In her latest novel, “Six Days in Bombay,” Alka Joshi crafts a mesmerizing tale that transcends continents and cultures, taking readers on an unforgettable journey through 1937 Europe and India. Following the success of her celebrated Jaipur Trilogy, Joshi again demonstrates her remarkable ability to weave complex characters into rich historical settings, this time exploring themes of identity, belonging, and the courage to step beyond one’s boundaries.
The story centers on Sona Falstaff, a young Anglo-Indian nurse whose life takes a dramatic turn when renowned painter Mira Novak dies mysteriously in her care. What begins as a professional catastrophe evolves into a transformative odyssey across Europe as Sona follows Mira’s posthumous instructions to deliver paintings to three significant people from the artist’s past. Through this journey, Sona not only unravels the complex tapestry of Mira’s life but also confronts her own conflicted heritage and the abandonment that has shaped her worldview.
Masterful Character Development
Joshi excels at creating characters with depth and nuance. Sona Falstaff emerges as a compelling protagonist whose evolution feels authentic and earned. Initially constrained by societal expectations and personal fears, her gradual transformation into a woman willing to take chances feels both natural and inspiring. The author skillfully portrays Sona’s inner conflict—her resentment toward her absent English father contrasted with her deep love for her Indian mother, and her struggle to reconcile these disparate parts of herself.
Mira Novak stands as Sona’s fascinating counterpoint—bold where Sona is cautious, defiant where Sona conforms. Through snippets of conversation and retrospective insights from those who knew her, Mira emerges as wonderfully complex—talented and charismatic yet selfish and manipulative. The relationship between these two women, though brief in actual time, forms the emotional core of the novel.
The supporting cast is equally well-drawn, from the charming Dr. Stoddard, whose own past mirrors aspects of Sona’s father’s choices, to the various individuals from Mira’s life—Petra, Josephine, and Paolo—each representing different facets of the painter’s complicated history.
A Historical Backdrop of Brewing Tensions
One of the novel’s greatest strengths lies in Joshi’s meticulous historical research. Set in 1937, the story unfolds against a backdrop of growing political tensions across Europe and India. The rise of fascism in Italy, Nazi influence in Czechoslovakia, and India’s struggle for independence from British rule are seamlessly integrated into the narrative, creating a palpable sense of a world on the brink of transformation.
In Prague, Sona observes political posters and overhears conversations about the “Munich Agreement” and concerns about Hitler’s expansion. In Florence, she encounters Mussolini’s propaganda—”Credere, Obedire, Combattere” (Believe, Obey, Fight)—plastered across buildings. And in Paris, she witnesses protests in the streets and discussions of war. These historical details never feel forced but rather enhance our understanding of the world Sona navigates.
The novel also thoughtfully explores the complex dynamics of British colonial rule in India, particularly the precarious position of Anglo-Indians like Sona who exist between worlds, belonging fully to neither.
Powerful Exploration of Identity
At its heart, “Six Days in Bombay” is a profound meditation on identity. Sona’s journey becomes a quest to understand not just who Mira was but who she herself is and wishes to become. The concept of “half-half”—being of mixed heritage—recurs throughout the narrative, with Joshi skillfully examining how such individuals navigate societies that demand clear categorization.
As Sona reflects during her journey: “Here I was in Europe, half a day from him, and I finally had the chance to tell him what I thought of him. Was I scared to do so? Or was I worried that when I came face-to-face with him, I would lose my resolve to pummel his chest and throw myself in his arms instead? I wanted to go on hating him. It was the one sure, steady thing in my life.”
This inner conflict resonates deeply, particularly as Sona encounters others of mixed heritage who have found different ways to reconcile their dual identities. The resolution Joshi provides feels neither simplistic nor overly tidy, acknowledging the ongoing nature of such reconciliation.
Prose That Transports
Joshi’s prose shines throughout, particularly in her evocative descriptions of place. Whether capturing the scent of cardamom and lime in a Bombay hospital, the architectural splendor of Prague’s Old Town, or the artistic vibrancy of 1930s Paris cafés, her writing transports readers fully into each setting.
This sensory richness extends to smaller moments as well—the taste of Turkish delight in Istanbul, the sound of Mozart that Mira hums, the feel of Dr. Stoddard’s hand-knit mohair sweater. These details create an immersive reading experience that makes the historical setting come alive.
Areas for Improvement
While “Six Days in Bombay” is predominantly a triumph, a few aspects could have been strengthened:
- Pacing challenges: The middle section of the novel occasionally feels repetitive, with Sona’s visits to Mira’s three connections following somewhat predictable patterns. Some readers might find this portion of the journey overly extended.
- Mystery elements underdeveloped: Despite being framed initially as a mystery surrounding Mira’s death, this aspect receives less attention than expected. The resolution of the mystery feels somewhat rushed and secondary to Sona’s personal journey.
- Cultural complexity: While Joshi generally handles cultural nuances with sensitivity, a few interactions between characters of different backgrounds occasionally feel simplified, missing opportunities to further explore cross-cultural dynamics.
- Timeline jumps: The epilogue’s leap forward to 1956, while providing satisfying closure, leaves some questions about Sona’s immediate next steps after her European journey unexplored.
A Worthy Addition to Historical Fiction
For fans of historical fiction with strong female protagonists and cultural depth, “Six Days in Bombay” is a worthy addition to your reading list. It will particularly appeal to readers who enjoyed Joshi’s previous works in her Jaipur Trilogy (“The Henna Artist,” “The Secret Keeper of Jaipur,” and “The Perfumist of Paris”), as it continues her exploration of Indian identity during pivotal historical periods.
The novel also pairs well with other works exploring colonial India and Anglo-Indian experiences, such as Arundhati Roy’s “The God of Small Things” or Salman Rushdie’s “Midnight’s Children,” though Joshi’s approach feels distinctly her own—more intimate in scope while still addressing broader historical currents.
Final Thoughts
“Six Days in Bombay” succeeds on multiple levels—as historical fiction that vividly captures a pivotal moment in world history, as a character study of a woman discovering her own strength, and as a thoughtful exploration of the complexities of mixed heritage and belonging. Joshi has crafted a novel that entertains while prompting deeper reflection on how we construct our identities and reconcile the various parts of ourselves.
The epilogue, set nearly two decades later, provides a satisfying conclusion to Sona’s journey, showing how her six transformative days changed the trajectory of her life. In the end, Mira’s wisdom proves prescient: “Your life will be as big as you allow it to be.” Through Sona’s journey, readers are invited to consider how they might expand the boundaries of their own lives.
Though not without its flaws, “Six Days in Bombay” ultimately shines as a testament to human resilience and the power of taking chances. Joshi’s novel reminds us that our identities are not fixed but rather continually shaped by our choices, our connections, and our willingness to step beyond the familiar into the vast unknown of possibility.
Strengths:
- Rich historical detail and atmospheric settings
- Complex, well-developed characters
- Thoughtful exploration of identity and belonging
- Beautiful, sensory prose
Areas for Improvement:
- Occasional pacing issues in the middle section
- Mystery elements somewhat underdeveloped
- Some cultural interactions could have greater depth
For readers seeking a journey of self-discovery across beautifully rendered historical landscapes, “Six Days in Bombay” offers a deeply satisfying reading experience that will linger long after the final page.