Frank J. O'Connor

This is a fascinating and explicit novel of the crime and corruption of modern day India. The conceit is an investigating reporter on whom there is an alledged assassination plot. The reporter narrates his own story after which we get biographical stories of the lives of the five assassins---in which a tumultous picture of modern India is painted. The writing is excellent, the characters all well drawn and interesting, and the narration is beautifully done, never monotonous, with different voices used to great effect in direct dialogue. From corruption at the top levels down to street kids sleeping in railway stations, all of India in its spendid corruption is here. Just a caution, the writing and the story is at times ribald (but never gratuitously so). This author has a wonderful way with words, I don't think I'll ever peel and eat a cucumber again without thinking of the book. Highly recommended.