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We Indians
What makes you proud to be Indian and what makes you ashamed to be one? What makes a Hindu a Hindu? Why are Indians such champion sycophants and name-droppers? And does love really matter in an Indian marriage? In his sharp and funny dissection of different aspects of the Indian character, Khushwant Singh tackles these and other questions with his characteristic candour, humour and gift for telling a riveting tale.]
152 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 1989
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
November 11, 2018
Fails to probe the essence of what makes Indians behave in the curious way they do. I would recommend Pavan K Varma's incisive and extremely well-written two-part series Being Indian and Becoming Indian instead.
March 30, 2018
We Indians.
Khushwant Singh.
Orient Paperbacks, Bombay.
Non-fiction.
1982. First edition. Pp-151.
Before I start talking about the book, I want to tell you that this one here is a pre-loved 1982 edition. 1982! Ikr!
About the book now, Khuswant Singh talks about any and every topic in this book here. We Indians is about the most vast and choicest of topics picked up and opinionated upon.
From the history of how the division of Indians into Muslims and Non Muslims became so profound to how "Gandhism was as dead as Gandhi", to how religion is the opium of the masses, to morality and the women of India, right up to sex and corruption and all the other vices, this book talks about it all.
And these are just some of the highlights (or should I say, delights) of the book.
This book is all about the hypocrisies of our country in talking about religion, in taking care (or not) of it's women and in taking pseudo pride in their morality talks.
Facade has had us going for years, and it will keep us going, in the years to come. Ignorance is a bliss after all, and to cover that up with a(n) (attractive) mask is like the सोने पर सुहागा we Indians live off.
Khushwant Singh has very knowingly (yet very smartly) talked about people-who-cannot-not-be-named. Readers aware of the entire context must have enjoyed the narration, more than I did. I still did, though. I'm smart enough not to underestimate Mr Singh's wit.
Khushwant Singh was definitely sorry not sorry, and I admire him for that and everything else! His ever charming ways to bring out the social realities and their true natures, are more than commendable.
.
.
.
My most favourite dialogue from the book?
"An Indian's favourite topic of conversation is himself and how about everyone of us seems to find it necessary to inflate ourselves with self-inflated gas."
.
.
.
How I liked the book? I LOVED it just as much as I love the man who wrote it.
This book, however, has something more than what Khuswant Singh is usually know for. It has emotions. In the years I had grown up reading his articles, all I had admired was his hand at humour. Today, I take pride in his words too.
The thing I love about this man is his zeal to question everything and not merely accept it's existence as sold by the masses.
This book is not just a value addition to my shelf, but my heart and intellect too.
While reading, there were things that took me back to the time the book was written. Once in a while it hit me that it's the India of 80s that Singh talks about and not the India of today. But to know who we are today, isn't it important to about how we got where we are? I think it is. And this book does just that!
And what's most amusing is that some of the issues talked about in the book are still as fresh and relevant as they were in the 80s. Something (or people) never change, I guess?
Apart from the intend of the book, let me take a moment to appreciate the caricatures at the beginning of the chapter and on the cover, and the couplets quoted from all over the world- that adds on to the content.
.
.
.
Khushwant Singh had died this month 4 years ago and I'm glad I decided to revisit him through his words.
I'm good.
Sometimes I just wonder what it would be like to know this man personally!
Straight up from the heart, with traces of wit and satire he's ever famous for, We Indians is an enjoyable read for every Indian out there.
This book is proof again of how Khushwant Singh has never backed out from discussing sensitive topics.
A 5 on 5 it is!
Also available on Amazon, Instagram, Wordpress, Facebook, and Twitter.
#bookstagramindia #bookstagram #bookreview #khushwantsingh #weindians #delhibookstafam 14 down @htbrunch #htbrunchbookchallenge #BrunchBookChallenge
Khushwant Singh.
Orient Paperbacks, Bombay.
Non-fiction.
1982. First edition. Pp-151.
Before I start talking about the book, I want to tell you that this one here is a pre-loved 1982 edition. 1982! Ikr!
