The book is a chronological account of Indira Gandhi's life during her prime ministerial years. It would not be an exaggeration to call it the history of India from 1965 to 1985 because as summed up aptly during those years, "Indira was India and India was Indira".
Indira Gandhi is considered the most profound personality of post-nehru India who has shaped the destiny of our nation, first as the daughter of prime minister Jawahar Lal Nehru and then Chief of Congress. Whatever our country's political system is today is a result of actions and reactions of the time of Indira's years.
The book outlines a few traits of Indira's personality. For example, her decisiveness and strong personality were an asset to the nation and made her the world leader India was looking for after the death of Nehru. The book is balanced in the view that it also highlights the negative side of her personality like her blind love for Sanjay and her high-headedness which sowed the seeds of destruction of Institutions which her father and Congress party had built so meticulously.
The book leaves a lot in terms of the personality dissection of Indira Gandhi and providing anecdotes from her life. Much of what is told in the book is already available in the public domain. However, coming from the mouth of one of the most respected journalist, it leads to greater credibility.
Overall, I recommend the book for Bhakts who are blind with the vision of saffron India. This book will provide them some fodder for blasting congress as well as will melt away some of their misperceptions related to the history of India. This is also a good read for aspiring leaders who wish to know more about what does it take to lead a country and how to build institutions.
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