'THE FIRE AND THE ROSE' This is a great story skilfully told. I feel like soaking myself in its waters, for they transmit the richness in Mahadev Desai's life and in his relationship with Mahatma Gandhi. It seems as if providence brought the two together in order to give a turn to Indian history. It is true that in 1915 Gandhi, recently returned from South Africa. was yearning for a round-the-clock ally who would be accomplished faithful and truthful. It is also true, as this book reveals, that Mahadev Desai, a sensitive young man with a flair for friendship and with literary gifts in English and Gujarati, was consciously or unconsciously longing for a chance to serve a man worth serving. Though their desires were complementary, but for Providence they would have walked past each other. What may be the Divine Designer's simple plan is a marvel for us. I marvel at the historical fact that Mohan and Mahadev found each other, multiplying Gandhi's effectiveness and hastening India's freedom.