About the book now, Khuswant Singh talks about any and every topic in this book here. We Indians is about the most vast and choicest of topics picked up and opinionated upon.
From the history of how the division of Indians into Muslims and Non Muslims became so profound to how "Gandhism was as dead as Gandhi", to how religion is the opium of the masses, to morality and the women of India, right up to sex and corruption and all the other vices, this book talks about it all.
And these are just some of the highlights (or should I say, delights) of the book.
This book is all about the hypocrisies of our country in talking about religion, in taking care (or not) of it's women and in taking pseudo pride in their morality talks.
Facade has had us going for years, and it will keep us going, in the years to come. Ignorance is a bliss after all, and to cover that up with a(n) (attractive) mask is like the सोने पर सुहागा we Indians live off.
Khushwant Singh has very knowingly (yet very smartly) talked about people-who-cannot-not-be-named. Readers aware of the entire context must have enjoyed the narration, more than I did. I still did, though. I'm smart enough not to underestimate Mr Singh's wit.
Khushwant Singh was definitely sorry not sorry, and I admire him for that and everything else! His ever charming ways to bring out the social realities and their true natures, are more than commendable.
.
.
.
My most favourite dialogue from the book?
"An Indian's favourite topic of conversation is himself and how about everyone of us seems to find it necessary to inflate ourselves with self-inflated gas."
.
.
.
How I liked the book? I LOVED it just as much as I love the man who wrote it.
This book, however, has something more than what Khuswant Singh is usually know for. It has emotions. In the years I had grown up reading his articles, all I had admired was his hand at humour. Today, I take pride in his words too.
The thing I love about this man is his zeal to question everything and not merely accept it's existence as sold by the masses.
This book is not just a value addition to my shelf, but my heart and intellect too.
While reading, there were things that took me back to the time the book was written. Once in a while it hit me that it's the India of 80s that Singh talks about and not the India of today. But to know who we are today, isn't it important to about how we got where we are? I think it is. And this book does just that!
And what's most amusing is that some of the issues talked about in the book are still as fresh and relevant as they were in the 80s. Something (or people) never change, I guess?
Apart from the intend of the book, let me take a moment to appreciate the caricatures at the beginning of the chapter and on the cover, and the couplets quoted from all over the world- that adds on to the content.
.
.
.
Khushwant Singh had died this month 4 years ago and I'm glad I decided to revisit him through his words.
I'm good.
Sometimes I just wonder what it would be like to know this man personally!
Straight up from the heart, with traces of wit and satire he's ever famous for, We Indians is an enjoyable read for every Indian out there.
This book is proof again of how Khushwant Singh has never backed out from discussing sensitive topics.
A 5 on 5 it is!
Also available on Amazon, Instagram, Wordpress, Facebook, and Twitter.
#bookstagramindia #bookstagram #bookreview #khushwantsingh #weindians #delhibookstafam 14 down @htbrunch #htbrunchbookchallenge #BrunchBookChallenge
September 4, 2018
Over rated by an egoistic writer
All he can do is crib about the people of this country and yet lived off the lard of the land
All he can do is crib about the people of this country and yet lived off the lard of the land
June 14, 2018
Quite Carlineseque, but polite. It was almost like reading my own thoughts on most of India-related things. Didn't learn much new except for some facts to back my opinions on this country. Don't know whether or not I'll remember them when I need to, though.
November 3, 2019
1. Why would someone waste their time reading Khushwant Singh?
2. Why do I absolutely hate his writing?
3. Why does he sound egoistic, arrogant, self loathing, over confident human?
I am never going to read even an article from him ever! I’ve tried reading many of his writings but couldn’t finish any and this was no exception and life is anyway too damn short to read something from someone you can’t resonate and relate to. :) We indians is just another poorly written account of how the author perceived India and Indians which couldn’t really give any insight into what Indians and India is actually like. Better read other legendary authors who captured the essence of true India so beautifully than some good for nothing but hyped writer.
