Ginette B. (Niteowl7) reviewed on 11/8/2007 + 242 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 2

I forgot I read this book several years ago but I liked it so much I didn't mind reading it again. It's realistically set during the time of Mrs. Gandhi's rule (1975). The government then declared a repressive State of Emergency. In the midst of this 4 strangers meet and end up living together in the same apartment. At first they act defensively towards each other but as time goes by, they grow to sincerely care about each other. I really got a feeling of India from this book. India's government, run by a bribe system at all levels as well as a caste and gangster mentality, affects each of the 4 characters differently. It's corrupt power against the powerless. Forced sterilizations, forced homelessness, selling of children to become beggars, mutilations, and even torture and murder are committed mostly by the powerful with no repercussions. The poor and powerless feel helpless to change anything so they form communities among themselves, often helping each other with just the basics of living. A great book whose author has won many literary awards. I highly recommend it.

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