Book Review: Six Days In Bombay
Book Name: Six Days In Bombay
Author: Alka Joshi
Publisher: HarperCollins
Genre: Contemporary & Century Historical Fiction
Six Days in Bombay by Alka Joshi is a compelling historical fiction that transports readers to a world set in 1937.
Review
Have you read a book that looked like a mystery but ended with an exploration and the protagonist's journey of self-discovery? This book comes with the same experience.
The story follows the life of Sona Falstaff, a half-Indian, half-British nurse living in Bombay with her mother in a small house. During her stay in Bombay, she grew exponentially in various aspects of life, from living a shadowed life under her mother's influence to emerging and exploring foreign lands on her own. The title of the book has a significance in the plotline, which I will leave for readers to discover as they read the book. In May 1937, Sona met a patient, Mira, in the hospital, who was full of life and became the reason for Sona's growth, leaving her with a motive before she died tragically.
Sona embarked on a journey to unknown lands, looking for people she did not even know, but based on the characteristics shared by Mira, she found each person. The story reflects determination and self-discovery. Moreover, while it might appear to be an exploration of the protagonist's journey, the author also explores various themes in this book, including identity, belonging, courage, mystery, and revelation.
The character development or, to be precise, the protagonist's growth and the shift in her confidence will inspire readers and help them understand how being decisive can change their lives and open new opportunities. Sona is an inspiration with whom readers will connect, witnessing imprints of their own lives in hers, as she lived through it all, facing injustice yet receiving the best in the end, making her life fulfilling. Dr. Stoddard, a father figure that every woman deserves at the right time, acted as a guiding light in Sona's path after she lost her mother. There are more characters, each relatable and so real that readers will enjoy learning about their roles in Sona's life.
The author's writing style is compelling, poignant, thought-provoking, and immersive, keeping readers hooked until the end. The imagery throughout the different cities in India and abroad is meticulously painted in her words. The emotions are well-portrayed, making readers reflect on the injustice Sona faced, as it often feels like she did not deserve all that happened to her.
The book will stay with readers long after they have turned the last page, as Sona is a powerful character who will keep reminding them to take that one step they have been afraid to take not because they are not content with themselves, but because that one step can change their lives and lead them toward a journey they always wished to conquer in the back of their minds but were timid to act upon.
To the lovers of mystery, self-discovery, and historical fiction, this book is a must-read. It is that one book I would like to read again and again.
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