Gandhi

A Memoir

By: William L. Shirer

Narrated by: John Lescault

Length: 8 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's summary

At the beginning of the 1930s, historian William L. Shirer was sent to India by the Chicago Tribune to cover the rise of the Independence Movement. During this time Shirer was privileged to observe Mahatma Gandhi as he launched the Civil Disobedience Campaign and to enjoy his personal friendship and confidence.

In this fascinating memoir, Shirer writes perceptively and unforgettably about Gandhi’s frailties as well as his accomplishments. Despite his greatness, Gandhi was the first to admit that he was a human being with his own prejudices and peculiarities: He could be stubborn and dictatorial, yet the magnificence of the man rose above all else.

Gandhi: A Memoir sheds a special light on the man who left such an indelible imprint on India and the world.

©1979 William L. Shirer (P)2020 Blackstone Publishing

Good Overall

Good book. Was looking for more of a comprehensive view of Ghandi with closer insights. Was a great place to start and the Narration was good as well. Recommend listening at at least 1.15 speed

A Biography written by the one person qualified to write it

Given the author’s other books and his work experience give him a qualified position to write about Ghandi.

I walk away from this book wishing that another person such as Ghandi existed in today’s world. We seem to be growing more divided and seeking shouting and even violent means to achieve the things we want in the world. We miss someone with Ghandi’s passive style of resistance to achieve their goals.

What I liked most was the portions that showed Ghandi’s character. His continual fight for equality for all people including women and Muslims. The humble way that Shirer describes his interactions. Providing him with a train ticket when journalists were banned. Ghandi not speaking at the meetings in the UK. The trek to make salt. Many more.

I look forward to my next book to learn about this wonderfully lived life.

A Very Inspiring Listen

Absolutely fantastic, honest account from a western mind. The book left me inspired and uplifted by the life of Gandhi and the honest account by an American journalist who was obviously touched by the life and character of Gandhi. May Gandhi's example continue to teach and inspire us through the challenges of the 21st century. Thank you for this book.

Wonderful

Largely about the time Shirer spent with Gandhi, not all of Gandhi’s life - however it provides an excellent insight into Gandhi.

The theory and practice of non-violence

I turned to this book for a greater understanding of the theory and practice of non-violence after learning that MLK had traveled to India for that reason. William Shirer credits the time he spent with Gandhi to have enabled him to withstand the horrors of Hitler, Stalin and McCarthy. Focused, concise and with a fine narration, I highly recommend this book.

His intimate knowledge of Gandhi from a journalist perspective.

I wanted to read something other than a disciple or autobiographical. This book was great, but I was left wanting more from an outside source like this book.

Interesting and informative

I very much enjoyed the book, as I have all of Shirer’s works. The performance here is sub par. The narrator’s cadence is grating, and his his poor inflection and timing sometimes change the meaning of sentences.