Delhi Noir (Akashic Noir) (Paperback)

~ Hirsh Sawhney (Editor)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Starred Review. For those whose view of India is shaped by The Jewel in the Crown, conversations with a call-in center or even Slumdog Millionaire, this anthology in Akashic's noir series will register simultaneously as a shock, an education and an entertainment. All 14 stories are briskly paced, beautifully written and populated by vivid, original characters. Standouts include How I Lost My Clothes, Radhika Jha's account of the bizarre robbery of a yuppie drug addict; Hissing Cobras, Nalinaksha Bhattacharya's tale of a meddlesome mother-in-law who meets her death in a temple; and Siddharth Chowdhury's Hostel, which concerns the horrific history of a piece of real estate. Small Fry—Meera Nair's unforgettable story of a young con artist—depicts the day he deserts his mentor/abuser and the scams they run in a city bus station. Few books can alter one's perception about the state of a society, but this does, while delivering noir that's first-class in any light. (Aug.)
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From Booklist

The latest offering in Akashic’s international noir series takes readers to the dangerous and alluring capital city of India. Lacking the intense atmosphere coveyed in Trinidad Noir (2008), these stories still retain a strong sense of place—the reader never loses sight of the contemporary Indian setting. The collection is also notable for polished writing and strongly plotted stories, making it one of the most consistent in the series. The strong opener “Yesterday Man,” featuring a tough female PI, may be the highlight. A good introduction to contemporary crime writing in India. --Jessica Moyer

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Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Akashic Books (August 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 193335478X
• ISBN-13: 978-1933354781
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.2 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #188,519 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Delhi Noir, September 15, 2009

By	Manbir Chowdhary (Orange County, CA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The ancient Indian capital is the latest venue of the Noir Series and "India Uncut" is the most apt description that comes to mind. A talented line-up of writers, including both seasoned and new, tell tales of an urban existence unadulterated by political correctness, the agendas of governments and corporations, or the common perception of modern India as an emerging, secular superpower. Delhi Noir proves to be a thoroughly vivid, entertaining and insightful read. In editor Hirsh Sawhney's own words: "It's only natural that Delhi's book buying and publishing citizens would avoid such writing. Any insight into their hometown's ugly entrails would threaten their guilt-free gilded existence and the bubble of nationalistic euphoria in which their lives are contained."

0 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Below Expectations and very Sleazy, September 28, 2009

By	Sandeep (San Francisco,USA) - See all my reviews

I had high expectations about this book when i picked it up, but it turned out to a bunch of boring stories written by amateurs. Most of the stories are high on sleaze and abuse rather than concentrating on the genre of the book which is supposed to be mystery. Being an Indian and having lived in Delhi for more than 4 years, I was very eager to read this book. It was a total let down. I would advise non Indians to not read this book as this can have a negative impact on your idea of India and Delhi in particular. There is too much sleaze in all the stories and I would not recommend it for readers who are not looking for it.

Final verdict : Disappointing