Maximum City by Suketu Mehta follows his return to Bombay after 21 years abroad, blending his personal experiences with interviews and observations, shining a light on the city's cultural, political, and social transformations. Touching on the impact of Hindu-Muslim riots, corruption within law enforcement, organized crime, the entertainment industry, sex work, and extreme poverty, the book captures the city's contradictions and resilience. The narrative includes descriptions of atrocities, suicide attempts, and sexual violence.

Informative

Gritty

Mysterious

Contemplative

Bittersweet

Reviews & Readership

4.1

11,679 ratings

72%

Loved it

21%

Mixed feelings

Not a fan

Review Roundup

Suketu Mehta’s Maximum City offers a vivid portrayal of Mumbai's vibrant, chaotic essence through detailed narratives. Critics praise its engaging storytelling and in-depth cultural exploration. However, some find its length daunting and occasional sections overly indulgent. Overall, it’s a rich, multifaceted depiction of a sprawling metropolis.

Who Should Read Maximum City?

A reader who would enjoy Maximum City by Suketu Mehta is likely fascinated by urban sociology, culture, and the complexities of human life in megacities. Those who appreciated the immersive storytelling found in Katherine Boo's Behind the Beautiful Forevers or Amitav Ghosh's The Shadow Lines may find this book compelling.

4.1

11,679 ratings

72%

Loved it

21%

Mixed feelings

Not a fan

The Book Brief page features content created with AI tools guided by SuperSummary experts. Read our content pledge to explore how we innovate using AI combined with deep literary knowledge.

Book Details

Pages

560

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Genre

Creative Nonfiction

•

Journalism

•

Travel Literature

Period