"Two Lives", by Vikram Seth, my first book written by an Indian author, was a memorable one.
This book, part memoir, and dual autobiography details the lives of the author's great uncle, Shanti, and great aunt, Henny. When the author, as a teenager, was sent to England to live with them, they gradually developed a close bond. Shanti was Indian, and emigrated to Germany before the Second World War. Henny was German, of Jewish descent. Their paths crossed in Berlin. Over the course of many years the author uncovered fascinating details about both of their lives. Eventually he decided to write a book, narrating their life stories, giving us a glimpse into two immeasurably different lives, which were yet so intricately interconnected.
There are numerous elements which made this book an engaging read. In this review I'd like to highlight the ones which especially had me regaled.
This book is not only a record of Shanti's and Henny's lives, but also a vivid account of the pivotal events and zeitgeist of the 1930s through the 1980s, which not only shaped their life experiences, but also were major turning points in global history. We learn not only about their stories, but so much about what transpired in the world.
As a vehement enthusiast for Germany, its language, culture, music and history, I love how much of this book centres around the country, and the events that transpired there. I found it intriguing to explore the political and social conditions 1930s Germany, especially from the perspective of an Indian. I am currently learning German, and reading about the author's and his uncle's experiences with the language made me develop even more warmth and awe towards it. This book also showcases the ambivalence of Germany as a nation - how it harboured rich culture, was scientifically advanced and yet committed the one of the most heinous crimes in history. Germany being in the nexus of Europe, truly played a primary role in orchestrating the events which turned the course of the 20th century.
Details about Shanti's and Henny's lives are also conveyed through their plethora of correspondences with each other, as well as their friends and family. Through their letters we become acquainted with even more different facets of their personalities. It is also insightful to explore the perspectives of different individuals, including Germans, on the Nazi regime and the Holocaust.
This book is rich in detail, and historical facts, many a time I found these details too convoluted and redundant, distracting me from the essence of the book. While I certainly liked the correspondences, some of them seemed irrelevant to the central idea, and made that portion of the book a little challenging to go through.
This book is a perfect read for history enthusiasts, and also for those looking for a heartfelt memoir. It will enrich your perspective on various historical events, and touch your heart.
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