In 'How to Get Filthy Rich in Rising Asia,' Mohsin Hamid presents a captivating tale about ambition, desire, and the pursuit of wealth in a rapidly modernizing society. Through the eyes of a nameless protagonist, readers navigate the challenges of love, capitalism, and the societal forces that shape success. The narrative cleverly unfolds in a self-help format, offering insights into both the pitfalls and pleasures of striving for riches. As the character's journey unfolds, it raises poignant questions about the costs of wealth and the meaning of happiness. This literary gem is both a critique and celebration of the aspirations that drive us, making it a must-read for anyone intrigued by the complexity of life in a changing world.
By Mohsin Hamid
Published: 2014
""You will be wealthy, but you will also be lonely; you will have everything you desire, but you will still yearn for connection.""
"Mr. Hamid reaffirms his place as one of his generation's most inventive and gifted writers." –Michiko Kakutani, The New York Times "A globalized version of The Great Gatsby . . . [Hamid's] book is nearly that good." –Alan Cheuse, NPR "Marvelous and moving." –TIME Magazine From the internationally bestselling author of The Reluctant Fundamentalist and Exit West, the boldly imagined tale of a poor boy’s quest for wealth and love His first two novels established Mohsin Hamid as a radically inventive storyteller with his finger on the world’s pulse. How to Get Filthy Rich in Rising Asia meets that reputation—and exceeds it. The astonishing and riveting tale of a man’s journey from impoverished rural boy to corporate tycoon, it steals its shape from the business self-help books devoured by ambitious youths all over “rising Asia.” It follows its nameless hero to the sprawling metropolis where he begins to amass an empire built on that most fluid, and increasingly scarce, of goods: water. Yet his heart remains set on something else, on the pretty girl whose star rises along with his, their paths crossing and recrossing, a lifelong affair sparked and snuffed and sparked again by the forces that careen their fates along. How to Get Filthy Rich in Rising Asia is a striking slice of contemporary life at a time of crushing upheaval. Romantic without being sentimental, political without being didactic, and spiritual without being religious, it brings an unflinching gaze to the violence and hope it depicts. And it creates two unforgettable characters who find moments of transcendent intimacy in the midst of shattering change.
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“"You will be wealthy, but you will also be lonely; you will have everything you desire, but you will still yearn for connection."”
How to Get Filthy Rich in Rising Asia
By Mohsin Hamid
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Mohsin Hamid is a celebrated Pakistani author known for his thought-provoking novels that explore themes of identity, migration, and the human condition. Born in Lahore in 1971, he spent part of his childhood in the United States and has lived in various countries, which informs much of his work. His acclaimed books, including "The Reluctant Fundamentalist" and "Exit West," have received numerous awards and are widely taught in schools and universities. Hamid's writing blends literary fiction with contemporary issues, making him a prominent voice in global literature. In addition to his novels, he has contributed essays and commentary to leading publications, further establishing his role as an insightful commentator on socio-political issues.
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