My sister and I are doing the Pushkar Camel Fair tour in November. This covers Delhi, Agra and various places in Rajasthan. This is our first trip to India, so no idea what to expect. Can anyone recommend any books to read before our trip so we know more about Indian history, culture and what we're seeing?
Thanks!
Amy
Re: Books on India
Amy,
I have not been to India (yet) myself but am planning to within the next few years (hopefully). For some reason I tend to pick my next destination when travelling abroad so perhaps my decision may become final when I am in Morocco this October.
My colleauge has been to India and has recommended I read Empire of the Soul written by Paul William Roberts. I have just begun reading it and am finding it very difficult to put down.
Paul William Roberts is quite the witty writer and makes you feel like you are there with him. Below is a critics review of the book:
" [i]One of the most remarkable travel books ever written - but of course it is far more than that. It's brilliant, funny, moving, and often profound. Roberts writes like an angel. Empire of the Soul is the most living book about India I have ever read"[/i] Colin Wilson
Hope you have a great trip!!
Cheers,![[Smile]](smile.gif)
SG
Re: Books on India
Thanks so much for the quick reply and the book recommendation! Based on the review, this sounds exactly like what I'm looking for!
Have fun in Morocco in October! That's also on my list of trips to do!
Amy
Re: Books on India
Fiction: Vikram Seth 'A Suitable Boy' is just an incredible book - very long but one of the most rewarding things I've ever read. It's basically about a girl's search for a husband (with plenty of 'help' from her mother) in post-independence India, but much, much more than that. 'The God of Small Things' by Arundhati Roy is set in Kerala and a lighter read but very evocative and haunting.
Mark Tully is a British journalist who is good on contemporary India - eg 'No Full Stops in India', or 'India in Slow Motion'.
Re: Books on India
I did the Dehli / Kathmandu trip in April. Brilliant. For getting ready for the India part I read 'Holy Cow' and 'Are You Experienced' - not quite a heavy as the books mentioned by other responders but hey, if you are travelling anywhere else first, they are good beach books and certainly set the scene a bit on what to expect. Have a great trip.