A review by chapterchatswithcaroline
Bombay Bhel by Ken Doyle

emotional funny informative inspiring lighthearted reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? N/A
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.0

Bombay bhel is a rare but wonderful collection of 9 short stories shown to us through the eyes of writer Ken Doyle.

Set in then Bombay now Mumbai & true to its name Bombay bhel is uniquely a sweet, tangy, pungent & spicy bhel of stories reminiscent of the life, love, innocence, struggles, culture, heritage & traditions of the people & its communities in Bombay.

Each of the stories also gives the readers a glimpse into the Goan - Anglo Indian community in which the writer grew up. From Jesuit priest to the all famous Prawn balchao, from places like Crawford market to Dockyard road this book have a little of it all.

The stories that touch me most were:
Cats: The story of Neil Sequeria who inherits a fortune as he innocently befriends and tries to save the home of Eleanor an elderly, older women.

The wedding gift: The story of an newly married couple who begin life in their new home at Pearly gates.

The deep blue sea: A love story which doesn't see the light of the day due to caste and cultural differences.

Bhel Plaza: Another emotional stories between a war veteran turned bhel puri wala and a bidding writer Nancy. 

Recommended, if you are someone living in Mumbai or someone who is simple in love with this city.