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The Rebel: A Biography of Ram Jethmalani
Ram Jethmalani has been called many things a legal legend, a wizard of the law and a magnet for controversy with a knack for defending the most notorious figures in India. With a career spanning the entire history of independent India and still going strong, he has managed to command respect and evoke anger in equal measure. But did you know that he is the most pro-Israel politician in Asia one of the founders of the prestigious National School of Law, Bangalore one of the first to raise the issue of corruption in India, founder of the Sunday Guardian in the late eighties, one of the longest-serving parliamentarians and that he is married to two wives at the same time? In The Rebel, A Biography of Ram Jethmalani, Susan Adelman, a longtime friend, presents the most updated, authentic and detailed account of his life. Peppered with personal accounts, unknown facets of his life and insider titbits, the book reveals the man behind the larger than life persona of Ram Jethmalani.
- GenresBiographyLawNonfiction
592 pages, Hardcover
First published December 17, 2014
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426 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
June 30, 2021
A very long tirade about a legendary lawyer, bereft of legal knowledge but full of other information about the subject's life which was hardly of any use or interest. Such books are meant to inspire, encourage and educate the reader about the legal wisdom Late Jethmalani was renowned for.
Sadly 550+pages of this book were totally devoid of it. Not of any use for any lawyer, or a law student. One can read nevertheless of you wish to know more about the subject's life.
Sadly 550+pages of this book were totally devoid of it. Not of any use for any lawyer, or a law student. One can read nevertheless of you wish to know more about the subject's life.
August 27, 2022
Read it over 5 months. The book could have completed in 350 pages instead of 550
March 7, 2022
The author wrote too many background stories to justify the life of a reputed lawyer. But, the essence of being a lawyer is missing from the biography.
May 31, 2015
Finally finished this 537 page saga. Ram Jethmalani certainly is a bigger than life personality. He is controversial, compassionate, genius and emotional human being. A complex personality who makes his own path and defies the trodden path. Well, I will say that he is living a fulfilling life.
November 15, 2019
I lack words for this book.
What a man ! And what a read ! Such a gripping read and the giant life he has lived.
There won’t be / there cannot be ever another Ram Jethmalani in the history of India.
What a man ! And what a read ! Such a gripping read and the giant life he has lived.
There won’t be / there cannot be ever another Ram Jethmalani in the history of India.
June 24, 2023
Susan Adelman's book about Ram Jethmalani, "The Rebel: A Biography of Ram Jethmalani," is more than just a story about his life. It teaches us, students of law, about being brave, hardworking, and flexible, just like Jethmalani was.
One of the biggest things we learn about Jethmalani from the book is his strong belief in law and justice. He worked hard to protect people's rights and to fight against unfairness. He saw lawyers as heroes who could defend freedom and fight against wrongs. His dedication to these principles is a great lesson for us, students of law, about the power and responsibility they have to make things right.
Jethmalani was also an excellent writer and journalist. His powerful writing, like the daily questions he asked during the Bofors scandal, showed his fearless search for the truth. His articles were like detective stories about law, and they played a big role in political events. This teaches us that writing can be a powerful tool in law and politics.
The book also shows how Jethmalani could handle many things at the same time. From working on many legal cases at once, to fighting political battles, writing articles, and even starting a law school, he never stopped working. He showed that life can be busy and challenging, but with hard work and determination, you can handle it. This is an inspiring message for us, students of law, to keep going, no matter how tough things get.
There's a story in the book where Jethmalani was given the wrong brief for a case, but he still managed to argue it well just from memory. This shows his amazing understanding of the law and his ability to remember and use facts well. These are skills that every student of law can look up to and try to develop.
An engaging moment in the biography features Jethmalani participating in a moot court case. Unlike many established lawyers, Jethmalani arrived with two juniors and thoroughly prepared briefing papers, showing his unwavering commitment to his profession.
Finally, the book paints an image of Jethmalani as a respected figure in court. Even at 90, he walked confidently into court, greeted by well-wishers at every step, some even bending to touch his feet, a mark of great respect in Indian culture. This serves as a reminder of the respect and admiration a committed lawyer can earn over a lifetime of service.
In conclusion, "The Rebel: A Biography of Ram Jethmalani" is not just a book, but a guide. It teaches law students about the hard work, bravery, and flexibility needed to succeed in law. It's a great example for anyone who wants to make a difference in law, and it encourages them to stay committed to the truth, justice, and freedom.
One of the biggest things we learn about Jethmalani from the book is his strong belief in law and justice. He worked hard to protect people's rights and to fight against unfairness. He saw lawyers as heroes who could defend freedom and fight against wrongs. His dedication to these principles is a great lesson for us, students of law, about the power and responsibility they have to make things right.
Jethmalani was also an excellent writer and journalist. His powerful writing, like the daily questions he asked during the Bofors scandal, showed his fearless search for the truth. His articles were like detective stories about law, and they played a big role in political events. This teaches us that writing can be a powerful tool in law and politics.
