Super Short Summary

Nine Lives by William Dalrymple is a travelogue that profiles nine Indians deeply influenced by their faith, exploring the country's religious diversity. The chapters include the tale of a Jain nun practicing extreme asceticism, a Dalit dancer who becomes possessed by a Hindu god, a young girl dedicated to a deity, hereditary singers of ancient epics, a Sufi Muslim escaping persecution, a Tibetan monk involved in conflict, traditional idol makers, and wandering mystic minstrels. The book contains topics about extreme asceticism, ethnic and religious persecution, and training for violent conflict.