Coolidge’s captivating biography traces the remarkable journey of Gandhi, commencing in the quaint seaport of Porbandar where he entered the world in 1869. From there, it sweeps across the bustling streets of London and the vibrant landscapes of early twentieth-century South Africa, all the way through the tumultuous times of the two world wars. Throughout much of this narrative, India remains tethered to the British Empire. The saga concludes with the somber event of Gandhi's assassination in 1948, as India begins to emerge from its colonial shadows, navigating the complexities between its predominant religious communities, Hindus and Muslims.

Gandhi emerges as a multifaceted figure—a fervent patriot, a groundbreaking revolutionary, a reformer of religion and society, a healer, an economist, a statesman, and a politician. In the section detailing his formative years, the author artfully lays the groundwork for Gandhi’s political and spiritual philosophies, illustrating their evolution through his life experiences. The narrative delves into his transformative years in South Africa, where Gandhi personally encounters racial discrimination and embarks on a crusade of nonviolent resistance. Coolidge skillfully intertwines the facts of his life with the larger historical tapestry, juxtaposing Gandhi’s innovative approach with the more traditional methods employed by other figures striving for India’s liberation.

Like any commendable biography, Gandhi strives to paint a nuanced and fair depiction of its subject. While many of its peers get lost in the charisma of personalities, often failing to delve into the broader circumstances in which their subjects thrived, Coolidge stands apart. He not only acknowledges Gandhi's extraordinary nature but skillfully intertwines his narrative with the evolution of Gandhi's movement, set against the backdrop of India's fervent push for independence and the quest for peace across religious divides.

Yet, Coolidge does not overlook the individual behind the movement. Through vivid anecdotes, he illuminates Gandhi's multifaceted character, weaving in lively and vivid portrayals of both companions and adversaries that bring the pages to life.

For those anticipating a portrayal of Gandhi as an untouchable icon of passive resistance, Coolidge's biography might fall short of expectations. The work delivers insight into the foundation of Gandhi's unique satyagraha movement, yet it spares only a brief exploration of the evolution or nuances of his philosophical journey. While Coolidge esteems Gandhi's values, she candidly voices her skepticism regarding the feasibility of nonviolence in a world rife with conflict.

The narrative confronts the harsh realities faced by the untouchables and the unyielding caste hierarchy, highlighting the oppressive traditions burdening women, such as the grim practice of suttee, which demanded a widow's death upon her husband's passing. While the text acknowledges the social injustices that stirred Gandhi to action, it predominantly engages in a political dissection of India's struggle for sovereignty, delving into the volatile dynamics between Muslims and Hindus that eventually fractured the nation, birthing Pakistan.

Exploring Political Struggles Through Literature

Olivia Coolidge has penned an array of books illuminating significant political upheavals, capturing the essence of those who dared to transform their era's political landscape. Her work, The Statesmanship of Abraham Lincoln, offers a captivating lens through which to juxtapose the turbulence of America's Civil War with India’s own struggle towards independence from colonial domination. Delving into Coolidge's biography of Gandhi's formidable opponent, Winston Churchill and the Story of Two Wars, unveils another facet of the intricate Anglo-Indian dynamics. Enthusiasts of Gandhi might also find intrigue in Coolidge's other works, such as Tom Paine, Revolutionary; Women's Rights: The Suffrage Movement in America; and Makers of the Red Revolution.

Film as a Companion to Biography

For those seeking a cinematic counterpart to Coolidge's...