A Life in the Shadows : A Memoir

A fascinating insider's account which illuminates a layman on the various pushes and pulls involved in spy craft, diplomacy, security and so on. Mr. Dulat truly deserves to be commended for taking a brave 'dovelike' stand on the contentious issue of Kashmir, especially when there are incendiary and provocative propaganda films being made to inflame tensions, rewrite history, etc. His insight on Dr. Abdullah in this as well as in Kashmir:The Vajpayee years really stands out and needs to be read by every it cell bot and intel that is quick to label any Kashmiri(read: Muslim) politician as anti national.Plus, Mr. Dulat showed true mettle and spine by participating in the Bharat Jodo Yatra today which is a testament to his secular firmament and fibre. Hats off to you, Mr Dulat for a stupendous career and a praiseworthy twilight innings via your actions post your retirement which has only enhanced my respect for you.A must read.

The quality of the papers used is not good, looks like photocopy papers used.

Former RAW chief, Mr AS Dulat’s memoir, ‘A life in the Shadows’ is a tale of fascinating career narrated in style. Spies operate in shadows, carefully concealed from the public gaze, quietly but surreptitiously engineering what could be consequential events. Though Dulat does not lift the veil over the ‘shadows’, he does serve some tantalising vignettes from his long journey from the pre-independent Lahore to the highest echelons of spy craft and finally to the North Block. His perceptive and empathetic insights of Kashmir and Kashmiriyat echo Vajpayee Ji’s doctrine of ‘Insaniyat, Jamhuriyat, Kashmiriyat' that remain relevant not only for sustainable peace in Kashmir but also other parts of the country with chronic civil discontent. His special affection for Giani Zail Singh and Dr Farooq Abdullah are both personal and professional.The book has informal conversational style, though at places the narrative meanders. Slick editing would have made it a better read. It appears Dulat Saheb is the first former chief of RAW to have penned his memoirs. Hope more former spies , civil servants, police officers, who are participants of events that make and unmake India will gather the required courage to share their memoirs with larger audience.

Very interesting book. A must read.

while describing his life daulat has refrained from ego bringing out important points. worth reading

The book is entertaining, revealing snippets of AS Dulat's life in the services. I like he revealed something about his family background.The book gives us some enjoyable aspects of life in the shadows. He is clear on his opinions and does not shy from sharing them. You must read between the lines: he is an excellent political player!There are some excellent lessons you can glean from his writing. So, read well.

The media could not be loaded.  Very nicely put, good read

The book lacks the cohesiveness of narrative that you will expect from a super spook and topically more on espionage than his world views. Soon you will wonder who is paying for such! Such views? Today the author exposed his political leanings publicly. Public servants should desist from being paid mouth pieces. It does not do their reputation any good.