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Scandalous Housewives: Mumbai
Sapphire Towers: Just another residential high-rise in Mumbai where the humdrum routine of daily life carries on with clockwork precision. But beneath the tranquil surface lurks a web of lies and deceit spun by a group of lonely housewives.
Gita, frustrated mother of two young daughters, longs to escape the monotony of her marriage and lusts after a forbidden relationship. Sarita, conservative Gujarati housewife and mother, is addicted to kinky sex and pays a dear price for it. Stylish working mother, Aarti, nurses an appalling secret that could end her marriage. And sultry ex-model Natasha, who seems to have it all, is hopelessly in love with a much younger man—the son of one of her friends.
Even as these women scramble to conceal their darkest secrets, an anonymous email is sent out to all the residents of Sapphire Towers with horrific consequences.
Racy and unputdownable, Scandalous Housewives: Mumbai is the first book in the sizzling new series by bestselling author Madhuri Banerjee, which tell the stories of the unsung housewives of urban India who will go to any lengths to fulfil their deepest, darkest desires.
Gita, frustrated mother of two young daughters, longs to escape the monotony of her marriage and lusts after a forbidden relationship. Sarita, conservative Gujarati housewife and mother, is addicted to kinky sex and pays a dear price for it. Stylish working mother, Aarti, nurses an appalling secret that could end her marriage. And sultry ex-model Natasha, who seems to have it all, is hopelessly in love with a much younger man—the son of one of her friends.
Even as these women scramble to conceal their darkest secrets, an anonymous email is sent out to all the residents of Sapphire Towers with horrific consequences.
Racy and unputdownable, Scandalous Housewives: Mumbai is the first book in the sizzling new series by bestselling author Madhuri Banerjee, which tell the stories of the unsung housewives of urban India who will go to any lengths to fulfil their deepest, darkest desires.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 20, 2014
40 people are currently reading
471 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
February 24, 2016
A fast paced novel about the city life of India, as portrayed by the 4 women friends living in a Mumbai suburban colony, their families, struggles and interpersonal relationships. Any Indian would relate to the facts presented in the story.
Gist:
The 4 women and their circumstances
1. Geeta - Husband is coldhearted and has superiority complex, 2 cute daughters who are made to feel that they are not as good as boys, interfering narrow minded in-laws
2. Aarti - only working woman, envied by her friends, has an apparently loving husband, understanding in-laws and a darling young son
3. Natasha - former model turned house wife with brats of a husband and daughter, both of whom ill treat her
4. Sarita - husband is okay, but has very stingy in-laws, a boy and a girl, both in their late teens
These women are good friends, meeting each other and chatting almost daily, but soon troubles start as
a. One of these gets involved with her kind brother in law
b. Another lady is hiding the secret of her son's paternity and husband's impotence
c. Another has an abusive husband
d. One lady comes to know that her friend is having physical relationship with her son
e. One finds out that her daughter is a cheat and a malicious gossip
f. Another finds out that her daughter is a shallow minded braggart
g. One person has their progeny attempting suicide
h. One suspects her husband of having clandestine affairs....
and so the list goes on....
The first half of the book was very engaging. Reading it was like voyeurism into the day to day life of average Indian households. The second half started becoming exotic and erotic with the affairs and trysts coming up. There were pages which I just skimmed through superficially because due to some faulty logic, I felt that I should not act like a peeping Tom and observe them "doing the act". I could almost justify why all these women behaved as they did. I can say the second half did full justice to the title "Scandalous Housewives".
By the end, all things were neatly tied up - almost too neatly in my opinion.
I would recommend this to people who like modern Indian literature. I personally find it much polished and readable than many of the books being churned out on a daily basis.
But if one is seeking beauty of prose and spiritual learning, this is not the book.
This one presents stark facts and skeletons in cupboards in a matter-of-fact, simple language.
