The Siege: The Attack On The Taj By: Adrian Levy, Cathy Scott Clark

The Siege: A Compelling Account of the Taj Mumbai Attack

On the fateful night of November 26, 2008, four terrorists infiltrated the iconic Taj Mumbai hotel, marking the beginning of a harrowing 60-hour siege. Cathy Scott-Clark and Adrian Levy, esteemed authors and investigative journalists, have pieced together this gripping narrative in their book, "The Siege: The Attack On The Taj". Published by Penguin in November 2013, this 344-page paperback (ISBN-13: 9780143420101) is a riveting account of the terrorists' training, their handlers' communications, and the personal stories of those who were trapped within the burning hotel.

About the Book

The Siege offers an unputdownable chronicle of the events that unfolded during those terrifying days. It weaves together heart-stopping stories of guests and staff:

• A couple eagerly awaiting their wedding celebrations, turned into unexpected survivors.
• A British-Cypriot shipping magnate, whose state-of-the-art yacht was docked nearby, found himself in the middle of a war zone.
• A young Taj employee, who survived thanks to a stranger's timely phone call.

Through meticulous research and firsthand accounts, Scott-Clark and Levy reveal:

• Insights into the terrorists' training and their handlers' communications.
• The shocking inefficiencies of the Indian security forces during the crisis.

The authors have painstakingly pieced together transcripts from calls between terrorists and their handlers, providing an unprecedented glimpse into the strategic planning behind one of India's most infamous terrorist attacks.

About the Authors

Cathy Scott-Clark and Adrian Levy bring a wealth of experience to this book. With over four decades of combined journalism experience, they have worked as foreign correspondents for esteemed publications like The Sunday Times and The Guardian. Their previous books include "The Meadow", an acclaimed account of the 1995 Kashmiri kidnapping that changed the face of modern terrorism.

In recognition of their exceptional work, Scott-Clark and Levy were named British Journalists of the Year in 2009 by One World Trust. They also won Foreign Correspondents of the Year in 2004. Their documentaries, including "Kashmir's Torture Trail", have won prestigious awards such as the Amnesty International Media Award.

What Sets This Book Apart?

The Siege stands out for its:

• Immersive storytelling, transporting readers into the heart of the action.
• Painstaking research, ensuring accuracy and authenticity in every detail.
• Balanced perspective, offering insights from multiple viewpoints, including guests, staff, police, and NSG commandos.

The Siege is more than just a book about a terrorist attack. It's a testament to human resilience in the face of adversity, a critique of institutional failures, and a stark reminder of the power of courage and compassion. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding one of India's darkest hours.