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This is the third book on India by V.S.Naipaul and certainly the most conciliatory one of the three. His earlier books on India were written when Naipaul himself was much younger and perhaps as a result were more scathing and critical of India's negatives. But this book shows a certain mellow tone and compassion. He writes about the 'rage' of each community and caste and religion in India and perceptively observes that one's own rage and historical injustice suffered is more important than other groups' rage and injustices. Still, he manages to talk to far-left revolutionaries, Dalits (the untouchables), semi-fascists and religious upper caste Brahmins and all else and present an interesting mosaic of India today, that is, the India of 1991, when it was written.
Naipaul often evokes strong resentment among Indians, particularly upper caste Indians, about the incisive and critical eye he casts on India's major failings. This book is no exception but it is a must read for all Indians who want to see themselves more objectively. Non-Indians also should find it an absorbing book in bringing the complexities inherent in today's India's march towards greater economic prosperity.