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tishywishy's review against another edition
2.0
So I was bored with this book. It's not terrible but it's not terribly exciting either. The Jha's have an interesting time navigating their new wealth and social status. They move to an upper class neighbourhood and Mr. Jha spends most of his time trying to match or outdo his new, ultra rich neighbour (who is also trying to do the same to Mr. Jha). It had the potential to be funny but just didn't nail it. Rupak was like a teenage boy. I literally rolled my eyes for his story lines. The audiobook narrator was good tho.
sst723's review against another edition
3.0
I liked this book. I found it very interesting. I don't know much about Indian culture, and I thought this novel provided insight. I think that this book lacked plot generally.
roseleaf24's review against another edition
4.0
This was closer to 3/3.5 Stars for the first two-thirds of it. The Windfall is written in 3rd person, but our perspective switches between five characters. Two of them, Mrs. Jhu and Mrs. Ray, I liked the whole time. But the men, Mr. Jhu, Mr. Chopra, and Rupak, were unlikeable. How much of that is the satire, how much is cultural, and how much is a female author but writing men as sympathetically as she writes women, I'm not sure. All of these five characters experience growth and come out of the satirical worlds they were trying to fit into by the end. Basu does an excellent job of showing the negative assumptions we make about others at all levels of status, the toxic nature of gossip, and the interaction between the Indian and American cultures.
shhchar's review against another edition
3.0
Loved the cast of characters in here; they were both charming and irritating in the right ways. It was a very humorous and satirical read, just felt that it ended rather rushed and the side characters got the short end of the stick in efforts to solve the main plot line, which didn't actually feel properly solved.
babyruth510's review against another edition
3.0
3 1/2 stars. A fun, quick and entertaining summer read.
rmarcin's review against another edition
3.0
A light read about keeping up with the Joneses. This story is set primarily in India, and sometimes in NY, and is about a family with newly acquired wealth from the sale of a business. Mr. Jha is consumed with impressions of wealth, moving to a wealthier neighborhood, purchasing a Mercedes, purchasing a sofa with Swarovski crystals, etc. in an effort to impress his new neighbors. His wife is not nearly as excited about making the move. Their son is struggling to finish his MBA in NY and trying to keep his American girlfriend a secret.
This story is all about what other people think instead of finding what matters most to you and pursuing it.
It was cute and funny at times, but I was hoping for more from this novel. To me, it just went on too long. Be true to yourself - and don't care what others think! You will be much happier if you follow this in your life.
This story is all about what other people think instead of finding what matters most to you and pursuing it.
It was cute and funny at times, but I was hoping for more from this novel. To me, it just went on too long. Be true to yourself - and don't care what others think! You will be much happier if you follow this in your life.
christinetibs's review against another edition
I enjoyed the Windfall, it balanced heart and humor so well, with wonderful characters and imagery.
However, I really wanted to linger longer on some of the characters in the novel, particularly Johnny. Who, had the potential to be more than 1 dimensional but with so many stories going on he was lost. I wish the book had been longer or the climax had played out earlier so we could see these characters in the days after - not just weeks. I would have loved to see their true selves in that different way.
I loved the Chopra’s surprising compassion and the ease in which Reema found happiness. It also made me genuinely laugh out loud multiple times - the quips kept coming!
However, I really wanted to linger longer on some of the characters in the novel, particularly Johnny. Who, had the potential to be more than 1 dimensional but with so many stories going on he was lost. I wish the book had been longer or the climax had played out earlier so we could see these characters in the days after - not just weeks. I would have loved to see their true selves in that different way.
I loved the Chopra’s surprising compassion and the ease in which Reema found happiness. It also made me genuinely laugh out loud multiple times - the quips kept coming!
katzreads's review against another edition
2.0
I read it on the airplane on my way to Spain, and it was a great way to pass the time, but not as good as I had hoped it would be. The blurbs said it was "hilarious," but I didn't find it to be all that funny. In fact, parts of it were actually quite sad.
christenebs's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.5
A lighthearted and humorous rags to riches but also money can’t buy happiness story.