One sentence summary
A powerful non-fiction book, ‘Behind the Beautiful Forevers: Life, Death, and Hope in a Mumbai Undercity’ by Katherine Boo, explores the lives of the residents of India’s largest slum through captivating stories that illuminate a world hidden from the eyes of the privileged.
Book genre
The book is a non-fiction work that combines writing styles such as investigative journalism, sociology, and memoir.
Main topic of the book
Behind the Beautiful Forevers captures the stories of people living in Annawadi, a precarious slum located just meters away from luxury hotels of the Mumbai Airport.
Key ideas
The key ideas in the book focus on the systemic inequality and corruption that exists in Indian society:
- Life in Annawadi: People live in abject poverty, with no amenities such as electricity or running water. The slum is divided into “haves” and “have-nots” and only the fortunate few have the means to escape.
- Caste Discrimination: From the lowest Musahar caste to the “lucky” petty traders, caste and religion remain a major determining factor for access to resources and opportunities.
- The Corruption Problem: The lives of the people of Annawadi are affected by the ever-present corruption, and the threats and ambitions of the local politicians and officials.
- Cause of Hope: Despite the struggles and injustices, there is hope in the form of resilience, triumphs, and dreams for a better future.
Main parts of the book and a short summary
Part One – The Slum: This part introduces us to the main characters of Annawadi and the surrounding stories.
Part Two – Corruption and Caste: This part details the inequities of the caste system and the role of law enforcement, politicians, and businesses influence upon Annawadi’s existence.
Part Three – Dreams, Visions, and Nightmares: In this part, the characters attempt to find a way out of their desperate circumstance. Their stories end in tragedy, but ultimately illuminate a path to a better future.
Key takeaways
- The harsh inequalities that exist between the “haves” and “have-nots” in India and other developing countries can be systemic and entrenched.
- A person’s race, caste, and religion still plays a major role in determining access to wealth and opportunities in India.
- Corruption and poverty are intertwined and those with power often take advantage of those who are powerless.
- Despite these perils, there is hope in the form of resilience, triumphs, and dreams for a better future.
Author’s background and qualifications
Katherine Boo is an American investigative journalist and non-fiction writer, who is the recipient of a Pulitzer Prize, National Magazine Award, and MacArthur Fellowship. She has covered a variety of topics over the years, from the lives of those in American correctional institutions to the struggles of people living in India’s slums.
Target audience
Behind the Beautiful Forevers is for curious readers interested in learning more about the trials and tribulations of the underclass in a developing society such as India.
Publisher and first publication date
The book was published by Random House in 2012.