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Bombay Hangovers
A collection of short stories set in Bombay.
- GenresShort Stories
216 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2021
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January 16, 2022
Bombay Hangover by Rochelle Potkar, a collection of short stories set in the beautiful yet very secretive city of Bombæ. Just like the city itself, we get to see stories from all walks of life, across genders, age & lifestyle.
Rochelle's writing style and work has vaguely been compared to Manto which made me pick up this book itself. She beautifully depicts the unspoken and unsaid sides of a relationship and life between couples and families.
The collection of stories makes us think about so many things in life. It's all about friendship, love, life and so much more through mere acts of intimacy & sex which we could never evenn think of on a regular basis.
I highly recommend you to read this book through a open mind and see the beauty and complexity of life that has been depicted in this book. Amongst others I will definitely be looking forward to reading more books by this author.
Towards the end of the book the stories thus seem a little bit haywire but nonetheless the starting couple of stories like Kamathipura, The Metamorphosis of Joe Pereira, etc. were brilliant.
Rochelle's writing style and work has vaguely been compared to Manto which made me pick up this book itself. She beautifully depicts the unspoken and unsaid sides of a relationship and life between couples and families.
The collection of stories makes us think about so many things in life. It's all about friendship, love, life and so much more through mere acts of intimacy & sex which we could never evenn think of on a regular basis.
I highly recommend you to read this book through a open mind and see the beauty and complexity of life that has been depicted in this book. Amongst others I will definitely be looking forward to reading more books by this author.
Towards the end of the book the stories thus seem a little bit haywire but nonetheless the starting couple of stories like Kamathipura, The Metamorphosis of Joe Pereira, etc. were brilliant.
June 6, 2021
The next great Bombay book
A unique collection of stories penned across an extremely diverse range of age groups, genders, and lifestyles, set in Bombay. While the stories are short and feel more like reflections than full worlds, Potkar’s talents with language, melody, and prose are unrivaled. I love the way she makes her characters think through sex. She resuscitates the city of Manto with a feminine sigh. She reimagines Indian dynamics of sexuality, relationship, and identity on completely new terms. A very enjoyable read, for anyone who wants to imagine Bombay but from characters you normally don’t hear from.
A unique collection of stories penned across an extremely diverse range of age groups, genders, and lifestyles, set in Bombay. While the stories are short and feel more like reflections than full worlds, Potkar’s talents with language, melody, and prose are unrivaled. I love the way she makes her characters think through sex. She resuscitates the city of Manto with a feminine sigh. She reimagines Indian dynamics of sexuality, relationship, and identity on completely new terms. A very enjoyable read, for anyone who wants to imagine Bombay but from characters you normally don’t hear from.
March 13, 2021
A schoolboy who’s badly injured in a bout of ferocious bullying at school; an ad executive who finds himself being victimized by a wealthy intern; a housewife who’s ostracized by the mothers of the neighbourhood because she has ambitions beyond being a housewife: all three find themselves, separately, alone and cut off from those around them. A security guard dies, and his two wives finally come face to face. A woman at a tryst with her married lover hears the mad ravings of a cuckolded man on the street outside. An odd-job man at a brothel in Kamathipura stakes his all on the horse races.
Rochelle Potkar’s short stories in Bombay Hangovers cover a range of personalities, from all walks of life, all ages, all styles. What makes them so interesting is the way Potkar brings them alive, in the way they talk, in the way they think, what spurs them on, what breaks them. Not all of these are heroes and heroines (though some are, and some are flawed heroes and heroines), but all, in their own way, are very real, and the problems and dilemmas they face are very real. Very real, too, is the way they (usually) end up solving life’s problems—or learning to live with them.
Besides the characters, what sets these stories apart from the run-of-the-mill are the way the setting is conjured up. From a brothel to the decaying home of a lonely old man, from Goa (Potkar’s descriptions of Goa in Salad awoke a yearning in me to go to Goa) to a fabric mill: the milieu is very convincingly done.
Overall, too, most of these stories make for excellent reading. They’re stories of ambition, of friendship, of finding one’s path in life, and so many more things that life is made up of.
A very good collection. I had only two complaints, and I admit this probably qualifies as nitpicking. For one, the (mostly) ambiguous one-word titles of the stories make for poor retention of the story’s name (except in cases like Parfum or Fabric, where what’s happening in the story is directly related to the title); stories like Mist, Salad, Euphoria, Honour, Noise, Morning and Paranoia slide through the cracks of my memory as far as the titles of the stories went; I had to refer back to the stories to remember which ones these were.
Secondly, it looks like the editor ran out of steam somewhere near the end of the book. There are several (admittedly not many) errors here, and the last story The Leaves of the Deodar, has some embarrassing anachronisms.
Rochelle Potkar’s short stories in Bombay Hangovers cover a range of personalities, from all walks of life, all ages, all styles. What makes them so interesting is the way Potkar brings them alive, in the way they talk, in the way they think, what spurs them on, what breaks them. Not all of these are heroes and heroines (though some are, and some are flawed heroes and heroines), but all, in their own way, are very real, and the problems and dilemmas they face are very real. Very real, too, is the way they (usually) end up solving life’s problems—or learning to live with them.
Besides the characters, what sets these stories apart from the run-of-the-mill are the way the setting is conjured up. From a brothel to the decaying home of a lonely old man, from Goa (Potkar’s descriptions of Goa in Salad awoke a yearning in me to go to Goa) to a fabric mill: the milieu is very convincingly done.
Overall, too, most of these stories make for excellent reading. They’re stories of ambition, of friendship, of finding one’s path in life, and so many more things that life is made up of.
A very good collection. I had only two complaints, and I admit this probably qualifies as nitpicking. For one, the (mostly) ambiguous one-word titles of the stories make for poor retention of the story’s name (except in cases like Parfum or Fabric, where what’s happening in the story is directly related to the title); stories like Mist, Salad, Euphoria, Honour, Noise, Morning and Paranoia slide through the cracks of my memory as far as the titles of the stories went; I had to refer back to the stories to remember which ones these were.
Secondly, it looks like the editor ran out of steam somewhere near the end of the book. There are several (admittedly not many) errors here, and the last story The Leaves of the Deodar, has some embarrassing anachronisms.
July 4, 2021
A collection of sixteen short stories set mainly in Bombay (though a couple are set in Goa and Shimla), in different time decades, some before it came to be known as Mumbai. Like the sprawling metropolitan, Potkar’s stories also revolves around characters from different religions, classes and professions living, breathing and dreaming together in a city filled with salt air, congestions, small apartments and never-ending hope. This collection is an examination of humanity, in all its quirks and traits. From associating people with smells to debating about the role of prostitution in society, from the guilt of not fighting for a larger cause to regret of not enjoying infidelity anymore, Potkar doesn’t shy away from introducing unlikeable characters and themes, ideas that a person cannot instinctively agree with but deep down ponders over. Her writing is fluid and descriptions poetic yet crisp, not one extra word in sight. Usually the problem with anthologies is that I end up only liking a couple of stories but that wasn’t the case with Bombay Hangovers, each story was immersive with characterisation so strong that it pulled by in and made me care about them regardless of how short the story was. My favourite stories, however, have got to be The Arithmetic of Breasts, Mist, Euphoria and Paranoia in no particular order.
Since I’ve never reviewed a short story collection before, I didn’t know how to go about it so I ended up jotting my thoughts as I read and pondered over each story. Proceed only if you don’t mind spoilers.
1. The Arithmetic of Breasts
When it began, I was prepared to for Narain to be shallow and a leech, but it turned out to be a sweet story about rules of sexual experimentation, definition of womanhood, and slow developing love. Set from the mid-to late 90s, the tone of the story felt distinctly middle class, what with rules of pleasure being iron clad in the sense that sex before marriage was not an option, so Narain’s primary motivation to marry Munika was essentially her body he was so attracted to. Although he did pause to confirm with himself if she’d make a good wife, and only when the answer was yes, agreed to marry her. The confirmation of a mundane yet happy routine and slow progression of emotional bonding well into their marriage felt sweet and familiar since that has been the case with many arranged marriages around me (though the marriage in the story for all intents and purposes can be termed as a hasty love match). On her part, it was hinted later on that she’d used her breasts to attract her husband and nourish her children and that she didn’t feel too bad about losing one to cancer, since that part of her anatomy had played its part. Both Narain and Munika were so real and endearing, loved it.
Though I could’ve done without “Ummmm! Nourishment!” in reference to him sucking her lactating breasts. Like…no please TMI. The disgusting kind of TMI.
2. Parfum
I’m not sure if I liked women being reduced to their scents, or being declared as empty if they didn’t have a scent, like Marinette was. Stella was also a classic, submissive girl. Am I supposed to like that the wife who was a person of her own, with desires and opinions and a knack for designing being termed as empty when she got tired of his almost snobby focus on perfumes? As if that was the only worthwhile aesthetic and not the aesthetic of vision, sound, spaces? They both were designers but Russi didn’t value her designs. And preferred Stella because she moulded herself and her existence around him to support his valued aesthetic. Russi lived with severe Main Character syndrome all his life, expecting people to dictate their own lives around his and giving back very little in return by way of taking absolutely no responsibility. A narrative about the worse aspects of chasing your passion. I can’t like him at all. Loved the descriptions of smells though, that was a delight to read.