Warning - contains porn/erotica/kinkiness/whatever it is
[I dont know whether I am justified to rate it so, because when it comes to public display of affection in books, I am a bit orthodox]
Gist:
The 4 women and their circumstances
1. Geeta - Husband is coldhearted and has superiority complex, 2 cute daughters who are made to feel that they are not as good as boys, interfering narrow minded in-laws
2. Aarti - only working woman, envied by her friends, has an apparently loving husband, understanding in-laws and a darling young son
3. Natasha - former model turned house wife with brats of a husband and daughter, both of whom ill treat her
4. Sarita - husband is okay, but has very stingy in-laws, a boy and a girl, both in their late teens
These women are good friends, meeting each other and chatting almost daily, but soon troubles start as
a. One of these gets involved with her kind brother in law
b. Another lady is hiding the secret of her son's paternity and husband's impotence
c. Another has an abusive husband
d. One lady comes to know that her friend is having physical relationship with her son
e. One finds out that her daughter is a cheat and a malicious gossip
f. Another finds out that her daughter is a shallow minded braggart
g. One person has their progeny attempting suicide
h. One suspects her husband of having clandestine affairs....
and so the list goes on....
The first half of the book was very engaging. Reading it was like voyeurism into the day to day life of average Indian households. The second half started becoming exotic and erotic with the affairs and trysts coming up. There were pages which I just skimmed through superficially because due to some faulty logic, I felt that I should not act like a peeping Tom and observe them "doing the act". I could almost justify why all these women behaved as they did. I can say the second half did full justice to the title "Scandalous Housewives".
By the end, all things were neatly tied up - almost too neatly in my opinion.
I would recommend this to people who like modern Indian literature. I personally find it much polished and readable than many of the books being churned out on a daily basis.
But if one is seeking beauty of prose and spiritual learning, this is not the book.
This one presents stark facts and skeletons in cupboards in a matter-of-fact, simple language.
Warning - contains porn/erotica/kinkiness/whatever it is
[I dont know whether I am justified to rate it so, because when it comes to public display of affection in books, I am a bit orthodox]
July 31, 2017
Another mach eating, pot smoking, worthless, wannabe author has churned another piece of crap.
Do not waste your time reading this pile of garbage. "60 rupees paperback" Indian novelist will keep piling up this kind of shit like a beetle piles up dung. Go grab a classic- Might I suggest something by George Orwell or if you are in the mood for a read good contemporary mystery then how about "The Cuckoo's Calling" by none other than Robert Galbraith (J.K Rowling of Harry Potter fame actually)
Madhurima and the likes of her are a shame to the legacy of R.K. Narayan, Mulk Raj Anand, Amitav Ghosh, and A.K. Ramanujam.
Do not waste your time reading this pile of garbage. "60 rupees paperback" Indian novelist will keep piling up this kind of shit like a beetle piles up dung. Go grab a classic- Might I suggest something by George Orwell or if you are in the mood for a read good contemporary mystery then how about "The Cuckoo's Calling" by none other than Robert Galbraith (J.K Rowling of Harry Potter fame actually)
Madhurima and the likes of her are a shame to the legacy of R.K. Narayan, Mulk Raj Anand, Amitav Ghosh, and A.K. Ramanujam.
July 22, 2015
Read the full review here - Escape Reality - Book Reviews'
Characters:
Meet Gita, a very talented young woman, but frustrated mother of two young girls who is stuck in a unhappy marriage with a husband who doesn't love her, parent-in-laws who reprimand her for anything and everything she does and a brother-in-law whom she is drawn to greatly! Her life is spent in bringing up her two little angels and trying hard to please everyone is the family.
Meet Sarita, mother of two teenagers, stuck with stingy parent-in-laws, husband who adores her and children who refuse to listen to her. Lazy cook who hates doing the household chores, she believes in giving kids freedom and keeping broad mind while bringing them up.
Meet Natasha, once a super model, now a housewife and mother of a rebelling 14 year old girl! Natasha feels suffocated with her husband Vikram, who seems to have temper problem and abuses her and a daughter never listens to her!
Meet Aarti, a career oriented woman who travels constantly, thanks to the support she receives from her parent-in-laws and loving husband Amit but she carries a guilt that she couldn't shake off! As much as she loves Amit, she couldn't help but feel unhappy in her romance-less marriage!
Plot:
'Scandalous housewives: Mumbai' revolves around 4 housewives - Gita, Sarita, Natasha and Aarti, each of whom is fighting their own demons. These 4 friends, who call themselves 'Lovey Ladies' meet often in the park of Sapphire Towers where they reside and gossip about their life. Though they share the basic stuffs and pretend to be closest of friends, each one of them has a secret that they have hidden and are reluctant to share.
What happens when are stuck in a marriage where there is no love? What happens if your husband stops paying attention to you and then suddenly, someone else does that? What happens when there is something vital missing in your wedded life? Apparently, you do adultery. That is what these lovely ladies do when they reach a point where life seems beyond bearable! And these events turn their life 360 degrees when someone finds out their truths and threatens to tell everyone about it! Their faith, friendship and love, everything is put to test at this juncture of life, where each one has their own bag of guilt to deal with!
