A review by rubybubbles
The Thing about Thugs by Tabish Khair

adventurous challenging dark mysterious reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This isn't the typical mystery and includes elements of historical fiction and fantasy. An engaging mystery, the novel follows the life of young Amir and the community of the "unseen" in London into which he eventually lands. Multiple POVs set in contemporary India and Victorian London pull political and social commentary into every page.

The author blends together so many storytelling techniques and styles into one novel, and nudges the reader to question our concept storytelling itself; whose voice, what POV and what cultural/political influences shape how we perceive stories?  

Also, the writing is excellent!