The book also shows how Jethmalani could handle many things at the same time. From working on many legal cases at once, to fighting political battles, writing articles, and even starting a law school, he never stopped working. He showed that life can be busy and challenging, but with hard work and determination, you can handle it. This is an inspiring message for us, students of law, to keep going, no matter how tough things get.
There's a story in the book where Jethmalani was given the wrong brief for a case, but he still managed to argue it well just from memory. This shows his amazing understanding of the law and his ability to remember and use facts well. These are skills that every student of law can look up to and try to develop.
An engaging moment in the biography features Jethmalani participating in a moot court case. Unlike many established lawyers, Jethmalani arrived with two juniors and thoroughly prepared briefing papers, showing his unwavering commitment to his profession.
Finally, the book paints an image of Jethmalani as a respected figure in court. Even at 90, he walked confidently into court, greeted by well-wishers at every step, some even bending to touch his feet, a mark of great respect in Indian culture. This serves as a reminder of the respect and admiration a committed lawyer can earn over a lifetime of service.
In conclusion, "The Rebel: A Biography of Ram Jethmalani" is not just a book, but a guide. It teaches law students about the hard work, bravery, and flexibility needed to succeed in law. It's a great example for anyone who wants to make a difference in law, and it encourages them to stay committed to the truth, justice, and freedom.
August 5, 2021
Maybe I was not the right audience for this... Was a horrible read atleast as far as I was concerned... Am a big fan of jethmalani... But could not get through this book... Dnf
July 21, 2022
Biography of a legend🙏 Since the book is having 500 pages , it takes time but worth a read.
March 1, 2017
Susan Adelman deserves a round of applause for her splendid work.
One of the best books, I have read so far. Easy language and easy to understand.
The book covers each and every aspect of Ram's life. This is a great read for, all budding lawyers, law students and also those who want to pursue their career in law.
Ram Jethmalani have been involved in all the matters and issues that India faced post independence, may it be Partition , Emergency , LTTE and Sri lanka , insurgency in Punjab , Kashmir , reservations, black money , 2G scams, and many. Further Ram Jethmalani never shy away from opposing anything which he thought, he should oppose. He is fearless and powerful and not scared to talk against anyone.. Unarguably after Nanabhoy Palkhivala, the other finest Advocate India ever produced. The living law legend.
I won't disclose more, this is exciting read and you won't regret to spend on it.
Yes you may repent for not reading this earlier.
After reading, you will agree with Susan Adelman's notion, Ram -The Rebel.
One of the best books, I have read so far. Easy language and easy to understand.
The book covers each and every aspect of Ram's life. This is a great read for, all budding lawyers, law students and also those who want to pursue their career in law.
Ram Jethmalani have been involved in all the matters and issues that India faced post independence, may it be Partition , Emergency , LTTE and Sri lanka , insurgency in Punjab , Kashmir , reservations, black money , 2G scams, and many. Further Ram Jethmalani never shy away from opposing anything which he thought, he should oppose. He is fearless and powerful and not scared to talk against anyone.. Unarguably after Nanabhoy Palkhivala, the other finest Advocate India ever produced. The living law legend.
I won't disclose more, this is exciting read and you won't regret to spend on it.
Yes you may repent for not reading this earlier.
After reading, you will agree with Susan Adelman's notion, Ram -The Rebel.
June 30, 2015
The title is very apt for this iconic personality who was also an iconoclast. Extremely courageous bordering towards foolhardiness, highly intelligent and diligent, Ram Jethmalani comes across as an epitome of multiskilled genius. He still leads a colourful life. One can either love him or hate him but never ignore him. A fittingly large biography on this larger than life personality who was and still in the news for both right and wrong reasons. But he would be the last one to care about it! A rocking read.
May 13, 2016
Ram Jethmalani is a larger than life figure : just the idea of a 90 something man drinking his scotch while discussing issues of sensitive national issues on national T.V , with great fervour, makes you want to figure out what gives him the zest at this age. This book tells you about exactly that. And much more. Along with how Mr. Jethamalani managed to cash in on national controversies , the book also gives the reader a ringside view of India through the decades after independance - an interesting read!
September 18, 2016
A 537 page book on colourful life of Mr. Ram Jethmalani.
"When the courtroom gets filled with people just to listen to his witty arguements, his creative style of questioning and his peerless expertise in the field of evidence"
He truely is a quintessential lawyer and I love him.
"When the courtroom gets filled with people just to listen to his witty arguements, his creative style of questioning and his peerless expertise in the field of evidence"
He truely is a quintessential lawyer and I love him.
April 26, 2017
A quick correction: the page count is 537 (without the endnotes or index), not 1,592!
Susan Adelman
Susan Adelman
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February 24, 2018Its an exceptional account of the life of one of India's most celebrated Barrister and engages the reader in a very thrilling way. The transition of India from her Pre-Partition era to its present state is described from the life events of the Maverick of Indian Law. All together a great experience throughout the passage of my reading.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews