Dec 24, 2009 11:12 AM
3741 Views
A well written, well-researched book about the glittering city of Mumbai, Suketu Mehta’s book is definitely a page-turner. He has managed to capture, in depth, the facets of Mumbai that continue to inspire, mystify and attract people to it.
Suketu Mehta is a writer who has lived all over the world and yet calls Mumbai home. In this book he has tried to unravel the mystery that is Mumbai and in the process hope to discover what really lies at the core of the city.
He has explored politics, the underworld, bollywood and the distinct communities that are all an intrinsic part of Mumbai’s character. What’s impressive is that he has managed to give a seemingly objective view so that the reader can form his or her opinion while subtly expressing his own point of view as well.
He has handled certain sensitive issues with great delicacy and his thorough research offers a startling, new perspective to people who can claim to know the city. I like how he has woven anecdotes and stories from his own personal life as it adds a certain level of familiarity to the book.
He has also managed to not sound condescending, as most writers are wont to do when they write about the ugly aspects of Mumbai and I found this refreshing. He maintains a consistent pace throughout the book and does not suddenly speed up or slow down and the basic structure of the book is also strong.
When one is done with the book, one feels a sudden rush of love and gratitude for the city that one always takes or granted. It makes one love Mumbai exactly the way it is, loud, fast, messy, dangerous and blindingly glittery. A must read for anyone who claims to live in and love Mumbai, this book can be quite an eye opener.
