A review by spongebobbiii
Six Days in Bombay by Alka Joshi

emotional reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

Has your life ever been changed by a chance meeting?

Six Days in Bombay by Alka Joshi beautifully explores how a single encounter with the right person at the right time can completely change the course of your life.

Alka Joshi, author of The Henna Artist, takes readers to 1930s Bombay, India, with a vivid and immersive narrative. The story centers on Sona, a 23-year-old biracial nurse (British and Indian), whose life intertwines with Mira Novak, a renowned biracial painter famous for depicting Indian women. Their meeting sparks a transformative journey for Sona, filled with emotional growth and self-discovery.

What I Loved:
  • Sona’s character: I adored her growth arc, especially her evolving relationship with her mother. Joshi writes such multidimensional characters that they feel like real people you’d want to know.
  • Historical depth: Joshi brilliantly captures the political tension between India and Britain in the 1930s. Her research shines through, and the author’s note adds even more depth—Joshi traveled to every country featured in the book to ensure accuracy.
  • Mira Novak’s inspiration: Mira is based on Amrita Sher-Gil, a Hungarian-Indian painter and pioneer of modern Indian art. Her richly colored paintings, many of which were self-portraits, are legendary. Joshi says, “Amrita Sher-Gil is my inspiration for this novel, and it’s important to me that she and her work are not forgotten.”
  • SCU connection: As an alum of Santa Clara University, I loved seeing a shout-out to an SCU history professor in Joshi’s author’s note!
  • The ending: Wow, just wow. It kept me on my toes and completely surprised me.

What I Struggled With:
  • The pacing: The first half of the book felt a bit slow. While I was never bored—thanks to Joshi’s stunning writing and well-developed characters—it did take some time for the main plot to fully unfold.

Themes:
  • Trial and error of emotional growth: After meeting Mira, Sona embarks on a journey of emotional self-discovery.
  • Courage to live the life you want: Sona learns to step into her dreams, even when it means doing so with fear in her heart.

Six Days in Bombay is another gem from Alka Joshi, blending history, art, and deeply personal journeys in a way that’s unforgettable.

I was provided a copy via the publisher through NetGalley, but all thoughts are my own.