Novel set in Delhi (a glimpse into everyday life)

19th November 2017

The Windfall by Diksha Basu, novel set in Delhi.

A real comedy of manners, taking a peak behind the facades of Delhi homes. Charming and well written, this novel will transport you to this part of India with humour and insight into human relationships.

The novel opens as Mr and Mrs Jha – the formal undertone seems very entrenched in Indian culture – are preparing for an up-market move from Mayur Palli in East Delhi to Gurgaon in the south west. Mr Jha has sold a successful company which has made them wealthy. Their son Rupak is doing his MBA in Ithaca, New York State and as a family they couldn’t wish for anything better than their current status quo.

Mrs Jha is leaving her friends behind, including Mrs Ray and all the familiar sounds and sights of the area. She is truly cast adrift in a sea of money. They have chosen a rather austere new-build next to Mr and Mrs Chopra, and Mr Jha becomes fixated on keeping up appearances, as he negotiates his way through the upper echelons of society. Does he really envy the imitation and stylised Sistene Chapel adorning the inner hall of the Chopra’s house? The wealthy characters seem uneasy with how to be around each which leads to set piece humour and insecurities laid bare.

Different pressures await the Jhas in the their new enclave whilst yearning for the ease and familiarity of their old home. But whatever social strata the characters inhabit, gossip is rife, tongues wag at the drop of a hat. A quick excursion to visit Rupak, who behind the scenes is tying himself in knots with his amorous liaisons. Should he follow his heart or should he play safe and follow family tradition and find an Indian partner? Overall the pull of Indian tradition whilst trying to grapple with Western ideas permeates the entertaining narrative, characters coping and adjusting in a rapidly changing India. It does feel stereotyped at times but the author has a lightness of touch that carries the story forward.

The author seems to delight in bringing the city of Delhi to throbbing life and her characters navigate their way to Dill Haat Market. One of the characters enjoys a guava from a street vendor, dousing it in a spicy orange masala (I was left wondering how that might taste!). Bathroom habits, street etiquette, and mentions of the whisky of choice, Black Label; apparently India is a huge whisky drinking nation. Who knew?

A delightful novel that offers a glimpse into the everyday lives of Delhiites.

Tina for the TripFiction Team

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