3. Fabric
Kailas was a perfectionist. Miserable all his life due to his own aspirations. Delaying happiness till he found material success. Growing old and bitter. The evils of ambition and idealism I suppose. I value ambition, but ambition without a balance, without a focus on human relationships, without a focus on smiles, and with only ambition to motivate you in life, can turn into a poison as it did for Kailas. If he cared about those other factors, he would’ve forgiven himself for not fulfilling his ambition, forgiven himself for being a victim of communist politics and external factors beyond his control, would’ve been able to switch ambition. And his failure ruined the lives of two women. His sense of failure was projected on Sumathi and later on Kusum. He derived satisfaction to bring them misery, destroy their confidence and dreams. I’m glad that his death brought smiles. He didn’t deserve to be mourned.
4. The Metamorphosis of Joe Pereia
He took action for the first time in his life. Sounds like a lonely and miserable life stuck in nostalgia and too stagnant to move forward. If Kailas was ruined by an elusive, unattainable future, Joe was ruined by romanticizing a past he’ll never get back.
5. The Scent of a Conscience
My only complaint with this book this now are the off putting sex descriptions. Maybe that was done on purpose, to provide a more cynical perspective, but reading about it just made me uncomfortable and no, I’m not a prude. First sucking on lactating breasts and now describing the act of sex as “their great wet world between them, reeking of debris.” I mean I get it’s difficult to write about sex but I would’ve preferred if the author had avoided focusing on the most disgusting aspects of it unless described in a negative setting, which I don’t think was the case here in this story that is talking about a passionate, consensual affair. Even though it’s adultery.
This was weird and I hated every character, which I think was the intention, but the story still intrigued me. What’s the fun in infidelity if everyone’s enjoying it?” hmm I don’t know. I figured Shivji appeared as the conscious of Neel. So okay, it makes sense, the title. The Scent of a Conscience, Shonali and Neel both hated that scent. And Fahad was an ass, I’m not sure if he hated it too, probably did, given that he accepted his own double standards.
6. Salad
Loved the descriptions of Goa, like Selma’s nostalgia Goa in general and Isabella’s nostalgia for her specific Goan village. The difference was subtle but important. Really glad that Sharon got away okay.
7. Mist
A sudden shift from third person to first person narrative? Interesting and familiar philosophy about the role of prostitution in society. Of how it kept balance and helped take in the unloved or frustrated. Loved Ismael’s outburst about the fading relevance of old school brothels being replaced by “ascot” services and “tender” that made sex free, or, if paid, of better quality. Also loved the sly dig at the NGO types with their concern of losing people to help when it shut down. Hopefully, the girls found better lives, and Ismael too. Though now I remember how he dreamed of getting rich and doing something for the children, one of which, according to him, was certainly his. But when he actually got it, he wanted to deliberately lose it. Interesting commentary on wealth. He wanted it for the longest time but didn’t know what to do when he got it.
7. Honour
No wonder it wasn’t important to possess a husband as much as savings, so if she married she would have the money to leave behind a troublesome man. That was what one needed. Life insurance against a man. Husband-protection.
Purna has lost her faith in the world, all she cares about is security. Interesting to see how it affects a person to be related to a monstrous rapist. So focused on independence, she has somewhat forgotten to live. There were also hints of self-harm, how dehumanizing foreigners (probably from the West) taking her picture and probably selling it for millions, and yet she remains focused on her work to keep saving.
8. Our Lovers
The narrator who remained unnamed dreamt of a harem before realising one man to love was all she needed? Hmm, nice okay.
9. Noise
Tragic, truly tragic. I was numb and feel so bad for all of them, but especially Kay. Did Jon abandon them because his own needs were ignored? Could be. That seems right. And were his visions and whispers somehow the same routine prayers sent by Kay? That even after he escaped the noise of Bombay, he still couldn’t escape his mother’s noisy yet insistent prayers for him.
10. Morning
It resonated a lot. Mostly because the last book I read was Know My Name by Channel Miller, a memoir recounting from the victim’s POV the Stanford Sexual Assault case. I learned from that book that rape takes over, consumes a victim. That justice isn’t always easy or isn’t always something that people should guilt-trip victims into pursuing. About victim blaming. Morning reinforced those messages as well as reinforcing the most important message, that a victim isn’t defined by being a victim.
"They looked like 10 undefeated sunrises."
11. Euphoria
A found family. Discussions about work. All my life I’ve told to have Muthu’s drive and hard work, Fatima’s optimism and independence, and Naina’s class. Yet they all have different relationships with work. Their relationships with each other are pure. Till now probably my favourite story. This and the first one.
12. Paranoia
Arvind.
Nitin.
Sharda.
---
I wondered how these three stories were connected before realising they dealt with meanness. Meanness and, in their later half, perseverance. Arvind was straight up bullied, physically harassed, injured and traumatized, Nitin was taunted by a person jealous of his indifference to her, of him not calling her smart, and eventually pushed away from productivity and towards self-doubt. Sharda was punished for wanting more from her life, for not necessarily going along with social obligations. In a way, all three of them were punished for being different. Their tormentors in some ways jealous. Yet, they persevered. Found new friendships and passions, and came out on top. The title paranoia suits the first half of the stories but the second half is about hope.
14. Pyramid
The narrator questioned pyramids. The narrator was threatened by people pulling out from the bottom rungs, slightly hostile to Sabu, a bit jealous when he thought the latter probably had a better life as an artist. But he was eventually reassured when she saw that Sabu was still struggling. Reassured that he was still on top of the pyramid. I don’t like the narrator as a person but an interesting character.
15. Slice
Siblings internalizing the lifestyle they observed in their parents. Fighting and nagging and hurting each other over the pettiest things, with one being meaner, harsher and abusive than the other. The narrator and her father were meaner bullies, though the narrator wasn’t physically abusive. Funny irony when the father couldn’t realise his own hypocrisy in asking the girls why are they fighting over petty things.
16. The Leaves of the Deodar
So Brijsen was a free-spirited cosmopolitan before such a thing existed? A person refusing to define himself by unchangeable identities and instead trying to live in the moment, by his own rules. I could relate to his guilt and anxiety of not doing or caring enough about causes larger than myself. He lived in the mid-1800s, I live in the age of social media where bad news of injustices are found in abundance and yet I’m unable to help in anyway. The nightly meetings of servants irritated him because he couldn’t understand the point of discussing what was going on beyond the mansion, of how it didn’t affect their material wealth. He was confused by intangible ideas of nationalism and fighting for religion and against being forced away from the religion of our forefathers. Until the guilt came. I liked how, by the end, he was able to balance his more practical, self-centred side with an increased sense of understanding and sympathy, even if empathy remained outside his emotional quotient.
Since I’ve never reviewed a short story collection before, I didn’t know how to go about it so I ended up jotting my thoughts as I read and pondered over each story. Proceed only if you don’t mind spoilers.
1. The Arithmetic of Breasts
When it began, I was prepared to for Narain to be shallow and a leech, but it turned out to be a sweet story about rules of sexual experimentation, definition of womanhood, and slow developing love. Set from the mid-to late 90s, the tone of the story felt distinctly middle class, what with rules of pleasure being iron clad in the sense that sex before marriage was not an option, so Narain’s primary motivation to marry Munika was essentially her body he was so attracted to. Although he did pause to confirm with himself if she’d make a good wife, and only when the answer was yes, agreed to marry her. The confirmation of a mundane yet happy routine and slow progression of emotional bonding well into their marriage felt sweet and familiar since that has been the case with many arranged marriages around me (though the marriage in the story for all intents and purposes can be termed as a hasty love match). On her part, it was hinted later on that she’d used her breasts to attract her husband and nourish her children and that she didn’t feel too bad about losing one to cancer, since that part of her anatomy had played its part. Both Narain and Munika were so real and endearing, loved it.
Though I could’ve done without “Ummmm! Nourishment!” in reference to him sucking her lactating breasts. Like…no please TMI. The disgusting kind of TMI.
2. Parfum
I’m not sure if I liked women being reduced to their scents, or being declared as empty if they didn’t have a scent, like Marinette was. Stella was also a classic, submissive girl. Am I supposed to like that the wife who was a person of her own, with desires and opinions and a knack for designing being termed as empty when she got tired of his almost snobby focus on perfumes? As if that was the only worthwhile aesthetic and not the aesthetic of vision, sound, spaces? They both were designers but Russi didn’t value her designs. And preferred Stella because she moulded herself and her existence around him to support his valued aesthetic. Russi lived with severe Main Character syndrome all his life, expecting people to dictate their own lives around his and giving back very little in return by way of taking absolutely no responsibility. A narrative about the worse aspects of chasing your passion. I can’t like him at all. Loved the descriptions of smells though, that was a delight to read.
3. Fabric
Kailas was a perfectionist. Miserable all his life due to his own aspirations. Delaying happiness till he found material success. Growing old and bitter. The evils of ambition and idealism I suppose. I value ambition, but ambition without a balance, without a focus on human relationships, without a focus on smiles, and with only ambition to motivate you in life, can turn into a poison as it did for Kailas. If he cared about those other factors, he would’ve forgiven himself for not fulfilling his ambition, forgiven himself for being a victim of communist politics and external factors beyond his control, would’ve been able to switch ambition. And his failure ruined the lives of two women. His sense of failure was projected on Sumathi and later on Kusum. He derived satisfaction to bring them misery, destroy their confidence and dreams. I’m glad that his death brought smiles. He didn’t deserve to be mourned.
4. The Metamorphosis of Joe Pereia
He took action for the first time in his life. Sounds like a lonely and miserable life stuck in nostalgia and too stagnant to move forward. If Kailas was ruined by an elusive, unattainable future, Joe was ruined by romanticizing a past he’ll never get back.
