Book Review: And What Remains in the End by Robin Gupta

Title- And What Remains in the End: The Memoirs of an Unrepentant Civil Servent

Author- Robin Gupta

Publisher-Rupa Publications 

Format-Paperback

Genre- Memoir

Rating-4.8/5 stars

Ex-IAS officer and author Robin Gupta Sir's memoir is a book I would recommend everyone to read as I believe there is something for every reader in this work. The long 36 years Robin Sir spent in the Indian Administrative Service provided him the rare opportunity to serve at the states of West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana and Punjab. He observed the diversity and beauty of various traditions and cultures in all these places and embraced them with love and care. This is a book which will take you on a journey with him and throughout the journey you will not only learn interesting facts about various cultures and their history but also at the end you will construct an idea of your own, an idea which varies from person to person and which constantly updates itself when you read the same book over and over again. 

One thing I loved the most about the book is the author's absolutely brilliant writing style and narrative techniques. Truly speaking, I have never read someone who can narrate history with such an artistic manner. His penchant for indian history,  music, poetry, politics and culture makes his narration absolutely rich in information and it provides an amazing reading experience. Robin Sir narrates with such ease that at some point of time you will feel like you are a part of his journey to the different places he worked. The memoir which starts with his days at the academy in Mussoorie narrates the amazing experiences he had in the states of West Bengal (Jalpaiguri, Raiganj, Siliguri, South Bengal etc), tribal areas of Madhya Pradesh, the amazing cities of haryana and finally the long 18 years he spent in Punjab. 

I highly recommend this book to you if you want to develop your understanding about India. Even if you are not a fan of Indian Administration, you can still enjoy it and learn from his life experiences.

I give this book 4.8 stars for the choice of words, narration, writing style, content, artistic quality and overall presentation.

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