A review by veens212
Bombay Balchao by Jane Borges

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.