5. The Scent of a Conscience
My only complaint with this book this now are the off putting sex descriptions. Maybe that was done on purpose, to provide a more cynical perspective, but reading about it just made me uncomfortable and no, I’m not a prude. First sucking on lactating breasts and now describing the act of sex as “their great wet world between them, reeking of debris.” I mean I get it’s difficult to write about sex but I would’ve preferred if the author had avoided focusing on the most disgusting aspects of it unless described in a negative setting, which I don’t think was the case here in this story that is talking about a passionate, consensual affair. Even though it’s adultery.
This was weird and I hated every character, which I think was the intention, but the story still intrigued me. What’s the fun in infidelity if everyone’s enjoying it?” hmm I don’t know. I figured Shivji appeared as the conscious of Neel. So okay, it makes sense, the title. The Scent of a Conscience, Shonali and Neel both hated that scent. And Fahad was an ass, I’m not sure if he hated it too, probably did, given that he accepted his own double standards.
6. Salad
Loved the descriptions of Goa, like Selma’s nostalgia Goa in general and Isabella’s nostalgia for her specific Goan village. The difference was subtle but important. Really glad that Sharon got away okay.
7. Mist
A sudden shift from third person to first person narrative? Interesting and familiar philosophy about the role of prostitution in society. Of how it kept balance and helped take in the unloved or frustrated. Loved Ismael’s outburst about the fading relevance of old school brothels being replaced by “ascot” services and “tender” that made sex free, or, if paid, of better quality. Also loved the sly dig at the NGO types with their concern of losing people to help when it shut down. Hopefully, the girls found better lives, and Ismael too. Though now I remember how he dreamed of getting rich and doing something for the children, one of which, according to him, was certainly his. But when he actually got it, he wanted to deliberately lose it. Interesting commentary on wealth. He wanted it for the longest time but didn’t know what to do when he got it.
7. Honour
No wonder it wasn’t important to possess a husband as much as savings, so if she married she would have the money to leave behind a troublesome man. That was what one needed. Life insurance against a man. Husband-protection.
Purna has lost her faith in the world, all she cares about is security. Interesting to see how it affects a person to be related to a monstrous rapist. So focused on independence, she has somewhat forgotten to live. There were also hints of self-harm, how dehumanizing foreigners (probably from the West) taking her picture and probably selling it for millions, and yet she remains focused on her work to keep saving.
8. Our Lovers
The narrator who remained unnamed dreamt of a harem before realising one man to love was all she needed? Hmm, nice okay.
9. Noise
Tragic, truly tragic. I was numb and feel so bad for all of them, but especially Kay. Did Jon abandon them because his own needs were ignored? Could be. That seems right. And were his visions and whispers somehow the same routine prayers sent by Kay? That even after he escaped the noise of Bombay, he still couldn’t escape his mother’s noisy yet insistent prayers for him.
10. Morning
It resonated a lot. Mostly because the last book I read was Know My Name by Channel Miller, a memoir recounting from the victim’s POV the Stanford Sexual Assault case. I learned from that book that rape takes over, consumes a victim. That justice isn’t always easy or isn’t always something that people should guilt-trip victims into pursuing. About victim blaming. Morning reinforced those messages as well as reinforcing the most important message, that a victim isn’t defined by being a victim.
"They looked like 10 undefeated sunrises."
11. Euphoria
A found family. Discussions about work. All my life I’ve told to have Muthu’s drive and hard work, Fatima’s optimism and independence, and Naina’s class. Yet they all have different relationships with work. Their relationships with each other are pure. Till now probably my favourite story. This and the first one.
12. Paranoia
Arvind.
Nitin.
Sharda.
---
I wondered how these three stories were connected before realising they dealt with meanness. Meanness and, in their later half, perseverance. Arvind was straight up bullied, physically harassed, injured and traumatized, Nitin was taunted by a person jealous of his indifference to her, of him not calling her smart, and eventually pushed away from productivity and towards self-doubt. Sharda was punished for wanting more from her life, for not necessarily going along with social obligations. In a way, all three of them were punished for being different. Their tormentors in some ways jealous. Yet, they persevered. Found new friendships and passions, and came out on top. The title paranoia suits the first half of the stories but the second half is about hope.
14. Pyramid
The narrator questioned pyramids. The narrator was threatened by people pulling out from the bottom rungs, slightly hostile to Sabu, a bit jealous when he thought the latter probably had a better life as an artist. But he was eventually reassured when she saw that Sabu was still struggling. Reassured that he was still on top of the pyramid. I don’t like the narrator as a person but an interesting character.
15. Slice
Siblings internalizing the lifestyle they observed in their parents. Fighting and nagging and hurting each other over the pettiest things, with one being meaner, harsher and abusive than the other. The narrator and her father were meaner bullies, though the narrator wasn’t physically abusive. Funny irony when the father couldn’t realise his own hypocrisy in asking the girls why are they fighting over petty things.
16. The Leaves of the Deodar
So Brijsen was a free-spirited cosmopolitan before such a thing existed? A person refusing to define himself by unchangeable identities and instead trying to live in the moment, by his own rules. I could relate to his guilt and anxiety of not doing or caring enough about causes larger than myself. He lived in the mid-1800s, I live in the age of social media where bad news of injustices are found in abundance and yet I’m unable to help in anyway. The nightly meetings of servants irritated him because he couldn’t understand the point of discussing what was going on beyond the mansion, of how it didn’t affect their material wealth. He was confused by intangible ideas of nationalism and fighting for religion and against being forced away from the religion of our forefathers. Until the guilt came. I liked how, by the end, he was able to balance his more practical, self-centred side with an increased sense of understanding and sympathy, even if empathy remained outside his emotional quotient.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 6, 2021
Our world is made up of stories and most have already been told. It takes an exemplary storyteller to bring life to the mundane and the inconspicuous. Unabashed rendering of exotic yearnings, sensitive descriptions of romantic longings, intense emotions of despair, the gravity of age, trappings of secrets, and a gamut of vast emotions and scenes flow through the pages of Bombay Hangovers by Rochelle Potkar. The book title is reminiscent of a city, clinging to a past, delving in intoxicating memories of humans, with all their flaws and follies, oft succumbing to the power play of destiny.
Exotic words describe marital bonds from early years of lustful romance to the complacency and frustrations of tired householders. The fragility of the aged, raciness of the illicit, achiness of nostalgia and aging bones, the darkness of lust, tender cares of motherhood, the inevitability of fading youth, travails of escapism, and troubled demons of haunted pasts - each story is woven to create an elaborate tapestry. This is not a leisurely read because it digs into the crevices of fears and passions, dreads and desires, showing us a mirror, bringing to life a society that we chose to ignore, to let pass by us. Yet, it pulls you in, word-by-word, page-by-page as it rips away the facade and unmasks the raw truth pulsating in the heart of Mumbai.
The stories delve into different social classes in the city of Mumbai, as it is now known. Metaphors and analogies embellish the book, revealing research and understanding of the nuances of geometrical terms, workings of a cotton mill, the Goan real-estate, the dhobhi ghat, the underbelly of city life, just to name a few. Details are rendered with care, without haste, each word conjuring imagery, sometimes leaving you embarrassed, mostly engrossed. The no-holds-barred flourish of a bold pen takes you on a breathtaking journey into the lives of ordinary men and women.
A few typos are glaring, a sudden shift in the person of narration is disconcerting, and you wish these were not there. Amidst all the beauty of the words, I felt the writing could have been tauter in some stories. Some descriptions could be less superfluous, allowing the reader to savor the exquisite composition and leave some space for musings. The comparatively shorter stories are my favorite in this collection of 16, as they are the most impactful. The introduction is exquisitely written though it contains briefings of the stories so you may want to read it after diving into the book.
Exotic words describe marital bonds from early years of lustful romance to the complacency and frustrations of tired householders. The fragility of the aged, raciness of the illicit, achiness of nostalgia and aging bones, the darkness of lust, tender cares of motherhood, the inevitability of fading youth, travails of escapism, and troubled demons of haunted pasts - each story is woven to create an elaborate tapestry. This is not a leisurely read because it digs into the crevices of fears and passions, dreads and desires, showing us a mirror, bringing to life a society that we chose to ignore, to let pass by us. Yet, it pulls you in, word-by-word, page-by-page as it rips away the facade and unmasks the raw truth pulsating in the heart of Mumbai.
The stories delve into different social classes in the city of Mumbai, as it is now known. Metaphors and analogies embellish the book, revealing research and understanding of the nuances of geometrical terms, workings of a cotton mill, the Goan real-estate, the dhobhi ghat, the underbelly of city life, just to name a few. Details are rendered with care, without haste, each word conjuring imagery, sometimes leaving you embarrassed, mostly engrossed. The no-holds-barred flourish of a bold pen takes you on a breathtaking journey into the lives of ordinary men and women.
A few typos are glaring, a sudden shift in the person of narration is disconcerting, and you wish these were not there. Amidst all the beauty of the words, I felt the writing could have been tauter in some stories. Some descriptions could be less superfluous, allowing the reader to savor the exquisite composition and leave some space for musings. The comparatively shorter stories are my favorite in this collection of 16, as they are the most impactful. The introduction is exquisitely written though it contains briefings of the stories so you may want to read it after diving into the book.
January 24, 2022
If you were Red Riding Hood you had to know the wolf.
🦄🦄🦄
Bombay Hangovers by Rochelle Potkar is a collection of short stories set in Bombay that follows the people of Bombay as they go through the motions of their lives. Sixteen stories following various people as their life stories unfold at a fast pace while still maintaining a balance of intrigue and morals. A particular story from the list did catch my eye.
'Salad' is based in Goa, and while it includes parts of a beautiful culture that I've grown to love, the twist the story takes at the end is heart shattering and a part of me wants to know more.
