Barnes & NobleBehind the Beautiful Forevers- Life, Death, and Hope in a Mumbai Undercity by Katherine Boo

A Great Example of Journalism on Poverty

I must admit, I purchased this book as a requirement for one of my literature courses, but after reading it all the way through, I was pleased with the outcome. I am concerned when I read reviews that say that this novel isn't great because it doesn't have a "hopeful" ending to it, but why does it need to? Katherine Boo's work consists of poverty and how people are affected by it. If she were to put a happy ending to it, then she wouldn't be doing her job as not only a non-fictional author, but a journalist as well. Boo brings in personal narratives and introduces characters that are locals of Anawadi, a slum outside of the Mumbai International Airport. Bringing in these narratives, I was immersed and felt a connection with each character. She also brings in large amounts of expository journalism that reveal that corruption from the Indian government is an opportunity for many locals to make a living. For example, you will be introduced to a young local named Abdul who scavenges through trash. He, like other trash collectors, takes things of value from the garbage thrown away by the rich international travelers to sell and provide for his family. Corruption from the Indian government plays an important role from this story. There are those who thrive off of it and those who suffer from it. As the economy in India skyrockets, they attempt to hide the imperfections which hints the title of the story. If you are looking for a nonfictional story that explains our current problems with poverty, this is a story I highly recommend. It truly opened my eyes that behind everything that is beautiful, there is always something being hidden or taken advantage of.