India in transformation is a strange and heartbreaking place

India in transformation is a strange and heartbreaking place, argues Jeet Thayil in his novel Narcopolis. The India in which the novel begins is the India of the 1970s, sometime but not a long time after the end of British colonial rule. Indians are now free to fully determine their own lives and their own future. But far too many have embraced freedom irresponsibly rather than responsibly.

Greater freedom means indulgence to many in Indian society. People like Xavier and Rumi indulge in the seedy side of life, while others like Dimple believe it is the only life possible for them. Others, like Rashid, want to capitalize on their position in life, as well as the addictions and selfishness of others – so they open drug houses. At the same time, responsible Indians are thriving in their own lives...