The author's writing is fluid, crisp and she has managed to pack a punch in each of her stories with characters so dynamic and plots so intense and unique, it feels like you are going through a whirlpool of emotions in a matter of minutes. I admire the way time has been taken to make each story as immersively descriptive as possible, while not boring the reader (especially in Parfum).
Overall, I love the book and I would recommend it to all readers regardless of what you generally like because, even though it's fictional, a lot of the stories highlight realistic issues.
🦄🦄🦄
Rated 8/10
Melina L.
🦄🦄🦄
Bombay Hangovers by Rochelle Potkar is a collection of short stories set in Bombay that follows the people of Bombay as they go through the motions of their lives. Sixteen stories following various people as their life stories unfold at a fast pace while still maintaining a balance of intrigue and morals. A particular story from the list did catch my eye.
'Salad' is based in Goa, and while it includes parts of a beautiful culture that I've grown to love, the twist the story takes at the end is heart shattering and a part of me wants to know more.
The author's writing is fluid, crisp and she has managed to pack a punch in each of her stories with characters so dynamic and plots so intense and unique, it feels like you are going through a whirlpool of emotions in a matter of minutes. I admire the way time has been taken to make each story as immersively descriptive as possible, while not boring the reader (especially in Parfum).
Overall, I love the book and I would recommend it to all readers regardless of what you generally like because, even though it's fictional, a lot of the stories highlight realistic issues.
🦄🦄🦄
Rated 8/10
Melina L.
September 25, 2023
Bombay Hangovers By Rochelle Potkar revolves around the stories of struggle and survival, love and frustration, cultural conflicts and pitiable adjustments, family equations and social complications. It is a collection of stories which moves the reader from the core.
The stories of struggle and survival in this book are nothing short of compelling. From overcoming physical obstacles to battling inner demons, the struggles depicted here are raw and authentic.The portrayal of love, whether it's romantic, familial, or platonic, adds depth to the characters' journeys. At the same time, frustration is a constant undercurrent, showcasing the complexity of human emotions. Readers will undoubtedly empathize with the characters as they navigate these intricate feelings.
The author's exploration of cultural conflicts is thought-provoking, making readers reflect on their own perceptions and biases. Her ability to convey the depth of human experiences is also commendable.
The writing style is evocative, drawing readers into the stories and emotions. In conclusion, the author has demonstrated an extraordinary gift for storytelling through her remarkable writing style in this book. She also evokes a range of emotions, from joy to heartache, and leaves a lasting impression that lingers long after the final page is turned.
Each story serves a different reality and hooks the reader into reading more and more. My personal favorite story in this book was "PARANOIA", it was just fantastic.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who appreciates stories that delve into the complexities of the human experience. It's a powerful exploration of struggle, survival, love, frustration, and cultural conflicts. I loved the writing of this book and it doesn't disappoint the reader.
It's a must-read for anyone seeking a profound and emotionally resonant literary experience. Do give it a try.
The stories of struggle and survival in this book are nothing short of compelling. From overcoming physical obstacles to battling inner demons, the struggles depicted here are raw and authentic.The portrayal of love, whether it's romantic, familial, or platonic, adds depth to the characters' journeys. At the same time, frustration is a constant undercurrent, showcasing the complexity of human emotions. Readers will undoubtedly empathize with the characters as they navigate these intricate feelings.
The author's exploration of cultural conflicts is thought-provoking, making readers reflect on their own perceptions and biases. Her ability to convey the depth of human experiences is also commendable.
The writing style is evocative, drawing readers into the stories and emotions. In conclusion, the author has demonstrated an extraordinary gift for storytelling through her remarkable writing style in this book. She also evokes a range of emotions, from joy to heartache, and leaves a lasting impression that lingers long after the final page is turned.
Each story serves a different reality and hooks the reader into reading more and more. My personal favorite story in this book was "PARANOIA", it was just fantastic.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who appreciates stories that delve into the complexities of the human experience. It's a powerful exploration of struggle, survival, love, frustration, and cultural conflicts. I loved the writing of this book and it doesn't disappoint the reader.
It's a must-read for anyone seeking a profound and emotionally resonant literary experience. Do give it a try.
September 7, 2023
"Bombay Hangovers" is a collection of short stories set in the beautiful yet very secretive city of Bombay. Just like the city itself, we get to see stories from all walks of life, across genders, ages & lifestyles.
There are 16 short stories in this book. Each story is uniquely narrated and is set in diverse settings. But they all have an underlying human connection and heartfelt emotions. Of all the stories I liked best is 'Fabric', 'Mist', 'Euphoria', and many more.
In her story "Honour", she meticulously narrated the life of a vagrant. This is the story of Purna, a girl who grew up cleaning mirrors of cars and begging. Her father was a drunk and used to vigorously beat her mother. The inner turmoil of a girl who wants to live her life but is bounded by the responsibilities of her family, absconded father, and rapist brother drew her honour as an impressionable vagrant. But that does not stop here, her honour is challenged every hour. But society only wishes to complete deadlines of all responsibilities barred without any mistake. The story creates a thought-provoking aroma to ponder how to live with trivial issues.
The author's writing is fluid, and crisp and she has managed to pack a punch in each of her stories with characters so dynamic and plots so intense and unique. It feels like you are going through a whirlpool of emotions in a matter of minutes. Her language is crisp and leaves a long-lasting impact predicting certain phases of life that we generally ignore.
Overall, most of these stories make for excellent reading. They’re stories of ambition, of friendship, of finding one’s path in life, and so many more things that life is made up of. Worth reading, do grab it!
There are 16 short stories in this book. Each story is uniquely narrated and is set in diverse settings. But they all have an underlying human connection and heartfelt emotions. Of all the stories I liked best is 'Fabric', 'Mist', 'Euphoria', and many more.
In her story "Honour", she meticulously narrated the life of a vagrant. This is the story of Purna, a girl who grew up cleaning mirrors of cars and begging. Her father was a drunk and used to vigorously beat her mother. The inner turmoil of a girl who wants to live her life but is bounded by the responsibilities of her family, absconded father, and rapist brother drew her honour as an impressionable vagrant. But that does not stop here, her honour is challenged every hour. But society only wishes to complete deadlines of all responsibilities barred without any mistake. The story creates a thought-provoking aroma to ponder how to live with trivial issues.
The author's writing is fluid, and crisp and she has managed to pack a punch in each of her stories with characters so dynamic and plots so intense and unique. It feels like you are going through a whirlpool of emotions in a matter of minutes. Her language is crisp and leaves a long-lasting impact predicting certain phases of life that we generally ignore.
Overall, most of these stories make for excellent reading. They’re stories of ambition, of friendship, of finding one’s path in life, and so many more things that life is made up of. Worth reading, do grab it!
August 3, 2021
3.5/5 stars
Thanks to Himalayan Book Club for the copy in exchange for an honest review
Bombay Hangovers by Rochelle Potkar is a delightfully knit series of short stories, all set in the backdrop of the city of dreams, Bombay. The city in itself is given character and tone both of which are immersive to experience. The connection between the characters and the city is granular, giving the book its unique voice. The characters in the book are all curious, passionate and conflicted, thereby hooking us in. Ms.Potkar being a poet sure influences her prose, which is very well written and reads almost lyrical, leaning towards the literary side of fiction. The way she structures her story and the micro-detailing that's embedded in the soul of each story is commendable.
There are many such delights of narration scattered through each story, owned by their characters..
The only con I have is a subjective one. The prose because of its reasons, was more passive during the first couple of stories. I did feel more connected and engaged going further in the book though. With each story the book offered better.
Overall, Bombay Hangovers was for me, an experimental success going into the world of short stories and of Indian authors
Thanks to Himalayan Book Club for the copy in exchange for an honest review
Bombay Hangovers by Rochelle Potkar is a delightfully knit series of short stories, all set in the backdrop of the city of dreams, Bombay. The city in itself is given character and tone both of which are immersive to experience. The connection between the characters and the city is granular, giving the book its unique voice. The characters in the book are all curious, passionate and conflicted, thereby hooking us in. Ms.Potkar being a poet sure influences her prose, which is very well written and reads almost lyrical, leaning towards the literary side of fiction. The way she structures her story and the micro-detailing that's embedded in the soul of each story is commendable.
When would it end? 1982 had been the longest year, stretching like stubborn yarn that wouldn’t yield to become fabric
-- Kailas, Fabric, Bombay Hangovers
There are many such delights of narration scattered through each story, owned by their characters..
The only con I have is a subjective one. The prose because of its reasons, was more passive during the first couple of stories. I did feel more connected and engaged going further in the book though. With each story the book offered better.
Overall, Bombay Hangovers was for me, an experimental success going into the world of short stories and of Indian authors
August 28, 2023
"Bombay Hangovers" by Rochelle Potkar is a captivating collection of short stories that invites readers into a world filled with a rich tapestry of emotions and experiences. Through her masterful storytelling, the author explores a diverse range of themes, from struggle and survival to love and frustration, and from cultural conflicts to family dynamics.
The stories in the collection venture into the inner landscapes of Bombay, delving into the depths of one-room kitchens, exploring the uncertainties of racecourse fortunes, and unraveling the mysteries of places like Kamathipura, Bandra, Andheri, etc. The author's writing is a skilled exploration of tenderness, ambition, and the complexities of human emotions. The narratives are laced with wry humor and presented in a deceptively straightforward manner, making them all the more engaging.
Through her storytelling prowess, she takes readers on a journey through the heart of Bombay's diverse landscapes, where emotions run deep and characters come alive in all their authenticity. This collection is an enriching and thought-provoking addition to the realm of literature.
