In Spite of the Gods: The Strange Rise of Modern India, by Edward Luce, was published in 2007; it is an exploration of India’s post-independence evolution into an economic and political force, despite the myriad challenges it faces. He delves deeply into the contradictions, paradoxes, and structural complexities that shape India’s development. Luce, a former Financial Times journalist with extensive experience in India, delves into the country’s economic, political, and social landscapes, providing a rich narrative that captures the intricacies of its development.

Luce begins by contextualizing India’s growth story within its historical and cultural backdrop, emphasizing the challenges and contradictions that have shaped its modern trajectory. For instance, he explores the dualities of Indian society, where rapid economic growth coexists with deep-seated poverty, and technological advancements stand alongside traditional practices. Through vivid storytelling and incisive analysis, Luce highlights the role of key political figures after independence—including Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and more contemporary leaders such as Rajiv Gandhi, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and Manmohan Singh—in shaping India’s path.

Luce’s analysis goes beyond mere statistics, illustrating how history, culture, religious diversity, and political institutions interact to determine the country’s trajectory. He interviews a wide range of personalities—from corporate leaders and entrepreneurs to farmers, political figures, and social activists—to paint a multifaceted portrait of a nation at a critical juncture.

A portion of the book is dedicated to the economic liberalization of the 1990s, which marked a turning point for India. Luce examines how these reforms unleashed India’s entrepreneurial spirit, leading to significant advancements in technology and industry. However, he also critically assesses the uneven distribution of the benefits of growth, pointing out persistent issues such as corruption, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and social inequalities.

Luce argues that while India’s progress is undeniable, so too is the ongoing struggle to achieve equitable growth, effective governance, and social justice. India’s balancing act—embracing globalization while contending with age-old social hierarchies and local political pressures—is central to its story. Luce’s work stands out for blending optimism about India’s potential with a realistic appraisal of its challenges.