Srinagar, Aug. 4 -- On pages 179-180 of the e-edition of Pico Iyer's latest book, Autumn Light: Season of Fire and Farewells, there is an exchange between Iyer and his wife, Hiroko, about the very same book before it was completed.
"Your book, nothing happening?" asks Hiroko. Iyer explains what he's doing with his newest manuscript in his usual roundabout style.
"Little no-action movie," observes Hiroko after listening to Iyer. "Rain come down window. Car stuck in traffic jam. Quiet music playing. Autumn light."
And there you have the briefest, most succinct description of the book I am now going to talk about for at least 900 words. So if you like, you can stop reading this review right now and begin reading Autumn Light instead. Or you...