I read this biography in 2008 when it was newly published.
Initially, I was troubled by the choice of Patrick French as the writer. He had no prior track record as a biographer. His forte was writing histories of India and Tibet.
However, as I read the book, I have no complaints. French had provided a detailed, warts and all, authorised biography.
Readers who admire Naipaul ‘s writings will delight in knowing the man better.
A wonderful anecdote narrated was when Naipaul described his efforts to find a place to stay in UK as a young man. The moment he turned up the landlords would refuse to rent. So, he resorted to inquiring by phone. But he was still asked ” are you xxx”. His answer was Hopelessly so!