Delhi: A Novel

A sweeping historical novel set in Delhi, this work follows a journalist's relationship with a hijra (transgender woman) named Bhagmati while exploring the city's rich past. Through their story, readers traverse multiple centuries of Delhi's history, from ancient empires to modern times. The narrator, based on Singh himself, chronicles his complex bond with Bhagmati against the backdrop of significant historical events. Their relationship intersects with key moments in Delhi's past, including the tumultuous period of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. Written over twenty-five years, the novel blends historical research with fictional narratives, combining intimate personal stories with broader historical movements. Singh's work explores themes of love, violence, power, and the enduring spirit of one of the world's oldest cities.

Readers describe this as a raw, unflinching portrait of Delhi across centuries, told through interconnected stories that blend history with fiction. Many reviewers note Singh's intimate knowledge of the city and its culture. Readers appreciated: - Rich historical detail and research - Frank discussions of sexuality and social issues - Multiple narrative perspectives spanning different eras - Immersive descriptions of Delhi's landmarks and culture Common criticisms: - Gratuitous sexual content and crude language - Disjointed narrative structure - Some historical inaccuracies - Repetitive themes and characterization Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon India: 4.2/5 (500+ ratings) Review quotes: "A love letter to Delhi, but one that doesn't shy away from its dark side" - Goodreads reviewer "The explicit content overshadowed the historical narrative" - Amazon reviewer "History comes alive through personal stories, but the structure can be confusing" - Goodreads reviewer

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🔖 Khushwant Singh worked as the editor of prestigious publications like The Illustrated Weekly of India and The Hindustan Times before writing this novel. 🏛️ The book covers approximately 600 years of Delhi's history, from the rule of Ghiyas-ud-din Balban in the 13th century to the assassination of Indira Gandhi in 1984. 📚 Singh spent 25 years researching and writing "Delhi," making it his longest literary undertaking and what he considered his magnum opus. 🎭 The character of Bhagmati, a hijra (transgender), serves as a metaphor for Delhi itself - both beautiful and ugly, loved and hated, conquered yet resilient. 🗝️ The novel caused controversy upon release due to its explicit content and raw portrayal of historical events, particularly its depiction of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.