One of the common attribute that sets the Indian authors apart from its contemporaries is its “Bollywood element”. Bombay Rains, Bombay Girls by Anirban Bose is one such book with occasional bits of Bollywood melodrama. As its title suggests it’s not a new age modern story. The background of the story is set in the 80’s and is very much evident and alive throughout the book.

It’s a simple and sparkling narrative set in the vivid city of Mumbai. It is a story of Adityaman Bhatt, a decent chap with traditional upbringings from the village of Ranchi in Bihar, who comes all the way to Mumbai to pursue a degree in medicine. He steps into the “big bad city” with the advice, “You’ve got to see two things in Bombay: The Bombay Rains and the Bombay Girls.” The story flows with a steady pace as Adi, initially drenched in culture shock and his own fears and insecurities, finally emerges into a strong, confident and popular guy. The essence of Mumbai as felt by an outsider has been captured beautifully in this book as the protagonist sails through friendship, love, politics and the city itself.

The characters in this book have a story of their own and in their interactions with Adi, this small but significant story scarred by their experiences adds to the whole beauty of the book. Whether it’s Toshi or Pheru, Sam or Harsha, Renuka or Isha, the differences in them are stark, but the common trait of genuineness and simplicity acts as the glue to their friendship with Adi. As he comes across different challenges in his personal as well as professional life, his battles with his own doubts and insecurities, makes you question your own beliefs, acts and principles.

The book starts on a good note, wherein an insight into the psyche of the protagonist on finding himself in a huge city, very much unlike his home-town, is painted wonderfully. The story is simple yet engrossing and resonates with my present mental scenario of college life. However, at places the story does get tad boring with its Bollywood melodrama. Towards the ending I feel some scenes could have been omitted or replaced with something more palatable. Like the murder drama was a bit too much and also it doesn’t add much to the whole story. At the end when you look back at it, it stands like a benign tumor, its purpose unknown and ineffective. Nevertheless, the climax with its typical Bollywoodish, ‘kissing in the rain scene’ in a way manages to nullify it. As I read the book, it’s similarities with Chetan Bhagat’s ‘Five Point Someone’ did nudge me a bit. “Inspiration” I believe.

For a debut writer, Anirban Bose has done a wonderful job with the book. If you are a sucker for happy endings as much as I am, believe me, the built up is worth it!