Things I Liked:
I liked the way Madhuri has handled so many delicate things in this books. The story of a family that suppresses woman from following her heart and expecting her to be just a housewife who does all the chores, the issues parents face while bringing up their children, the bedroom secrets, the choices that women are forced to make to keep the family intact, friendship and romance. All these elements and much more are handled with ease by the author.
I liked the way chapters ended with a hint about something that is about to happen, something that we need to look out for. It just made the book all more interesting and unputdownable. I liked the narration and the language used by the author. I liked her absolute hold on the story and how every twists and turns are thought out meticulously. Most of all, I liked the ending where she didn't leave our protagonists sinking in the standards created by the society!
Things I didn't Like:
The cover of the book doesn't do justice to the brilliant story! And there were a few places where the story turned too filmy. Apart from that, the book was a great read.
Verdict:
If you are one of those people who point a finger against those who break the norms and follow their heart, don't even bother picking up the book and then commenting on it. But if you someone with an open mind, go for it. This book is a brilliant read and definitely a page turner. This is the first book I have read of Madhuri and I loved it. Looking forward to read more books from her.
Characters:
Meet Gita, a very talented young woman, but frustrated mother of two young girls who is stuck in a unhappy marriage with a husband who doesn't love her, parent-in-laws who reprimand her for anything and everything she does and a brother-in-law whom she is drawn to greatly! Her life is spent in bringing up her two little angels and trying hard to please everyone is the family.
Meet Sarita, mother of two teenagers, stuck with stingy parent-in-laws, husband who adores her and children who refuse to listen to her. Lazy cook who hates doing the household chores, she believes in giving kids freedom and keeping broad mind while bringing them up.
Meet Natasha, once a super model, now a housewife and mother of a rebelling 14 year old girl! Natasha feels suffocated with her husband Vikram, who seems to have temper problem and abuses her and a daughter never listens to her!
Meet Aarti, a career oriented woman who travels constantly, thanks to the support she receives from her parent-in-laws and loving husband Amit but she carries a guilt that she couldn't shake off! As much as she loves Amit, she couldn't help but feel unhappy in her romance-less marriage!
Plot:
'Scandalous housewives: Mumbai' revolves around 4 housewives - Gita, Sarita, Natasha and Aarti, each of whom is fighting their own demons. These 4 friends, who call themselves 'Lovey Ladies' meet often in the park of Sapphire Towers where they reside and gossip about their life. Though they share the basic stuffs and pretend to be closest of friends, each one of them has a secret that they have hidden and are reluctant to share.
What happens when are stuck in a marriage where there is no love? What happens if your husband stops paying attention to you and then suddenly, someone else does that? What happens when there is something vital missing in your wedded life? Apparently, you do adultery. That is what these lovely ladies do when they reach a point where life seems beyond bearable! And these events turn their life 360 degrees when someone finds out their truths and threatens to tell everyone about it! Their faith, friendship and love, everything is put to test at this juncture of life, where each one has their own bag of guilt to deal with!
Things I Liked:
I liked the way Madhuri has handled so many delicate things in this books. The story of a family that suppresses woman from following her heart and expecting her to be just a housewife who does all the chores, the issues parents face while bringing up their children, the bedroom secrets, the choices that women are forced to make to keep the family intact, friendship and romance. All these elements and much more are handled with ease by the author.
I liked the way chapters ended with a hint about something that is about to happen, something that we need to look out for. It just made the book all more interesting and unputdownable. I liked the narration and the language used by the author. I liked her absolute hold on the story and how every twists and turns are thought out meticulously. Most of all, I liked the ending where she didn't leave our protagonists sinking in the standards created by the society!
Things I didn't Like:
The cover of the book doesn't do justice to the brilliant story! And there were a few places where the story turned too filmy. Apart from that, the book was a great read.
Verdict:
If you are one of those people who point a finger against those who break the norms and follow their heart, don't even bother picking up the book and then commenting on it. But if you someone with an open mind, go for it. This book is a brilliant read and definitely a page turner. This is the first book I have read of Madhuri and I loved it. Looking forward to read more books from her.
September 12, 2021
read it just to get married womens perspective.kinda bizarre according to this book,but ok,finished it.thank god.
