bostongirl, when i said that, i meant he picked up from where he left in terms of his class in narrating stories -enthralling and captivating!....unfortunately his other books don't hold the same level of class, vigor and hence perfection that these two books are able to emanate....correct me if i am wrong! trust me, i have not read a lot as most definetly you have! reviewers almost always tend to have divided opinions about a book, especially when the author chooses sensitive and hot button issues like kashmir or muslim culture, haina? glad to know that u have his autograph as well. now i am feeling jealous! :P LooTe