2. Why do I absolutely hate his writing?
3. Why does he sound egoistic, arrogant, self loathing, over confident human?
I am never going to read even an article from him ever! I’ve tried reading many of his writings but couldn’t finish any and this was no exception and life is anyway too damn short to read something from someone you can’t resonate and relate to. :) We indians is just another poorly written account of how the author perceived India and Indians which couldn’t really give any insight into what Indians and India is actually like. Better read other legendary authors who captured the essence of true India so beautifully than some good for nothing but hyped writer.
December 24, 2018
This is the book version of a live-action remake of a popular old Disney movie. It's an attempt to make some money out of an existing popularity! Why? Because you can. There's really no point to this but the few half-hearted laughs it brings. Not much to learn. Pick this up only if you like Singh's writing. In fact, not even then. I wonder how much I spent on it, wish I hadn't.
June 7, 2018
I had a bad headache after finishing this book. Not a must read but go for it if you wanna take a chance.
November 5, 2018
I really like the book. I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone concerned about the society.
Even though people claim that he does not add anything new to the table.
It is important that everything is compiled in one coherent way.
I like the bold way that he talks about the issue that plague that Indian society.
I believe that those issues are going to be worst ones in coming years (mostly I refer to the issues with the attitude of the people).
Even though people claim that he does not add anything new to the table.
It is important that everything is compiled in one coherent way.
I like the bold way that he talks about the issue that plague that Indian society.
I believe that those issues are going to be worst ones in coming years (mostly I refer to the issues with the attitude of the people).
December 30, 2017
3.5 stars
Khushwant Singh at his usual witty best..taking on the conventional notions in Indian society...though some seem a bit dated coz of date when book was published but still most of them hold true in the current day...With a keen eye makes observations on some of societal traditions and mindset of people which influences the way behave and live...Fun read
Khushwant Singh at his usual witty best..taking on the conventional notions in Indian society...though some seem a bit dated coz of date when book was published but still most of them hold true in the current day...With a keen eye makes observations on some of societal traditions and mindset of people which influences the way behave and live...Fun read
June 2, 2008
an interesting thumbnail sketch of cultural background, mores and proclivities. after 15 years since publication it's a bit dated, though.
March 27, 2024
Simplistic but in a dismissive, non-critical way. Many of the claims are made nonchalantly, with no explanation attempted to justify them.
Many of these claims abound in the chapter “Religion: Opium of the masses.” Describing meditation as ‘time-consuming and sterile preoccupation’ and equating Samadhi as a state of passive somnolence post the ‘intake of opium’ and ‘mystic exaltation’ to a ‘slug of Scotch whiskey’ are crass to say the least. They show a hard to believe smugness on part of a writer as accomplished as Singh. Also, the fact that with all due respect, the biggest names can look surprisingly hollow in the absence of subject knowledge.
Many other claims fit perfectly in the white-man’s-burden dictums like ‘climatic conditions and poor diet deprive us of the stamina for hard work and make us look for excuses to be able to do nothing.’ The most outrageous of these come in the domain of language. The realisation that ‘most of our work is still done in English’ is justified under the sweeping stroke of ‘no other language is capable of handling the technicalities of administration, justice, technology and the sciences.’ Worse still is the blatantly insensitive condescension from his own position of privilege that ‘the 10 percent who speak English matter more in national affairs than speakers of other languages.’ Any scope for reassessment and reform to give space to these stifled voices is brushed aside without a flinch.
While the ideas on elitism and corruption are relatable, Singh’s own smug position gives the uncomfortable feeling of he himself having had blinkers on. His declaration of the British civil servants as being the most non-corrupt (dual system post the battle of Plassey thrived on ‘gifts’- euphemism for bribes- on top of the unprecedented salaries from the exchequer for their ‘services’) is naive, at its best.
According to Singh, the English colonial rule continued on the ‘consent’ of majority of Indians. He elevates the panegyric further- ‘because in their heart of hearts Indians respected the English and cherished their association.’ Speak for yourself.
Apart from looking back for the said ‘bonds of affection’ of the Edwardian twilight, Singh puts passionate words into the American mouth for Indians- ‘strange, poor, sanctimonious, sermonising heathens.’ Perhaps even Nixon-Kissinger duo would have shied away from such passionate intensity.