December 8, 2014
I like those books in which there are 3-4 characters entirely different but in some or the other way their stories are interwoven. It is a good read, if you're looking for some real masala kinda book. It also shows how every women/family has a secret which they keep it to themselves. It was different in the story because it was a book and I'm glad it ended on a happy note for everyone and women didn't compromise like they do in real life and some books as well.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2014
Easy and quick read. Marriage as institution, how the women try and free from the suffocation that try and make them stand up to their rights. This is the story of four women who are friends and their lives.
September 3, 2015
Fairly disappointing read, can avoid!
October 31, 2015
Only when one reads such shit can one truly appreciate reading other, better novels.
November 13, 2015
It is a book without brains. Exaggerated book with spiced up masala - like old bollywood movies. Can avoid reading
May 13, 2016
How exactly do people like this get published?
August 12, 2018
Nothing good. Read the e-book as didn't have anything to read & internet wasn't available where I was staying!
September 18, 2018
Maybe something was lost in the traslation. Or simply Banerjee is not a good writer. Or simply it's me and I can't relate with the world of Banerjee's Mumbay.
February 26, 2024
Don't know why I wasted my time on this book
February 6, 2025
Hypocritical, Shallow, and Overly Obsessed with just sex.
I picked up Scandalous Housewives expecting a bold and engaging take on high-society drama, but it ended up being a frustrating read. The book thrives on scandal for the sake of it, without adding any real depth or nuance to the characters or their stories.
One of the most problematic aspects is the affair between an older woman and a teenage boy. If the genders were reversed, progressive readers would have rightly condemned it as predatory. But here, it’s brushed off as empowerment or rebellion, exposing the double standards in how such issues are portrayed. Instead of challenging societal norms, the book reinforces a hypocritical narrative that seems to cater to shock value rather than meaningful storytelling.
Additionally, the author seems to have a personal vendetta against in-laws in general. The way they are portrayed as villains across the board feels forced and exaggerated, as if the sole purpose of the book is to demonize them rather than explore complex family dynamics.
The hypocrisy of the characters is another major flaw. They judge others while engaging in condemnable behaviours. Instead of presenting morally gray, relatable individuals, the book gives us shallow, self-absorbed characters with little emotional depth. Their actions have no real consequences, making it hard to take the drama seriously.
But the most irritating aspect is how the female leads seem to have only one defining trait—sex. It’s as if the book wants to reduce women to nothing more than their physical desires, completely ignoring the complexities of their emotions, ambitions, or struggles. Instead of creating well-rounded characters, the story makes it seem like all women are fixated on just one thing, which is both unrealistic and offensive.
Overall, Scandalous Housewives is an opportunity you can definitely miss. Rather than offering a compelling look into relationships and societal pressures, it resorts to clichés, double standards, and forced narratives. If you're looking for a nuanced or thought-provoking read, this one isn't it.
I picked up Scandalous Housewives expecting a bold and engaging take on high-society drama, but it ended up being a frustrating read. The book thrives on scandal for the sake of it, without adding any real depth or nuance to the characters or their stories.
One of the most problematic aspects is the affair between an older woman and a teenage boy. If the genders were reversed, progressive readers would have rightly condemned it as predatory. But here, it’s brushed off as empowerment or rebellion, exposing the double standards in how such issues are portrayed. Instead of challenging societal norms, the book reinforces a hypocritical narrative that seems to cater to shock value rather than meaningful storytelling.
Additionally, the author seems to have a personal vendetta against in-laws in general. The way they are portrayed as villains across the board feels forced and exaggerated, as if the sole purpose of the book is to demonize them rather than explore complex family dynamics.
The hypocrisy of the characters is another major flaw. They judge others while engaging in condemnable behaviours. Instead of presenting morally gray, relatable individuals, the book gives us shallow, self-absorbed characters with little emotional depth. Their actions have no real consequences, making it hard to take the drama seriously.
But the most irritating aspect is how the female leads seem to have only one defining trait—sex. It’s as if the book wants to reduce women to nothing more than their physical desires, completely ignoring the complexities of their emotions, ambitions, or struggles. Instead of creating well-rounded characters, the story makes it seem like all women are fixated on just one thing, which is both unrealistic and offensive.
Overall, Scandalous Housewives is an opportunity you can definitely miss. Rather than offering a compelling look into relationships and societal pressures, it resorts to clichés, double standards, and forced narratives. If you're looking for a nuanced or thought-provoking read, this one isn't it.
