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ratings: ★★★★☆ (4.3/5)
Genre: History, True Crime, Political Science, Biography

Book Review:
Neena Gopal's ''The Assassination of Rajiv Gandhi'' is a gripping and deeply personal account of one of the most shocking and consequential events in modern Indian history. Written by a senior journalist who was present at the scene, this book combines meticulous research with the raw immediacy of an eyewitness testimony.

The book opens with a powerful, haunting description of the moment itself: ''Minutes after he walked unhesitatingly into the crowd, there was a deafening sound as the bomb spluttered to life and exploded in a blinding flash. Everything changed. A moment that, in my head, will always be frozen in time. It was exactly 10.21 p.m.'' This sets the tone for a narrative that is both a historical investigation and a personal reckoning with a national tragedy.

Gopal, who was in Sriperumbudur covering the election rally, was uniquely positioned to witness the aftermath of the blast. She draws on that experience, as well as extensive interviews and research, to piece together the events leading up to the assassination, the conspiracy itself, and its far-reaching consequences. The book explores the roles of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in carrying out the suicide bombing, the political climate of the time, and the impact on India's relationship with Sri Lanka.

This is more than just a true crime story; it is a nuanced exploration of the human cost of political violence. Gopal paints a portrait of Rajiv Gandhi, the young prime minister, and the profound shock that rippled through the nation and the world upon his death. She also delves into the lives of those involved in the conspiracy, the subsequent investigation, and the trial that followed.

''The Assassination of Rajiv Gandhi'' is an essential read for anyone interested in modern Indian political history, the dynamics of the LTTE, and the tragic intersection of terrorism and democracy. It is a compelling, insightful, and deeply moving work that ensures this pivotal moment is not forgotten.