“My Expressions” about Nine Lives

Author: William Dalrymple

Nine lives talks about exploring India and writing about its religious traditions. The book is about Nine people, Nine lives each taking a different religious path, each one being unforgettable story.

While the nine lives are not identical, in several instances they have undergone a revelation which can't be proven scientifically. But the author listens to the story with rare empathy and lets them speak for themselves. The stories are fascinating and sometimes painfully moving and the author surrounds them with generous knowledge.

Synopsis:

1.     Nun’s tale: This story talks about a girl who gave up her family and her wealth to follow principle of Jainism and become nun.

2.     Dancer from Kannur: This story is about a Theyyam dancer Hari Das who transforms into god during performance and rest of the time he works as warder in prison.

3.     Daughters of Yellamma: This story talks about women who are dedicated to goddess and are pushed to prostitution.

4.     Singers of Epics: This story talks about Mohan Bhopa and his family who sing the epics of Pabuji (600 year old poem).

5.     Lal Pari: This story is about Red fairy and Indian girl who finds happiness and inner peace in Sufi shrines of Sindh.

6.     A monk’s tale: This story talks about Buddhist monk who fought to keep practicing his beliefs as a Buddhist.

7.     The maker of Idols: This story is about Srikanda Stpathy who belonged to a family of idol-makers since Chola period.

8.     The Lady Twilight: This story is about Manisha Ma Bhairavi from culcutta and her religious beliefs.

9.     Blind Minstrel: This story talks about Bauls of Bengal, especially about Kanai Das Baul.

The book is about mystical India that showcases ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances. The author shows how the religion in India is often collective yet all the characters individually stand out.