The Way to the Labyrinth: Memories of East and West

Rating:
Summary: A fascinating account of life in Varanasi and beyond
Review: Danielou was an amazing forerunner of the modern India traveler, who had the good fortune to hook up with a wealthy lover who helped him travel and live in style in India in first half of 20th century. This bon vivant gay couple were trendsetters in many ways, being among the first Westerners to visit the neglected erotic sculptures of Khajuraho and photograph them in black and white, while living in a palatial silverstream type of camper imported from southern California.

Danielou describes their pleasant lives in a rented Maharaj's estate on the banks of the Ganges where the couple learned languages, music, and entertained tout le monde.

A compelling look at Westerners' first real entree into the literati life of Benares/Varanasi as well as high Indian art and culture. A personal odyssey, that brought Danielou back to Paris with a newfound ambition to bring Indian classical music to the world's attention and to preserve it as well. This was a heroic task which he apparently succeeded in accomplishing.

The book itself is charming and well written. I thoroughly enjoyed from beginning to end. Fun animal stories included, too! (Much better than a sort of Peter Mayles account of Provence).