Narcopolis by Jeet Thayil

“Narcopolis” by Jeet Thayil is a novel set in the Bombay (now Mumbai) of the 1970s and 80s. The story revolves around the lives of characters connected to an opium den, and it explores themes of addiction, identity, and the shifting social landscape of the city. Thayil, a poet and novelist, vividly portrays the underworld of Bombay, its inhabitants, and their struggles with drugs and existential questions. The narrative weaves together multiple perspectives, offering a kaleidoscopic view of a city in flux. “Narcopolis” is praised for its lyrical prose, evocative imagery, and unflinching portrayal of the darker aspects of urban life.