However, I found this quite soulful and engaging to keep the readers hooked and tempted towards the track and title of this book. Once you pick it up, you can't put the book down! GRAB A COPY OF THIS BOOK TO EXPLORE MORE. Lastly, I would like to give an appreciation to the designer of the back cover as it is extremely attractive and grab my attention to read this book.
Must Recommend
The stories in the collection venture into the inner landscapes of Bombay, delving into the depths of one-room kitchens, exploring the uncertainties of racecourse fortunes, and unraveling the mysteries of places like Kamathipura, Bandra, Andheri, etc. The author's writing is a skilled exploration of tenderness, ambition, and the complexities of human emotions. The narratives are laced with wry humor and presented in a deceptively straightforward manner, making them all the more engaging.
Through her storytelling prowess, she takes readers on a journey through the heart of Bombay's diverse landscapes, where emotions run deep and characters come alive in all their authenticity. This collection is an enriching and thought-provoking addition to the realm of literature.
However, I found this quite soulful and engaging to keep the readers hooked and tempted towards the track and title of this book. Once you pick it up, you can't put the book down! GRAB A COPY OF THIS BOOK TO EXPLORE MORE. Lastly, I would like to give an appreciation to the designer of the back cover as it is extremely attractive and grab my attention to read this book.
Must Recommend
September 1, 2023
A collection of short stories set in the beautiful city of Bombay, each diving into the complex nature of human relationships. A total of sixteen stories, each narrated beautifully capturing the life of different people in a succint and precise manner. Each story has a unique flavour of its own but I really loved a few of them.
The first story titled " The arithmetic of Breasts" captures the dynamics of relationship between a couple from mutual attraction to old age. Through the story of the couple the author puts forwards the ultimate truth of life that no matter how many times things changed, even with tearing, given well-etched memory and its seasons and feelings, their shape would always remain the same.
' Salad' started off beautiful and warm but twist at the end broke my heart.
With the first story itself, I was hooked to the book. Through the stories, Potkar takes us on a journey exploring the diverse landscapes of Bombay and into the various different households. Through her short and concise narration, Potkar manages to create an impact on the readers by exploring diverse themes ranging from mental health, struggles, conflicts and disputes to relationships, love and family dynamics.
The stories are fast-paced but crisp, each one delivering the underlying message to the reader. Through her simple, straightforward and raw narrative, exploring different layers of human emotions, the author had made the characters come alive. The book has mature themes so it's only recommended for 16+ age group.
The first story titled " The arithmetic of Breasts" captures the dynamics of relationship between a couple from mutual attraction to old age. Through the story of the couple the author puts forwards the ultimate truth of life that no matter how many times things changed, even with tearing, given well-etched memory and its seasons and feelings, their shape would always remain the same.
' Salad' started off beautiful and warm but twist at the end broke my heart.
With the first story itself, I was hooked to the book. Through the stories, Potkar takes us on a journey exploring the diverse landscapes of Bombay and into the various different households. Through her short and concise narration, Potkar manages to create an impact on the readers by exploring diverse themes ranging from mental health, struggles, conflicts and disputes to relationships, love and family dynamics.
The stories are fast-paced but crisp, each one delivering the underlying message to the reader. Through her simple, straightforward and raw narrative, exploring different layers of human emotions, the author had made the characters come alive. The book has mature themes so it's only recommended for 16+ age group.
April 24, 2021
An immensely readable collection of poignant tales of victory and loss, pain and surcease, joy and sorrow – slices of life that could be from any Indian metropolis.
September 3, 2023
📚 Bombay Hangovers
I Thank Author Rochelle Potkar for This beautiful book “Bombay Hangovers”. The book that I will suggest to you folks today is based on sixteen short tales that are primarily situated in Bombay (Mumbai). In Rochelle Potkar's works, persons from many classes, faiths, and occupations coexist in a metropolis that is characterized by salty air, traffic jams, cramped quarters, and unending optimism. This book is an investigation of mankind.
📖 What is the Book about: This book is a combination of 16 stories. These include:-
1. The Arithmetic of Breasts, 2. Parfum, 3. Fabric, 4. The Metamorphosis of Joe Pereia, 5. The Scent of a Conscience, 6. Salad, 7. Honour, 8. Our Lovers, 9. Noise, 10. Morning, 11. Euphoria, 12. Paranoia, 14. Pyramid, 15. Slice, 16. The Leaves of the Deodar. Let's discuss more about the 1st two stories.
"The Arithmetic of Breasts": This story starts with the narrator having low expectations of Narain but evolves into a heartwarming tale touching on themes of sexual experimentation, defining womanhood, and gradual love development. It's set in the 90s, with strict societal norms regarding premarital sex. Narain initially marries Munika for her physical attraction but eventually realizes she's a good wife as well. The story reflects the slow, familiar progression of emotional bonding seen in many arranged marriages.
"Parfum": The story explores the negative stereotyping of women based on their fragrances and how Marinette, a character, appears to be empty without a certain perfume. Stella, the main character, is shown as a subservient figure, which begs the question of whether we are expected to respect the woman who, although having wishes and thoughts of her own, is regarded as hollow when she rejects her husband's odor obsession. Both Stella and Russi are designers, but Russi admires Stella for abandoning her creations and sense of aesthetics in favor of conforming to his inclinations. Throughout his life, Russi exhibits a self-centered mentality, expecting people to center their lives around him while accepting minimal accountability. The narrative stresses the drawbacks of following one's passion.
I became engrossed in the book after reading the first story. Potkar takes us on an exploration of Bombay's many landscapes and numerous houses through the stories. Potkar explores a variety of issues, from relationships, love, and family dynamics to mental health, problems, conflicts, and disagreements, via brief and simple storytelling.
🏆 My Final Opinion: Overall, Bombay Hangovers is a unique collection of tales that gives you a glimpse into Mumbai life. It is a remarkable book due to the serious subjects and even more realistic individuals. I want to thank the author for all the lovely stories that compelled me to read this book from beginning to end.
Book Review By Biswajit Samal
I Thank Author Rochelle Potkar for This beautiful book “Bombay Hangovers”. The book that I will suggest to you folks today is based on sixteen short tales that are primarily situated in Bombay (Mumbai). In Rochelle Potkar's works, persons from many classes, faiths, and occupations coexist in a metropolis that is characterized by salty air, traffic jams, cramped quarters, and unending optimism. This book is an investigation of mankind.
📖 What is the Book about: This book is a combination of 16 stories. These include:-
1. The Arithmetic of Breasts, 2. Parfum, 3. Fabric, 4. The Metamorphosis of Joe Pereia, 5. The Scent of a Conscience, 6. Salad, 7. Honour, 8. Our Lovers, 9. Noise, 10. Morning, 11. Euphoria, 12. Paranoia, 14. Pyramid, 15. Slice, 16. The Leaves of the Deodar. Let's discuss more about the 1st two stories.
"The Arithmetic of Breasts": This story starts with the narrator having low expectations of Narain but evolves into a heartwarming tale touching on themes of sexual experimentation, defining womanhood, and gradual love development. It's set in the 90s, with strict societal norms regarding premarital sex. Narain initially marries Munika for her physical attraction but eventually realizes she's a good wife as well. The story reflects the slow, familiar progression of emotional bonding seen in many arranged marriages.
"Parfum": The story explores the negative stereotyping of women based on their fragrances and how Marinette, a character, appears to be empty without a certain perfume. Stella, the main character, is shown as a subservient figure, which begs the question of whether we are expected to respect the woman who, although having wishes and thoughts of her own, is regarded as hollow when she rejects her husband's odor obsession. Both Stella and Russi are designers, but Russi admires Stella for abandoning her creations and sense of aesthetics in favor of conforming to his inclinations. Throughout his life, Russi exhibits a self-centered mentality, expecting people to center their lives around him while accepting minimal accountability. The narrative stresses the drawbacks of following one's passion.
I became engrossed in the book after reading the first story. Potkar takes us on an exploration of Bombay's many landscapes and numerous houses through the stories. Potkar explores a variety of issues, from relationships, love, and family dynamics to mental health, problems, conflicts, and disagreements, via brief and simple storytelling.
🏆 My Final Opinion: Overall, Bombay Hangovers is a unique collection of tales that gives you a glimpse into Mumbai life. It is a remarkable book due to the serious subjects and even more realistic individuals. I want to thank the author for all the lovely stories that compelled me to read this book from beginning to end.
Book Review By Biswajit Samal
October 23, 2022
I wanted to read a short story collection for research purposes to know what kind gets published. So, I picked this one on Amazon.
1. The Arithmetic of Breasts - The title is intriguing. This story reminded me of the sex stories a friend used to talk about reading on the internet in the 2010s. I related to almost everything in the tale as it's typical teenager's and young adult's mentality obsessing over a woman's body parts. It felt like reading a tale of several men I interacted with. So close to the reality that I have experienced. Coming to the narration, I didn't like it, didn't enjoy it. It's verbose and in short, just felt like a horny man's tale. Pornographic in nature. What's not to love about this? Still, it's not my thing.
2. Parfum - A smelly obsession...loved it. The first story was about an obsession with breasts, with sex. The second story is about an obsession with perfume, with smell. This obsession defines the protagonist's life and affects everything he does. His marriage takes a beating due to this. Eventually, everything sorts out for the guy. I found it humorous and likeable.
3. Fabric - Given these are short stories, I fail to understand why so many facts are dropped in several baskets. Even in a novel, this would be too much to take. I found these as distractions from the stories and just grazed through such a list of items. This was overdone in the three tales till now. This story seemed dull and felt like a quick, biographical account of the protagonist. Maybe, the straightforward, linear, simple narrative is something that is making me not enjoy the stories. I read this one like a zombie just to get to the next story in line. Nothing interesting at all.
