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Ratings: ★★★★☆(4.4/5)
Genre: Memoir / Sri Lankan History / Diplomacy / Political Science / International Relations

Book Review:
An Insider's View of a Nation in Turmoil
Lakhan Mehrotra's ''My Days in Sri Lanka'' is a rare and invaluable first-hand account of a pivotal period in the island's modern history. As the Indian High Commissioner from 1989 to 1992, Mehrotra had a front-row seat to the dramatic and often dangerous events that unfolded as Sri Lanka grappled with a violent insurgency in the south and a brutal civil war in the north and east.

This memoir is far more than a dry diplomatic record. Mehrotra writes with a keen eye for detail and a diplomat's understanding of nuance, painting vivid portraits of the key players he encountered. From the enigmatic and unpredictable President Ranasinghe Premadasa to the formidable Sirimavo Bandaranaike and the charismatic Gamini Dissanayake, he brings these figures to life. The book masterfully chronicles the delicate and often fraught negotiations between the Indian government, the Sri Lankan state, and the LTTE, including the IPKF's withdrawal and the subsequent, ultimately failed, peace process.

What makes this book so compelling is its honesty and its access. Mehrotra shares his personal observations and assessments, giving readers a sense of the tension, the brinkmanship, and the high stakes involved in every decision. The chapter titles alone, like ''President Premadasa's Brinkmanship'' and ''LTTE's Breach of Faith,'' hint at the drama within.

''My Days in Sri Lanka'' is an essential read for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of the Sri Lankan conflict, the intricacies of Indo-Lanka relations, and the human story behind the headlines. It is a significant contribution to the historical record and a gripping narrative in its own right.