Hi all, I am coming back after a short gap. I was travelling and reading these days.
I am not a student of history nor a professional related with history, but I like reading books on Indian history. It is in that context that I read ’Freedom at Midnight’. One of the effects that this book made on me is to learn more about Gandhiji and that learning has changed my perspective of the Mahatma.
Gandhiji was apparently misunderstood by many Indians in the wake of partition and this book is an execllent material to know what exactly transpired on those days and the role of Mahatma in it. There is another book called ’Proudest Day’ and when we read both these books together, we can have a better insight into the freedom struggle and the history of British India. The final touch will be, however, only added by ’Discovery of India’.
One thing that I did not like about this book is its casual treatment of Hindu religion, beliefs and culture. The statements about Gods that Hindus worship with inappropriate adjectives like ’capricious’ in many places is quitre objectionable. I believe, the reason can be found in post script when the authors expres their gratitude to the English Missionaries. However, while constructive criticisms are welcome, derogatory statements should be certainly avoided.
On a whole, it is a good book, worth reading and purchasing also.