Beth F
Sandy
bermudaonion (Kathy)
Stephanie
Trisha
Haunting Bombay by Shilpa Agarwal
Pinky was brought to live with her grandmother when her mother died shortly after her birth, in the aftermath of the partitioning of India and Pakistan. Pinky’s uncle, as well as his wife and three sons, live in her grandmother’s bungalow as well. Unfortunately, her uncle’s wife Savita hates Pinky and torments her whenever her grandmother Maji’s back is turned. It isn’t entirely clear to Pinky why Savita hates her so much, or why she orders the bathroom door to be bolted at night. Until one night Pinky unbolts the bathroom door and unleashes the ghost of a baby who died shortly after birth, a girl who would be about her own age.
“Haunting Bombay” is a ghost story, a mystery, and the tale of a family trying to come to terms with their sorrow. The writing was quite lovely and the characters well-drawn. At some point in the middle of the book, I wasn’t sure if I was liking the story, despite Agarwal’s evocation of time and place. However, I was very satisfied with the way the story wrapped together and what was revealed of the origins of the ghost.
If you’re in the mood for a lovely, literary ghost story to read between now and Halloween, or one to curl up with on a dark, cold evening, “Haunting Bombay” is definitely a worthwhile choice.
Buy this book from:
Powells.
A local independent bookstore via Indiebound.
Amazon.
I read this book as part of a TLC Book Tour. Check out some of the other tour hosts for more reviews. Links go to the host’s site, not to their specific review.
Thursday, October 1, 2009: A Striped Armchair
Monday, October 5, 2009: Peeking Between the Pages
Tuesday, October 6, 2009: Ramya’s Bookshelf
Wednesday, October 7, 2009: Literary Feline
Thursday, October 8, 2009: Savvy Verse & Wit
Monday, October 12, 2009: Devourer of Books
Thursday, October 15, 2009: Eclectic Book Lover
Monday, October 19, 2009: Maw Books
Thursday, October 22, 2009: Book Addiction
Monday, October 26, 2009: Fantasy Book Critic
Wednesday, October 28, 2009: Book-a-rama
Related posts:
- Teaser Tuesday – Haunting Bombay Grab your current read. Let the book fall open...
- The Sunday Salon – October 11, 2009 Last year on election day in Chicago it was...
- Journey of a Writer and a Novel – Guest Post by Shilpa Agarwal Yesterday I reviewed Shilpa Agarwal’s debut novel “Haunting Bombay” as...
- TSS: Week in Review and a New Video of Daniel It is a beautiful, sunny, slightly cold day here...
- Dream House – Book Review Dream House by Valerie Laken Kate’s family is perfect. Too...
Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.
I so want to read this book. Your review (and others) really raised this one on my radar.
[Reply]
This book has been all over the place! It sounds right up my alley. Thanks for your review
.-= A Bookshelf Monstrosity´s last blog ..Books by Theme: Apocalyptic Literature/Dystopia =-.
[Reply]
This is the first I’ve heard of this book but it looks good!
.-= Stephanie´s last blog ..Mailbox Monday =-.
[Reply]
I don’t know, this might be too scary for me!
[Reply]
Great review! This one is getting added to the list. I’ve been craving a ghost story and I think this fits.
[Reply]
Oh! “The origins of the ghost.” I’m definitely intrigued!
I think this would be a great read for October, what with Halloween right around the corner.
Thanks for being on this tour, Jen!
[Reply]
A ghost story is perfect for this time of year and one set in a different culture is right up my alley! Great review.
[Reply]
I really enjoyed this book. I think it would have been great to read it a little closer to Halloween. It is a perfect book for October.
[Reply]
There was definitely a lot to this book. I really liked how it all wrapped up too.
[Reply]
I will have to read this one and see if i like it
[Reply]
Another great review! I hope to read this someday.
[Reply]
This book is getting a lot of great reviews! Will have to read it one day!
[Reply]
It’s been awhile since I’ve read a good ghost story. This sounds great
[Reply]
I agree with your review. I wasn’t sure about it while I was reading it, but it all came together so beautifully at the end!
.-= S. Krishna´s last blog ..Every Last Cuckoo – Kate Maloy =-.
[Reply]
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by DevourerofBooks. DevourerofBooks said: New post: Haunting Bombay – Book Review: Haunting Bombay by Shilpa Agarwal Pinky was brought to live w.. http://bit.ly/7suWF [...]