India, a deeply spiritual land and the birthplace of four major religions—Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism—offers a tapestry of diverse and profound faiths. In Nine Lives: In Search of the Sacred in Modern India, William Dalrymple explores this sacred heritage through the stories of nine remarkable individuals, each navigating their own spiritual journey in modern India. From a Jain nun embracing asceticism to a Baul mystic seeking the divine through music, these personal narratives reveal the enduring power of belief in a rapidly changing world. With his signature vivid storytelling, Dalrymple brings to life the deeply spiritual essence of India, making this book a must-read for anyone curious about its sacred traditions.