''Daaku'' is a 2006 Canadian crime fiction novel by Ranj Dhaliwal.

Synopsis

In the violent and ruthless world of Indo–Canadian gangs, Ruby Pandher is on his way up. A self–described daaku (Punjabi for outlaw), Ruby learns young that might, in the form of his drunken father's fists, is right, and that money is easier to steal than earn. Ruby's small–time scams reveal a knack for leadership and after his first stint in youth detention, the big–timers start to notice his potential. Soon, Ruby is doing collections for Indo–Canadian drug dealers. Now "known to police," Ruby is drawn into a gang war just as he's trying to beat the rap on weapons charges and theft –– while simultaneously organizing a jailhouse smuggling ring. On the cusp of adulthood, and surrounded by Punjabi terrorists, bikers and Indo–Canadian gangsters, Ruby is drawn like a moth to the glamour of power, money, and drugs. A story of betrayal, cold–blooded murder and the rise and eventual fall of one gangster, ''Daaku'' is a bullet–riddled grand tour of Indo–Canadian gangland.

Reception

''Daaku'' has been compared to

Martin Scorsese Martin Charles Scorsese ( , ; born November17, 1942) is an American filmmaker. One of the major figures of the New Hollywood era, he has received List of awards and nominations received by Martin Scorsese, many accolades, including an Academ ...

's '' Goodfellas'' and S.E. Hinton's ''

The Outsiders The Outsiders may refer to: Literature and stage * ''The Outsiders'' (novel), a 1967 novel by S. E. Hinton * ''The Outsiders'' (musical), a 2023 musical based on S. E. Hinton's novel * ''The Outsiders'' (play), a 1911 play by Charles Klein * ...

'', "Daaku provides a fascinating look into the gang world's twisted morality, casual murder, commodification of women, and the inevitability of violent demise." says website "Quill and Quire"

References

{{Reflist 2006 Canadian novels Canadian crime novels Novels about organized crime Books by Ranj Dhaliwal