Many a
times in order to taste the cuisine of a place people order a thaali. A thaali
has a variety of components and give an overall picture about a type of
cuisine. 99 is an extremely tasty thaali which gives the reader a taste of a
literary genius of contemporary time, Khushwant Singh.
Though I
was introduced to Khushwant Singh’s writing with 'A mark of Vishnu' when I
was in class X, I read a little of the famous 'Train to Pakistan' later. 99, published
on his birth anniversary, is Alephs tribute to Mr Singh and has 99 pieces of
his writing selected from different genres. The 15 sections that the book is
divided into, like Family matters, The Sikhs, How to Live, How to Die, Sex on
my mind, A passion for poetry among others, is a testament of how prolific he
was.
The
mastery of the writer is reflected in each genre. How he describes early life
in Hadali, how he despite not being a historian gives a fresh and detailed look
into Sikhism, his political and social views, his defense or the lack of it for
being termed a womanizer, his controversial support of Emergency, his famous or
infamous views on famous people, and many such masterpieces.
It is
indeed interesting that one who was born to one of Delhi’s foremost builders,
did not choose to use the luxury to a point where his aversion for litigations
prevented him for inheriting great wealth. An agnostic who produced probably
the most seminal work on Sikhism is remarkable. A voice which as editor of
Weekly was heard in corridors of power and equally in hush-hush circles for the
in-their-face remarks.
Each piece
puts the reader at ease with the writer. The narration, simple prose most of
the times, is always gripping, the sense of humor unparalleled and the insights
the writer gives into his own life makes 99 an unputdownable one. It is as if
he talks to you, tells you a story, and explains as a teacher through his
works.
For one who has only heard of dirty jokes of
Khushwant Singh (which he claims he knows all that exists in the world!) or
have over the years formed an opinion of him should read 99 just to taste the
excellent variety that exists in the cuisine of one of India's finest writers
and public intellectuals, Khushwant Singh.
Buying it. Buying it. Buying it.
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