Dennison Berwick

The best part about this book was the honesty in its words. Having witnessed the likes of rural India firsthand, I can say that whatever the author says in the book is to its core, true. The fact that despite poverty, several people would be more than willing to share food and shelter with a pilgrim or a traveler, and that such a journey would at every turn be painstaking and frustrating, has been portrayed truthfully in the book. The author doesn't shy away from mentioning both the pros and cons of such an experience with impressive neutrality and attraction. All in all, it was a great experience reading it.
I have taken away half a star as according to my first read, I had expected it to be longer than it originally was. Although the text was presented beautifully, it wouldn't have hurt to be a wee more descriptive (not that I'm complaining).… (meer)

The author walks from the mouth of the Ganges to its source in the Himalayas. There is a very gratifying element of humility here, a lack of self absorption. The author dedicates the book to the Indians who gave him shelter along the way, mostly (it seems) desperately poor people. There is a certain spiritual element to the journey, but the author doesn't spare us his frustrations, ill temper and pain. The difference between Berwick and certain cosseted western writers who make a living out of writing about their 'heroic' travelling adventures is that Berwick is able to reflect on the downsides of his journey. The result isn't any great revelation of spiritual growth through suffering. Rather, it is as if Berwick says to us, 'Well if you set out on a journey like this you will get sore feet, and meet a lot of people along the way, likeable and otherwise. This is one of a very select group of books that give some insight into rural India. Highly recommended.… (meer)