Thanks to Netgalley and Knopf for the ebook. Jadu is born in a small village in India and rises to teaching as he becomes friends with poets and future politicians. The second half of the novel is narrated by his daughter, Jugnu, who survives a bad marriage to study in America and eventually find a career at CNN.

This beautiful book gets off to a slow start but please, please stick with it. It tells the story of one man's life from his very modest birth to his death from Covid. His life is bookended by the life of his daughter, which is different, but difficult in its own way. You will be immersed in Indian culture with a depth that few books offer. The writing is beautiful.

"My Beloved Life" is a novel to sink into and unpack with care and thoughtfulness. An enriching experience.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for digital access to this fine novel. Opinions are my own.

A sweeping family epic- father and daughter- and India. Jadu's life takes unexpected turns but it's his daughter Jugnu who, after his death, tells a slightly more compelling story. This sometimes feels like it's careening between events but it's low key where there could be much more drama. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. Hard to describe, easy to read this is one for fans of literary fiction.

Amitava Kumar's works are always a joy to read and this one is no different. The story starts in pre-independence India and sets the action against some of the major historical events.

This intriguing novel spanning the history of modern India, begins with Jadu's mother surviving a snakebite while she is pregnant with him and continues through Jadu's life as a student and professor, making friends with poets and politicians, then the life of his daughter, a reporter.

Ah, this book! My beloved life by Amitava Kumar has left an indelible mark on my heart and mind. I'm still reeling from the emotional resonance of Jadunath Kunwar's journey, which unfolded like a tender, introspective conversation with an old friend. The author's masterful storytelling wove a tapestry of myth and history, love and loss, and the human search for meaning. I found myself deeply invested in Jadu's triumphs and setbacks, and his story sparked memories of my own family's struggles and triumphs. This book is more than just a beautifully crafted narrative – it's a reminder of our shared humanity and the power of stories to connect us across time and cultures. I'll return to My beloved life again and again, like a cherished friend, and let its wisdom guide me through life's joys and challenges.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Knopf Publisher for providing me with an advance copy of My beloved life in exchange for an honest review ♥️

The filling in of the blank slate of one man’s life against larger historical events is not particularly novel ground. But, in narrating the story of Jadunath Kunwar against the backdrop of pre-independence India, Kumar paints a moving portrait of an Everyman who lived in the shadow of sweeping historical events. The story, written almost in documentary form, traces the lives of Jadu and his daughter, Jugnu, while exploring the roles of caste and religion in the most nuanced ways. It’s deeply moving that Jadu, a student of history, situates his life squarely within its expansive frame. A surefire winner!