December 30, 2024
This story set in Mumbai high rise building Sapphire Towers: where daily life carries on with clockwork precision. But beneath lurks a dark web of lies, insecurity, unsatisfied, scared, conservative, jealous and frustrated and deceit spun by a group of housewives.
Gita, frustrated mother of two young daughters, longs to escape the monotony of her marriage as husband is conversative and want her at home and kill her dreams and aspirations of life, his disrespect towards Gita put their marriage in jeopardy and a forbidden relationship with her brother in law who supported her everyway and help her started her own business and settle down her daughter's.
Sarita, conservative Gujarati housewife and mother, her husband is addicted to kinky sex and in order to fulfill his wishes she pays a price for it . Her children are burdened by expectations of there dreams but both want to live there life there own term and when scandal broke open they realised their mistake.
Aarti, working mother held a secret that could end her marriage, as her husband frauded her with his secret and disturbed a relationship of Aarti and Dhruv and later they broke the marriage when Aarti found guilty with adultery but she doesn't let secret out and leave gracefully.
Natasha (ex-model), who seems to have it all but her life was biggest mess by her husband physical abuse is hopelessly in love with a much younger man the son of one of her friends, whom she comfort because of his depression and drinking problem she helped him open up. He take that moment as love instead of infatuation but that make Natasha strong and she broke her abusive marriage and take her daughter away for new start.
These women scramble to conceal their darkest secrets, when anonymous email is sent out to all the residents , lead to series of fallout but end was desirable for all ,later culprit founded.
Gita, frustrated mother of two young daughters, longs to escape the monotony of her marriage as husband is conversative and want her at home and kill her dreams and aspirations of life, his disrespect towards Gita put their marriage in jeopardy and a forbidden relationship with her brother in law who supported her everyway and help her started her own business and settle down her daughter's.
Sarita, conservative Gujarati housewife and mother, her husband is addicted to kinky sex and in order to fulfill his wishes she pays a price for it . Her children are burdened by expectations of there dreams but both want to live there life there own term and when scandal broke open they realised their mistake.
Aarti, working mother held a secret that could end her marriage, as her husband frauded her with his secret and disturbed a relationship of Aarti and Dhruv and later they broke the marriage when Aarti found guilty with adultery but she doesn't let secret out and leave gracefully.
Natasha (ex-model), who seems to have it all but her life was biggest mess by her husband physical abuse is hopelessly in love with a much younger man the son of one of her friends, whom she comfort because of his depression and drinking problem she helped him open up. He take that moment as love instead of infatuation but that make Natasha strong and she broke her abusive marriage and take her daughter away for new start.
These women scramble to conceal their darkest secrets, when anonymous email is sent out to all the residents , lead to series of fallout but end was desirable for all ,later culprit founded.
July 27, 2018
Scandalous Housewives: Mumbai By #MADHURIBANERJEE (Pages 255) Available In Paperback, Kindle & Audiobook Format By #RupaPublication.
Barometer For A Book Being Really Good Is That The Moment You Open The First Page You Get A Feel Good Vibe And Even Before You Finish The First Chapter You So Hooked That You Just Cannot Put It Down As Each New Page Engrosses You To Keep Going On & On Till You Reached The Last Page..
The Next Time Round You Drawn To The Same Book Again For A Second Reading To Relish It At Leisure At Your Own Sweet Pace Recreating It Once Again While Focussing On The Finer Nuances.
Even Though ‘Scandalous Housewives’ Happens To Be My First Book Read By Authoress MADHURI BANERJEE Yet I Am Pretty Sure It Certainly Ain’t Going To Be My Last By Any Stretch Of Imagination...
Four Thick As Thieves Bosom Buddies Sarita, Arti, Geeta & Natasha From Different Stratas Of Society Are Bonded To Each Other At Various Levels Yet In A Moment Of Weakness One Doesn’t Hesitate To Seduce The Other’s Teenage Son..If That Ain’t Scandalous Then Pray What Else Could Possibly Qualify For Atleast One Of The Housewives Being Scandalous While The Other In A Moment Of Weakness Gets Seduced By Her Own Brother-In-Law. Just Two Floors Below?
Full Credit Goes To The Author In Painting Such A Convincing Canvas That Any Sensitive Reader Can Actually Feel The Plight Of The Four Housewives Who Come Out Less Scandalous And More Victims Of Circumstances Inspite Of Their Misdeeds When Passion Turns Into Lust And Life Spirals Out Of Control!!
