My India

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER ● From the bestselling author of The Holocaust, a riveting novel offering a wealth of unforgettable lessons from one of the greatest teachers who ever lived

1948. India, British troops having just left its shores, is in turmoil. So is newly founded Israel. Death tolls are rising. The world is holding its breath.

A young writer from the Holy Land decides to travel to India and meet Mahatma Gandhi, asking for the 78-year-old sage's advice.

Gandhi finds solace in speaking to the young stranger. His advice to the young man to seek forgiveness, choose love over fear, and to search for peace inside first, echo ever so loudly as Gandhi is shot by an assassin. The young man goes back to the Holy Land to establish the first village for both Arabs and Jews, “Oasis of Peace.“

BASED ON A TRUE STORY, with an appendix including authentic documents.

“This novel shows Gandhi at his best: a great innovator in the struggle against racism, violence, and, colonialism. But above all, the novel successfully portrays Gandhi as a human being, and there lies its greatness.“ −Daily Telegraph

“A stunning historical novel that will keep you up late, hoping the enchanting story never ends.“ −Huffington Post

“A highly original and stirring novel on Mahatma Gandhi that deepens our sense of his achievements and disappointments. A riveting read.“ −Publishers Weekly

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BOOK EXCERPT © All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission:


CHAPTER ONE

DAY 1−JANUARY 24TH, 1948

Finally I could see them down the hall, the old man, leaning on his niece, walking toward the room where I had set up the heavy Cine-Kodak movie camera in advance. His niece helped him into the room. I was extremely nervous.

He sat down on the white mattress in front of me and exclaimed, “Let us do it!“

I tried smiling.

His niece walked out of the room and Gandhi looked at me. “Should I look at you or directly at the camera?“

“At me,“ I said, “please do not look at the camera.“

“Oh,“ he said, “very well.“ He smiled at me. “But before we begin, do tell me a little about yourself, young man.“

I looked at him and gulped. “I...“ I mumbled. I didn't expect to be talking about myself... “I have read your autobiography, Sir −“

Gandhi shook his head, “No 'Sir' here, my young friend! Please call me Mohandas.“

I nodded.

He continued, “So, you've read My Experiments with Truth?“ He leaned over, examining me with his eyes. “All of it?“

I smiled. His autobiography was 500 pages long. “Yes,“ I said.

“Well,“ he grinned, “then it means that we almost know one another!“ He looked at the camera. “Now, what is your intention with this film?“

I hesitated. What was my intention? I was afraid to disappoint him with my answer.

I bit my tongue, but knew I had better speak, fast.

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END OF EXCERPT (To read further click on the book cover, where you can read more using the Look Inside Feature!)