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49 pages 1 hour read

Coolie

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1936

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Book Brief

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Mulk Raj Anand

Coolie

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1936
Book Details
Pages

282

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

India • Early 20th Century

Publication Year

1936

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Coolie by Mulk Raj Anand follows the life of Munoo, a 14-year-old orphan from northern India who is forced to leave his village to work in various harsh and degrading conditions across the country, including as a servant, factory worker, and rickshaw puller. The novel portrays Munoo's relentless struggle for dignity and survival amidst extreme poverty, exploitation, and systemic injustice. Contains depictions of physical abuse and exploitative labor conditions.

Melancholic

Dark

Gritty

Challenging

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

4.4

890 ratings

67%

Loved it

26%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Mulk Raj Anand's Coolie receives praise for its raw depiction of the exploitation of Indian laborers, highlighting systemic social injustices. Critics commend Anand's narrative for its emotional depth and realistic portrayal of the protagonist's struggles. However, some note that the novel's bleak outlook and intense narrative may be overwhelming for readers.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Coolie?

A reader who would enjoy Coolie by Mulk Raj Anand likely appreciates social realism and narratives focused on the plight of the underprivileged. Similar readers might enjoy John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath or Upton Sinclair's The Jungle for their themes of economic hardship and social injustice.

4.4

890 ratings

67%

Loved it

26%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

282

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

India • Early 20th Century

Publication Year

1936

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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