Narcopolis, By Jeet Thayil

 

Emma Hagestadt
Friday 08 March 2013 15:00 EST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Born in Kerala, educated in Hong Kong and New York, musician and poet Thayil has plumbed the depths of 1970s Bombay for this prize-winning debut.

The novel's several story lines, born out of the city's complex heritage, converge on Rashid's opium establishment – a favourite haunt of pimps, pushers and gangsters. It's here we meet Dimple, a part-time prostitute and full-time addict who acts as the novel's emotional and moral compass.

A junkie novel that runs scared of the usual clichés, Thayil conjures up a now retro underworld in dreamy and energetic prose.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in