The author certainly seems to have said all there is too say on his subject - and even more. `Be specific! Add detail!' is what the writing courses teach us. Well, this otherwise impressive piece of work is a fine showcase of how one can overdo it. The author had only to follow the writing advice of his subject (who in turn got it from his father) and the result would have been more readable and definitely a lot shorter. Still, it is an interesting read, at times even gripping, certainly for people already familiar with V.S. Naipaul. Those who like a quicker (though less accurate) insight into the man behind the genius should get the book by Paul Theroux.
Sir Vid or Without (Rating 5 of 5)
» Selรงuk Altun
Meticulously researched.Fair but brave.Well balanced.Dramatically gripping.Illuminating.Proves that himself is the most enigmatic character
Sir V.S.Naipaul ever created.
The world is what it is. (Rating 5 of 5)
» Vijay Medtia
This is a terrific autobiography of Sir V S Naipaul. Patrick French's style of writing is very economic, real page turner- and it helps that he has chosen such a writer. I am not going to comment on the controversial politics of V S Naipaul, but there are lines in this book that make you laugh out loud. For days afterwards! Here's what Naipaul said on hearing about the fatwa against Salman Rushdie, ''It's an extreme form of literary criticism.''
I wished there had been a chapter devoted to the craft of writing and his writing influences for all aspiring writers. His favourite author 'Balzac...I suppose.' Just makes you laugh.
Sir V S Naipaul has also opened himself to real public scrutiny, brutaly honest. When everything is taken into account this honesty has to be admired. There will be many in depth reviews to follow I'm sure - but I highly recommend this book.
(Rating 4 of 5)
(Rating 5 of 5)
