crabbygirl reviewed Behind the beautiful forevers by Katherine Boo
Review of 'Behind the Beautiful Forevers: Life, Death, and Hope in a Mumbai Undercity' on 'Goodreads'
5 stars
i've read many (fictional) stories about the (non-fictional) poverty of india - but this one was different; this one is real.
i am in awe of this author/reporter's ability to take in all the events, conflicts, and personalities of one mumbai slum and turn it into not only a cohesive narrative, but an mesmerizing tale. or maybe it's the fact that these are REAL people made the hopes and despairs so much more urgent than A Fine Balance
what's more is she's white! she required an interpreter just to communicate with this community - and then spent thousands of patient hours in observation and investigation. i've found a 'best of 2014' very early this year.