Reviews

Nine Lives of Pakistan: Dispatches from a Divided Nation by Declan Walsh

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khizkhan's review against another edition

5.0

This book is an incredible introduction to surface level political and social issues of Pakistan, someone thats well read on the topics wont have much to learn from it.

Some of the people in the book written about are people I mingled and met throughout my childhood through my Brother and Father and even though it didn’t make much sense to me at the time (I am in my 20’s now), this made me recall certain conversations that I understand now.

It extremely accurate in its descriptions about a country thats being held together by an extremely thin thread.

jmplante's review against another edition

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4.0

More a history lesson than a book on the current state of Pakistan since the author was expelled in 2013. A bit clichéd at times but overall I enjoyed learning about different regions and influential people around Pakistan. Definitely worth a read of you have an interest in Pakistan but aren't terribly familiar with the politics.

kolymaarasto's review against another edition

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informative reflective medium-paced

3.25

lilreaderbug's review against another edition

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2.0

This had some interesting enough anecdotes and might make a good intro to Pakistan history, but lacked cohesiveness or any analysis into Pakistan's events. It was more of an account of Walsh's time in Pakistan, the people he met, and a little background history into the situations surrounding some of his contacts. Not a terrible book, but not something I'd recommend for new or deep insights into Pakistan.

aayjaysbookshelf's review against another edition

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challenging informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

5.0

A brilliant book. Despite it being the first of its genre that I read(sociopolitical history), the way this book grabbed my attention and made me devour it within days is a proof of how well written the book is. The book starts with a dropped suspense as the author is deported from Pakistan, and then the chapters that follow are his recollection and reflection of his time spent in Pakistan. Very artfully, Declan Walsh has explored the ideological, geographical and historical perspectives of Pakistan, and in doing so, tried to shed a light on how and why Pakistan is this complex of a state. The storytelling is beautiful. From Islamabad to Karachi, from north to south, from executive drawing room conversations in diplomats and politicians houses to tribal areas discussions in feudal lords homes, the story pans across the country, zooms in and out in different eras and gives an honest account of Pakistan, Pakistanis and the various factors that interplay to make that happen. Reading this book was like looking at my country from a panoramic, bird's eye view and the speculations and observations too sharp to not marvel at. The book ends with an apt climax; making a full circle from where it began with the suspense explained and a rueful narration on the country's past, present and future. Overall, a highly recommended read, specially if you want to have a nuanced and crisp understanding of Pakistan.

lisajoan98's review against another edition

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adventurous funny hopeful informative sad medium-paced

4.75

Fantastic accounts of life in the eye of Pakistan’s storm of politics, tribal culture and top characters. Walsh tells the story in the way that reminds one of meeting an extraordinarily interesting stranger in a bar and hearing about their life all night long. The hard information on politics is presented fairly and Walsh is careful to tell stories without demonising individuals or groups. Overall, this is a great read for anyone inspired to learn the basics of Pakistani society.