I had to really power through this. It's a history of the author's mother and uncles, who led illuminating lives. But I found the style a bit difficult, which is a bit sensational but also dry.

A whirlwind tour of the rise of communism in Andhra Pradesh post independence, and an insight into the life of an untouchable in parts of India where the caste system was (and still is) in full force. The language is a bit innocent, like your typical Indian writer, and I found myself not particularly caring much about the primary historical figure in the book, but it's still an absolutely worthwhile read.

The Indian political system is a monster of a machine even more so than most systems which makes it very daunting to tackle, especially for people that aren't from India to comprehend. And while this book only looks at a tiny glimpse at a small side of party politics it's very well done, a great jumping off point towards understanding.

The focus is on the author's family through the lens of her uncle: his beginnings, struggles through life in the Indian caste system as an untouchable, early communist party activities and fighting in a young India. Too much to describe without ruining a lot of what there is to discover through the book itself.

The narrative did tend to drag at a lot of points however the information was worth the time to drive through it. Those outside of India like myself might have to do some look ups to fully understand some of the historical context of stuff but the good side of course is he learning.

This was the December selection for the Book & Wine Club. They are a newsletter that pairs a book and wine selection every month for local groups to meet. It this month they decided to do a Zoom meeting, so my best friend and I joined.
This book was not as advertised, the blurb on Amazon’s and good reads said it was the history of a family as they rose above their caste to become educated, leaders and an improved life. Eventually Gilda moves from India to America and writes her family’s history. It was marketed as a rare family history from the lowest of the castes in India, and their move triumph and success. It was also supposed to be about the bonds of family. Wow that sounds enlightening and amazing right? Yeah I would love to read that book! Sadly instead I read this one. It wasn’t about family and triumph, it was recounting the deeds of the the oldest brother Satyam as he became a political activist who founded the People’s War Group, which sounded like a communist terrorist group to me
Which per my internet research is exactly what it is! I’m sure I’m now on some monitoring list for even looking it up. There was almost no discussion of the author’s mother, besides when she was being mistreated first by her Father and Brothers, then by her husband. It definitely wasn’t about woman’s rights or gaining empowerment in India. This book was horrible and the description was do misleading I felt betrayed for it being selected.

For additional reviews please see my blog at www.adventuresofabibliophile.blogspot.com