Smashbomb

Three semi-related stories about India show us the less seemly side of the country. The prose is lush yet simple, and the characters well drawn. Moreover, it is obvious that Theroux both knows and loves India and everything that the characters go through seem realistic and authentic. The couple who are drawn to the spa and its employees, the businessman who tries, but cannot ignore the seedier side of the city and the young woman staying at an ashram trying to escape her life.

While it drags a touch in places, overall an interesting book - but not his finest.