Bapu (book)

Bapu: A Modern Myth is a 1997 biographical novel written by Joseph Lelyveld. The book offers a biography of Mahatma Gandhi, focusing on his personal life and its complexities, presenting a perspective that challenges the idealized image often associated with the figure of Bapu (a common honorific for Mahatma Gandhi). The book delves into Gandhi's relationships, his political strategies, and some of the less celebrated aspects of his life and legacy. While aiming for a nuanced portrayal, the work sparked considerable debate and controversy upon its release due to its unflinching examination of its subject. The book is notable for its attempt to present a more complete and perhaps less hagiographic portrayal of Gandhi than some previous biographies.