35 pages 1 hour read

Katherine Boo

Behind the Beautiful Forevers

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2012

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo is a nonfiction account of life in the Annawadi slum of Mumbai, following residents like the Husain family who strive to improve their circumstances amidst extreme poverty, danger, and corruption. The book vividly portrays their daily struggles with disease, ethnic tensions, and the perpetual threat of eviction, while individuals like Asha pursue personal aspirations within a flawed system. Abuse, self-harm, and displacement are significant issues addressed in the narrative.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Katherine Boo's Behind the Beautiful Forevers offers a poignant, well-researched look into the lives of Mumbai's slum dwellers, praised for its immersive storytelling and ethical depth. Critics laud Boo's empathy and detailed reporting, although some find the narrative pace slow. Overall, it is a powerful, eye-opening read that captures the resilience of its subjects.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Behind the Beautiful Forevers?

Readers who enjoy Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo are typically those invested in non-fiction narratives with a deep sociological focus. Fans of Barbara Ehrenreich's Nickel and Dimed or Adrian Nicole LeBlanc's Random Family will appreciate Boo's poignant exploration of Mumbai's undercity and the human spirit's resilience against systemic poverty.

Recommended

Reading Age

18+years

Lexile Level

1030L

Book Details

Topics

Sociology

Poverty

History: World

Genre

Journalism

Indian Literature

Travel Literature