iqbal's Shikwa, etc.).

Great book. You won't be disappointed reading this work of an accomplished author.

If you are first time ready something from Khushwant Singh, this is the book I recommend strongly. He is always very honest and straight to the point.

Anything written by Khushwant Singh is gem. I loved his writing since age 17 when he was editing Illustrated weekly of Inida and in fact his writing has shaped my writing a lot. Exceptionally frank author. Must read book. Dr PSNagi