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By: AUCK 188
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2023-11-23 12:31:26 |
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Not all of us read this book. Some loved it, while some found it a bit confrontational. Led to interesting discussion. |
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By: WHANG 023
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2021-09-30 18:33:46 |
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Mixed reactions to this from "poverty porn" to agreeing that it could be called "narrative non-fiction". Only a few finished the book, but those that did enjoyed it. Mixed at best. |
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By: CHCH 299
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2021-05-25 11:04:24 |
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Well-written, well-researched book but the depictions of the hopelessness of the people living in the slums of Mumbai and the extent of the corruption made it a hard book to read. |
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By: CHCH 318
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2020-04-22 10:57:36 |
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The enjoyment of this book varied. Three readers couldn't finish it but two enjoyed it and found the living conditions, although appalling by our standards, made a living for the people who lived there. Despite corruption, a community operated with basic needs being met. It was difficult to keep track of the characters and situations but was very descriptive, in many ways positive, and beautifully written. |
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By: PALMN 029
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2020-04-22 10:52:30 |
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Emotionally hard to read but worthwhile. |
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By: DUNED 006
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2020-04-22 10:49:04 |
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Mixed feelings. Well-written but quite confronting. |
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By: AUCK 014
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2020-04-22 10:47:14 |
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Several members of our group did not complete reading the book because they found it depressing and/or did not like the writing style. Those who finished it thought it was interesting and authentic, and appreciated the research into the slum dwellers' lives. |
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By: WHITBY 003
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2020-04-22 10:43:27 |
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All the group found it difficult to read but worthwhile. It has not been written very clearly, with many threads of stories to follow. Had the author placed the Author's Note at the beginning it would have helped give context and purpose to the stories. They are all the more shocking once revealed that it was true documentation and not just a writer sensationalising. |
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By: HAMIL 022
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2020-04-22 10:40:02 |
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Again, mixed opinions on this book. Those people that had been to India could totally relate to this book. It generated a very interesting and heated discussion. |
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By: WHITBY 002
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2019-03-12 12:01:50 |
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All enjoyed this book. We all know of Mumbai slums from news items, etc but Katherine Boo's marvellous writing and personal experience brought it to life. We felt admiration for the residents of Annawadi, particularly Abdul, in their acceptance of their lives and the appalling bribery and corruption that they had to deal with at every turn. While they never lose hope of a better life we were not so positive as the scale of the problem is too vast. A worthwhile, if at times an uncomfortable, read. Highly recommended. |
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By: CHCH 396
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2019-01-25 14:10:20 |
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This was our best discussion yet! 3 of our members found the subject matter difficult to read about. The extent of corruption permeating their society opened our eyes. The narrative non-fiction style of the author was new to all of us. A challenging read but one that really ignited the group and led to a great hour of lively exchanges. |
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By: NAP 023
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2019-01-25 14:04:08 |
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A very well-written and detailed account of the lives of the Annawadi slum outside the airport at Mumbai. We were all astounded that Katherine Boo could spend three years of her life researching the real people and incidents she describes. Lasting impressions were of the constant jeopardy yet the lack of comradeship of the people - the desire to better themselves in even a miniscule way caused jealously and disastrous effects! Recommended by all as a great read. |
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By: BALCL 001
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2019-01-25 14:00:44 |
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Overwhelmingly sad, well researched and written, and extremely challenging with the odd funny bit. A more in depth discussion than usual, lots to contemplate. |
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By: LEVIN 001
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2019-01-25 13:54:03 |
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Difficult to score, because most people did not really enjoy this book - finding it interesting, troubling, important but distressing. Some of the writing and imagery is wonderful. Lots of discussion about corruption and its acceptance as normal in the community. |
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By: AUCK 226
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2019-01-25 13:50:39 |
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We all loved this book. We thought the author had done a wonderful job of bringing the characters of the Annawadian residents to us. It provoked much discussion about our impressions of the different "Indias" some of us had experienced, about the impact culture and religion can have on the lives of people in all countries, and of course - " what could we do to help". Tragic, hopeful and explores the value of accepting fate. |
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By: CHCH 268
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2019-01-25 13:38:32 |
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Mixed reviews on this book. Hard to get into, but those who persevered found it a grim insight into the slums of Mumbai. Upsetting at times - a shocking but memorable read. |
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By: MANGWK 001
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2019-01-25 13:34:40 |
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Interesting to learn of the social hierarchy even in a Mumbai slum. Corruption seemed the biggest barrier to progress. It became quite depressing. |
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