Two Lives by Vikram Seth
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Before I begin with the review, let me make it very clear : I hate biographies and 'Two Lives' came in my hands as a signed copy belonging to a friend who is a fan of the author. Since I've liked Vikram Seth, since the days of 'The Frog and the Nightingale', I didn't object to 'Two Lives' even though it belonged to the only genre I hate when it comes to books. And was I glad I didn't complain!

No other author, not even the best one there is, can make his granduncle sound interesting, even if the granduncle is Johnny Depp!
Vikram Seth is the only author, who, if he becomes a full-time biographer, will find an avid admirer in me. He focuses on the personal details and then magnifies his view to focus on the society.

A perfect amalgamation of personal views and feelings, history, facts and real life experiences,'Two Lives' is a book which can be read in patches, kept aside and resumed later. The plot becomes slightly drab in Parts Three and Four but seeing that the author didn't have any firsthand source of information their and generalises with the help of whatever little pieces of information he has,this book is given the benefit of doubt and therefore, a four on five rating!

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