Beyond The Hindukush: An Indian doctor's memoirs of his stay in Iran

This book is a memoir of his experiences in that country. Rich, engaging, and deeply absorbing—this book is a delightful doorway to the life of a young and ambitious doctor.

At the very beginning, the author announces that he has always been bitten by the travel bug; he has always been on the lookout for greener pastures, for adventures.

As I continued to read the book, this enthusiasm, this wanderlust got to me too and kept me hooked through to the very end.

Was it the fascination of finding out more about Iran? Was it the fascination of knowing more about the author’s personal experiences? I can’t really pinpoint the real reason behind my attachment to the story but I was hooked and I could not get up without finishing the whole book.

So let’s come to the main story now.

The author, as a young man, wanted to pursue his medical profession outside India mainly because he had always wanted to travel the world.

When his chance came, he seized it with both hands and lady luck seemed to be smiling down on him that day.

He was selected for the post that he wanted and his new life began.

The author has provided vivid details about how he settled down in Iran.

As you go through the chapters, it feels like you are seeing Iran through the author’s eyes.

The experiences that he gathered there as a gynaecologist are so varied that it tells a lot about the culture and the heritage of Iran.

It is just so much fun reading and learning about these different episodes in the author’s life.

It just proves that when you venture out into the unknown, it is only then that real life unfolds in front of you.

The author also gives a detailed account of the political scenario in Iran during his stay there.

He has seen revolutions and wars and he has seen how these horrific events have distorted the beautiful culture of a beautiful nation.

It kind of fills you with wonder to read about a country where passengers invite the car drivers to their homes for meals.

But then it breaks your heart when you read that those same car drivers threaten the passengers with death when the political regime changes.

The author had gone to Iran with dreams in his eyes and when he was forced to leave the country all his dreams, all the respect in his heart had been severely dented.

Reading this memoir just fills you with alternating highs and lows emotionally.

Nothing can be more engaging than life itself. No one is a bigger writer than life itself.

And real life stories have a charm and a pull of their own.

This book is definitely a delightful read from start to finish and merits a place on the shelves of every book lover.

Reviewed by Priya Das