NARCOPOLIS
narc- originated from the Greek word nark which means sleep, meaning numbness.
po·lis (/ˈpōləs/) – A state or a society; originated from the ancient Greek city named polis.
The most striking feature about the book is that the prologue is of seven pages and one sentence. Yes! One sentence. It is so beautifully written that you don't realize that you have read seven whole pages in one sentence.
Bombay, which obliterated its own history by changing its name and surgically altering its face, is the hero or heroine of this story – these are the words with which Jeet Thayil begins his debut book “Narcopolis” and in my opinion, is one of the best opening lines. The book is about the lives of a few people, bound together by a common passion – Opium, and about Bombay, in a way we have never heard of before.
Bombay is stripped off its glamour, riches, beaches, skylines and we are taken to Shuklaji Street, to Rashid’s opium den, and are impelled to see the other side of Bombay. It is such a hard hitting book that it engulfs the reader to associate with its emotion and incidents.
“I found Bombay and opium, the drug and the city, the city of opium and the drug Bombay.”
This book changes the way one sees old Bombay. It reveals those dark sides which one does not even wish to be associated.
Yet, those were the times when people around Shuklajis street were merrier when they were high intoxicated with drugs. Rashids chandukhana was there in that street which catered its customers with finest of O.
Yet, those were the times when people around Shuklajis street were merrier when they were high intoxicated with drugs. Rashids chandukhana was there in that street which catered its customers with finest of O.
Dimple, the eunuch pipeman who worked at hijras brothel as well as Rashids chandukhana. Customers loved her. Slowly she also entered into the world of O, filled with oblivion, lust and passion.
The Chinaman Mr.Lee had his own part to play. He served in certain wars. He brought antique pipes to Rashids khana. He is an interesting person.
Rumi, a small opium entrepreneur and his addiction to O and then his rehab.
Narcopolis journeys through 1970's to 2000. It showcases the detailed and varying addiction - first opium then garad heroin and cocaine which. Then there were chandukhanas like Rashids, now there are bars and nightclubs.
What is changed is the city being once called Bombay is now called Mumbai ; the habits have changed and the addictions have changed. But what remains unchanged is the state of heart of its citizens.
Its a must have on bookshelves. And well, it was nominated for the Man Booker prize 2012, if you want a reason to read it.
Hope you liked it.
