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riverwise's review against another edition
4.0
Karachi is an underreported city in the West. I have to confess I had no idea it was a big as it is - 20 million people! This book takes a look at several intertwined lives there, from . It focuses on the poorer and undeveloped parts of the city - the author alludes to the richer districts of Clifton and Defence, but we don’t spend any real time there - so it’s not a complete picture of the megalopolis, but it is an eye opener. Running gun battles in the streets, entire districts under the control of gangs, the complete entanglement of politics and crime, these aren’t things this Bristolian is used to. Shackle makes the streets come alive, with a vivd and evocative sense of place. The people she follows are drawn in well rounded and sympathetic prose. They may be living in a very different world to mine, but the common humanity is clear, and the book is best when it focuses on these small moments of decency and courage. Safdar the ambulance driver in particular is a real hero. The saddest story is Jannat’s, a bright young woman whose schooling is cut short by circumstance and tradition (although I should make it clear that she doesn’t seem to be unhappy or regretful). A very interesting book that opened a window onto a society previously largely unknown to me past cliche, well worth a read.
sarah_faichney's review against another edition
4.0
"Karachi Vice'' is a deeply engaging work of narrative non-fiction. The extent of Samira Shackle's research, visits and interviews is clear throughout. These aren't characters in a story. They're real people, with rich lives which Shackle explores with empathy and respect. The book provides some historical detail, particularly with regards to politics. Glossaries and timelines are provided and I found this helpful. Shackle paints a beautifully nuanced portrait of the city of Karachi through the eyes of its residents. I found the book to be an extremely interesting and informative read.
rhodamack09's review against another edition
4.0
Samira Shackle has been reporting on life in Karachi as a freelance journalist for over a decade, so she knows the lay of the land. Karachi Vice is a work of narrative non-fiction that brings together the stories of five individuals to give the reader a real insight into life in Karachi. Through extensive interviews, and spending time with each individual, Shackle has taken their voices out into the world. I can't help but think how brave these individuals are to have shared their stories, and to admire how Shackle has interweaved them into this eye-opening read. She not only tells the story of these people, but she captures the characters of her subjects. The result of which is a fascinating book that I shall be thinking about for quite some time.
bookishconnections's review against another edition
5.0
A remarkable book describing a city that is both complicated and violent but also incredibly hopeful.
Even amongst the chaos and violence humanity remains and people truly care for others.
This book is the study of 5 different people and their experience of the city they call home.
At times heartbreaking and incredibly visceral this is a book not to be missed.
Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this and absorb this work.
Even amongst the chaos and violence humanity remains and people truly care for others.
This book is the study of 5 different people and their experience of the city they call home.
At times heartbreaking and incredibly visceral this is a book not to be missed.
Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this and absorb this work.
shark67372's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
reflective
tense
medium-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, Sexism, Religious bigotry, Police brutality, Medical content, Mass/school shootings, Injury/Injury detail, Hate crime, and Gun violence
Minor: Fire/Fire injury, Sexual harassment, and Sexual assault