Comments on: Q&A with Author Patrick French

By: Suri

Suri — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 20:16:41 +0000

But for Nehru, India would not be what it is today. I liked French’s little nod to Nehru by his beginning and ending the book with him. A very good portrait indeed. I liked best, the bit about servants. The sorry situation of interactions with the police and the general law and order conditions are described very well. Overall, an excellent book.

By: al_beruni

al_beruni — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 22:48:37 +0000

i read the book - its a lightweight book, without much substance or citation of sources. It has a chatty and journalistic style which is quite enjoyable. I can see that people who need a quick introduction to modern india would benefit from it.

He is a sincere guy, I dont think he is just using the india moment to get his book sold, but I dont think much of it overall.

By: Varun Shekhar

Varun Shekhar — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 14:01:32 +0000

"I especially liked French saying to you that he doesn't see bombing as the biggest threat"

Patrick French is from the UK; if the UK suffered as many bombings as India, French would not marginalise the danger at all. Of course, those other problems are threats as well. But without security, you won't really be able to work on them.

By: Singha

Singha — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 05:45:15 +0000

There are many threats: water shortages, population growth, inefficient institutions, income inequality. I donâ€™t see the bombings as the greatest threat.

Corruption, incompetence, casteism, lack of accountability, servility etc are far greater threats than the bombings.

9 out of 10 Congress party MPs under the age of 40 were hereditary. For the older generation - MPs aged 70 or over - almost every one of them had got there on personal merit rather than through a family connection.

Not defending dynastic politics at all but it has to be pointed out: what good were the older generation who "got there on personal merit rather than through a family connection"?

By: Pundit

Pundit — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 01:22:03 +0000

Thanks Sepia Mutiny, for this lovely interview. I feel like running right out to get a copy.

By: Nara

Nara — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 22:31:02 +0000

I especially liked French saying to you that he doesn't see bombing as the biggest threat. I often think that writers are better with details....

I was wondering what you thought of that other writer, Naipaul, and his views on women, Islam ... What about that perspective or do you just like the perspective that reinforces your views.

I admire Mr.French. I read his biography of Naipaul and I thought it was very well written. I will definitely check this book out.

By: Amitava

Amitava — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 20:45:13 +0000

Great interview. Many thanks. I especially liked French saying to you that he doesn’t see bombing as the biggest threat. I often think that writers are better with details, but, as in this response of his, we see that they are invaluable when providing perspective. (And oh, what were the names of the India books you were unable to finish?)

By: Paul

Paul — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 19:17:41 +0000

More than 2 out of 3 MPs under the age of 40 were sons or daughters of politicians. 9 out of 10 Congress party MPs under the age of 40 were hereditary.

That really seems to be the greatest threat to India. Inbred political power always manages to screw up in a major way. Coupled with all the booming wealth and subsequent corruption...ugh. It's all a Cassandra scenario.