How to Get Filthy Rich in Rising Asia

A Novel

By: Mohsin Hamid

Narrated by: Mohsin Hamid

From the internationally bestselling author of The Reluctant Fundamentalist, 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.

sweet, different

I like that this was written in the second person narrative. I quite enjoyed it

An amazing new way to blend fiction with nonfiction ideas and a hint of philosophy

The bland of fiction and parallels with modern self help books is a really clever premise. The characters are not as well written as other titles by Mohsin, and I found I was not drawn in by the story overall, but the unique twist to the way the story is told was excellent.

Excellent listen

I have read the author’s other books and I was curious about this one. This one is a story that spans the main character’s life from early childhood to his old age. Through it we see the socio-economic, political and cultural events and trends play out as he navigates through his world with his aspirations and challenges. It’s an epic story disguised as a self-help book. And along the way, the author feeds you with his choice morsels of his insights into life, Asia, the global stage. His narration is dry and even a little matter of fact. Much in contrast to a lot of events. I liked it.

Recommended

Concentrated goodness. A uncommon and sublime combination of vagueness and clarity in a convenient morsel.

Breathtaking

I was taken on a journey that I didn't want to end. But as the author portrays in this well narrated look in the mirror, it all eventually comes to an end.