One Life Is Not Enough An Autobiography Hardcover – January 1, 2014

I am not personally a fan of the man, but some of his anecdotes about the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty are unique and interesting as he was one of the ultimate insiders. The biggest problem about this book is Natwar Singh trying to walk a tightrope between being honest and trying to maintain good relations, most likely for the future career of his son. On the one hand, he criticizes Nehru for sharing state secrets with Edwina and his foreign policy blunders yet on the other han,d he goes on to praise how important he was for India. He criticizes Rajeev Gandhi for allowing massive corruption and a disastrous policy in Sri Lanka, yet then he turns around and talks about how visionary and nice he was. Most of the book is very, very general - as a former External Affairs minister who was close to the corridors of power since the 1950's, he amazingly just briefly mentions foreign policy moments like Kargil, the 1971 War, India's involvement in Sri Lanka, etc. So honestly, besides anecdotes, the only other interesting part of the book involves the allegations that ended his career, and to really understand how the media played judge, jury and executioner, much of it at the behest of Sonia Gandhi, and how clearing his name afterward was made impossile. It raised good questions about the witch-hunt aspect of anti-corruption movements. Can anyone ever clear their name?

Excellent book.Very well written.A page turner.On going through the book,it becomes evident that Natwar Singh has led a great life and has been very successful professionally.The book is very educative for students of Current Affairs also because Natwar Singh throws light on many incidents/issues concerning India starting from the prime ministership of Pt.Jawahar Lal Nehru till today. When the book became notorious during the recent Indian Parliamentary Elections,one thought that the book was mostly containing revelations concerning Sonia Gandhi,Manmohan Singh,etc.Nothing like that.There are only a few pages concerning these eminent persons.The rest of the book deals with the life and career of Natwar Singh practically all over the world.The book is written in a racy style and I found it difficult to put it down once I started reading it.

Natwar has penned this wonderful book. The title one life is not enough real apt title. Difficulty during emergency times and playing the right fiddle between the Governments Natwar had done a wonderful job during difficult times. His dealing with zia ul haq is fantastic. He had played a very stellar role during difficult times. Thanks Natwarji for this wonderful book.

A very interesting book, gives a good understanding of what lies underneath diplomacy and politics. Reveals a lot about UPA and its ministers and also Sonia Gandhi.The tone of the book is however 'showing off' one not humble as if Natwar could do no wrong. It's a bit odd though that after spending his entire career toeing the line of Indira Gandhi, Rajeev and Sonia, Natwar sees the 'wrongs' only now

makes excellent reading especially if you are over 50 .Mr Singh literally takes you back in time to "those" times to an India which few youngsters would be able to relate to .Excellent English , and this is a refreshing change considering what one reads today ! Some of his analysis of situations really gives one a new perspective into the political scenario of yesteryear . ( a few spelling mistakes need to be addressed in the reprint of this book ).A great book if you want to experience the times of yore !!!!!

Excellent presentation by Mr.Natwar Singh ji on Indian political scene from Jawaharlal Nehru to Manmohan Singh.I recommend reading the book by every one who is interested in Indian politics.

I think this is a good book to be read by one and all. I wonder if Natwar Singh was not dropped like hot brick, would he have been so candid about Gandhi family.

The writing is engaging. Mr. Natwar Singh has written the accounts of his life time in a way to exonerate himself from the unknown trial. But unfortunately he gives no details to prove his case - all one reads is his account of events which without details might seem far fetched. A good read nevertheless.

According to Natwarsinghji there are only two heroes on National stage of independent India at any point of time its either him or one of the member of Nehru Gandhi scion. Typical dynastic political thinking is reflecting in the book, like typical congressman he has never given a thought that why total inexperienced Sonia/Rajeev should be running the country and why P.V.Narsimharao need to pay attention to Sonias opinion about changing economic policies of India. He doesnt like P.V. Narsimha Rao for being independent PM and doesn't like Dr.Singh for being Sonia's puppet seems he wanted role for himself but didnt get it so venting out frustration via book. And writing style is also below average, it seems that I am reading someones diary where random thoughts are penned with no clarity of vision.

' One Life Is Not Enough' is very good autobiography from a person who has been involved in Indian Foreign Affairs and public life. It was long overdue. It is very interesting, fascinating and honest memoir from a successful diplomat, turned to be politician and patriot. When someone gravely hurt his pride, his honour he forgave Congress Party without and regret but as the Congress is on decline due to leadership void, lake of inner democracy.Mr K Natwar Singh Sahib' is a self made man, he owes no contribution except from his father and mother. He either requires no introduction either. M/S Rupa has done good thing to publish it. But they have put the price on higher side. The book should have costed Rs.100/- less then the actual price and secondly they should also issue a paperback. There is only one mistake in the book and I hope that in next edition it should be corrected. At page 8 of the book it is mentioned" Mayo College was founded by Viceroy, Lord Mayo , in 1875, with the aim of replicating Eton and Harrow on Indian soil" It is wrong as Lord Mayo died on 6th February 1872 ,how he can set up college in 1875. Perhaps it silipped from the mind of Mr Singh. I think there is no editorial reviews in Rupa otherwise they would have caught the mistake.The book is honest revelation of the facts and circumstances prevailing at that time.Mr Singh observes very rightly about our former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh. At page 344 he has rightly written"What will be history's verdict on Dr Manmohan Singh's primemistership? It will either be benignly indifferent or reduce it to a mere footnote. What would be Manmohan Singh's legacy? Sadly, there will be none"The readers would agree with this as he was a pappet of Mrs Sonia Gandhi who miserably failed as Prime Minister. When Pakistan launched an terrorist attack on India and 166 persons were dead he did nothing as he was a mere civil servant and not leader. This was known to whole world that is is a shodow of PM . The three great powers knew who is real PM. Mrs Sonia Gandhi was specifically invited in China to attend the Olympic games and not the Manmohan Singh. Like wise Sonia was received in Russia and America as head of state in real sense she was not. These things have not been mentioned by Mr Natwar Singh Sahib', but I subscribe these facts to substantiate his version.The language is fine but style is not as Natwar Singh Sahib'has not been student of English literature and language. I strongly recommend the book.

Autobiography of K. Natwar Singh ( a seasoned academician, bureaucrat and politician) who has close access to the functioning of government is really a treat for the readers who are interested to read about insights of Indian politics and government functions.Service of Amazon has also been excellent.

than half of the book. Some fireworks was expected. But not there.The diction is very simple, easy to read.Those in late 60s will enjoy more since many 9f the issues arose during their time.This is my first reading of an autobiography. I used to think these must be boring. This book has inspired me to read other autos too. Read more

After reading former Media Adviser Sanjaya Baru’s bestseller, The Accidental Prime Minister, it has made me read Natwar Singh "One life I not not enough" and would like to summarize it in few words.Right from the very beginning the writer labors to show his acquaintances with great authors and contemporary writers like E.M. Forster, J. R. Ackerlay, L. Dickinson, R.K. Narayan, Ahmad Ali, Santha Rama Rao and many others as a result of which the book smacks of a literary flavor and reverts with echoes of poetic allusions like 'only connect' and 'Two Cheers for Democracy' from E.M. Forster and many other eminent writers which add a literary dimension to the book.Initial part of the book interested me more , as it revolves around colonial India and it's social elements. The chapter on Sonia Gandhi is a bit let down , expected some more straight forward criticisms . Too much words have been wasted to prove innocence from Volker allegation . "Every truth has two sides; it is well to look at both, before we commit ourselves to either." now lets wait as Sonia Gandhi has promised that she too will write a book of her own.Over all Its a good readHope this helps you