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saira_09's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
The book is an useful account of the often neglected early settlers of South Bombay and the multifaceted lives they led. The stories are poignant, heartwarming and in places funny. The conclusions aren’t thrust onto the reader and there’s space for the reader to arrive at their own conclusion and absorb new information revealed suddenly. The stories can feel a bit disconnected at times - however, the overarching idea of emotions it intends to convey stands out throughout.
shraddhapai's review against another edition
emotional
funny
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
srishtigupta's review against another edition
5.0
What an endearing, heartwarming read! Loved loved it. Wish I would have read this faster initially, since I practically finished the second half in a single sitting.
Also, both of Mario's chapters made me just
Also, both of Mario's chapters made me just
adhvaya's review against another edition
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
veens212's review against another edition
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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
4.0
This is such a beautifully written book focusing on a small community of Catholics who are Goan immigrants and their families settled in Cavel. Spanning decades, this book in no chronological order takes us through the chaotic life of people, who call this small stretch their home. This book talks about their traditions, the prejudices, their heart annd their pain in a very light hearted way annd also about the Goan food, which we all are fan of. But I must confess, I had no idea what Balchao was until I read this book, and now one of the things I want to do is taste it :) The first story very calmly roped me in, and it was unputdownable from then on. I hated some characters [read Annette], loved some [ read Michael ] and rooted for some [read ELena]. There were many many Hilarious episodes and some that made me sad, but overall this book is part nostalgia and part a history lesson wrapped in neat storytelling.
I loved it.
I loved it.
vsra's review against another edition
4.0
The characters are well crafted and as the novel goes through their lives in no chronological order, you slowly see the story of Cavel and it's people emerge. Great writing.
fidoe's review against another edition
4.0
Week 24 Book 18
Bombay Balchao by Jane Borges
Rating 4/5
Set in a quiet old neighbourhood Cavel in South Mumbai, Bombay Balchao revolves around the always interesting Catholic community of Bombay. Spanning over 7 decades (from 1930s to 2000s), it traces the origins of the various kinds of Catholics (there are 3 - East Indians, Goans, and Mangalorean) in Cavel, through the engrossing lives of the residents (and their ancestors and descendents too) of Bosco Mansion and nearby buildings on D'Lima Road.
From love triangles to heart breaks, petty fights to romances, bustling families to lone widows, scandalous marriages to bickering couples, property fights to friendship in the sunset years - Cavel boasts of a motley group of characters, whose lives are inescapably intertwined with each others, sometimes to their joy and sometimes, their chagrin. BB is a collection of anecdotes, each concentrating on a certain family or bunch of characters.
I recently read another book of short stories about Goans by a renowned and awarded author, but they left me with a sense of despondency. BB though, was a wonderful narration of the ways of the community - not everything was happy, but there was enough fun, romance, and emotions to offset the not so happy parts, much like life!
BB is a fun, quick, breezy read, very enjoyable. I loved learning about the catholic community. It would be a sin not to mention an important aspect of the book - the food, especially Balchao! Balchao is a seafood spicy pickle, which is as much of a character in the book as the people, along with a host of other mouth watering dishes that the women kept churning for various occasions, from Xacuti to fish curries to sweet confections to homemade wines - I suggest sitting with something to eat when reading, as it may make you hungry!
Bottom Line : Must read!
Bombay Balchao by Jane Borges
Rating 4/5
Set in a quiet old neighbourhood Cavel in South Mumbai, Bombay Balchao revolves around the always interesting Catholic community of Bombay. Spanning over 7 decades (from 1930s to 2000s), it traces the origins of the various kinds of Catholics (there are 3 - East Indians, Goans, and Mangalorean) in Cavel, through the engrossing lives of the residents (and their ancestors and descendents too) of Bosco Mansion and nearby buildings on D'Lima Road.
From love triangles to heart breaks, petty fights to romances, bustling families to lone widows, scandalous marriages to bickering couples, property fights to friendship in the sunset years - Cavel boasts of a motley group of characters, whose lives are inescapably intertwined with each others, sometimes to their joy and sometimes, their chagrin. BB is a collection of anecdotes, each concentrating on a certain family or bunch of characters.
I recently read another book of short stories about Goans by a renowned and awarded author, but they left me with a sense of despondency. BB though, was a wonderful narration of the ways of the community - not everything was happy, but there was enough fun, romance, and emotions to offset the not so happy parts, much like life!
BB is a fun, quick, breezy read, very enjoyable. I loved learning about the catholic community. It would be a sin not to mention an important aspect of the book - the food, especially Balchao! Balchao is a seafood spicy pickle, which is as much of a character in the book as the people, along with a host of other mouth watering dishes that the women kept churning for various occasions, from Xacuti to fish curries to sweet confections to homemade wines - I suggest sitting with something to eat when reading, as it may make you hungry!
Bottom Line : Must read!
varora's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
solaceinliterature's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-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
3.5