Overall, the stories lack any joy in the act of reading. Lots of things are said. I wonder if less information could have made them close to my palette.
Quick, easy to read and digest tales. I didn't enjoy the anthology. Maybe, it's just not for me. I may like some different kinds of storytelling. I found these too dull for my taste.
2/5
1. The Arithmetic of Breasts - The title is intriguing. This story reminded me of the sex stories a friend used to talk about reading on the internet in the 2010s. I related to almost everything in the tale as it's typical teenager's and young adult's mentality obsessing over a woman's body parts. It felt like reading a tale of several men I interacted with. So close to the reality that I have experienced. Coming to the narration, I didn't like it, didn't enjoy it. It's verbose and in short, just felt like a horny man's tale. Pornographic in nature. What's not to love about this? Still, it's not my thing.
2. Parfum - A smelly obsession...loved it. The first story was about an obsession with breasts, with sex. The second story is about an obsession with perfume, with smell. This obsession defines the protagonist's life and affects everything he does. His marriage takes a beating due to this. Eventually, everything sorts out for the guy. I found it humorous and likeable.
3. Fabric - Given these are short stories, I fail to understand why so many facts are dropped in several baskets. Even in a novel, this would be too much to take. I found these as distractions from the stories and just grazed through such a list of items. This was overdone in the three tales till now. This story seemed dull and felt like a quick, biographical account of the protagonist. Maybe, the straightforward, linear, simple narrative is something that is making me not enjoy the stories. I read this one like a zombie just to get to the next story in line. Nothing interesting at all.
Overall, the stories lack any joy in the act of reading. Lots of things are said. I wonder if less information could have made them close to my palette.
Quick, easy to read and digest tales. I didn't enjoy the anthology. Maybe, it's just not for me. I may like some different kinds of storytelling. I found these too dull for my taste.
2/5
September 5, 2023
Bombay Hangovers
Rochelle Potkar
The brilliantly woven collection of short stories "Bombay Hangovers" by Rochelle Potkar is set against the backdrop of Bombay. The city has been given personality and a tone that are both absorbing to experience. The book's distinct voice is a result of the characters' intricate connections to the city.
This collection contains 16 short tales. Each tale has a distinct narrator and a variety of locales. However, they all have a fundamental human connection and genuine feelings. The characters are not perfect, and their struggles and problems are also quite relatable. Even while each narrative is unique from the others, there is a thin thread that connects them all: individualized goals.
Unexpected and establishing the tone for the entire book, "The Arithmetic of Breasts" is the first chapter. Without giving away the story's narration, the finale is simple and unexpectedly dull. "Parfum" leads one to believe that there would be a great clamor and an increase in sexual tension, but it ends with surprising clarity. "Noise" was an odd juxtaposition of life with an odd twist relating to personal concerns. Despite all the noises it contained, it had a serene quality. "Morning" infuses the narrative with symbolism and raises awareness of the actions necessary to ensure one's mental wellness. Three anecdotes in the book "Paranoia" illustrate how our internal debates keep us in the loop.
Each of the 16 stories has a common theme that relates to human emotions or thinking processes regarding a specific occurrence or event that is continued or prolonged until the conclusion.
Short tales provide you the opportunity to briefly delve into the lives of the characters and the expansive metropolis they live in before pausing to catch your breath. Rochelle Potkar has a gift for writing. It is a remarkable book due to the serious subjects and even more realistic individuals. Your time and money are both worth it in total. So get it now and get a copy.
Book review by Satyajit Samal
Rochelle Potkar
The brilliantly woven collection of short stories "Bombay Hangovers" by Rochelle Potkar is set against the backdrop of Bombay. The city has been given personality and a tone that are both absorbing to experience. The book's distinct voice is a result of the characters' intricate connections to the city.
This collection contains 16 short tales. Each tale has a distinct narrator and a variety of locales. However, they all have a fundamental human connection and genuine feelings. The characters are not perfect, and their struggles and problems are also quite relatable. Even while each narrative is unique from the others, there is a thin thread that connects them all: individualized goals.
Unexpected and establishing the tone for the entire book, "The Arithmetic of Breasts" is the first chapter. Without giving away the story's narration, the finale is simple and unexpectedly dull. "Parfum" leads one to believe that there would be a great clamor and an increase in sexual tension, but it ends with surprising clarity. "Noise" was an odd juxtaposition of life with an odd twist relating to personal concerns. Despite all the noises it contained, it had a serene quality. "Morning" infuses the narrative with symbolism and raises awareness of the actions necessary to ensure one's mental wellness. Three anecdotes in the book "Paranoia" illustrate how our internal debates keep us in the loop.
Each of the 16 stories has a common theme that relates to human emotions or thinking processes regarding a specific occurrence or event that is continued or prolonged until the conclusion.
Short tales provide you the opportunity to briefly delve into the lives of the characters and the expansive metropolis they live in before pausing to catch your breath. Rochelle Potkar has a gift for writing. It is a remarkable book due to the serious subjects and even more realistic individuals. Your time and money are both worth it in total. So get it now and get a copy.
Book review by Satyajit Samal
March 29, 2021
Rochelle Potkar brings Bombay to the readers with Bombay Hangovers. The stories are about regular people leading mundane everyday lives. But they cut across class, caste and religion lending a diversity to the collection. They tug hard at human emotions. The author has depicted them with a brutal honesty.
Rochelle plays with the flow. It is flowery at times, and taut at others. And yet irrespective of the way they flowed, the stories swept me away and plummeted me into a place amidst the characters.
A fleeting sense of nostalgia gripped me as I travelled all over Bombay with the stories.
There are 16 short stories in this book. Each story is uniquely narrated, and is set in diverse settings. But they all have the underlying human connection and heart-felt emotions. The characters are not flawless, and their dilemmas and troubles are quite close to reality as well.
Euphoria is my favorite story from this book, for the strong message it sends.
For a few stories, there is no clear cut connection between the title and the story. E.g. ‘Salad’ is not a story about vegetables, but about two women. It’s a fairly well narrated story, just that I couldn’t find any justification for the title. Similar is the case with ‘Slice.’
Some stories left me confused, while a few ignited a craving for more.
There’s mildly explicit content in this book, and thus it may not be suitable for younger readers. Also, the treatment and narration felt a little harsh, and left me feeling uncomfortable.
It’s not an easy read. It’s not a book for every reader. But for the select few who like stories which seep in slowly, trickling like tiny droplets and stirring the senses till the emotions absorb you whole.
It’s less of a book, and more a work of art—to be enjoyed by true connoisseurs of art .
Detailed review here -
https://wordsopedia.com/bombay-hangov...
Rochelle plays with the flow. It is flowery at times, and taut at others. And yet irrespective of the way they flowed, the stories swept me away and plummeted me into a place amidst the characters.
A fleeting sense of nostalgia gripped me as I travelled all over Bombay with the stories.
There are 16 short stories in this book. Each story is uniquely narrated, and is set in diverse settings. But they all have the underlying human connection and heart-felt emotions. The characters are not flawless, and their dilemmas and troubles are quite close to reality as well.
Euphoria is my favorite story from this book, for the strong message it sends.
For a few stories, there is no clear cut connection between the title and the story. E.g. ‘Salad’ is not a story about vegetables, but about two women. It’s a fairly well narrated story, just that I couldn’t find any justification for the title. Similar is the case with ‘Slice.’
Some stories left me confused, while a few ignited a craving for more.
There’s mildly explicit content in this book, and thus it may not be suitable for younger readers. Also, the treatment and narration felt a little harsh, and left me feeling uncomfortable.
It’s not an easy read. It’s not a book for every reader. But for the select few who like stories which seep in slowly, trickling like tiny droplets and stirring the senses till the emotions absorb you whole.
It’s less of a book, and more a work of art—to be enjoyed by true connoisseurs of art .
Detailed review here -
https://wordsopedia.com/bombay-hangov...
March 27, 2022
Rochelle weaves the places of Bombay subtly with the characters and their settings. Looks like no importance but just a place but therein lies something that a reader who has a keen eye to realize the relevance of it all into the whole milieu.
Each story is different from other yet the fine thin line binding them all is the individualistic aspirations, thoughts and movement - totally like the way Bombay wraps herself into each person's consciousness.
The Arithmetic of Breasts is an unexpected one and sets the tone for the whole book. The ending comes to easy and yet surprisingly flat level without spoiling the story narration.
Parfum sets one to anticipate a rise in sexual tension and a huge uproar but in the end it brings in a startling clarity (ironically)
Fabric is weaved with the textile mills of Bombay and its history lends to the narrative a particular individual texture
Noise was a strange juxtaposition of life with a strange twist pertaining to individual thoughts. It had a calm quality despite all the noises it held. Were the noises in the head or really heard?
Morning brings into the story a symbolism and bringing to the consciousness the efforts one needs to bring about for one's mental health. The liberating feeling could not be better described as it was done in the end.
Paranoia found three stories bringing home the points of how we are stuck in the loop with our own mental deliberations.
Mist gives an insider perspective of life at Kamathipura and the cognitive dissonance of Ismael with reference to the racing horse which ironically comes out in a very unexpected manner in the end
All 16 stories add up to something or the else about human emotions or thought process in relation to a particular incident or event that's carried forward or stretched till the end of the story - sometimes coming out in a weird way.
Each story is different from other yet the fine thin line binding them all is the individualistic aspirations, thoughts and movement - totally like the way Bombay wraps herself into each person's consciousness.
