35 pages • 1 hour read
288
Book • Nonfiction
Mumbai, India • 2000s
2012
Adult
18+ years
1030L
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.
Informative
Gritty
Emotional
Challenging
Mysterious
121,078 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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.
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.
121,078 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
288
Book • Nonfiction
Mumbai, India • 2000s
2012
Adult
18+ years
1030L
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.