The biggest fault lies not in a scathing scepticism for much that is Indian, but the authority asserted despite seeming ignorance. Or maybe the latter engenders the former, because of which no reasonable engagement is attempted with the subject matter. I would skirt away from Singh’s “We Indians” and I’m sure many of my fellow Indians will too. It’s too reductive to be relatable.
Many of these claims abound in the chapter “Religion: Opium of the masses.” Describing meditation as ‘time-consuming and sterile preoccupation’ and equating Samadhi as a state of passive somnolence post the ‘intake of opium’ and ‘mystic exaltation’ to a ‘slug of Scotch whiskey’ are crass to say the least. They show a hard to believe smugness on part of a writer as accomplished as Singh. Also, the fact that with all due respect, the biggest names can look surprisingly hollow in the absence of subject knowledge.
Many other claims fit perfectly in the white-man’s-burden dictums like ‘climatic conditions and poor diet deprive us of the stamina for hard work and make us look for excuses to be able to do nothing.’ The most outrageous of these come in the domain of language. The realisation that ‘most of our work is still done in English’ is justified under the sweeping stroke of ‘no other language is capable of handling the technicalities of administration, justice, technology and the sciences.’ Worse still is the blatantly insensitive condescension from his own position of privilege that ‘the 10 percent who speak English matter more in national affairs than speakers of other languages.’ Any scope for reassessment and reform to give space to these stifled voices is brushed aside without a flinch.
While the ideas on elitism and corruption are relatable, Singh’s own smug position gives the uncomfortable feeling of he himself having had blinkers on. His declaration of the British civil servants as being the most non-corrupt (dual system post the battle of Plassey thrived on ‘gifts’- euphemism for bribes- on top of the unprecedented salaries from the exchequer for their ‘services’) is naive, at its best.
According to Singh, the English colonial rule continued on the ‘consent’ of majority of Indians. He elevates the panegyric further- ‘because in their heart of hearts Indians respected the English and cherished their association.’ Speak for yourself.
Apart from looking back for the said ‘bonds of affection’ of the Edwardian twilight, Singh puts passionate words into the American mouth for Indians- ‘strange, poor, sanctimonious, sermonising heathens.’ Perhaps even Nixon-Kissinger duo would have shied away from such passionate intensity.
The biggest fault lies not in a scathing scepticism for much that is Indian, but the authority asserted despite seeming ignorance. Or maybe the latter engenders the former, because of which no reasonable engagement is attempted with the subject matter. I would skirt away from Singh’s “We Indians” and I’m sure many of my fellow Indians will too. It’s too reductive to be relatable.
October 11, 2020
The best part about #khushwantsingh in his book #WeIndians is that he was brutally honest in his #writing of a few facts about #India and did not shy away from sharing a few of his personal experiences. Though I felt him to be a little hostile towards one religion at the beginning of the book, I did agree with a few of his views such as the fact that #workisworship and our tendencies towards our respective religions hinders our country's development.
.
.
The #book contains a few witty anecdotes here and there and is purely based on the author's opinions and experiences. I found it to be full of cribbing and there was a pessimistic vibe throughout the book as the author negated many optimistic points and highlighted many negatives of the country. To justify this he says he wants us to be conscious of our follies so that we can be a better #nation.
.
.
I would give this book 2🌟 for the little bit of #history knowledge it imparted on me but would not recommend it to anyone as there are plenty of great books which could be read in its place. I have taken one for the team.😉😋
#bookreviewersofinstagram #bookreviewer #bookreviewblogger #bookreviewers #bookreviews #bookreview #bookreviewblog #bookreader #bookclubsofinstagram #bookreaderscommunity #booklover #bookaholic #bookholics @juggernaut.in @createfelicity #readersofinstagram #read #reading #booksbooksbooks #bookstagram #bookclub #bookshelf #readmorebooks #readingtime
.
.
The #book contains a few witty anecdotes here and there and is purely based on the author's opinions and experiences. I found it to be full of cribbing and there was a pessimistic vibe throughout the book as the author negated many optimistic points and highlighted many negatives of the country. To justify this he says he wants us to be conscious of our follies so that we can be a better #nation.
.
.
I would give this book 2🌟 for the little bit of #history knowledge it imparted on me but would not recommend it to anyone as there are plenty of great books which could be read in its place. I have taken one for the team.😉😋
#bookreviewersofinstagram #bookreviewer #bookreviewblogger #bookreviewers #bookreviews #bookreview #bookreviewblog #bookreader #bookclubsofinstagram #bookreaderscommunity #booklover #bookaholic #bookholics @juggernaut.in @createfelicity #readersofinstagram #read #reading #booksbooksbooks #bookstagram #bookclub #bookshelf #readmorebooks #readingtime
August 22, 2024
If you’re in search of a book that captures the essence of Indian life in all its diversity and complexity, this is a must-read. It’s a work that every Indian, and indeed anyone interested in India, should pick up. Khushwant Singh’s insightful and often humorous take on Indian society makes this book not just a good read, but a great one.
For those who haven’t lived through the eras Singh describes, this book offers a window into a world that might seem both familiar and foreign. It’s especially valuable for readers who want to understand how things used to be in India, and how those times have shaped the present. Singh’s writing brings to life the rural landscapes, the bustling cities, and the people who inhabit these spaces, making the reader feel as though they are right there, experiencing it all firsthand. Incorporating humor, seriousness, and a deep understanding of Indian culture, We Indians is a work that resonates on multiple levels.
For me it’s surprising that this book hasn’t received the widespread recognition it deserves, as it offers such a rich and nuanced portrayal of India. For those looking for a book that is not only informative but also immensely enjoyable, We Indians is a perfect choice.
For those who haven’t lived through the eras Singh describes, this book offers a window into a world that might seem both familiar and foreign. It’s especially valuable for readers who want to understand how things used to be in India, and how those times have shaped the present. Singh’s writing brings to life the rural landscapes, the bustling cities, and the people who inhabit these spaces, making the reader feel as though they are right there, experiencing it all firsthand. Incorporating humor, seriousness, and a deep understanding of Indian culture, We Indians is a work that resonates on multiple levels.
For me it’s surprising that this book hasn’t received the widespread recognition it deserves, as it offers such a rich and nuanced portrayal of India. For those looking for a book that is not only informative but also immensely enjoyable, We Indians is a perfect choice.
June 8, 2021
This is a short and precise point of view of Khushwant Singh on the inhabitants of his country India. Khushwant Singh studied in Lahore and London, and had wrote famous books one of those Train To Pakistan. Born in pre-partition in a village of Punjab which comes in the modern day of Pakistan. So keeping this in mind, he had had a broad accumulation of pre-partition and after partition Indians which were modern Pakistanis of that time. So merely in the first chapter he had directed his anecdote toward pre-partition Indians that includes Pakistanis and Bangladeshis. And then he focused his view to modern India of that time, about its relation to British and US, English language, their views on religion and physical relationships, women empowerment, religions and on. He wrote a bit of stereotypes about Muslims and Hindus, the way people judge their belief through their attire and way. Which actually didn’t work as a nod for me. There were incidents he told regarding the subjects he was telling about. All in all, I enjoyed because it’s Classical Subcontinent nonfiction book, which I admire the subject itself, we get to know a lot about history though. So yeah three stars.
October 8, 2017
Khushwant Singh, being author-lawyer-journalist has a wider, multi-faceted perpective than anyone else. He has been written off as filthy, but atleast is honest, straight forward.
This book reveals that he's social reformer, journalist, lawyer and a reporter all combined into one. He has criticized the press in India for being biased- 'Often our press chooses to castigate people they dont like and very often media indulges in defaming public figures without verifying facts.'
He has criticized about India's administrative system:
"They expend more of their energies on combating breaches of prohibition laws, distillation of liquor and the like which are of lesser consequence, rather than stamping out crimes of greater social consequence such as crimes against persons and property" . He has blasted the top administrative elite for their VIP culture, casting couch and inefficiency.
Though, in a chapter he appears to be an apologist for the Raj, but has honest and indepth analysis of India's foreign affairs, society, polity and religion.
This book reveals that he's social reformer, journalist, lawyer and a reporter all combined into one. He has criticized the press in India for being biased- 'Often our press chooses to castigate people they dont like and very often media indulges in defaming public figures without verifying facts.'
He has criticized about India's administrative system:
"They expend more of their energies on combating breaches of prohibition laws, distillation of liquor and the like which are of lesser consequence, rather than stamping out crimes of greater social consequence such as crimes against persons and property" . He has blasted the top administrative elite for their VIP culture, casting couch and inefficiency.
Though, in a chapter he appears to be an apologist for the Raj, but has honest and indepth analysis of India's foreign affairs, society, polity and religion.
July 12, 2017
Indians are good at many things. And self-loathing is one of them. This book provides wonderfully honest opinions on variety of issues but you can never miss that slight tinge of self-loathing. It is a light read and “tries” to provides a self-introspection window to Indians. One should keep in mind that it is written for Indians. If someone from outside tries to read it, he/she will end the book with heavy prejudices for either the author or the country. Or may be both.
I enjoyed reading the book but personally I found writings of Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan on India more articulated and researched than this specific book. Having said that, there are certain passages in this book which only a care-free author like Mr. Singh only could have couraged to pen down.
So all in all, a good read but don’t raise your hopes way to much.
I enjoyed reading the book but personally I found writings of Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan on India more articulated and researched than this specific book. Having said that, there are certain passages in this book which only a care-free author like Mr. Singh only could have couraged to pen down.
So all in all, a good read but don’t raise your hopes way to much.
July 8, 2020
An excellent read. Khushwant Singh describes the history, culture, prejudices, the caste divide faced by the country in the last century. these are not so obvious in the current decade but they do exist and erupt occasionally.
A book that must be read by the Millenials especially those who hardly seem to know the history, legacy of the country they are citizens of.
Khushwant Singh is either loved or hated, his writing evokes strong emotions in people. One thing that his to be admired is his writing style, his easy-going, very easily understood the language but at the same time you come across words that you ave never heard of but you know the meaning of by the context in which it is used.
On the whole, his books are a pleasure to read any time
A book that must be read by the Millenials especially those who hardly seem to know the history, legacy of the country they are citizens of.
Khushwant Singh is either loved or hated, his writing evokes strong emotions in people. One thing that his to be admired is his writing style, his easy-going, very easily understood the language but at the same time you come across words that you ave never heard of but you know the meaning of by the context in which it is used.
On the whole, his books are a pleasure to read any time
Read
November 17, 2020We Indians', a book that makes us question our own identity, beliefs and religions.
The book is about a short analysis about the various aspects of our Indian society.
Firstly the author raises an obvious question "'why I am an Indian?" Following with the ugly and charming sides of the Indian culture and people. 🌱
Khushwant Singh has touched almost every aspect which needs to be addressed :
🧡 Religion
🤍 Morality
💚 Women
🧡 Sex
🤍 Britishers
💚 Corruption
Though this book is written in 1982, our society is still more or less the same. *or maybe much more brutal*. Sad to see the humanity vanishing slowly from the mankind.
Ps: I really liked the way he has put his thoughts with a bit of sarcasm here and there.
The book is about a short analysis about the various aspects of our Indian society.
Firstly the author raises an obvious question "'why I am an Indian?" Following with the ugly and charming sides of the Indian culture and people. 🌱
Khushwant Singh has touched almost every aspect which needs to be addressed :
🧡 Religion
🤍 Morality
💚 Women
🧡 Sex
🤍 Britishers
💚 Corruption
Though this book is written in 1982, our society is still more or less the same. *or maybe much more brutal*. Sad to see the humanity vanishing slowly from the mankind.
Ps: I really liked the way he has put his thoughts with a bit of sarcasm here and there.
