Take a photo of a barcode or cover
skam99's review against another edition
fast-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? No
4.0
kavity85's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
prachie_lit's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
silverpanda's review against another edition
funny
informative
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.5
suhasa010's review against another edition
4.0
An underrated gem!
Simple, delightful and lovely stories of the residents of Bosco Mansion (Bombay) in different times, different situations and different mindsets.
Each of the 12 stories is an account of an incident or connected incidents happening with one of the families in the Bosco Mansion and is interconnected with one another in some way. When you put it all together you get a sense of the overall story and the things that each character has been through.
My favourite chapter is the letter exchange between Michael and Ellena. There are many other amusing and heart-warming (and sometimes heartbreaking) ones like the one with exorcism, The Water Fiasco, A Friend Called Joe and the final titular chapter.
A fun and fast read which leaves you wanting more, you don't want to leave Michael or Ellena or Annette or Mario alone. You want to hear more of their stories. Also the audiobook narration by Meher Acharia Dar is lovely and on point. Her tone changes according to the emotion of the story were impeccable. Her accents and the sarcastic tone were really hilarious.
Here's hoping a little that there comes a sequel with more stories (however improbable it is)....
Simple, delightful and lovely stories of the residents of Bosco Mansion (Bombay) in different times, different situations and different mindsets.
Each of the 12 stories is an account of an incident or connected incidents happening with one of the families in the Bosco Mansion and is interconnected with one another in some way. When you put it all together you get a sense of the overall story and the things that each character has been through.
My favourite chapter is the letter exchange between Michael and Ellena. There are many other amusing and heart-warming (and sometimes heartbreaking) ones like the one with exorcism, The Water Fiasco, A Friend Called Joe and the final titular chapter.
A fun and fast read which leaves you wanting more, you don't want to leave Michael or Ellena or Annette or Mario alone. You want to hear more of their stories. Also the audiobook narration by Meher Acharia Dar is lovely and on point. Her tone changes according to the emotion of the story were impeccable. Her accents and the sarcastic tone were really hilarious.
Here's hoping a little that there comes a sequel with more stories (however improbable it is)....
shubhamshetty's review against another edition
4.0
A series of interlinked stories all set in the small Catholic enclave of Cavel in Southern Bombay, Bombay Balchao is another great addition to that unique Indian literature subgenre- the Bombay novel. Author Jane Borges gives a great insight into the city's Catholic community (East Indians, Goans, Mangaloreans) through non-linear short stories, which each act to paint a picture of some of the various residents of the Bosco mansion, that ultimately comes together to form a larger picture of the city from Independence to the modern time through the eyes of the community. I found the stories to be greatly amusing, sharp, and not lacking for punch, very much like the titular balchão pickle. In my opinion, this novel is another great addition to the Bombay novel subgenre.