The Arithmetic of Breasts is an unexpected one and sets the tone for the whole book. The ending comes to easy and yet surprisingly flat level without spoiling the story narration.
Parfum sets one to anticipate a rise in sexual tension and a huge uproar but in the end it brings in a startling clarity (ironically)
Fabric is weaved with the textile mills of Bombay and its history lends to the narrative a particular individual texture
Noise was a strange juxtaposition of life with a strange twist pertaining to individual thoughts. It had a calm quality despite all the noises it held. Were the noises in the head or really heard?
Morning brings into the story a symbolism and bringing to the consciousness the efforts one needs to bring about for one's mental health. The liberating feeling could not be better described as it was done in the end.
Paranoia found three stories bringing home the points of how we are stuck in the loop with our own mental deliberations.
Mist gives an insider perspective of life at Kamathipura and the cognitive dissonance of Ismael with reference to the racing horse which ironically comes out in a very unexpected manner in the end
All 16 stories add up to something or the else about human emotions or thought process in relation to a particular incident or event that's carried forward or stretched till the end of the story - sometimes coming out in a weird way.
June 18, 2021
Rochelle Potkar’s lyrical collection of short stories, ‘Bombay Hangovers’ had me smiling with pleasure at her inspired use of metaphor. Rochelle is a poet, has several published poetry collections, and the reader is treated to much poetic language in this short story collection as well. Look at this, ‘The morning sat on the windowsill, with promises of a humid day.’
Vignettes of an assorted cross-section of Bombay people give you an insight into the city if you’re an outsider. If not, you’ll recognise many of the characters. What Potkar does, is go into the inner world of the people we see, and make up stories about them, or build on what she knows.
‘Salad’ is chilling and as the two interlinked stories unfurl slowly, you wonder what they have to do with each other. Although the wondering is peripheral because one is so caught up in the story itself. ‘Mist’ is gritty but heart-rending with evocative descriptions. The setting in every story is beautifully described, you feel as if you are there. Watching the transformation of the character Brijsen in The Leaves of the Deodar, set against the backdrop of the First War of Independence in 1857 was fascinating. ‘The Scent of a Conscience’ has a very imaginative premise and is a superb story.
I was glad the book contained short stories with a variety of moods because some of the stories are dark, especially during the lockdown, when there is very little to distract one from the hard realities of life. Short stories allow you to dip into the character’s lives, into the sprawling city the stories are set in and then come out for a breath before plunging in again. Rochelle is a talented writer, and you will be missing out if you don’t read her stories.
Vignettes of an assorted cross-section of Bombay people give you an insight into the city if you’re an outsider. If not, you’ll recognise many of the characters. What Potkar does, is go into the inner world of the people we see, and make up stories about them, or build on what she knows.
‘Salad’ is chilling and as the two interlinked stories unfurl slowly, you wonder what they have to do with each other. Although the wondering is peripheral because one is so caught up in the story itself. ‘Mist’ is gritty but heart-rending with evocative descriptions. The setting in every story is beautifully described, you feel as if you are there. Watching the transformation of the character Brijsen in The Leaves of the Deodar, set against the backdrop of the First War of Independence in 1857 was fascinating. ‘The Scent of a Conscience’ has a very imaginative premise and is a superb story.
I was glad the book contained short stories with a variety of moods because some of the stories are dark, especially during the lockdown, when there is very little to distract one from the hard realities of life. Short stories allow you to dip into the character’s lives, into the sprawling city the stories are set in and then come out for a breath before plunging in again. Rochelle is a talented writer, and you will be missing out if you don’t read her stories.
August 28, 2023
Book Review ~ 📚
Title: Bombay Hangovers
Author: Rochelle Potkar
The intriguing collection of short stories "Bombay Hangovers" by Rochelle Potkar provides a realistic peek into the varied lives of people in the busy city of Mumbai. The author delves deftly into the inner workings of human emotions, relationships, and often overlooked facets of life.
Potkar's storytelling combines genuine honesty with exquisite empathy. The stories weave together commonplace events, private disclosures, and intricate relationships. Each of the finely developed characters captures a different aspect of Bombay's diverse populace. Readers will gain a deeper knowledge of the city's pulse through Potkar's accounts, which range from the Kamathipura residents to a textile mill worker and a washerwoman.
Potkar's talent for expressing powerful emotions through commonplace actions of intimacy and relationships is one of the book's most notable features. The heart-wrenching tales generate empathy and contemplation on life's intricacies.
The story of Kamathipura, which delves into the lives of its citizens, introduces us to a beloved figure. The paradox of these characters' lives and their resiliency in the face of social criticism are captured in their realistic depiction.
I wholeheartedly suggest "Bombay Hangovers" to readers who value work that provokes thinking and delves into the complexities of interpersonal relationships and emotions. When Rochelle Potkar peels back the layers of Bombay's complex character, her narrative talent comes through. For readers looking for informative and engaging literary experiences, this book provides an original and authentic viewpoint on the city's different residents and their difficulties.
⭐ Rating: 4/5 🌟⭐
⭐ Must Recommended 🌟
Title: Bombay Hangovers
Author: Rochelle Potkar
The intriguing collection of short stories "Bombay Hangovers" by Rochelle Potkar provides a realistic peek into the varied lives of people in the busy city of Mumbai. The author delves deftly into the inner workings of human emotions, relationships, and often overlooked facets of life.
Potkar's storytelling combines genuine honesty with exquisite empathy. The stories weave together commonplace events, private disclosures, and intricate relationships. Each of the finely developed characters captures a different aspect of Bombay's diverse populace. Readers will gain a deeper knowledge of the city's pulse through Potkar's accounts, which range from the Kamathipura residents to a textile mill worker and a washerwoman.
Potkar's talent for expressing powerful emotions through commonplace actions of intimacy and relationships is one of the book's most notable features. The heart-wrenching tales generate empathy and contemplation on life's intricacies.
The story of Kamathipura, which delves into the lives of its citizens, introduces us to a beloved figure. The paradox of these characters' lives and their resiliency in the face of social criticism are captured in their realistic depiction.
I wholeheartedly suggest "Bombay Hangovers" to readers who value work that provokes thinking and delves into the complexities of interpersonal relationships and emotions. When Rochelle Potkar peels back the layers of Bombay's complex character, her narrative talent comes through. For readers looking for informative and engaging literary experiences, this book provides an original and authentic viewpoint on the city's different residents and their difficulties.
⭐ Rating: 4/5 🌟⭐
⭐ Must Recommended 🌟
September 2, 2023
Bombay Hangover by Rochelle Potkar is a collection of short stories set in the city of Bombay (now Mumbai). The stories have different themes and are set around different people, across a variety of cultures and classes, making it as vastly varied as the city of Mumbai.
The book consists of 16 stories, each with a unique theme. Be it the story of a millworker whose life comes crashing down after the strike in Mumbai mills, a gambler who wins the biggest prize after losing everything that mattered to him, A married couple finding a new meaning to their relationship after a calamity or a washerwoman whose life is turned upside down by a sudden event. Each story revolves around a character with a unique connection to the city, its past, and its culture. Encompassing the different regions and religions, the stories are woven together by some genuine emotions.
The characters are skillfully crafted capturing the complexities of human nature, their struggles & their dreams. Of all the stories, Fabric was my most favorite.
The book captures the city like no other. Beyond the glitz and glamour of the city, it captures the dark underbelly of the old city of 'Bombay' teeming with mill workers, the working and middle class. The city that never makes it to the glamour pages but the city of real & forgotten people, now disappearing slowly. The stories bring the city alive, like a different character.
The narrative is fast-paced and the prose is blunt, often shocking the readers with the brutal depiction of events and characters.
Overall, Bombay Hangovers is a remarkable collection of stories offering you a slice of life in Mumbai. The realistic themes and the even more real characters make it a memorable read.
The book consists of 16 stories, each with a unique theme. Be it the story of a millworker whose life comes crashing down after the strike in Mumbai mills, a gambler who wins the biggest prize after losing everything that mattered to him, A married couple finding a new meaning to their relationship after a calamity or a washerwoman whose life is turned upside down by a sudden event. Each story revolves around a character with a unique connection to the city, its past, and its culture. Encompassing the different regions and religions, the stories are woven together by some genuine emotions.
The characters are skillfully crafted capturing the complexities of human nature, their struggles & their dreams. Of all the stories, Fabric was my most favorite.
The book captures the city like no other. Beyond the glitz and glamour of the city, it captures the dark underbelly of the old city of 'Bombay' teeming with mill workers, the working and middle class. The city that never makes it to the glamour pages but the city of real & forgotten people, now disappearing slowly. The stories bring the city alive, like a different character.
The narrative is fast-paced and the prose is blunt, often shocking the readers with the brutal depiction of events and characters.
Overall, Bombay Hangovers is a remarkable collection of stories offering you a slice of life in Mumbai. The realistic themes and the even more real characters make it a memorable read.
September 1, 2023
I recently read the book 'Bombay Hangovers' by Rochelle Potkar and it is a captivating collection of short stories. I must say that this book is quite different from the writing style that the author has used earlier in her books. But, no need to say that the author has aced this writing style as well.
She has very beautifully portrayed all the emotions that one must have felt in her stories. You can easily relate to the feelings of the characters in each story. Each story speaks a lot in depth about the characters and you would feel as if you are a character that is experiencing that particular story. Short stories always help you experience a journey that is so short and you have a vivid experience that you always want to go back to experience that short moment again. In this book, there are 15 short stories that capture the essence of the different and unique places of Bombay. You get to know a lot about the busy life of Bombay in this book.