The Thing On Top Of The Mind The Moment The Book Finishes Is Shall Scandalous Housewives: Chennai Be The Sequel To Scandalous Housewives: Mumbai..That Is Perhaps Something Only MADHURI BANERJEE Can Answer Best When The Time Is Ripe?
Barometer For A Book Being Really Good Is That The Moment You Open The First Page You Get A Feel Good Vibe And Even Before You Finish The First Chapter You So Hooked That You Just Cannot Put It Down As Each New Page Engrosses You To Keep Going On & On Till You Reached The Last Page..
The Next Time Round You Drawn To The Same Book Again For A Second Reading To Relish It At Leisure At Your Own Sweet Pace Recreating It Once Again While Focussing On The Finer Nuances.
Even Though ‘Scandalous Housewives’ Happens To Be My First Book Read By Authoress MADHURI BANERJEE Yet I Am Pretty Sure It Certainly Ain’t Going To Be My Last By Any Stretch Of Imagination...
Four Thick As Thieves Bosom Buddies Sarita, Arti, Geeta & Natasha From Different Stratas Of Society Are Bonded To Each Other At Various Levels Yet In A Moment Of Weakness One Doesn’t Hesitate To Seduce The Other’s Teenage Son..If That Ain’t Scandalous Then Pray What Else Could Possibly Qualify For Atleast One Of The Housewives Being Scandalous While The Other In A Moment Of Weakness Gets Seduced By Her Own Brother-In-Law. Just Two Floors Below?
Full Credit Goes To The Author In Painting Such A Convincing Canvas That Any Sensitive Reader Can Actually Feel The Plight Of The Four Housewives Who Come Out Less Scandalous And More Victims Of Circumstances Inspite Of Their Misdeeds When Passion Turns Into Lust And Life Spirals Out Of Control!!
The Thing On Top Of The Mind The Moment The Book Finishes Is Shall Scandalous Housewives: Chennai Be The Sequel To Scandalous Housewives: Mumbai..That Is Perhaps Something Only MADHURI BANERJEE Can Answer Best When The Time Is Ripe?
November 1, 2020
One thing which every human being wants and deserve is 'love', the same is being sought by the protagonists in this book where they go out of the so-called "societal boundaries" and try to do something which they love.
If we go by the title of this book then we would feel that this is all about immoral actions which should not be done but the author has very well laid down the plot and given us the reasons as to why each of the characters indulges in those activities which looks like scandalous.
If we go by the title of this book then we would feel that this is all about immoral actions which should not be done but the author has very well laid down the plot and given us the reasons as to why each of the characters indulges in those activities which looks like scandalous.
February 25, 2017
I think, we as women take ourselves and our role in society for granted. And, soon as someone drifts away from the norm, we shun them. We use "SOCIETY" as a measuring tool and forget individuality and personal needs and wants. This is a must-read for everyone..if you come across it, read it. It's eye-opening.
January 4, 2020
Gripping read scandalous but great insight into life of housewives. Different perspectives! Oh man the lengths writer need to go to get stories. A bit exhuasting but enagaging in whole sense very good read
April 17, 2019
This book really gives you an insight of what Indian married women go through and how they are forced to do stuff they don't want to
February 15, 2021
medium experience
September 26, 2014
Madhuri Banerjee is a writer that I love reading immensely. She has the talent of hooking your interest right from page one. So when I saw her latest on Flipkart, I didn't think twice about clicking on the 'Buy' button. I have been following the author on her blog for a long time now and I love the way she tackles subjects like sex and relationships.
From the book cover- Sapphire Towers: just another residential high-rise in Mumbai where the humdrum routine of daily life carries on with clockwork precision. But, beneath the tranquil surface lurks a web of deceit and lies spun by a group of lonely housewives.
Gita, frustrated mother of two young daughters, longs to escape the monotony of her marriage—and lusts after a forbidden relationship. Sarita, conservative Gujarati housewife and mother, is addicted to kinky sex and pays a dear price for it. Stylish working mother, Aarti, nurses an appalling secret that could end her marriage. And sultry ex-model Natasha, who seems to have it all, is hopelessly in love with a much younger man—the son of one of her friends.
Even as these women scramble to conceal their darkest secrets, an anonymous email is sent out to all the residents of Sapphire Towers, and has horrific consequences.
