Snakes and Ladders

Glimpses of Modern India

By: Gita Mehta

Narrated by: Gita Mehta

Length: 3 hrs

Publisher's summary

A series of engrossing sketches reveals an India that may be surprising to many Westerners. Instead of a single country, the listener will discover, India is a nation of several civilizations in different states of development. The author, a well-regarded writer, reporter, and lecturer, covers the country from its ancient cultures to her encounters with the film directors and poets and the complicated machination of the world's largest democracy.

Recording (P)1997 by Audio Literature, Text Copyright ©1997 by Gita Mehta

Critic reviews

"These wide-ranging pieces, suffused with outrage, pride, love, and humor, have the immediacy of sharp personal reactions and the distance of a critical eye." (Publishers Weekly)

Pleasant Mistake

I got this audio thinking it was about Indian mythology. Instead, despite the wooden reading by the author, I found myself riveted to the story (in general) of India's entry into the modern world, at least politically. This is a country we seldom think of except that it produces cheap things and filmy silks. There is so much more to consider, and I am happy that Ms. Gehta introduced me to it. It was heartrending to find that people could virtually go into slavery trying to pay off a loan of $12 plus years and years of interest. Yet by helping a woman to purchase a loom, within a year she could bring her family out of poverty. Also, the Indians who hated the British Raj found that they were forced to work for the British in order to help their people. There must have been many conflicting feelings about that fact. Ms Gehta is obviously an intelligent woman and it is to be hoped she has other works available.

Brief Overview

For someone unfamiliar with post-colonial indian history and culture, this book would make a good introduction. I was a little disappointed, as I was expecting more anecdotes and local color. Perhaps I would have enjoyed this audiobook more if it had been unabridged.

I enjoyed the book on the flight to India

I was searching for a few books to listen to on the way to India. I really enjoyed this book. It's not so much a history book, it's more about a person telling about her views and experiences on growing up in India. I highly recommend the book for anyone traveling to India. I wouldn't have listened to it if I hadn't gone there. If your not planning on going to India then I wouldn't recommend it.