A Feast of Vultures

A Feast of Vultures is an investigative examination of modern India's democracy by journalist Josy Joseph, published in 2016. The book documents the connection between business and political power in India through extensive research and investigation. The narrative follows both small-scale and large-scale examples of corruption, from village-level infrastructure needs to major corporate dealings. Joseph tracks how intermediaries and power brokers operate at every level of Indian society, creating a system where personal connections determine access to government services and business opportunities. The investigation exposes how this network of middlemen and fixers has become institutionalized, affecting everything from basic civic amenities to high-level policy decisions. The text presents specific cases and evidence involving prominent business houses and political figures. The book reveals fundamental questions about the nature of democracy and governance in contemporary India, particularly how informal power structures can undermine formal democratic institutions. The stark contrast between the experiences of ordinary citizens and elite power brokers forms the central tension of this investigation.

Readers describe the book as a detailed exposé of corruption in Indian business and politics, backed by investigative journalism and specific case studies. Positive reviews highlight: - Clear documentation of how power brokers and middlemen operate - Real examples that trace money trails and illegal dealings - The author's courage in naming specific corrupt individuals - Accessible writing style that explains complex systems Common criticisms: - Some case studies feel incomplete or unresolved - Focus mainly on aviation sector examples - Lack of proposed solutions or ways forward - Writing can be repetitive in places Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (1,000+ ratings) Amazon India: 4.3/5 (500+ ratings) "Finally someone had the guts to write about what everyone knows but never talks about," noted one Amazon reviewer. A Goodreads review countered that the book "leaves you feeling helpless about the deep-rooted nature of corruption without suggesting any remedies."

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🔍 The book took over 6 years of extensive research and more than 2,000 interviews to complete 📰 Author Josy Joseph received the Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Award, often called "India's Pulitzer" 💼 The book's publication led to investigations by India's Central Bureau of Investigation into several high-profile cases mentioned in its pages 🏢 One of the book's major revelations involves the questionable dealings in India's aviation sector, particularly regarding airline licenses and routes 🌍 Despite facing multiple legal challenges and threats after publication, the book became a national bestseller and has been translated into several Indian languages