New Delhi: His politics, behaviour and judgment were often suspect but it is difficult to fault V.S. Naipaul’s writing. The Nobel Laureate passed away on Saturday (August 11) at the age of 85.

Known for his acerbic, scathing remarks, Naipaul faced both admiration and contempt from his fellow peers. Naipaul was a writer with no fixed roots.  He was a Trinidadian by birth, an Indian by descent and in terms of citizenship he was British. Through his writings, he attempted to re-visit each of these places, but much like everything else, they did not escape his bitter criticism. He did not like the places anymore.

Lady Naipaul confirmed that her husband had died peacefully in London. “He was a giant in all that he achieved and he died surrounded by those he loved having lived a life which was full of wonderful creativity and endeavour,” she said.