Racy and unputdownable, Scandalous Housewives: Mumbai is the first book in the sizzling new series by bestselling author Madhuri Banerjee, which tell the stories of the unsung housewives of urban India who will go to any lengths to fulfil their deepest, darkest desires.
My Take: When I read the blurb and the title of the book, I was reminded about the popular TV show - Desperate Housewives that I had recently finished watching. I was a bit disappointed at first when I felt it was too similar to the TV show. Natasha, the ex-model reminded me of Gabrielle Solis in the show who has an affair with a younger man and the stylish working mother- Aarti reminded me of Lynette Scavo. But that was where the resemblance ended.
A few pages into the novel and I was engrossed well into the story. I loved how the author has chosen to end each chapter in suspense, making the reader want to continue to the next one. At first, I was bit irritated and skeptical since a lot of the housewives are portrayed to be doormats to their husbands and in-laws, even though all of them are strong willed and educated.
But towards the end of the story, I'm glad to say that my assumption went for a toss. All the four housewives are believable and are the women we see around us, if we look carefully. As Gita begins an affair with her brother-in-law, Aarti bumps into her ex at a party-who offers her all that is missing in her marriage. While Natasha has a fling with her best friend Sarita's son, Sarita and her husband have their own secrets in their bedroom, one that can be quite scandalous when it comes out.
The turning point of the story is the anonymous email that gets circulated among the residents of Sapphire Towers threatening to reveal all the deadly secrets that the housewives guard with all their heart. The story is engrossing and keeps your interest right till the last page. I finished reading the book in couple of days straight as I simply had to know what happened next.
The sex scenes in the book are nicely done without being vulgar. Madhuri also writes about a lot of issues that many urban families would like to keep under wraps- be it the bedroom secrets, handling adolescents or the choices that a woman is forced to make by the so called society. If you like reading books by Shobhaa De like me, then this is the book for you. Though the novels written by Shobhaa De have a stronger plot line and her heroines are much more reckless, Madhuri's stories are much more toned down making it a lot more believable, if you know what I mean.
What I didn't like was the book cover. I really wish the publishers could have picked up a more suitable jacket that did justice to the story inside. Though I have read all the novels by Madhuri, I must say that this was her best one so far. I have enjoyed reading her previous works but she handles a lot of sensitive issues in this one, that its hard to ignore the fact. It's rather evident how much she has grown as a writer with Scandalous Housewives. I would definitely give this one a four stars on five.
I highly recommend this book if you like reading Indian writers like Shobhaa De. It's a very well written and edited book and I'm sure that you would not regret a waste of money or time after reading this one. This one is a part of a series and I know that I would grab the next one as soon as it's out! Moreover, you shall get all the answers to the one question that is written on the book cover:
What happens when what lies between the sheets becomes the linen that is washed in public?
Bottom line- I loved it!
http://awanderingmindofabookaholic.bl...
From the book cover- Sapphire Towers: just another residential high-rise in Mumbai where the humdrum routine of daily life carries on with clockwork precision. But, beneath the tranquil surface lurks a web of deceit and lies spun by a group of lonely housewives.
Gita, frustrated mother of two young daughters, longs to escape the monotony of her marriage—and lusts after a forbidden relationship. Sarita, conservative Gujarati housewife and mother, is addicted to kinky sex and pays a dear price for it. Stylish working mother, Aarti, nurses an appalling secret that could end her marriage. And sultry ex-model Natasha, who seems to have it all, is hopelessly in love with a much younger man—the son of one of her friends.
Even as these women scramble to conceal their darkest secrets, an anonymous email is sent out to all the residents of Sapphire Towers, and has horrific consequences.
Racy and unputdownable, Scandalous Housewives: Mumbai is the first book in the sizzling new series by bestselling author Madhuri Banerjee, which tell the stories of the unsung housewives of urban India who will go to any lengths to fulfil their deepest, darkest desires.
My Take: When I read the blurb and the title of the book, I was reminded about the popular TV show - Desperate Housewives that I had recently finished watching. I was a bit disappointed at first when I felt it was too similar to the TV show. Natasha, the ex-model reminded me of Gabrielle Solis in the show who has an affair with a younger man and the stylish working mother- Aarti reminded me of Lynette Scavo. But that was where the resemblance ended.
A few pages into the novel and I was engrossed well into the story. I loved how the author has chosen to end each chapter in suspense, making the reader want to continue to the next one. At first, I was bit irritated and skeptical since a lot of the housewives are portrayed to be doormats to their husbands and in-laws, even though all of them are strong willed and educated.
