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City of Djinns
a year in Delhi
First published 1993 · 352 pages
A witty, time-traveling stroll through the bustling streets and hidden histories of an eternal, chaotic metropolis.
What it feels like
Reading this book feels like stepping into a bustling, sun-drenched bazaar alongside a brilliantly erudite and endlessly curious friend. The narrative meanders beautifully, much like a long walk through winding alleyways, seamlessly slipping between the chaotic, vibrant reality of modern life and the ghostly echoes of centuries past. It is steeped in a mood of affectionate nostalgia and atmospheric wonder, capturing the sensory overload of a metropolis that refuses to die. The prose is rich with wry humor, eccentric character studies, and lyrical historical interludes that make the past feel vividly present. It will thoroughly delight armchair travelers, history buffs, and anyone who loves peeling back the hidden, mystical layers of an ancient city to find its enduring soul.
- Mood
- bustling
- nostalgic
- atmospheric
- evocative
- Tone
- wry
- curious
- affectionate
- erudite
- witty
- Pace
- meandering
- Themes
- layers of history · cultural resilience · the spirit of a place · ancient vs. modern · outsider observation
- The writing
- Richly textured and anecdotal, blending sharp observational humor with lyrical historical interludes.
- The arc
- Begins with wide-eyed, slightly bewildered curiosity and deepens into a profound, affectionate reverence for a city's indestructible soul.
- Who it's for
- Armchair travelers and history enthusiasts who love peeling back the layers of a chaotic, ancient city alongside a witty, observant guide.
Content notes
- historical violence
- references to religious conflict
- discussions of the Partition
About the book
Sparkling with irrepressible wit, City of Djinns peels back the layers of Delhi's centuries-old history, revealing an extraordinary array of characters along the way-from eunuchs to descendants of great Moguls. With refreshingly open-minded curiosity, William Dalrymple explores the seven "dead" cities of Delhi as well as the eighth city-today's Delhi. Underlying his quest is the legend of the djinns, fire-formed spirits that are said to assure the city's Phoenix-like regeneration no matter how many times it is destroyed. Entertaining, fascinating, and informative, City of Djinns is an irresistible blend of research and adventure.
Description from Open Library.
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