The End of Karma

March 1, 2016

In this story of India's younger generation, New York Times writer Sengupta does a wonderful job of detailing the distinct lives of seven young individuals (one could argue that the author is the eighth, as she folds her experiences into the work) struggling to fulfill their educational and economic dreams. These aspirations, which are deemed a right among the country's youth, come into conflict with an older generation and a nation that cannot provide for its citizens basic services such as water, electricity, education, and jobs. While Sengupta sees change and hope for the younger set, she doesn't provide any easy answers to what will happen in the future. VERDICT Beginning in 2011 and continuing until 2030, around ten million Indians will turn 18 each year and start their search for a college education, a job, and personal independence. This volume looks at a few individuals simultaneously succeeding and failing to find their way in modern India. Highly recommended for anyone interested in India past and present as well as women's issues. [See Prepub Alert, 9/28/15.]--Melissa Aho, Univ. of Minnesota Bio-Medical Lib., Minneapolis

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