Debut Novel Paradise Towers by Shweta Bachchan-Nanda

Who hasn't heard of Shweta Bachchan-Nanda?  A well-known personality, and the daughter of actors Jaya and Amitabh Bachchan - the superstar, she is also a columnist for DNA and Vogue, now you know. 

For someone who religiously follows Shweta Bachchan-Nanda's columns, I was super elated when she announced her debut book- Paradise Towers, and I couldn't wait for its release, was even more excited to be invited and be a part of the launch event. So, without further ado, here I note my review for Paradise Towers published by Harper Collins India.

Blurb

Dinesh opens the door to the Kapoor flat to find Lata, the enchantress who works at Mrs. Aly Khan's, carrying a hot case with freshly made 'gaajar ka halwa.' On the first floor, the inquisitive Mrs. Mody wipes the dust off her precious binoculars to spy on the building's security guard. The Singhs open the doors of their SUV, their four boys creating a ruckus - they are the newcomers, the outsiders. Through the peephole, the ever-watchful Mrs. Ranganekar observes their arrival. Welcome to Paradise Towers, an apartment building in central Mumbai. Everyone here has a story to tell. Or maybe they have stories to hide. Shweta Bachchan-Nanda's quirky, intimate debut explores the intertwined lives in this building - a forbidden romance, an elopement, the undercurrents of tension in corridor interactions and an explosive Diwali celebration. Bachchan-Nanda's is a dazzling voice that will draw you into the intoxicating, crazy world that is Paradise Towers.

About the Book

Believe me, when I say, the book is a slice of life of those who reside in society apartments in a city like Mumbai. The plot is partly quirky, partly realistic and partly reel. The story is set in a quaint apartment called 'Paradise Towers' in central Mumbai, where we are introduced to characters all belonging to different cultures and backgrounds. Life in Paradise Towers is no different from how life in an society building is, It includes a mix of friendly banters, elderly spying, gossip tale, a hint of daily dramas, and occasional gatherings which includes lots of food and tete-a- tete.

Any onlooker may feel everything is normal in this quaint looking apartment, however only the ones residing in Paradise Towers are aware of the stories behind every floor. Maybe you can find out more about the tale if you grab a copy of Paradise Towers, in the meantime, you can read my take on the book.

My Take on the Book

TBH, I genuinely enjoyed reading the book, it is a refreshing read, with a mix of dramas, chaos, and quirkiness. The plot is riveting and the flow is lyrical which made me wonder how the author could visualise life in a society apartment, whilst not having lived in one, thus making me appreciate how observant she is to have crafted a plot where most readers can resonate and connect subsequently. Not bringing in to a comparison but there is a 'slight' striking similarity between her and Twinkle Khanna when it comes to the humour part, it could be a co-incident though, after all, great minds think alike. Right?  On the contrary, they possess their own style of narratives, so, not judging. 

Also, what kept me going and finishing the book in a single sitting was its plot and sub-plot, it was undeniably absorbing and unputdownable.  I loved the author's way of narration which had a mix of emotions, hint of dramas and realistic perspective. For someone who lives in Mumbai, I could very much relate with what happens in and around a society building, and the book has aptly recounted. As a debut novel for the author, I applaud her views and strong observational skills which brought Paradise Towers to life and made it look like a part of everyday lives in a city's apartment. 

Surely, life seemed all perfect in Paradise Towers, until a phenomenon occurs and unveils few hidden tales to tell.  

A quirky, intimate debut explores the intertwined lives in this building – a forbidden romance, an elopement, the undercurrents of tension in corridor interactions and an explosive Diwali celebration. Shweta Bachchan-Nanda’s is a dazzling voice that will draw you into the intoxicating, crazy world that is Paradise Towers.

Book Details

Title: Paradise Towers

Author: Shweta Bachchan-Nanda

Paperback: 184 pages

Publisher: HarperCollins India; 1 edition (6 October 2018)

Price: Rs. 155

Language: English

ISBN-10: 9353023157

ISBN-13: 978-9353023157

My Rating: 4/5

If you are looking for a light and refreshing read, or a debut book of an author, you must pick this book. Also, if you turn out to be a fan of Shweta Bachchan's work, then you must definitely add it to your TBR list.