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The Sunset Club
The book The Sunset Club has been declared by the author as his last novel. The book throws light on the loneliness and problems faced by the elderly. The three main characters in this book are Pandit Preetam Sharma, Sardar Boota Singh, and Nawab Barkatullah Baig. The trio have been a part of Sunset Club and friends for more than four decades. They are now above 80 years of age and gather at the sunset hour in Lodhi Gardens, discussing a number of controversial topics. This book reminisces nature and gives insight on the problems and intricacies faced in India.
232 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2010
52 people are currently reading
782 people want to read
About the author
Khushwant Singh
298 books1,423 followersKhushwant Singh, (Punjabi: ਖ਼ੁਸ਼ਵੰਤ ਸਿੰਘ, Hindi: खुशवंत सिंह) born on 2 February 1915 in Hadali, Undivided India, (now a part of Pakistan), was a prominent Indian novelist and journalist. Singh's weekly column, "With Malice towards One and All", carried by several Indian newspapers, was among the most widely-read columns in the country.
An important post-colonial novelist writing in English, Singh is best known for his trenchant secularism, his humor, and an abiding love of poetry. His comparisons of social and behavioral characteristics of Westerners and Indians are laced with acid wit.
An important post-colonial novelist writing in English, Singh is best known for his trenchant secularism, his humor, and an abiding love of poetry. His comparisons of social and behavioral characteristics of Westerners and Indians are laced with acid wit.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
July 19, 2019
One of dearest teacher gave me this book. Then i realized its extremely good book for all the people who walk in the park and then chat with their park's friends. Because you can feel the honesty of writer in this book. Its so real so close to the real life.
And this is the biggest plus when you read K.Singh. he is one of the most honest writer who never shy away from writing the reality.
And this is the biggest plus when you read K.Singh. he is one of the most honest writer who never shy away from writing the reality.
December 26, 2016
In spite of all the negative reviews, I was stubborn to read this. The only reason being to want to read all of the author's novels.
An interesting premise in the form of three 80+ yrs old friends day to day discussions - a Hindu,a Sikh and a Muslim.
Loved the beginning when notorious jibes were hauled at the Indian constitution and each other's religion.
And then it turned into reminiscenes of the sexual encounters of these men in their youth!
While Singh saab gets on your nerves with sick details of constipation and shit and farts and what not, the soul of the plot seems totally missing.
A great premise totally wasted.
An interesting premise in the form of three 80+ yrs old friends day to day discussions - a Hindu,a Sikh and a Muslim.
Loved the beginning when notorious jibes were hauled at the Indian constitution and each other's religion.
And then it turned into reminiscenes of the sexual encounters of these men in their youth!
While Singh saab gets on your nerves with sick details of constipation and shit and farts and what not, the soul of the plot seems totally missing.
A great premise totally wasted.
April 5, 2022
Simple narrative, readable, start to finish book written by the 97 year old veteran author Khushwant Singh. It's amazing to see an author of such calibre write with such simplicity. The Sunset Club, probably the author's last is a feel good book that shares with us the lives of three lonely old men who belong to different caste, creed and mindset. It is a story about their friendship. Sharma , Baig and Boota Singh meet every evening at the 'boorha bench', Lodhi Garden, New Delhi. They have been friends since forty years and are now in their eighties. They spend their sunset time sharing their lives. Their topics range from religion, politics, scandal, love , lust to sex in hushed tones.
The ending is marked by the ultimate reality mankind has to encounter, death. It leaves one feel a little blue. I only wish that the author hadn't used such crude language when talking about sex but then that is Khushwant Singh. Looking forward to read Absolute Khushwant.
The ending is marked by the ultimate reality mankind has to encounter, death. It leaves one feel a little blue. I only wish that the author hadn't used such crude language when talking about sex but then that is Khushwant Singh. Looking forward to read Absolute Khushwant.
October 10, 2020
A story of three life long friends who come from different religions which is a very common thing in most Indian cities. A Sikh, a Muslim and a Hindu. They meet at sunset in a garden and it's like a ritual to them which again I have seen many a times in India where people meet to discuss things from politics to personal issues to gossip to nothing. And that's where the charm for me in the story was because it is such a simple, common thing that happens around us and Khushwant Singh writes about that.
Khushwant Singh's writing is amazing as always and in his true 'in your face' kind of style. He's been criticized with using such language but then again he's being himself and some people love him for it and others don't.
4 stars
Khushwant Singh's writing is amazing as always and in his true 'in your face' kind of style. He's been criticized with using such language but then again he's being himself and some people love him for it and others don't.
4 stars
May 5, 2011
A light read. A peep into the minds of octogenarians. I am a regular at Lodhi Gardens and now everytime I see the 'Barha Gumbad' and the 'Boorha Binch' I begin to smile inadvertently.
May 10, 2013
Verdict while reading: I have read about 7 chapters in the book. Regretting it. My advice would be stay away. No content here. An old man's fantasies involving Scotch, women and farts/bowels (yes, this one is really important.) Ugh.
Three old men from three different religions - Sharma (Hindu), Boota (Sardar) and Baig (Muslim) sit at a bench almost everyday in Lodhi gardens and converse on politics etc. The conversations only manifest Khushwant Singh's opinions (you have read those many times in his columns and books) and he goes out of the way is praise, no defense is better word, of PM Manmohan Singh. I could say more, but for now it suffices.
Verdict after finishing the book: So there is a chapter for each month that deals with weather in Delhi; it was most boring for me. Throw in names of some birds and trees, there goes 'knowledgeable Mr. Singh'. And then the Sikh character Boota (who seems to be author himself) keeps reciting translated poems (some of them very beautiful from Mir Taqi Mir, Ghalib) which is another passion of Mr. Singh as we know. In each month, current affairs/events of that month (such as Y. S. Rajashekhara Reddy's death, Liberhan Commission, Astrology) have been covered with superficial, half-hearted commentary.
Stay away, boring book.
Three old men from three different religions - Sharma (Hindu), Boota (Sardar) and Baig (Muslim) sit at a bench almost everyday in Lodhi gardens and converse on politics etc. The conversations only manifest Khushwant Singh's opinions (you have read those many times in his columns and books) and he goes out of the way is praise, no defense is better word, of PM Manmohan Singh. I could say more, but for now it suffices.
Verdict after finishing the book: So there is a chapter for each month that deals with weather in Delhi; it was most boring for me. Throw in names of some birds and trees, there goes 'knowledgeable Mr. Singh'. And then the Sikh character Boota (who seems to be author himself) keeps reciting translated poems (some of them very beautiful from Mir Taqi Mir, Ghalib) which is another passion of Mr. Singh as we know. In each month, current affairs/events of that month (such as Y. S. Rajashekhara Reddy's death, Liberhan Commission, Astrology) have been covered with superficial, half-hearted commentary.
Stay away, boring book.
August 12, 2020
It was good book and an easy read. Three octogenarian friends gather in Lodhi Garden in Delhi in the evening and talk about their past lives, mainly sex, politics, religion and alcohol. It was a fun read.
February 6, 2017
By Khushwant Singh
The truth is, we Indians are full of contradictions: we preach peace to the world and prepare for war.
I don't remember the names of the three old 'farts' that this book is about. They are old men, who have been 'friends' for 40 years and are engaging each other during the sunset years of their lives. Names are honestly not needed, as the differentiations in their characters relies on their varied religions and cultural backgrounds. Hindu, Muslim and Sikh, these are the tree leads of a book that is literally full of 'shit'. The denominator of The Sunset Club is old age, and the 12 chapters covering 12 months in the lives of these men are just as tasteless.
I do not criticize the book, merely am stating how the dullness attached to this book is directly reflective to the dullness of old age. For the characters in this book talk about world events today while comparing it to their times, being the time they were young. On and on, they compare and argue how times have changed, lives have slowed down and needs have changed. This made me very sad. Primarily because the entire book is the living proof of the presumptions attached to old age. This is a 'old' book with an old soul, and every dialogue from the first to the last is reckless in attaching more weight to the slowed and uninteresting plot of The Sunset Club. To top it off, it failed to keep me engaged as I put in too much effort to resume reading once a chapter was over. Why was this happening? I believe we are accustomed to only calling youth as 'our' time and refer to old age as a plight one has to go through till death knocks at our door. So while reading the three friends talk about their bowel movements, sexual adventures of their youth, secrets and desires, frustrations and bodily incapabilities, more bowel movements, health concerns, farts, loud grunts and analysis of their current world, I was primarily worried about my life turning out like that. Immediately my thoughts went to reminding myself that every man is different, and so my life would be different. But Khushwant Singh shredded that belief too, for in the coming pages I read how varied histories of three men also could not differentiate between the demise of these friends. They were all old, and they would soon die, life may have been kind or unkind to them, but they stopped 'living' it the day they decided their youth was gone; And every day after that has been a soft push closer to the area of non-existence, waiting to die, hoping to not die alone.
Old age is hard, it is anything but peaceful. Khushwant Singh may have just drilled in me that all my preparations will be in vain, I will be old and frail and my time is now, not later. However, I personally have decided to pretend that this revelation does not affect me, I will not give in to the incapabilities of ageing. That too would be my time. Pick this book, prepare yourself to be disappointed.
Read it. Return it.
For more such reviews and writings, take a look at https://somecolorsomechaos.wordpress....
The truth is, we Indians are full of contradictions: we preach peace to the world and prepare for war.
I don't remember the names of the three old 'farts' that this book is about. They are old men, who have been 'friends' for 40 years and are engaging each other during the sunset years of their lives. Names are honestly not needed, as the differentiations in their characters relies on their varied religions and cultural backgrounds. Hindu, Muslim and Sikh, these are the tree leads of a book that is literally full of 'shit'. The denominator of The Sunset Club is old age, and the 12 chapters covering 12 months in the lives of these men are just as tasteless.
I do not criticize the book, merely am stating how the dullness attached to this book is directly reflective to the dullness of old age. For the characters in this book talk about world events today while comparing it to their times, being the time they were young. On and on, they compare and argue how times have changed, lives have slowed down and needs have changed. This made me very sad. Primarily because the entire book is the living proof of the presumptions attached to old age. This is a 'old' book with an old soul, and every dialogue from the first to the last is reckless in attaching more weight to the slowed and uninteresting plot of The Sunset Club. To top it off, it failed to keep me engaged as I put in too much effort to resume reading once a chapter was over. Why was this happening? I believe we are accustomed to only calling youth as 'our' time and refer to old age as a plight one has to go through till death knocks at our door. So while reading the three friends talk about their bowel movements, sexual adventures of their youth, secrets and desires, frustrations and bodily incapabilities, more bowel movements, health concerns, farts, loud grunts and analysis of their current world, I was primarily worried about my life turning out like that. Immediately my thoughts went to reminding myself that every man is different, and so my life would be different. But Khushwant Singh shredded that belief too, for in the coming pages I read how varied histories of three men also could not differentiate between the demise of these friends. They were all old, and they would soon die, life may have been kind or unkind to them, but they stopped 'living' it the day they decided their youth was gone; And every day after that has been a soft push closer to the area of non-existence, waiting to die, hoping to not die alone.
Old age is hard, it is anything but peaceful. Khushwant Singh may have just drilled in me that all my preparations will be in vain, I will be old and frail and my time is now, not later. However, I personally have decided to pretend that this revelation does not affect me, I will not give in to the incapabilities of ageing. That too would be my time. Pick this book, prepare yourself to be disappointed.
Read it. Return it.
For more such reviews and writings, take a look at https://somecolorsomechaos.wordpress....
Read
June 24, 2025Like a Batman is a Batman, a Khushwant Singh is a Khushwant singh.
The story is about old men trying to involve themselves with the daily routines. Although they don't play an active part in their lives anymore, their blabber is like anyone who can call the shots. Sexual fantasies and laze are ubiquitous in the story and makes the reader hate the idea of getting old.
Narration is captivating and you tend to imagine the characters for real.
The story is about old men trying to involve themselves with the daily routines. Although they don't play an active part in their lives anymore, their blabber is like anyone who can call the shots. Sexual fantasies and laze are ubiquitous in the story and makes the reader hate the idea of getting old.
Narration is captivating and you tend to imagine the characters for real.
August 5, 2021
The book start with a short introduction about Lodhi gardens. Its majestic garden, and bada Gumbad resembling bosom of a Young lady as Imagined by the characters. From the context it seems the author is talking about Feb/March. Each chapter is of a month in calendar year titled according to the specialty of that month.
In general the book talks about three people in their mid-80's, having lived their lives and not looking forward to anything other than spending some quality time with their friends in the evening. They regularly meet in Lodhi gardens and also has a bench dedicated to them. The characters are distinctly defined. Baig, a Muslim who drinks alcohol and not a keen follower of Islam, Sharma, Upper caste Brahman and bureaucrat with high profile designations to his name and very critical of my favorite Boota Singh, a light hearted, typical outspoken Punjabi guy. Boota Singh and Sharma lock horns almost every day while discussing politics. Baig is somewhat reserved with his discussions. He learns all the happenings from his wife.
This books is a light read. Typical everyday conversations among 3 men and the problems that comes with old age. It explores the young lives of these men, their deeds, romances with other women and various experiences. One day all of us will become old, what remains are the memories of the actions we do in our young days. It coherently reminds us of things we miss if we do not take our chances. All that remains in old age is just memories. You might regret at this stage of not taking chances while young.
One day all of us eventually die and no one knows when will it be his/her last day. Baig suddenly dies of heart attack in sleep and in the following days Sharma follows Baig. Boota remains alone and loses enthusiasm and will to do anything.
The Sunset Club reminds us of life, experiences, romance and friendships.
In general the book talks about three people in their mid-80's, having lived their lives and not looking forward to anything other than spending some quality time with their friends in the evening. They regularly meet in Lodhi gardens and also has a bench dedicated to them. The characters are distinctly defined. Baig, a Muslim who drinks alcohol and not a keen follower of Islam, Sharma, Upper caste Brahman and bureaucrat with high profile designations to his name and very critical of my favorite Boota Singh, a light hearted, typical outspoken Punjabi guy. Boota Singh and Sharma lock horns almost every day while discussing politics. Baig is somewhat reserved with his discussions. He learns all the happenings from his wife.
This books is a light read. Typical everyday conversations among 3 men and the problems that comes with old age. It explores the young lives of these men, their deeds, romances with other women and various experiences. One day all of us will become old, what remains are the memories of the actions we do in our young days. It coherently reminds us of things we miss if we do not take our chances. All that remains in old age is just memories. You might regret at this stage of not taking chances while young.
One day all of us eventually die and no one knows when will it be his/her last day. Baig suddenly dies of heart attack in sleep and in the following days Sharma follows Baig. Boota remains alone and loses enthusiasm and will to do anything.
The Sunset Club reminds us of life, experiences, romance and friendships.
July 15, 2011
Once my neighbors were an old couple. The man would gladly stop me whenever he saw me outside my home and begin with his service stories. He used to regale me with the tales of him being revered by villagers and even had a hand carved knife which he said was a token of gratitude from a tribal hamlet.
This is roughly what the book is all about. It sketches the meetings of three old men in Delhi's Lodhi Gardens and the directions their conversations go. Even with this sparsest of descriptions, you the reader of this review would wonder : what's the big deal about that ? Well, that's exactly the question I had after i finished the last line of the book.
The one star of the book is for its easily approachable language and the second star for the lovely description of Delhi through the months. As seasons change, so does a vibrant city. Khushwant Singh does full justice to the makeover of the city with the seasons and it deserves a star. As for the rest, the details of old age ailments,bowel movements or reminiscences of sexual escapades of yester years holds no charm for me.
Also I strongly feel that this book should have been titled 2009 in retrospective : The Khushwant Singh angle !
This is roughly what the book is all about. It sketches the meetings of three old men in Delhi's Lodhi Gardens and the directions their conversations go. Even with this sparsest of descriptions, you the reader of this review would wonder : what's the big deal about that ? Well, that's exactly the question I had after i finished the last line of the book.
The one star of the book is for its easily approachable language and the second star for the lovely description of Delhi through the months. As seasons change, so does a vibrant city. Khushwant Singh does full justice to the makeover of the city with the seasons and it deserves a star. As for the rest, the details of old age ailments,bowel movements or reminiscences of sexual escapades of yester years holds no charm for me.
Also I strongly feel that this book should have been titled 2009 in retrospective : The Khushwant Singh angle !
May 13, 2011
Khushwant Singh is one of India’s best known authors but I had never read him before. This book was written in 2009-2010, when Singh had already turned 95. This is quite amazing to me. In the foreword, entitled ‘Apologia’, the author states that, in his age, he had no intention of writing the novel, as he was not sure he would be able to finish it. The book tells the story of three old friends, all in their late-80s, who form the Sunset Club, gathering most every evening on a park bench in New Delhi’s Lodhi Gardens. The story unfolds over one year—from January 2009 to January 2010. The seasons change, the old gentlemen—one Brahmin, one Sikh, the third Muslim—discuss history and philosophy, comment on daily politics, and their own ailments. Most of all, though, they talk about sex and reminisce about their lovers. The book is ribald and melancholy at the same time. There are lots of bodily functions and humanity. It’s not a great book by any means, but I am glad I read it, especially as I did it during this trip to Delhi and was able to walk about Lodhi Gardens for atmosphere.
February 21, 2021
Three independent senior and aged men of three different religions sit in the bench of Lodi Garden and discuss the news and the rhythms of their lives of day today. They're elderly men who have been friends for 40 years. Light and comical reading. It's pretty incredible that this book was written by Khushwant Singh at the age of 95. It's a brilliantly written book in which these friends chat about things like college friends or street friends chatting to each other.
October 16, 2013
Unapologetic, brash and hilarious!
June 6, 2018
It is Khushwant Singh at his best and yet the book labours for a two star. Because it did not leave me with a very good feeling about the impending sunset years of my life. But that's not all what the book is all about.
Meet the members of the Sunset Club: Pandit Preetam Sharma; Nawab Barkatullah Baig and Sardar Boota Singh. Friends for over forty years; they are now in their eighties. And every evening; at the sunset hour; they sit together on a bench in Lodhi Gardens to exchange news and views on the events of the day; talking about everything from love; lust; sex and scandal to religion and politics. As he follows a year in the lives of the three men—from January 26 2009 to January 26 2010—Khushwant Singh brings his characters vibrantly to life; with his piquant portrayals of their fantasies and foibles; his unerring ear for dialogue and his genius for capturing the flavour and texture of everyday life in their households. Interwoven with this compelling human story is another chronicle – of a year in the life of India; as the country goes through the cycle of seasons; the tumult of general elections; violence; natural disasters and corruption in high places. In turn ribald and lyrical; poignant and profound; The Sunset Club is a deeply moving exploration of friendship; sexuality; old age and infirmity; a joyous celebration of nature; an insightful portrait of India’s paradoxes and complexities. A masterpiece from one of India’s most-loved storytellers; The Sunset Club will have you in tears and laughter; and grip you from the first page to the last.
Meet the members of the Sunset Club: Pandit Preetam Sharma; Nawab Barkatullah Baig and Sardar Boota Singh. Friends for over forty years; they are now in their eighties. And every evening; at the sunset hour; they sit together on a bench in Lodhi Gardens to exchange news and views on the events of the day; talking about everything from love; lust; sex and scandal to religion and politics. As he follows a year in the lives of the three men—from January 26 2009 to January 26 2010—Khushwant Singh brings his characters vibrantly to life; with his piquant portrayals of their fantasies and foibles; his unerring ear for dialogue and his genius for capturing the flavour and texture of everyday life in their households. Interwoven with this compelling human story is another chronicle – of a year in the life of India; as the country goes through the cycle of seasons; the tumult of general elections; violence; natural disasters and corruption in high places. In turn ribald and lyrical; poignant and profound; The Sunset Club is a deeply moving exploration of friendship; sexuality; old age and infirmity; a joyous celebration of nature; an insightful portrait of India’s paradoxes and complexities. A masterpiece from one of India’s most-loved storytellers; The Sunset Club will have you in tears and laughter; and grip you from the first page to the last.
April 9, 2023
What a waste...
July 2, 2022
I had heard a lot about Khushwant Singh so I could not wait to read some of his work. This is a short novel about 3 (middle class) old men, from Hindu, Muslim and Sikh backgrounds. It covers their time spent together over the space of a year, walking and sitting together at Lodhi Gardens in Delhi, discussing various issues like Indian politics, and their lonely lives apart.
The book was written when Singh was 95 years old himself. In the story it is clear he has set out to share an authentic version of what getting older is like, without romanticising or desexualising it. For this reason, he includes graphic passages about constipation (not fun to read) and recounting his character’s sexcapades.
It is a light but crude read. However, I should say I did enjoy the various takes on India’s “democracy”. I think I’m going to read his most popular novel, Train To Pakistan, next!
Find more of my reviews here: https://instagram.com/neverreading?ig...
The book was written when Singh was 95 years old himself. In the story it is clear he has set out to share an authentic version of what getting older is like, without romanticising or desexualising it. For this reason, he includes graphic passages about constipation (not fun to read) and recounting his character’s sexcapades.
It is a light but crude read. However, I should say I did enjoy the various takes on India’s “democracy”. I think I’m going to read his most popular novel, Train To Pakistan, next!
Find more of my reviews here: https://instagram.com/neverreading?ig...
October 24, 2016
Sunset Club is the story of two of Khushwant's friends, and Khushwant Singh himself in the guise of Sardar Boota Singh. The three friends are in their late eightees. They meet and chat every evening on a bench in Delhi's Lodhi Gardens. The bench faces a mosque-dome, and the shape of the dome stimulates Khushwant's sex-obsessed fantasies.
The three friends belong to different religions, and their opinions often clash. Sakina Begum, the wife of Baig Sahib, is an indirect but active partner in these discussions, through her husband. Baig reports his friends' views to Begum Sahiba each evening, and then comes back with her comments.
The topics of discussion include religion, politics, culture, festivals, weather, flowers - and sex when Sharma is absent. Different religious backgrounds lead to arguments, and the reader gets an interesting insight into religion, culture, and politics based divide in India. For example:
- Sharma defends BJP, and Advani, and considers Manmohan Singh a stooge.
- Boota declares BJP Hindu Fundoos.
- Begum Sahiba calls BJP Mosque-Breaking-Party.
- Sharma enjoys Holi, while Boota calls it Hullarbazi, or Rowdyism.
The book may also be looked upon as author's autobiography: it reveals many facets of his personality, and his views on diverse issues.
In a near-death moment Boota ponders over 'hereafter', and comes to the conclusion that it is just a myth.
In spite of being a self-proclaimed agnostic, he keeps his doors open and never misses early morning prayers - prayers to boost his health.
After all WHO KNOWS.
Here are some Excerpts from the book.
- 'I enjoy doing what is forbidden.'
It was Boota's response when Baig points out that eating cow's meat is forbidden for Sikhs.
- 'All of us go through a phase of homosexuality.'
Boota remarks when Delhi High Court pronounces a verdict that hereafter Sodomy by mutual consent will no longer be a punishable crime.
- 'I am for legalizing prostitution', says Boota.
- 'Ishq-vishq, love-shove, all bullshit', Boota cuts in. 'Baig Sahib, Lust is real, love is the gloss romantics put on it. Lust is natural.'
- 'Though Boota lives alone, he is never lonely; he has a constant stream of ladies visiting him in the evening when he opens his bar.'
- 'That's what Ghalib is about: drink, woman, loss of youth and death.'
Sakina Begum points out that Ghalib and Boota have much in common.
The prominent streak in Boota's character is his fascination with sex. He and Baig take pleasure in recounting the sexual exploits of their younger years. Even Begum Sakina enjoys it when Baig makes the daily report. She calls Boota, 'Rangeela Sardar'.
Earlier in the marriage, she had a woman's sixth sense about her husband's infidelities, but never questioned him. As long as he did not bring a second wife, it was okay by her.
'That was the way of rajas and nawabs.'
Sharma and Baig love Gandhi. 'India is known as the land of Gandhi', they proclaim.
Boota dislikes Gandhi's stand against alcohol. 'If Gandhi had his way, none of us would be enjoying our evening drinks', he points out.
Boota is also unhappy about Gandhi's queer mode of dealing with sex.
'Without as much as consulting his wife, he took a vow of celibacy. Then he fought a lifelong battle to control his libido. He had women to massage him. He had young girls sleep stark naked on the floor on either side of him, gave enemas to them, bathed naked with them, just to make sure he didn't get any dirty thoughts.'
A weird philosophy.
Is sex-talk Khushwant's obsession, or is it his strategy to sell? I guess it is a bit of both.
The book can be an interesting read, if one can digest sex as the main ingredient of the recipe, and indecent language as the topping. If not, then there is always the option suggested by the author:
'Cast it aside.'
The three friends belong to different religions, and their opinions often clash. Sakina Begum, the wife of Baig Sahib, is an indirect but active partner in these discussions, through her husband. Baig reports his friends' views to Begum Sahiba each evening, and then comes back with her comments.
The topics of discussion include religion, politics, culture, festivals, weather, flowers - and sex when Sharma is absent. Different religious backgrounds lead to arguments, and the reader gets an interesting insight into religion, culture, and politics based divide in India. For example:
- Sharma defends BJP, and Advani, and considers Manmohan Singh a stooge.
- Boota declares BJP Hindu Fundoos.
- Begum Sahiba calls BJP Mosque-Breaking-Party.
- Sharma enjoys Holi, while Boota calls it Hullarbazi, or Rowdyism.
The book may also be looked upon as author's autobiography: it reveals many facets of his personality, and his views on diverse issues.
In a near-death moment Boota ponders over 'hereafter', and comes to the conclusion that it is just a myth.
In spite of being a self-proclaimed agnostic, he keeps his doors open and never misses early morning prayers - prayers to boost his health.
After all WHO KNOWS.
Here are some Excerpts from the book.
- 'I enjoy doing what is forbidden.'
It was Boota's response when Baig points out that eating cow's meat is forbidden for Sikhs.
- 'All of us go through a phase of homosexuality.'
Boota remarks when Delhi High Court pronounces a verdict that hereafter Sodomy by mutual consent will no longer be a punishable crime.
- 'I am for legalizing prostitution', says Boota.
- 'Ishq-vishq, love-shove, all bullshit', Boota cuts in. 'Baig Sahib, Lust is real, love is the gloss romantics put on it. Lust is natural.'
- 'Though Boota lives alone, he is never lonely; he has a constant stream of ladies visiting him in the evening when he opens his bar.'
- 'That's what Ghalib is about: drink, woman, loss of youth and death.'
Sakina Begum points out that Ghalib and Boota have much in common.
The prominent streak in Boota's character is his fascination with sex. He and Baig take pleasure in recounting the sexual exploits of their younger years. Even Begum Sakina enjoys it when Baig makes the daily report. She calls Boota, 'Rangeela Sardar'.
Earlier in the marriage, she had a woman's sixth sense about her husband's infidelities, but never questioned him. As long as he did not bring a second wife, it was okay by her.
'That was the way of rajas and nawabs.'
Sharma and Baig love Gandhi. 'India is known as the land of Gandhi', they proclaim.
Boota dislikes Gandhi's stand against alcohol. 'If Gandhi had his way, none of us would be enjoying our evening drinks', he points out.
Boota is also unhappy about Gandhi's queer mode of dealing with sex.
'Without as much as consulting his wife, he took a vow of celibacy. Then he fought a lifelong battle to control his libido. He had women to massage him. He had young girls sleep stark naked on the floor on either side of him, gave enemas to them, bathed naked with them, just to make sure he didn't get any dirty thoughts.'
A weird philosophy.
Is sex-talk Khushwant's obsession, or is it his strategy to sell? I guess it is a bit of both.
The book can be an interesting read, if one can digest sex as the main ingredient of the recipe, and indecent language as the topping. If not, then there is always the option suggested by the author:
'Cast it aside.'
October 27, 2017
Kushwant Singh was one of India's best known, most loved/hated/controversial writers, and he lived to a ripe old age of 99. Whilst he wrote what I consider the best novel ever about Partition (The Train to Pakistan), and a stunning historical novel set in Delhi (called Delhi!), he had quite the reputation for being crude and anatomical. A Delhi bookseller once 'tutted' at me for buying a book by such a "dirty vulgarian - it's all F*&%ing and Farting" but whilst not everybody loved him, it would be hard not to praise the breadth of his writing and his longevity.
The Sunset Club is the tail of three elderly men - a Sikh, a Hindu and a Muslim - who have been friends for decades and meet on their favourite bench in the Lodhi Gardens to talk about life, love, politics, their pasts and their presents. The book takes us through one year - starting with the January's Republic Day and giving a chapter on each month. It reflects the political and social events of the year in which it was written but also looks to the youth of the three men and how different their lives were.
There is - almost inevitably - a lot of the F*&%ing and Farting that the bookseller warned me about. It's often not beautiful. You can't really 'enjoy' passages about extreme constipation though I don't doubt for a moment that many older gentlemen are a tad obsessed with their bowels.
It helps to know the gardens and the city of Delhi, and to be aware of the politics of the country, but it's not essential. My edition was picked up in Delhi and doesn't have any translations of the many terms and phrases that are in their local languages. I don't think that matters as it's about the feel of the events rather than the exact words used. I prefer not to have to keep looking things up at the back every time a word I don't know comes along.
When Singh started to write the book, he wasn't sure he'd be able to finish it. He was already 95 years old so his concern was understandable. But he did finish it, and I enjoyed it as I'm sure many of his fans will have done. Crude, rude, shocking but always at heart a gentleman and one who loved his country with a great passion. RIP Kushwant Singh.
The Sunset Club is the tail of three elderly men - a Sikh, a Hindu and a Muslim - who have been friends for decades and meet on their favourite bench in the Lodhi Gardens to talk about life, love, politics, their pasts and their presents. The book takes us through one year - starting with the January's Republic Day and giving a chapter on each month. It reflects the political and social events of the year in which it was written but also looks to the youth of the three men and how different their lives were.
There is - almost inevitably - a lot of the F*&%ing and Farting that the bookseller warned me about. It's often not beautiful. You can't really 'enjoy' passages about extreme constipation though I don't doubt for a moment that many older gentlemen are a tad obsessed with their bowels.
It helps to know the gardens and the city of Delhi, and to be aware of the politics of the country, but it's not essential. My edition was picked up in Delhi and doesn't have any translations of the many terms and phrases that are in their local languages. I don't think that matters as it's about the feel of the events rather than the exact words used. I prefer not to have to keep looking things up at the back every time a word I don't know comes along.
When Singh started to write the book, he wasn't sure he'd be able to finish it. He was already 95 years old so his concern was understandable. But he did finish it, and I enjoyed it as I'm sure many of his fans will have done. Crude, rude, shocking but always at heart a gentleman and one who loved his country with a great passion. RIP Kushwant Singh.
February 2, 2017
This was the first time I actually read a Khushwant Singh book. It was the blurb that got me. The idea of three octogenarians in Delhi discussing everything from the weather to sex to politics was intriguing. Not because of the topics themselves, but because I have wondered about the lives of old people, the daily rituals they hold dear, and their perspectives of a changing world. Khushwant Singh was 95 when he wrote this (!) and therefore this would be very close to the real thing. I wasn't mistaken because I would be very surprised if the character of Boota Singh wasn't at least semi autobiographical.
Pandit Preetam Sharma and Nawab Barkatullah Baig make up the remainder of the trio, called The Sunset Club, who meet at Lodhi gardens on the Boorha Binch. The book captures a year in the life of these gentlemen, with occasional rear view looks into their past. Through their discussions, the reader gets a sense of the pluralism and the contradictions that make up India. It finds a parallel in their own lives, which are themselves a showcase of many contradictions.
In addition to the daily lives and colourful conversations, the author also provides an excellent commentary on how the weather and the flora changes through the year. Everything from his own lucid prose to Urdu poetry is used to give the reader a splendid view, and feel, of Delhi.
The book is not going to give you answers to the meaning of life, or have your heart racing because of the suspense/drama, but it is a pleasant, breezy read nevertheless. Or maybe I am wrong on the first count, it did introduce me to these -
I asked for a long life, Only four days were granted:
Two went in hoping, Two lost in waiting.
Pandit Preetam Sharma and Nawab Barkatullah Baig make up the remainder of the trio, called The Sunset Club, who meet at Lodhi gardens on the Boorha Binch. The book captures a year in the life of these gentlemen, with occasional rear view looks into their past. Through their discussions, the reader gets a sense of the pluralism and the contradictions that make up India. It finds a parallel in their own lives, which are themselves a showcase of many contradictions.
In addition to the daily lives and colourful conversations, the author also provides an excellent commentary on how the weather and the flora changes through the year. Everything from his own lucid prose to Urdu poetry is used to give the reader a splendid view, and feel, of Delhi.
The book is not going to give you answers to the meaning of life, or have your heart racing because of the suspense/drama, but it is a pleasant, breezy read nevertheless. Or maybe I am wrong on the first count, it did introduce me to these -
I asked for a long life, Only four days were granted:
Two went in hoping, Two lost in waiting.
October 2, 2013
Here I am reading novel from grand old man of India, i.e., Khushwant Singh. Before this I remember reading some of his short stories back in school/college text books.
I had heard about his agnostic nature and arrogant behavior but here in this book I have been enlightened to his erotic anecdotes style. Well I was quite surprised to read the such a literature from 96+ years(now 98 on 2013) old "Buzurg". And the readers need to find by themself of what's in store by reading the book. Maybe the erotic nature of the book makes one to read this book till the end.
Other than that, the book was an interesting read to get glimpse of what one goes through in life in the form of three old men in the book. Each character represented different types(but not all types are covered) of people you will encounter in your life:
1. Boota Singh, no doubt is the characterization of the author himself, and very open about his life and especially about his private life misadventures.
2. Pandit Sharma, who is bachelor and really wise old fellow.
3. Nawab Baig, looks respected and wise as a person but has secret stories of own.
I have not read his other novel to compare with, other than his short stories back in school textbooks, and so I liked this book very much. Maybe I would different opinion if I had read his other books.
BTW I finish this 217 page book in 5 hours.
I had heard about his agnostic nature and arrogant behavior but here in this book I have been enlightened to his erotic anecdotes style. Well I was quite surprised to read the such a literature from 96+ years(now 98 on 2013) old "Buzurg". And the readers need to find by themself of what's in store by reading the book. Maybe the erotic nature of the book makes one to read this book till the end.
Other than that, the book was an interesting read to get glimpse of what one goes through in life in the form of three old men in the book. Each character represented different types(but not all types are covered) of people you will encounter in your life:
1. Boota Singh, no doubt is the characterization of the author himself, and very open about his life and especially about his private life misadventures.
2. Pandit Sharma, who is bachelor and really wise old fellow.
3. Nawab Baig, looks respected and wise as a person but has secret stories of own.
I have not read his other novel to compare with, other than his short stories back in school textbooks, and so I liked this book very much. Maybe I would different opinion if I had read his other books.
BTW I finish this 217 page book in 5 hours.
June 1, 2012
I picked up this book, thinking it would be as fascinating as 'In the Company of Women' by KS. Alas! This book in simple words, is for a bunch of old people who are idle the entire day, are not a part of any clubs and need someone to converse with. I wouldn't say its a bore or a tasteless read, rather you can easily spot the KS style humor(based on how well an observer of humans he has been) and have a few laughs often. However, it comes with a certain age bracket(and if you belong to it, you would thoroughly enjoy!). I am sure a mid 20's guy is not at all interested in what old people gossip - recounting and boasting about their youthful sexual encounters, contradictions on politics & society and how their day went by. By the time sun had set, I felt like giving up on the book for its flat humor tone and unimpressive pace.
May 28, 2014
I've read only a handful of Khushwant Singh's novels, and have enjoyed them all. I enjoyed reading this book as well, not as much as the others, but still enjoyed it. I love the way a Khushwant Singh's novels are written.
This book revolves around the lives of three friends. One Sikh, one Hindu and one Muslim. They reminiscence about the past, talk about current events, and provide support to one another as they age. Flashbacks happen quite often. Stories about sexual encounters are the majoirty of the flahsbacks.
I would recommend this read to people. It may not be the thrill catcher some want, but you will definitely become a part of the daily meetings at Lodhi Gardens ( Delhi)
This book revolves around the lives of three friends. One Sikh, one Hindu and one Muslim. They reminiscence about the past, talk about current events, and provide support to one another as they age. Flashbacks happen quite often. Stories about sexual encounters are the majoirty of the flahsbacks.
I would recommend this read to people. It may not be the thrill catcher some want, but you will definitely become a part of the daily meetings at Lodhi Gardens ( Delhi)
July 16, 2015
The book revolves around the lives of three friends who are at their sunset age and relish their meetings at Lodhi Garden everyday at sunset. They talk about everything; sex, women, politics, news, sex scandals, relegion, work, and enjoy every bit of their conversation with some tiffs. It is beautifully written novel that explores friendship, sexuality, old age, frailty, nature, festivals; an insightful portrait of India's paradoxes and complexities.
I felt the pain of old aged Boota Singh when he learns about the demise of his two other friends. It felt like I have been going to Lodhi Garden and have heard them talking. Lovely and bold novel!
I felt the pain of old aged Boota Singh when he learns about the demise of his two other friends. It felt like I have been going to Lodhi Garden and have heard them talking. Lovely and bold novel!
April 20, 2017
Three different men of three different religions sit in the bench of Lodi garden and discuss the day today news and their life routines. They are old men who have been friends for 40 years. A light and comical read. It’s quite amazing that this book was written by Khushwant Singh at the age of 95 years. It’s a beautifully written novel in which these friends talk about everything like college friends or the street friends talk with each other.
January 30, 2012
Wow! this book made me nostalgic. All about India , life of a common man, the stuff they talk and the things they can only boast of but do nothing about, they food they eat,politics and what i love most about this book is the way it describes the 4 seasons of India and links them to our daily lives.
November 8, 2012
Kushwant Singh had me glued, with several laughs and lots of information on Delhi's diverse fauna and swear words before the inevitable tragic end. I appreciate the his candid style and the cheek to explore topics few would consider decent. Sex and ablutions are a part of our lives but are rarely popular topics for discussion. His truthfulness is the reason why I enjoyed the book!
June 29, 2013
Simple narrative, I picked up this book, thinking it would be fascinating. This book in simple words, is for a bunch of old people who are idle the entire day. I wouldn't say its a bore or a tasteless read, rather you can easily spot the KS style humor(based on how well an observer of humans he has been) and have a few laughs often. However, it comes with a certain age bracket.
February 10, 2014
Salacious, brash yet a good enjoyable narrative - typical KS humor stays intact with some profound Shayaris particularly of Mirza Ghalib..If you are looking for a continuous story it is not the right book.. along with the regular topics u would read more about -- Drink, Sex and about debilitating health condition in old days – So be prepare for that :)
August 5, 2016
This is a typical Khushwant Singh book. Sex, humor, poor story; rather most of Kushwant's books (except Train to Pakistan) are centered around him only.
Though the book makes you laugh 2-3 times, there's hardly any value in there.
Pathetic read; not recommended to anyone.
Though the book makes you laugh 2-3 times, there's hardly any value in there.
Pathetic read; not recommended to anyone.
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