Upcountry Tales by Mark Tully

Ratings: 5/5

I like going through the reminisce of our past. Ruskin Bond, Satyajit Ray, and many others have a special place in my reading list. I still wonder how India would have been in its early days of Independence or Pre-Independence. So when Dhanvi gave me this book, I got hooked on it. I was not aware of Mark Tully before.   

"Mark Tully, the author, is the former Bureau Chief of BBC, New Delhi, a position he held for 20 years. He worked with the BBC for 30 years before resigning in July 1994. 

He is the recipient of several awards. He has written nine books."  -- Wikipedia  

This book is a collection of seven short stories from the early days of India, where the caste system, poverty, politics, and Illiteracy were more prevalent. The author has picked most stories revolving around the caste system and poverty. 

I liked the story where the son returns from Britain to cement his father's constituency after his death, only to know that the party gave it to another politician. His urge to join politics, kick sitting MLA, and visit the village, asking about development. At last, moving back to the luxury of Britain, realising politics is not for him. 

Reading these stories makes you more humble and happy, as how far we have come from our past. I have bought two more titles and will share my review.