As you read, you are immersed in the daily life of specific
Annawadians, while also getting a bigger picture of what life in general looks
like for those of lower caste/economic status in India. You will meet Abdul, who makes a living
collecting and reselling garbage; Asha, who aspires to be the political liason
between the Annawadians and the big-city politicians; Manju, who will become
the slum's first female college graduate; Karam, a Muslim who has plans to
purchase his own land and leave the slum.
The book is a great read in general, in terms of getting you
close to the characters, and interested in how their stories end. More than
that, however, is the way the author shows you what daily life in the slum is
like, without making judgements or being condescending toward India and its
culture. She paints the picture, and lets the reader make their own judgements
as to what, exactly can or should be done to alleviate the poverty and the
inequality that the slums reflect.
After reading this book, I felt like I was given a snapshot
of what life is probably like for my sponsored little boy- Akash; the problems he faces day to day, what he might
dream of, what his family dynamic might be like. If you are interested in
India, and also if you are a child sponsor there, I highly suggest you read this
book!
