In Tinderbox: The Past and Future of Pakistan, M.J. Akbar embarks on a historical whodunnit to trace the journey of an idea, and the events, people, circumstances and mindset that divided India. He brings an impressive array of research, perception and analysis to solve this puzzle with a fluent, engaging narrative style, making a difficult subject deceptively accessible. There could be no better guide to the subcontinent s past, and a glimpse into its future.