This book has no index and chapter headings. It is poorer by these omissions. These shortcomings aside, this book will reward the patient reader keen to know the personal life of MA Jinnah and his lovely wife.
The personal life and path to a barrister of MA Jinnah: –
Jinnah at 9 years old was taught by a tutor at home Gujarati and arithmetic, which he hated.
His dad then sent him to primary school which he felt was a waste of time. He left and worked in his dad’s office. Work hours then were 8 am to 2 pm, lunch 2 to 4 at home, then back to the office from 4 to 9 pm. He again left after 2 months as he was frustrated as he could not read or write or keep accounts.
He returned to school and worked hard. But his maths was poor, and his dad gave up hope Jinnah would inherit his trading business Jinnah Poonja & Co.
Fortunately, an English manager GM of a major English trading co in Karachi took a shine to Jinnah and arranged for him a 3- year apprenticeship in London at his HQ. He left for London at age 16. His dad pooled enough money to last him for 3 years.
His interest in law was due to him mixing with Indian law students. He took and passed the entrance exam, in 3 months, for admission to one of the Inns. He had to pass 3 written papers- English language, English history, and Latin. He applied and was granted a waiver from Latin. He passed and joined Lincoln’s Inn. He failed some papers but cleared all in his fourth attempt. He was age 18 and a half, the youngest to pass in any year before or after. (Pages 74 to 92)
Jinnah was a tall man at 5-foot 11 in. (p 17). With his law degree, he returned to practice in Bombay. He became eminent in less than two years. (p 93).