Capitalism: A ghost story by Arundhati Roy

"Capitalism: A ghost story" by Arundhati Roy. This book is published by Haymarket books in 2014 and has 128 pages. It's a collection of her essays on various topics.

'Capitalism a ghost story' is an essay on the theme: Capitalism is destroying planet. Author sees corporate philanthropy as a ploy. She criticizes the use or misuse of foundations funded by corporations to further business interests. Tata and Ambani group seem to be on her hit list. She blames upper class communist leadership for the rift between dalits and communists viz Bhimrao Ambedkar and S.A. Dange.

'I'd rather not be Anna' is an essay about Anna Hazare where author says that his means may be Gandhian but demands are certainly not, because Gandhiji's ideas were about decentralization of power and Jan Lokpal bill is a draconian anti corruption law. She questions why Anna did not talk about a number of other issues?

'Dead men talking' is an essay about government's persecution of troublesome news gatherers and disseminators i.e journalists. She quoted examples of  deportation of US radio-journalist David Barsamian and Prof Richard Shapiro. Harassment of Gautam Navlakha, Lingram Kodopi, Himanshu Kumar, Kartana Joga etc.

In 'Kashmir's fruits for discord' she voices her controversial opinion about Kashmir, insurgency and atrocities by armed forces.

In 'A perfect day for democracy' she actually says that Afzal Guru, who was hanged for Parliament Attack, was innocent. Is she challenging the courts?

In 'Consequences of hanging Afzal Guru' she, unbelievably, says that by executing Guru government of India has taken a decision to fuel process of destabilization and invited it in. Laughable argument!

In 'Speech to the people's university' she spells what she wants and enumerates her demands.

The book contains appalling revelations about the oppression of poor by the rich, mineral war in central India and government atrocities. She also throws light on the nexus between government, businessmen, institutions and NGOs.

Interesting perspective is that big businesses are trying to alter public opinion, notably of middle class, by sponsoring literary fests, magazines, competitions etc. The question is: Is it possible to change opinion of middle class by these measures? Is the middle class so naive or simply ignorant?

The observations and arguments made by author range from studious, insightful, thoughtful, hypocritical, provocative and laughable. She presents only one side.

Author is known for her left leaning. She avoids commenting on failure of communism world wide. The book does not contain any introspection. Author keeps complaining and accusing the people in power without suggesting solutions or alternatives. She complains about right wing, center, left wing politicians, establishment, businessmen, rich and activists. In short almost everyone. Thus author's tirade against capitalism comes out as a rant against the business houses, institutions funded by them, NGOs and cry about the suppression of poor and 'innocent communists'.

The book was written in 2014, before the general elections in India. Author has predicted the outcome of elections confidently. Needless to say that each of her prediction turned out to be wrong.

Read for nuggets of information, ignore the laughable arguments.