This review was written for my school magazine. I have not added anything extra. I would write a proper MS review on this book later. Till then....
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Amitav Ghosh, in his years of journalism, had traveled to different parts of India and the world, meeting different people and different cultures. ?Countdown? is the outcome of these visits. ?Countdown? mainly deals with India becoming a nuclear power ------ the pros and cons.
Amitav Ghosh had interviewed many personalities including Mr. George Fernandes, India?s Defence Minister and Asma Jehangir, the well-known Pakistani lawyer. He had also discussed the issue of nuclear power with well-known Pakistani figures, scientists, journalists and common people. All these are included in the book.
Amitav Ghosh has also given a detailed account of his travel experiences from Pokhran to Laddakh and Leh, and Pakistan. He describes his visit to Laddakh with Mr. George Fernandes. He resurrects many long forgotten incidents of past leading to India attaining a nuclear-state status. He also gives a detailed account of the conversation he had with his scientist friend about the results and aftermath of a nuclear explosion in the Indian subcontinent.
Unlike other non-fiction books, this book is not ?dry?. It is very racy and fast and is highly gripping. The language used in the book is a little difficult, but the style of writing is easy. It is an ideal read for classes nine and above.
One thing that is to be kept in mind while reading this book is that it should be read at ?one-go?. Otherwise, the thrill cannot be experienced to the fullest and the link between past and present events is lost. I would rate it as an excellent book giving it an overall five star rating.
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This was the review. You will get a proper review very soon