Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo

Katherine Boo spent 3 years befriending and interviewing Christian, Hindu and Muslim families living in Annawadi, one of the world's largest slums, located in India surrounding the luxury hotels and shops of Mumbai's airport. The books full title refers to this slum as an "Undercity" and Boo details the intricate social structures, prejudices and authoritative hierarchies members within this community must deal with in their daily struggle to just simply survive. Indeed, Annawadi exists in a world of its own. Boo's writing style makes the reading of such depressing destitution very interesting and informative. However, I would not recommend reading this book just before falling asleep.

Leatherby Libraries Call Number: HV 4140. M86 B66 2012, 2nd Floor Social Science Library 

Review submitted by Theresa Paulsrud, Leatherby Libraries - Acquisitions

Rating: Highly Recommended