bookchew's review against another edition
4.0
I loved this. A comedy of manners and subtle one-upmanship. . . like Chekhov in India.
In a changing India, and an increasingly globalist culture, who makes the rules? And what is the cost--or reward--of not following conventions?
This bubbly, satirical novel draws you into the Jha family's home--both their old home in a rundown, cramped apartment in East Delhi, and a new, lavishly expensive and overly-quiet one in Gurgaon. With warmth and humor, the novel traces the Jhas (who have recently become very wealthy) as they attempt to keep up with the Jones' in their new social circle. Conventions of dating, professional mobility, and family dynamics are in flux, creating tension at times, but always with a wink to the absurdity and necessary surrender that comes with change.
"The Windfall" is such an inviting novel. Simple in tone, it draws you in to this family and the ebb and flow of affections as they navigate the awkward adjustments to their new lives. This novel celebrates the whimsy of life's small moments, without ignoring the burdensome weight of the large ones.
It made me laugh. It made me feel like I was part of the Jha family in East Delhi and Gurgaon. A fun, beautiful debut.
In a changing India, and an increasingly globalist culture, who makes the rules? And what is the cost--or reward--of not following conventions?
This bubbly, satirical novel draws you into the Jha family's home--both their old home in a rundown, cramped apartment in East Delhi, and a new, lavishly expensive and overly-quiet one in Gurgaon. With warmth and humor, the novel traces the Jhas (who have recently become very wealthy) as they attempt to keep up with the Jones' in their new social circle. Conventions of dating, professional mobility, and family dynamics are in flux, creating tension at times, but always with a wink to the absurdity and necessary surrender that comes with change.
"The Windfall" is such an inviting novel. Simple in tone, it draws you in to this family and the ebb and flow of affections as they navigate the awkward adjustments to their new lives. This novel celebrates the whimsy of life's small moments, without ignoring the burdensome weight of the large ones.
It made me laugh. It made me feel like I was part of the Jha family in East Delhi and Gurgaon. A fun, beautiful debut.
abrswf's review
4.0
This is a very lighthearted book with a charming story about a Delhi family that gets rich and their resulting social upheaval. There is a huge amount of humor about conspicuous spending to impress others, and a couple of charming and straightforward romantic story lines. There's not much more than that to this book, but it is fun and it is certainly an interesting look at life in Delhi among reasonably prosperous people, and there is also some enlightening discussion about the experience of Indians in the United States.
lululovesbooks77's review against another edition
4.0
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I bought it on sale on amazon, and found the synopsis intriguing as I’ve never read about contemporary India. I think the author did a great job describing Delhi and its neighbourhoods. I could really picture it!
It actually took me awhile to get into the book and I even took a couple of breaks to read finish off a series I was reading. But in the end, the story of the Jhas and Mrs. Ray drew me back in because i really wanted to know what happens.
There were parts that made me laugh, and parts that made me cringe (for the characters, not because of poor writing). I almost wanted the book to go on a bit longer. In the end it was entertaining read. I would recommend it.
It actually took me awhile to get into the book and I even took a couple of breaks to read finish off a series I was reading. But in the end, the story of the Jhas and Mrs. Ray drew me back in because i really wanted to know what happens.
There were parts that made me laugh, and parts that made me cringe (for the characters, not because of poor writing). I almost wanted the book to go on a bit longer. In the end it was entertaining read. I would recommend it.
bluepoohreads22's review against another edition
3.0
This is a rags to riches story involving a middle class Indian family. It’s a story I guess every one can relate to.
Characters you will find in this book:
-parents who yearns for high achieving children
-mom who dotes her son
-nosy neighbours
-misogynistic specimens
I felt that this story was written with a notion of ‘Log Kya Kahenge’ (what would people say). Everything that Mr Jha does; he immediately thinks what will this person think. I guess many of us could relate to this.
Characters you will find in this book:
-parents who yearns for high achieving children
-mom who dotes her son
-nosy neighbours
-misogynistic specimens
I felt that this story was written with a notion of ‘Log Kya Kahenge’ (what would people say). Everything that Mr Jha does; he immediately thinks what will this person think. I guess many of us could relate to this.
leslielikesthings's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars
I enjoyed this one a lot. I ended up reading it in a pretty fragmented way over nearly a month, due to life stuff that was going on. If I had been able to read it more consistently then I think it would have held together better for me. Once I had more time to focus on it and get into its rhythm, I really liked it. The gentle social satire really worked for me. I've seen some comparisons to Jane Austen, and that makes sense to me.
I enjoyed this one a lot. I ended up reading it in a pretty fragmented way over nearly a month, due to life stuff that was going on. If I had been able to read it more consistently then I think it would have held together better for me. Once I had more time to focus on it and get into its rhythm, I really liked it. The gentle social satire really worked for me. I've seen some comparisons to Jane Austen, and that makes sense to me.
kbellows27's review against another edition
4.0
Very enjoyable family comedy about “moving on up” in modern day India.
ksofi's review against another edition
3.0
Even though this book is less than 300 pages, it took me way longer than normal to finish because I was so disengaged. I never felt like I really got to know the characters more than surface level, even by the end of the book.
The society elements about class and wealth (and how those things are shown or not shown) were very interesting.
The society elements about class and wealth (and how those things are shown or not shown) were very interesting.
cook_memorial_public_library's review against another edition
4.0
A 2017 staff favorite recommended by Haley and Susie.
Check our catalog: https://encore.cooklib.org/iii/encore/search?formids=target&lang=eng&suite=def&reservedids=lang%2Csuite&submitmode=&submitname=&target=windfall+basu
Check our catalog: https://encore.cooklib.org/iii/encore/search?formids=target&lang=eng&suite=def&reservedids=lang%2Csuite&submitmode=&submitname=&target=windfall+basu