I had a great time reading this book and I hope that my fellow readers would feel the same. Each character has such a unique personality in this book that you would like to have a personality just like them. The writing style of the book is strikingly impressive and I must say that it is improved as well. The author has written this book after giving it a lot of thought process and after each page you will be intrigued more to know about the story. The narration is on point and the way the short stories have been told is just impressive. I really liked reading this book and I hope that my fellow readers would feel the same joy and excitement that I felt while reading it.
She has very beautifully portrayed all the emotions that one must have felt in her stories. You can easily relate to the feelings of the characters in each story. Each story speaks a lot in depth about the characters and you would feel as if you are a character that is experiencing that particular story. Short stories always help you experience a journey that is so short and you have a vivid experience that you always want to go back to experience that short moment again. In this book, there are 15 short stories that capture the essence of the different and unique places of Bombay. You get to know a lot about the busy life of Bombay in this book.
I had a great time reading this book and I hope that my fellow readers would feel the same. Each character has such a unique personality in this book that you would like to have a personality just like them. The writing style of the book is strikingly impressive and I must say that it is improved as well. The author has written this book after giving it a lot of thought process and after each page you will be intrigued more to know about the story. The narration is on point and the way the short stories have been told is just impressive. I really liked reading this book and I hope that my fellow readers would feel the same joy and excitement that I felt while reading it.
July 5, 2021
Bombay Hangovers is a book with sixteen short stories, showing different flavours of life. There is love, there is passion, there is acceptance, there is hatred. Along with the stories is the strong flavour of Bombay, living, breathing and throbbing underneath. There is no Bombay Hangovers without Bombay. The inclusion of Bombay is similar to the role of Istanbul in Elif Shafak books.
The stories themselves are extraordinary tales about ordinary people. The tales, that are hidden behind their eyes, their stern demeanour. The imagery with words transports you to the place the author is describing. There is stark simplicity in most of the stories, without any drama, but even then they are so powerful that they emotionally affect the reader.
One of my favourites was "Paranoia". A tale about three characters, Arvind, Nitin and Sharda the tale is about mental health. It is about the bullying we face, it might be blatant or hidden behind courtesies. But the story is also about achievement, of defeating the demons once they have entered your mind. The story stayed with me for a very long time.
"The Leaves of Deodar" is not set in Bombay and is the odd one out. Yet, the story is engrossing, and about finding your inner peace and balance.
All in all an engrossing, thought-provoking anthology.
December 3, 2021
🎡Bombay hangovers is an extraordinary compilation of tales depicted across an incredibly different range of generation groups, genders, and life, set in Bombay. There are tales of a scuffle, survivance, love and exasperation, cultural disputes and distressing adjustments, family equations and jovial difficulties.
🎡The author's tales make life, the happening of Bombay to the uninitiated. The author’s skills with vocabulary, harmony, and prose are unrivalled. Every tale has an interesting opening, goes on drifting with comfort that drapes one up in the creases of the continuous incidents, be it the life of a hooker or a washerwoman, a corporate honcho, or a skilful artist, and then terminates with dignity and feel-good element.
🎡The author has treated poetic wording in this book. The link between the personalities and the city is granulated, providing the book its outstanding voice. The characters in the book are all inquisitive, enthusiastic and equivocal, thereby hooking us in.
🎡The author has beautifully penned down the story resisting the havoc for the readers. The language is very lucid, stories are interesting, which keeps you glued to the book.The author has done a commendable job for this book.Altogether it is worth your time and money. So go and grab a copy of it ASAP.
🎡The author's tales make life, the happening of Bombay to the uninitiated. The author’s skills with vocabulary, harmony, and prose are unrivalled. Every tale has an interesting opening, goes on drifting with comfort that drapes one up in the creases of the continuous incidents, be it the life of a hooker or a washerwoman, a corporate honcho, or a skilful artist, and then terminates with dignity and feel-good element.
🎡The author has treated poetic wording in this book. The link between the personalities and the city is granulated, providing the book its outstanding voice. The characters in the book are all inquisitive, enthusiastic and equivocal, thereby hooking us in.
🎡The author has beautifully penned down the story resisting the havoc for the readers. The language is very lucid, stories are interesting, which keeps you glued to the book.The author has done a commendable job for this book.Altogether it is worth your time and money. So go and grab a copy of it ASAP.
December 21, 2021
This is definitely one of those books that didn't made me blink for once while I was reading it. It's a collection of short stories, rather lives being lived in Bombay, I have read a book with a similar theme before but trust me, it was no where closer to what I read in Bombay Hangovers. Right from the story, the author got me very well, it was a powerful and a bold start to the world that needs to be seen.
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Her words gets sharp page by page and the stories get closer even they're far from me. There is a rhythm in her writing style which made me feel that I'm reading something that's a part of literature, it's extremely well executed.
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The book has different flavors, of life, from ranging to desires till struggle, you will everything in the different characters, you have ever thought it. It's a beguiling work, where the author pens and creates what needs to be heard. They're the shades that connect us from the other side of the world. I also loved the language, very fine and very rare and today's fictional tales. I definitely loved The Arithmetic Of Breasts, Mist, Our Lovers, Slice and The Leaves of the Deodar.
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A book that shouldn't be missed. 15+ age group people will love it for sure. Definitely recommended.
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Rating: 4.5⭐️
June 12, 2021
The stories are arranged in an order and yet in the collection of the stories called Paranoia, we find an excellent structure of halting and continuing stories. It gets confusing at time but its a great play with structures. While I wondered if the theories regarding the algorithms of the breasts were true including the one about the jaw, I realized that how incredibly honest and exciting the whole description is.
One is like about this collection is there are no heroes in it, yes some heroines. Simple people work through pain and problems to reach a better versions of themselves, sometimes. Sometimes they fail too.
I liked some of the brilliant hypallages including 'desperate cigarette' (Scent of Conscience), alliterations - hymen and heartbreak (Mist) and suave synesthesias as in Parfum.
I am happy that there is an anthology of short stories coming up. It's honesty is an added perk.
The language is so very familiar that it hardly makes me think I am reading English. It seems a cousin from Mumbai is talking to me in her/his chutnified Hindi.
I would recommend this book for anybody who wants to hear Mumbai's middle class speak about itself.
One is like about this collection is there are no heroes in it, yes some heroines. Simple people work through pain and problems to reach a better versions of themselves, sometimes. Sometimes they fail too.
I liked some of the brilliant hypallages including 'desperate cigarette' (Scent of Conscience), alliterations - hymen and heartbreak (Mist) and suave synesthesias as in Parfum.
I am happy that there is an anthology of short stories coming up. It's honesty is an added perk.
The language is so very familiar that it hardly makes me think I am reading English. It seems a cousin from Mumbai is talking to me in her/his chutnified Hindi.
I would recommend this book for anybody who wants to hear Mumbai's middle class speak about itself.
December 31, 2021
Rochelle Potkar's is a fresh voice in Indian writing in English. Almost all stories are rigorously engaging. Men in Potkar's fiction are concurrently identifiable and unexpected. This helps the short story collection formulate realities, not simply reflect the ones that we inhabit. What frustrates me is Potkar's characterisation of women, particularly in the first few stories. I realise that a single story cannot possibly contain only round characters, but I still find it frustrating to see women characters being deprived of agency or meaningful action. Potkar wants us to believe that she's showing an 'alternate' reality, that she's writing from the 'other' perspective, but she merely pretends to do so. Honestly, the stories could have benefitted from the complexity that Potkar has failed to ascribe to women in her writing. Once you recognise this pattern, the book starts getting exhausting. Decent book; could have been better. Do read it, though. It's still a (blissful) departure from mainstream metropolitan narratives.
June 9, 2021
The lives of numerous people come alive as if on screen. A beautiful rendering of the mundane life. Well researched - every topic the author has dealt with in each of the stories is unique and gives a depth of information to the initiated or initiates the ignorant. Every story has a gripping beginning, goes on flowing with ease that wraps one up in the folds of the ongoing events, be it the life of a hooker or a washerwoman, a corporate honcho, or a creative artist, and then ends with grace and feel-good factor. I am not much of a reader of this particular genre but wanted to try the book given the author's bio which speaks multitude about her talent and I must say I didn't regret. The book has left me longing for more. Thanks for the beautiful creation Ms.Potkar.
June 11, 2021
Bombay hangovers is a great read if you want to experience something different from each chapter. This book depicts each locality of mumbai with utmost resemblance. The words throughout the book flow in a symphony , transporting the reader all the way to mumbai.Bombay hangovers is a great read if want to experience something different from each chapter. This book depicts each locality of mumbai with utmost resemblance. The words throughout the book flow in a symphony , transporting the reader all the way to mumbai.
April 20, 2022
Rochelle has created a beautiful collection that is as impactful and resonant as her haiku writing which I have been a fan of for long! She uses rich language and also uses windows of silence to tell her stories. Bombay becomes a city in the hands of a careful guide in her hands and what is delivered is a collection that stays with us while it skips, hops and jumps through different characters and settings.
Sensory, and sensitive at the same time is how these stories unfold.
Reading, and will be reading often and again
Sensory, and sensitive at the same time is how these stories unfold.
Reading, and will be reading often and again
June 12, 2021
Rochelle Potkar transports you to sixteen different worlds, all in the same city - Mumbai. Bombay hangovers is a beautifully written book that narrates the ordinary in an extraordinary way. It takes you through the lives of several relatable characters in all the corners of the city in a way that makes you want more and more and more. The stories are very relatable and constitute a rollercoaster of emotions. A highly enjoyable collection of craftily written tales.
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