Behind the Beautiful forevers

This is the name of the non fiction book by Katherine Boo that our book club discussed today. A masterful report on “Life, Death and Hope in a Mumbai undercity” by a long time reporter on poverty in this country for the New Yorker and other publication, married to an Indian who convinced her to spend 5 months a year for 4 years to daily visit Annawadi, a huge slum near the posh airport, gain the confidence of the people and observe their actions and reactions. (but not ask questions) It reads like a brilliant novel. I had a lot of trouble seeing the “hope” part. The title refers to the “Italianate tile” ad on the fence dividing the slum from the airport. Raised all sorts of questions about poverty and corruption, including the trustworthiness of NPOs.

The snacks were from an Indian deli - these are the sweets - an amazing rich array full of nuts and sugar and silver and who knows what all.

Taking off early tomorrow for the island - for possibly a month.... Gotta go get ready!

But first a big thank you for all the nice comments on my blipbirthday yesterday! Blipland is a grand community!