April 13, 2021
* Not very informative some funny punches after like 50 pgs of reading
* Textbook like approach for school
* Good for foreigners who know nothing abt india though butching about the country is harsh and generalised. Later on positives are shown as if covering up for all the bad things said abt india
* Only a few new terms i have learnt abt different communities apart from that it does not necessarily explain our rich culture or heritage or the fact that what we r proud of or not
* Also analysis of many things and depth in the writing is not achieved
* There is nothing abt the writer that i wish to comment because i like the writing is simple but catchy but the content is not as rich as i had expected
* Textbook like approach for school
* Good for foreigners who know nothing abt india though butching about the country is harsh and generalised. Later on positives are shown as if covering up for all the bad things said abt india
* Only a few new terms i have learnt abt different communities apart from that it does not necessarily explain our rich culture or heritage or the fact that what we r proud of or not
* Also analysis of many things and depth in the writing is not achieved
* There is nothing abt the writer that i wish to comment because i like the writing is simple but catchy but the content is not as rich as i had expected
February 25, 2025
Bold, yet pessimistic account of Indian psyche. The book was written long time ago, in the era when India was undertaking economic reforms thus making the read slightly outdated since a lot many changes have come about. However, Mr. Singh's no holds barred description of Indian psyche and anecdotal references of elites. Has touched various aspects ranging from sex to foreign affairs, making it an interesting read.
He has written about things which writers of today may not even dare to write due to different reasons.
Would have given 3 stars but my respect for the departed and his creativity prevents me from being conservative with stars. Would forever miss you, sir.
He has written about things which writers of today may not even dare to write due to different reasons.
Would have given 3 stars but my respect for the departed and his creativity prevents me from being conservative with stars. Would forever miss you, sir.
April 6, 2023
In this book, Khushwant Singh criticised Indians and Indian mindset. As per his views, Indians are corrupt, regressive, mean and orthodox. He also criticised Indian religions for their inwardness which is not beneficial for the society and individual’s conscience. Distant life of Indian women from elite to lower class. He also elaborated importance of English in India along with our love-hate relationship with England and US.
We agreed on some points and we don’t on others but it’s brave and bold attempt by author to showcases our faults.
We agreed on some points and we don’t on others but it’s brave and bold attempt by author to showcases our faults.
June 28, 2023
4*
Reread this after first reading this about 20 years ago. Some parts have aged well, others not so much. To be clear, although Singh had a way with words, much of We Indians is not well-organized or even well written. Overall, the vibe is less academic and more like a rant from your favorite uncle who drank one too many Johnny Walkers at a dinner party. But man, I give it 4* for the sheer audacity of it. So savage.
Reread this after first reading this about 20 years ago. Some parts have aged well, others not so much. To be clear, although Singh had a way with words, much of We Indians is not well-organized or even well written. Overall, the vibe is less academic and more like a rant from your favorite uncle who drank one too many Johnny Walkers at a dinner party. But man, I give it 4* for the sheer audacity of it. So savage.
April 27, 2019
I was hoping to learn more(new perspective) about Indian and how we conduct ourselves. Except one or two things, it was a good validation of my understanding of our country and was a quick read. For people outside India who picked this to learn more about Indian people, please don’t form opinions based on this book. Having said that, this will definitely act as a good conversation starter.
Read
June 27, 2020I personally didn't like the book because it only criticizes Indians. Thou many points are true and lot of Indians might agree to them, but I did not like the book, the way it presents Indians in front of the whole world.
April 28, 2024
You might disagree over some of his views in this book. But mostly what he says about nationalism and other aspects are true. Can clearly get great insights upon what we are good at and what we are not good at. This helps an Indian at least to change oneself if not the country.
January 4, 2025
The book makes some (only some) interesting observations. However overall book feels like a rant from your old grandpa who has seen many things and slightly lost his mind. So, just like the aforementioned old grandpa this book makes some interesting observations.
August 22, 2017
Its a good book read to understand the challenges as Indians that we need to scale considering the history , the present and our aspirations
September 18, 2017
An insight for Indian.
April 11, 2018
A decent read !
May 28, 2018
Written in a very bold manner, told his perspective in a witty way too. Some topics tell about some harsh truth which even today people lack the vision to understand it, let alone accept it.
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