A review by aayjaysbookshelf
The Nine Lives of Pakistan: Dispatches from a Precarious State by Declan Walsh

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.