565 The dramatic story of unifying india

I really enjoyed reading “565: The Dramatic Story of Unifying India” by Mallika Ravikumar.The story of how Sardar Patel and his team convinced a motley bunch of egoistic and truculent princes to give up their independence and join the Indian Union has been described in a few history books in summary fashion, but, now, for the first time, a well-known Indian fiction writer has brought to life the story of how “more than 500 princely kingdoms were threaded together into a union – in record time and against all odds – to create the India we now have”. Mallika Ravikumar calls her book a “work of creative non-fiction, inspired by real events in history and rooted in research.” I don’t think there can be a better description of 565: The Dramatic Story of Unifying India.

I am calling it a Novel, for want of a better word to describe Historical non-fiction, as the author claims it to be.If we did not read the prologoue, if we did not see the selected bibliography, or if we did not know history, we will never know from just reading the prose.Written in a way a fictional author would have played out their characters--character development, their habits, gestures, and peculiarities--the author has wonderfully weaved historical facts in an accessible thriller.A regular history book on Accession would be just facts, it does not bring about the human element--the emotions, the grudges, the jealousy, the anger, the happiness, the ego in the characters and their interaction. Afterall it is these human element that has changed historical courses.The author describes the events as though she was there (did she get into a 'pensieve'!), as though it is her own 'created' characters (what they are thinking and feeling).Added to these are beautifully written pictoral introduction of the characters at the start and neatly written summary of Jargon (I would have like this also to be at the start, in case some may miss it out).The historical thriller narrative, along with an effort to supplement information make it an attractive reading even for youngsters. A beautiful way to introduce history. Wha if every history book were written this way!That said, this book is really ready to be made into a movie, what better title than '565'! The director and cinematographers will need little to worry---the script is ready!

This book presents history as a authentic story, a story that we all should know. One imp event that have shape to India's map as we see it as today. A fantastic book for anyone above the age of of 14 . Will change your attitude towards history forever

The story is so important and well told that I purchased 10 books as I found it to be a valuable book to gift A fantastic piece of history ever India should be aware off

This book feels like watching history unfold right before your eyes. The way the story is told shows the struggle for unity in a whole new way. It’s one of those books that makes you think about the sacrifices people made to shape the India we know today. Definitely a must-read!

Best written book on the subject!

Very well researched, engaging, and brilliantly narrated! A rare gem with outstanding storytelling.It’s history we don’t know much about , but the one that we definitely should! Highly recommended

This book is a compelling and a must-read for everyone. I admire the author's vast research that lend authenticity and credibility to the stories, whilst keeping them edgy and pacy. I highly recommend this book.