49 pages • 1 hour read
Coolie
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Book Brief
282
Novel • Fiction
India • Early 20th Century
1936
Adult
18+ years
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
890 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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 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.
890 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Ratan
Ratan
A strong and hopeful coolie from the Bombay cotton mill who befriends Munoo, embodying the resilience and potential of India's underclass to drive social and economic change.
Nathoo Ram
Nathoo Ram
An accountant in Sham Nagar who offers Munoo a place to stay and work, demonstrating kindness amidst his own vulnerabilities.
Prabha Dyal and His Wife
Prabha Dyal and His Wife
The gentle owners of a chutney factory in Daulatpur who care for Munoo and offer him moments of familial warmth, while battling their own adversities.
May Mainwaring
May Mainwaring
A woman who takes Munoo in after an accident, providing him shelter and care in a pivotal moment of need.
Bibiji
Bibiji
A character who sees Munoo as less than human, reflecting the societal tendencies to devalue coolies.
Ganpat
Ganpat
A schemer in the factory who focuses on personal gain, showing disregard for the well-being of the workers.
Jimmie Thomas
Jimmie Thomas
The harsh foreman in the Bombay cotton mill, known for his demeaning treatment of coolies under dangerous working conditions.
282
Novel • Fiction
India • Early 20th Century
1936
Adult
18+ years
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