But towards the end of the story, I'm glad to say that my assumption went for a toss. All the four housewives are believable and are the women we see around us, if we look carefully. As Gita begins an affair with her brother-in-law, Aarti bumps into her ex at a party-who offers her all that is missing in her marriage. While Natasha has a fling with her best friend Sarita's son, Sarita and her husband have their own secrets in their bedroom, one that can be quite scandalous when it comes out.
The turning point of the story is the anonymous email that gets circulated among the residents of Sapphire Towers threatening to reveal all the deadly secrets that the housewives guard with all their heart. The story is engrossing and keeps your interest right till the last page. I finished reading the book in couple of days straight as I simply had to know what happened next.
The sex scenes in the book are nicely done without being vulgar. Madhuri also writes about a lot of issues that many urban families would like to keep under wraps- be it the bedroom secrets, handling adolescents or the choices that a woman is forced to make by the so called society. If you like reading books by Shobhaa De like me, then this is the book for you. Though the novels written by Shobhaa De have a stronger plot line and her heroines are much more reckless, Madhuri's stories are much more toned down making it a lot more believable, if you know what I mean.
What I didn't like was the book cover. I really wish the publishers could have picked up a more suitable jacket that did justice to the story inside. Though I have read all the novels by Madhuri, I must say that this was her best one so far. I have enjoyed reading her previous works but she handles a lot of sensitive issues in this one, that its hard to ignore the fact. It's rather evident how much she has grown as a writer with Scandalous Housewives. I would definitely give this one a four stars on five.
I highly recommend this book if you like reading Indian writers like Shobhaa De. It's a very well written and edited book and I'm sure that you would not regret a waste of money or time after reading this one. This one is a part of a series and I know that I would grab the next one as soon as it's out! Moreover, you shall get all the answers to the one question that is written on the book cover:
What happens when what lies between the sheets becomes the linen that is washed in public?
Bottom line- I loved it!
http://awanderingmindofabookaholic.bl...
December 31, 2018
Behind the title and cover, this is an empowering book with a sensual touch
The life of most Indian housewives are conditioned to husband needs, children's and in-laws caring.
Scandalous housewives represents those women whose desires, freedom and ambitions are suppressed and no longer want to fit-in.
Even though there's highly graphic material in between pages on a large scale it added more weight to the story for the characters to express themselves mentally emotionally and even physically.
Except heavy chick-lit material for a guy to read, I can see it's very interesting read for ladies. With smooth clean writing and fascinating insights of author like a message in every chapter made this a very fun read. It's a goodread indeed. 👍👍👍👍
The life of most Indian housewives are conditioned to husband needs, children's and in-laws caring.
Scandalous housewives represents those women whose desires, freedom and ambitions are suppressed and no longer want to fit-in.
Even though there's highly graphic material in between pages on a large scale it added more weight to the story for the characters to express themselves mentally emotionally and even physically.
Except heavy chick-lit material for a guy to read, I can see it's very interesting read for ladies. With smooth clean writing and fascinating insights of author like a message in every chapter made this a very fun read. It's a goodread indeed. 👍👍👍👍
November 3, 2015
The author writes well and through a pacy narrative, gives an honest insight into the incomplete lives of four housewives living in an upscale residential complex in Mumbai. The four principal characters are well-fleshed out as are their frames of reference and sense of unfullfilment. The humour and situations are entertaining, which makes this book a worthwhile read. Through this book, the author proves herself to have a deep understanding of human nature from all perspectives.
October 7, 2014
It is indeed an absorbing tale of "dissatisfied" housewives. Some of their woes are of their own making but it is a bit of an exaggeration to call them "scandalous". What they did was perhaps scandalous in the present day social context but a lot of it was an outcome of sheer desperation. The book does have a "filmy" end but it makes an interesting reading.
July 11, 2015
A perfect book for tympass.....a story of 4 women gita,arti,natasha & sarita....d story revolves around d problm dey face in der married lyf...& hw dey overcme......bt @ lst its happy ending....in sum of the part u might get emotional.... i was especially whn gita & sahil get got & gita's children support her ....bt overall its superb book
October 13, 2014
boldly written and a wonderful experience!! please read my full review on http://hetikasanghani.blogspot.com/20...
October 6, 2015
time pass
October 24, 2015
time pass
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews