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The Lost Flamingoes of Bombay
When photographer Karan Seth comes to Bombay intent on immortalizing a city charged by celebrity and sensation, he is instantly drawn in by its allure and cruelty. Along the way, he discovers unlikely Samar , an eccentric pianist; Zaira, the reclusive queen of Bollywood; and Rhea, a married woman who seduces Karan into a tender but twisted affair. But when an unexpected tragedy strikes, the four lives are irreparably torn apart. Flung into a Fitzgeraldian world of sex, crime and collusion, Karan learns that what the heart sees the mind's eye may never behold. Siddharth Dhanvant Shanghvi's The Lost Flamingoes of Bombay is a razor sharp chronicle of four friends caught in modern India 's tidal wave of uneven prosperity and political failure. It's also a profoundly moving meditation on love's betrayal and the redemptive powers of friendship.
368 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
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About the author
Siddharth Dhanvant Shanghvi
9 books124 followersShanghvi was born in Juhu, Mumbai, India in 1977. He is an alumnae of Mumbai’s Mithibai College, and later pursued an MA in International Journalism at the University of Westminster, London, where he specialised in Photography in 1999.
He is an Indian author in English-language whose notable books include, The Last Song of Dusk and The Lost Flamingoes of Bombay. His book, The Last Song of Dusk, has been translated into 10 languages.
He is an Indian author in English-language whose notable books include, The Last Song of Dusk and The Lost Flamingoes of Bombay. His book, The Last Song of Dusk, has been translated into 10 languages.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
July 22, 2018
You've heard all too often about a young, lost, upper-middle class 20-something in love with Bombay: the 'city that never sleeps', a cliche outdone only with old favourite, 'the spirit of Mumbai.' However, that is not what this book is really about. It's about - well, I'm not really sure what it's about. It clearly revolves around the murder of a famous model shot in a bar, inspired by the real life story of Jessica Lal, who was shot down in a Mumbai bar years ago. But what purpose that sub-plot serves, is beyond me. By the time I finished the book, I wondered why the author had included that whole bit in, as it clearly didn't go anywhere.
There are lots of scenes that seem there to serve as pure shock value more than anything else; done once, it's okay, but as the book progresses on, it quickly gets annoying. This book has its moments with satire, but only in terms of smart-ass cynical quips and one-liners from the characters.
Maybe one star seems too harsh. But if I had to be honest with myself, I really cannot pretend that I didn't dislike this book. After I turned the last page, it left a bitter taste in my mouth, prompted by a sentiment of WTFness and anger that I had spent 500 rupees for this tosh. Darn it.
There are lots of scenes that seem there to serve as pure shock value more than anything else; done once, it's okay, but as the book progresses on, it quickly gets annoying. This book has its moments with satire, but only in terms of smart-ass cynical quips and one-liners from the characters.
Maybe one star seems too harsh. But if I had to be honest with myself, I really cannot pretend that I didn't dislike this book. After I turned the last page, it left a bitter taste in my mouth, prompted by a sentiment of WTFness and anger that I had spent 500 rupees for this tosh. Darn it.
April 1, 2019
This year, I have pledged to read books mostly on Mumbai, its history, etc. So, I picked this up when Google threw it at me as one of the top 10 books on Mumbai. Now I wonder who put that list together. Apart from subtle references of the city with a poetic pen, nothing was interesting or even satisfactory. With bleak characters groping for overrated celebs, a lost, new-in-the-city, protagonist, plot taken right off the frame of a popular Bollywood flick, a spoilt politician's son, and the most popular actress' murder, this book has little to promise. It actually tilts toward heavy disappointment, if you are a first-time reader of Shanghvi's works.
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I will try my luck , with The Song of Dusk. Let's hope that has something better to offer.
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I will try my luck , with The Song of Dusk. Let's hope that has something better to offer.
October 11, 2015
I've always loved tales about Bombay, from Shantaram to beyond the beautiful forevers. The lost flamingoes of Bombay opened up another door to Bombay for me, the Fitzgeraldian veneer of contemporary society. Read it to understand what an artist feels, the thoughts that run in his head and the debauched depression all artists are burdened with.
October 13, 2017
Disappointed, esp in comparison to 'Last song of Dusk'.
This reads like a Madhur Bhandarkar script. Movie stars, politicians, pianists, parties, homosexuals.
Everyone talks in metaphors and hyperboles.
The most touching character is a dog.
The most explosive drama is directly lifted from the Jessica Lall murder.
This reads like a Madhur Bhandarkar script. Movie stars, politicians, pianists, parties, homosexuals.
Everyone talks in metaphors and hyperboles.
The most touching character is a dog.
The most explosive drama is directly lifted from the Jessica Lall murder.
February 20, 2019
Siddharth Dhanvant Shanghvi's first novel, ‘The Last Song of Dusk’, was an engrossing tale which managed to toe the fine line between graceful prose and compelling story and come out a winner. What a pity that his second one, despite some beautiful ruminations on love and life, fails to live up to the very high standards he set with his debut novel.
This one also has a beautiful and meaningful title though. The flamingoes which migrate in their thousands every year to the mudflats of Sewri is the metaphor used for a city which has an alluring and irresistible pull for those who have spent time there. This can be construed as the usual clichéd posturing on Mumbai (or Bombay, as he prefers to call it here) but there is no denying that there is some truth to this. Even with all the chaos and filth it can throw in your path, Bombay pulls you in just as it attracts the flamingoes every year from another part of the world.
The story mainly revolves around Karan Seth, a bright young photographer with unusual talent who while in the line of work for his magazine gets acquainted with Samar, a one-time prodigy piano virtuoso who now lives in guided seclusion with his boyfriend. Samar’s best friend is Zaira, a reigning queen of the silver screen and Karan becomes fast friends with her and they open their hearts to each other in an intense but platonic friendship. It is Zaira, enthralled by Karan’s talents, who sends Karan off to the famed Chor Bazaar in search of the almost mythical Bombay Fornicator. While searching for this artefact, Karan comes in touch with and is helped by the fourth main character in this ensemble, Rhea. Rhea is an older married woman who gave up her dreams of glory in pottery to marry her long time sweetheart, Aditya. Aditya and Rhea were and still are deeply in love, but long festering disillusionment and her own regret at giving up her art pushes Rhea into an awkward affair with Karan. Karan, for his part, falls deeply in love with her.
It is into this slightly uncomfortable mix that tragedy strikes, both for the characters and probably for the reader too. The book loses its way in describing a murder and its aftermath by modeling it on a very famous real life murder and subsequent case of the time. Except everything gets magnified, almost caricaturized to an extent that it becomes a little tough to ascertain credibility to the events on page. The villain who shows up, Minister Prasad, reminds one of those supervillains from the numerous forgettable potboiler Hindi movie productions with his excesses and lack of discernible conscience. A bit of bestiality is even thrown into his mix. The socialites too are shown unrealistically shallow and almost idiotic. In its aftermath, Karan’s and Rhea’s equation goes for the proverbial toss and a battered and bruised Karan conveniently finds an outlet to escape to in no time to London.
However, just like the flamingoes of Sewri, Karan feels the pull back to Bombay and eventually decides to go back to pick up the broken pieces of the past. The culmination of the novel plays out back in Bombay, as Karan reconnects with his former friends and lover as they grapple with the loss of life and love.
It cannot be denied that there are some beautiful ruminations on the state of love, loneliness and the relation of these emotions to a city of teeming multitudes like Bombay, some very quote-worthy. However, problems beset the narrative. At certain points it reads as the perfect poster child of the kind of liberal propaganda which the right wing and conservatives love to mock nowadays as hugely partisan to one set of folks and grossly against another, here embodied as the Hindu Peoples Party and Minister Prasad. The case which closely resembles s famous murder of the time is much better represented in a real life movie of the incident and there doesn’t seem to be really a point of including such a narrative here despite it splitting the book’s character dilemmas. Another issue is some of the characters, especially Karan, who is supposed to be the main protagonist. The character never really imposes on our psyche, and while great things are mentioned about his talent and his appearance by the other characters in the book, it never really hits us. Zaira and Samar probably would have made a much better beating heart for the book, but their stories are cut short in a way. And Rhea is plain unlikeable most of the time, a person who makes choices without much empathy for those who made her an important part of her life, though towards the end her story does take a sympathetic arc.
It appears that Shanghvi hasn’t written another novel after this one, which is a pity. His first book, as I’ve mentioned earlier, was a revelation and even this one had its moments of beauty which made it seem that it was just a misfire from someone who probably can still write great stories.
This one also has a beautiful and meaningful title though. The flamingoes which migrate in their thousands every year to the mudflats of Sewri is the metaphor used for a city which has an alluring and irresistible pull for those who have spent time there. This can be construed as the usual clichéd posturing on Mumbai (or Bombay, as he prefers to call it here) but there is no denying that there is some truth to this. Even with all the chaos and filth it can throw in your path, Bombay pulls you in just as it attracts the flamingoes every year from another part of the world.
The story mainly revolves around Karan Seth, a bright young photographer with unusual talent who while in the line of work for his magazine gets acquainted with Samar, a one-time prodigy piano virtuoso who now lives in guided seclusion with his boyfriend. Samar’s best friend is Zaira, a reigning queen of the silver screen and Karan becomes fast friends with her and they open their hearts to each other in an intense but platonic friendship. It is Zaira, enthralled by Karan’s talents, who sends Karan off to the famed Chor Bazaar in search of the almost mythical Bombay Fornicator. While searching for this artefact, Karan comes in touch with and is helped by the fourth main character in this ensemble, Rhea. Rhea is an older married woman who gave up her dreams of glory in pottery to marry her long time sweetheart, Aditya. Aditya and Rhea were and still are deeply in love, but long festering disillusionment and her own regret at giving up her art pushes Rhea into an awkward affair with Karan. Karan, for his part, falls deeply in love with her.
It is into this slightly uncomfortable mix that tragedy strikes, both for the characters and probably for the reader too. The book loses its way in describing a murder and its aftermath by modeling it on a very famous real life murder and subsequent case of the time. Except everything gets magnified, almost caricaturized to an extent that it becomes a little tough to ascertain credibility to the events on page. The villain who shows up, Minister Prasad, reminds one of those supervillains from the numerous forgettable potboiler Hindi movie productions with his excesses and lack of discernible conscience. A bit of bestiality is even thrown into his mix. The socialites too are shown unrealistically shallow and almost idiotic. In its aftermath, Karan’s and Rhea’s equation goes for the proverbial toss and a battered and bruised Karan conveniently finds an outlet to escape to in no time to London.
However, just like the flamingoes of Sewri, Karan feels the pull back to Bombay and eventually decides to go back to pick up the broken pieces of the past. The culmination of the novel plays out back in Bombay, as Karan reconnects with his former friends and lover as they grapple with the loss of life and love.
It cannot be denied that there are some beautiful ruminations on the state of love, loneliness and the relation of these emotions to a city of teeming multitudes like Bombay, some very quote-worthy. However, problems beset the narrative. At certain points it reads as the perfect poster child of the kind of liberal propaganda which the right wing and conservatives love to mock nowadays as hugely partisan to one set of folks and grossly against another, here embodied as the Hindu Peoples Party and Minister Prasad. The case which closely resembles s famous murder of the time is much better represented in a real life movie of the incident and there doesn’t seem to be really a point of including such a narrative here despite it splitting the book’s character dilemmas. Another issue is some of the characters, especially Karan, who is supposed to be the main protagonist. The character never really imposes on our psyche, and while great things are mentioned about his talent and his appearance by the other characters in the book, it never really hits us. Zaira and Samar probably would have made a much better beating heart for the book, but their stories are cut short in a way. And Rhea is plain unlikeable most of the time, a person who makes choices without much empathy for those who made her an important part of her life, though towards the end her story does take a sympathetic arc.
It appears that Shanghvi hasn’t written another novel after this one, which is a pity. His first book, as I’ve mentioned earlier, was a revelation and even this one had its moments of beauty which made it seem that it was just a misfire from someone who probably can still write great stories.
September 28, 2010
A photographer looking to capture the hidden beauty and truth of Bombay, a semi-retired pianist and his American writer boyfriend, a beautiful Bollywood actress, a married woman who sacrificed her pottery ambitions for her husband and a politician. On the surface, the book is about how their lives intersect and what they do for love, the love of a friend, the love of a soul-mate, the love in a torrid affair and the love (or guilt) of a parent.
But look deeper and we're treated to the dirty inside scoop to Indian political corruption at its best, and how even a murder committed in plain sight of 200 people can be covered up, if one only has the power to bribe and threaten everyone involved.
The complexities of human relationships are also placed under the microscope and what motivates people into making certain decisions.
I wasn't bowled over by it, but neither did I detest it. I think it makes a fun beach read.
But look deeper and we're treated to the dirty inside scoop to Indian political corruption at its best, and how even a murder committed in plain sight of 200 people can be covered up, if one only has the power to bribe and threaten everyone involved.
The complexities of human relationships are also placed under the microscope and what motivates people into making certain decisions.
I wasn't bowled over by it, but neither did I detest it. I think it makes a fun beach read.
December 2, 2010
Shanghvi's prose is so laden with adjectives and metaphors that it is actually quite a triumph that the characters and plot come through at all. His descriptions are generally awkward (sometimes cringingly so), but occasionally poetic and apt. The same goes for his dialogue -- most of the time leaden and implausible, but occasionally moving and heartfelt. The writing made me want to hate this book, but I found myself drawn to the characters despite myself. Still, not recommended unless you have a lot of patience or an unquenchable thirst for descriptions of Bombay.
October 28, 2014
Siddharth Dhanwant Sanghvi warmed my heart with his first book ‘The Last Song of the Dusk’. I wanted more of him but was scared what if it fails to recreate the same magic. Then I read that he only wrote one book post that and has now retired from the writing world. I wondered what could be the reason for such a talented and soulful writer that some negative criticism would lead to him giving up the love of his life – WRITING. Surely I had to read the book.
To read more:
http://storywala.blogspot.in/2011/09/...
To read more:
http://storywala.blogspot.in/2011/09/...
January 11, 2015
It was a good storyline but overdose of tragedy and somehow even though whats happening in the book is sad you dont feel for the characters.. This is one of the could have been books..
January 6, 2025
Siddharth Dhanvant Shanghvi's "The Lost Flamingoes of Bombay" is a complete exploration of urban isolation, fragile relationships, and moral dilemmas, set against the kaleidoscopic backdrop of Mumbai's vibrant yet unforgiving landscape. The author crafts a poignant narrative that deftly showcasesd art, love, betrayal, and the relentless pursuit of individual dreams.
The book revolves around Karan Seth, a talented photographer who arrives in Mumbai seeking inspiration and success. His interactions with Zaira, a bold and enigmatic Bollywood actress; Samar, a melancholic pianist grappling with personal demons; and Rhea, a married woman caught in a web of duty and desire, form the crux of the story. The narrative skillfully delves into themes of ambition, disillusionment, and the inevitable moral compromises that come with navigating a metropolis like Mumbai.
The author's writing illuminates the stark contrasts within urban life its dazzling allure and underlying decay. The city itself emerges as a character, vibrant yet indifferent, shaping and sometimes breaking the lives of those who inhabit it.
Each character is vividly etched, embodying a unique spectrum of vulnerability and strength. Karan’s artistic sensitivity contrasts with his inner turmoil, making him a relatable yet complex protagonist. Zaira’s tragic arc underscores the price of fame in a patriarchal society, while Samar’s struggles reflect the weight of unrealized potential. Rhea’s conflicted emotions offer a nuanced portrayal of love and duty, challenging traditional notions of marital fidelity.
The characters are not mere archetypes but deeply flawed individuals, making their journeys profoundly human and emotionally resonant.
His prose is a masterclass in evoking mood and atmosphere. His lyrical descriptions of Mumbai’s chaotic beauty are represented with unflinching depictions of its darker underbelly. The narrative flows seamlessly, balancing poetic introspection with sharp social commentary.
The book revolves around Karan Seth, a talented photographer who arrives in Mumbai seeking inspiration and success. His interactions with Zaira, a bold and enigmatic Bollywood actress; Samar, a melancholic pianist grappling with personal demons; and Rhea, a married woman caught in a web of duty and desire, form the crux of the story. The narrative skillfully delves into themes of ambition, disillusionment, and the inevitable moral compromises that come with navigating a metropolis like Mumbai.
The author's writing illuminates the stark contrasts within urban life its dazzling allure and underlying decay. The city itself emerges as a character, vibrant yet indifferent, shaping and sometimes breaking the lives of those who inhabit it.
Each character is vividly etched, embodying a unique spectrum of vulnerability and strength. Karan’s artistic sensitivity contrasts with his inner turmoil, making him a relatable yet complex protagonist. Zaira’s tragic arc underscores the price of fame in a patriarchal society, while Samar’s struggles reflect the weight of unrealized potential. Rhea’s conflicted emotions offer a nuanced portrayal of love and duty, challenging traditional notions of marital fidelity.
The characters are not mere archetypes but deeply flawed individuals, making their journeys profoundly human and emotionally resonant.
His prose is a masterclass in evoking mood and atmosphere. His lyrical descriptions of Mumbai’s chaotic beauty are represented with unflinching depictions of its darker underbelly. The narrative flows seamlessly, balancing poetic introspection with sharp social commentary.
October 1, 2012
A book about a set of characters from the high-society in Bombay. The book revolves around the life of a gifted photographer, Karan, from Simla who has moved to Bombay to make his living. As an assignment he is asked to photograph a gay pianist who has stopped playing piano and is now living with his american boyfriend. Karan manages to take not so flattering photographs of the pianist and on the basis of these he manages to get a private photography session with the pianist. On the side Karan is also planning to to document Bombay through a set of photographs.
As he is photographing the pianist the leading Bollywood lady who is the pianist's close friend tumbles into the scene. She has just been harassed by a big-shot politician's son while her shooting for the latest film was going on. Karan exercises discretion and does not photograph the scenes between these two as it unveils before him. He is introduced to this lady and she becomes his friend too. He is also introduced to the pianist's boyfriend for whom he takes an instant dislike.
On learning that Karan wishes to document Bombay through his photographs the Bollywood actress suggests that he visit Chor Bazar for some interesting photographs and asks him to also look for what is known as Bombay Fornicator for her.
When he finally visits the Chor Bazar he meets up with a rich married lady, Mrs. Dalal an amateur potter, who shows him that the Bombay fornicator happens to be a chair of the colonial era which provides for easy fornication. When she learns that he is looking to documenting Bombay through his photographs and after looking at the quality of his photographs, she offers to drive him around Bombay to interesting places. One of the places she takes him to are the mudflats at Sewri which play a host to flamingos which come there during their migration. During the right season one can see thousands and thousands of flamingos roosting in these mudflats.
He also starts visiting her at her house. They end up discussing each other's life and he learns that her husband is away for most of the times in Singapore and that she had given up her budding career as a potter to get married to her husband who wooed her from even when they were teenagers. She also reveals that she has failed to conceive and this makes her husband distressed. One thing leads to another and they end up having an affair.
In the meantime as a part of promotion for an up coming film the Bollywood actress becomes a bar-tender for a night. On this fateful night the obsessed politician's son walks up to ask her for a drink after the bar has closed and she refuses to give him one as the bar has closed. The politico's son loses his head in the rage of being refused and shoots her dead. Both the pianist and Karan happen to be in the bar, but are not witness to this incident. They come only after the event has occurred.
A case is put against the politico's son. But the political bigwig pulls all strings and only Karan and the pianist end up deposing against this son. All others pretend they are unaware of the exact turn of events and due to the dilution of witnesses the politico's son goes scot-free angering both the pianist and Karan.
In the meantime the pianist's boy-friend who is a writer of some credibility wishes to write a book on the incident and the case, but the pianist appeals to him to not write anything and this starts the break between them. The boyfriend also realizes that he is suffering from AIDS. Karan and the pianist end up arguing and Karan asks the pianist "Ask your boyfriend where he got AIDS from?". This angers the pianist and he and his boyfriend end up heading to America.
He also ends up having an argument with Mrs. Dalal. She has also become pregnant. He ends up calling her up at odd times and in presence of her husband who has by now become suspicious, but when he realizes that she is pregnant he is very happy. She tries to lie to him that Karan is a telemarketeer who has been bothering her, but when one day Karan walks up to her house and confronts her in presence of her husband who ends up trashing him, she is forced to cook up another story which seems to satisfy her husband. They both move to Singapore and Karan who now no longer works the way he used to gets fired from his job. His mentor in the publication is torched during the Bombay riots of 1993.
He applies for a teaching job in UK and moves there for three years.
Mrs. Dalal comes back to Bombay for the child's delivery in the same hospital in which her husband was born. Mr. Dalal's happiness knows no bounds. One day before they are expected to go back to their home from the hospital after the delivery the nurse carrying the child is bitten by a monkey and the child falls down to its death. Mr. Dalal goes into a depression which leads to more arguments between him and Mrs. Dalal and in the process she blurts out her affair with Karan. Mr. Dalal disappears for good.
Karan has an affair with the mother of a child whom he has taught, but is not able to commit himself and comes back to Bombay. He tries his hand at teaching, but fails to get along with the principal of the school. He then takes up a job in a call center and works in the night shift.
The pianist comes back to Bombay after finding may of his friends in America dying. His boyfriend has moved to New York and is taking treatment and writing from there and their relationship is beyond repair. He is suffering from AIDS and is moving towards his death.
Karan happens to read about his presence in a Newspaper and comes to meet him. They end up as friends and Karan spends time with the pianist during the last stages of his life. After his death Karan gets back to photographing and publishes a book on Bombay as he had planned earlier. Mrs. Dalal, now living alone, sees this book and buys it. One fine day they bump into each other and end up sitting in a bench sponsored by Karan in memory of the pianist. They discuss their current life and try to forgive each other for what happened in the past. But that is their last meeting as Karan reveals his plan to go back to his hometown Simla.
One can find many incidents that have happened in real-life India being weaved into the book. This will provide a deja-vu reading for the reader familiar with the incidents.
As he is photographing the pianist the leading Bollywood lady who is the pianist's close friend tumbles into the scene. She has just been harassed by a big-shot politician's son while her shooting for the latest film was going on. Karan exercises discretion and does not photograph the scenes between these two as it unveils before him. He is introduced to this lady and she becomes his friend too. He is also introduced to the pianist's boyfriend for whom he takes an instant dislike.
On learning that Karan wishes to document Bombay through his photographs the Bollywood actress suggests that he visit Chor Bazar for some interesting photographs and asks him to also look for what is known as Bombay Fornicator for her.
When he finally visits the Chor Bazar he meets up with a rich married lady, Mrs. Dalal an amateur potter, who shows him that the Bombay fornicator happens to be a chair of the colonial era which provides for easy fornication. When she learns that he is looking to documenting Bombay through his photographs and after looking at the quality of his photographs, she offers to drive him around Bombay to interesting places. One of the places she takes him to are the mudflats at Sewri which play a host to flamingos which come there during their migration. During the right season one can see thousands and thousands of flamingos roosting in these mudflats.
He also starts visiting her at her house. They end up discussing each other's life and he learns that her husband is away for most of the times in Singapore and that she had given up her budding career as a potter to get married to her husband who wooed her from even when they were teenagers. She also reveals that she has failed to conceive and this makes her husband distressed. One thing leads to another and they end up having an affair.
In the meantime as a part of promotion for an up coming film the Bollywood actress becomes a bar-tender for a night. On this fateful night the obsessed politician's son walks up to ask her for a drink after the bar has closed and she refuses to give him one as the bar has closed. The politico's son loses his head in the rage of being refused and shoots her dead. Both the pianist and Karan happen to be in the bar, but are not witness to this incident. They come only after the event has occurred.
A case is put against the politico's son. But the political bigwig pulls all strings and only Karan and the pianist end up deposing against this son. All others pretend they are unaware of the exact turn of events and due to the dilution of witnesses the politico's son goes scot-free angering both the pianist and Karan.
In the meantime the pianist's boy-friend who is a writer of some credibility wishes to write a book on the incident and the case, but the pianist appeals to him to not write anything and this starts the break between them. The boyfriend also realizes that he is suffering from AIDS. Karan and the pianist end up arguing and Karan asks the pianist "Ask your boyfriend where he got AIDS from?". This angers the pianist and he and his boyfriend end up heading to America.
He also ends up having an argument with Mrs. Dalal. She has also become pregnant. He ends up calling her up at odd times and in presence of her husband who has by now become suspicious, but when he realizes that she is pregnant he is very happy. She tries to lie to him that Karan is a telemarketeer who has been bothering her, but when one day Karan walks up to her house and confronts her in presence of her husband who ends up trashing him, she is forced to cook up another story which seems to satisfy her husband. They both move to Singapore and Karan who now no longer works the way he used to gets fired from his job. His mentor in the publication is torched during the Bombay riots of 1993.
He applies for a teaching job in UK and moves there for three years.
Mrs. Dalal comes back to Bombay for the child's delivery in the same hospital in which her husband was born. Mr. Dalal's happiness knows no bounds. One day before they are expected to go back to their home from the hospital after the delivery the nurse carrying the child is bitten by a monkey and the child falls down to its death. Mr. Dalal goes into a depression which leads to more arguments between him and Mrs. Dalal and in the process she blurts out her affair with Karan. Mr. Dalal disappears for good.
Karan has an affair with the mother of a child whom he has taught, but is not able to commit himself and comes back to Bombay. He tries his hand at teaching, but fails to get along with the principal of the school. He then takes up a job in a call center and works in the night shift.
The pianist comes back to Bombay after finding may of his friends in America dying. His boyfriend has moved to New York and is taking treatment and writing from there and their relationship is beyond repair. He is suffering from AIDS and is moving towards his death.
Karan happens to read about his presence in a Newspaper and comes to meet him. They end up as friends and Karan spends time with the pianist during the last stages of his life. After his death Karan gets back to photographing and publishes a book on Bombay as he had planned earlier. Mrs. Dalal, now living alone, sees this book and buys it. One fine day they bump into each other and end up sitting in a bench sponsored by Karan in memory of the pianist. They discuss their current life and try to forgive each other for what happened in the past. But that is their last meeting as Karan reveals his plan to go back to his hometown Simla.
One can find many incidents that have happened in real-life India being weaved into the book. This will provide a deja-vu reading for the reader familiar with the incidents.
December 28, 2024
This novel feels both haunting and profound, lingering in the mind long after the last page is turned. From the very beginning, the story gripped me with its vibrant portrayal of Bombay, a city that seems alive with both beauty and corruption. Karan, the young photographer is at the heart of the novel and his journey through love, loss, and the unraveling of a murder trial paints a vivid picture of a young man struggling to make sense of a world full of contradictions. The infamous Jessica's murder was a part of this story, which I didn't expect.
What I truly appreciated was how Siddharth explored the complexities of relationships. Whether it was Karan’s troubled love life, his friendship with Samar, or his deep connection with the city of Bombay. The author has crafted Karan’s character efficiently. His vulnerabilities and desires were palpable in every page. The intertwining of personal loss with the greater political backdrop of the story felt seamless, and the murder trial, while central to the plot, never overshadowed the emotional journeys of the characters.
Siddharth’s writing style is lyrical. The metaphors were rich, but they were sometimes overwhelming to be honest. The book’s pace kept me hooked, but what stayed with me long after finishing it was its reflection on how our pasts shape who we are and the magnetic pull of places and people we can never quite escape.
What I truly appreciated was how Siddharth explored the complexities of relationships. Whether it was Karan’s troubled love life, his friendship with Samar, or his deep connection with the city of Bombay. The author has crafted Karan’s character efficiently. His vulnerabilities and desires were palpable in every page. The intertwining of personal loss with the greater political backdrop of the story felt seamless, and the murder trial, while central to the plot, never overshadowed the emotional journeys of the characters.
Siddharth’s writing style is lyrical. The metaphors were rich, but they were sometimes overwhelming to be honest. The book’s pace kept me hooked, but what stayed with me long after finishing it was its reflection on how our pasts shape who we are and the magnetic pull of places and people we can never quite escape.
November 4, 2020
The book started off with promise, with the central character looking at the city of Bombay through his lens exactly the way I had looked at the city that once captured my mind. The relationships feel into place too conveniently, but they often do in real life too. Loved part I.
Then the book came apart. Part II felt like re-reading news and tabloid magazines from the 1980s and 1990s. The prose lacked appeal.
Part III onwards, the book went on autopilot. There were flashes of tenderness, and moments that made you think, but for the most part, the fizz had escaped from the soda bottle.
Pick it up if you love the city of Bombay/ Mumbai, but do not go into it with too many expectations. Then, you will not be disappointed.
Then the book came apart. Part II felt like re-reading news and tabloid magazines from the 1980s and 1990s. The prose lacked appeal.
Part III onwards, the book went on autopilot. There were flashes of tenderness, and moments that made you think, but for the most part, the fizz had escaped from the soda bottle.
Pick it up if you love the city of Bombay/ Mumbai, but do not go into it with too many expectations. Then, you will not be disappointed.
February 28, 2021
There is a certain feeling of loss, of insurmountable grief that overwhelmed me when I got to part two of this book.
Karan, a young tenacious photographer, Zaira- an actress, Samar- pianist; all young and taken in by Bombay. What starts as an assignment for Karan, opens him to a world of unmatched lies, desperation, despair, love, life, hope and he can't help but get caught in the web of it all.
Perhaps, what's sad about this book is that it makes no promises on you loving the characters or truly connecting to them. What it does instead is usher you in a world, through clear lenses, so much so that you either agree that as a city Bombay overwhelmed the characters as much as it inspired them, or you find that like most derailed readers, you lack the patience to stare and confront youthful ambition.
Karan, a young tenacious photographer, Zaira- an actress, Samar- pianist; all young and taken in by Bombay. What starts as an assignment for Karan, opens him to a world of unmatched lies, desperation, despair, love, life, hope and he can't help but get caught in the web of it all.
Perhaps, what's sad about this book is that it makes no promises on you loving the characters or truly connecting to them. What it does instead is usher you in a world, through clear lenses, so much so that you either agree that as a city Bombay overwhelmed the characters as much as it inspired them, or you find that like most derailed readers, you lack the patience to stare and confront youthful ambition.
July 7, 2009
I love reading Shanghvi's elaborately picturesque prose.
I kind of like the way he forebodes important scenes with some metaphor mostly using some animal. Like an innocent sparrow dying by hitting into the courtroom fan just before the verdict.
It seems there are portions in the book when he is at his creative best, and there are portions where he gets engrossed in the plot and the prose becomes bland and dull.
Even if I can skim over the little too many sexual metaphors, one crib I have is there are portions in the book where i felt he crossed the limits of grossness (for my standards) and I had to skip these portions.
He certainly seems to express his anger against sections of society putting expletives in the mouth of his characters and the narrater.
The story is largely based on Jessica Lal murder case with some portions hinting of Divya Bharti murder, a drunk Salman Khan's driving over some homeless sleeping on the pavement, and references to Congress, Shiv sena and BJP, and so on...
Some interesting quotes :
Corruption is India (is) endemic. It is not the pollutant in the air. It is the air.
You've given me a friend I can believe in when everything around me is falling like a pack of cards.
Even if life would divide them, this night, its stillness and longing would remain unextinguished
I kind of like the way he forebodes important scenes with some metaphor mostly using some animal. Like an innocent sparrow dying by hitting into the courtroom fan just before the verdict.
It seems there are portions in the book when he is at his creative best, and there are portions where he gets engrossed in the plot and the prose becomes bland and dull.
Even if I can skim over the little too many sexual metaphors, one crib I have is there are portions in the book where i felt he crossed the limits of grossness (for my standards) and I had to skip these portions.
He certainly seems to express his anger against sections of society putting expletives in the mouth of his characters and the narrater.
The story is largely based on Jessica Lal murder case with some portions hinting of Divya Bharti murder, a drunk Salman Khan's driving over some homeless sleeping on the pavement, and references to Congress, Shiv sena and BJP, and so on...
Some interesting quotes :
Corruption is India (is) endemic. It is not the pollutant in the air. It is the air.
You've given me a friend I can believe in when everything around me is falling like a pack of cards.
Even if life would divide them, this night, its stillness and longing would remain unextinguished
July 23, 2018
Dark ending, but beautiful descriptions of Bombay.
August 10, 2025
Horribly terrible. A combination of scripts from different Bollywood movies. If Goodreads had negative rating, even that would not be enough
February 21, 2021
Derivative and unimaginative. Felt like a terrible Bollywood movie with superfluous language which was just cringeworthy in many parts of the book.
March 27, 2019
What a beautiful mess this book is!
Over run by metaphors that try too hard to be beautiful, characters that reek of too much insensitive self-improvement, and a strange story mired in real facts—The Lost Flamingos of Bombay meanders around wonderfully, establishes a storyline, and then petters off and dies somewhere.
25-year-old Karan comes to Bombay with hope in his eyes and a camera in his hands, where on a project he meets Samar, an elusive ex-pianist, who left dramatically in the middle of fame and function never to return. The introduction also brings him in touch with Samar's best friend Zaira, a top film actress and Leo, Samar's American boyfriend and journalist. With this mangled crew of Bombay elites, Karan navigates through life and loneliness when he chances upon the elusive and irritating Rhea Dalal, married, with a saviour complex.
What begins as a friendship, and jaunts through Sewri and Bombay bazar turns into an affair, which Sanghvi attempts to balance with paragraphs and paragraphs of prose about how Rhea loves her husband Adi, as well. The result, one can see Rhea only with contempt, and utterly unrelatable, she carries on being her annoying and too dreamy self. If Sanghvi's metaphors were a person, they would be her.
Anyway, the story progresses, and after several unnecessary sexual references (they are funny, but really unnecessary), we reach the murder of one of the central characters, and witness the rest being flung into the deep end of politics and getting justice out of a broken system. The next 150-off pages cover the trail, which sounds a lot like the Jessica LAL murder, and by the time it's done, you're as exhausted as the characters.
The politicians and criminals are oddly opaque, and singular in their evilness. What is beautifully done is the arguments between the characters, and the way their sympathies exist, in tangent to what they would actually like to believe.
One by one the characters start dying, Rhea and Karan split up, and the former continues to be annoying and unnecessarily dramatic. Karan becomes a stalker (a little like the criminal political beta!?), Then gives up and moves to London. That's where the book should have ended, but for this theme of Bombay, and so, we're left again in the grips of tired metaphors to keep reading on and on and on about Karan and his really idiotic heart. I didn't mind most of the book to be honest, but the last 80 pages took me a year to read.
To sum up, Sanghvi will always be a most beloved author for his sheer genius with TLSoD. He's a master story teller, and craftsman of narrative technique. His love of Bombay is seeped in every word, but sometimes when you create in the shadow of a great former creation, art doesn't follow. Perhaps it is best to label this book as a merry Sunday read, a blip in the Sanghvi, a pause before the storm to come. Perhaps it is time the writer asked if like his central character, he too has lost both the inclination and the romance.
Over run by metaphors that try too hard to be beautiful, characters that reek of too much insensitive self-improvement, and a strange story mired in real facts—The Lost Flamingos of Bombay meanders around wonderfully, establishes a storyline, and then petters off and dies somewhere.
25-year-old Karan comes to Bombay with hope in his eyes and a camera in his hands, where on a project he meets Samar, an elusive ex-pianist, who left dramatically in the middle of fame and function never to return. The introduction also brings him in touch with Samar's best friend Zaira, a top film actress and Leo, Samar's American boyfriend and journalist. With this mangled crew of Bombay elites, Karan navigates through life and loneliness when he chances upon the elusive and irritating Rhea Dalal, married, with a saviour complex.
What begins as a friendship, and jaunts through Sewri and Bombay bazar turns into an affair, which Sanghvi attempts to balance with paragraphs and paragraphs of prose about how Rhea loves her husband Adi, as well. The result, one can see Rhea only with contempt, and utterly unrelatable, she carries on being her annoying and too dreamy self. If Sanghvi's metaphors were a person, they would be her.
Anyway, the story progresses, and after several unnecessary sexual references (they are funny, but really unnecessary), we reach the murder of one of the central characters, and witness the rest being flung into the deep end of politics and getting justice out of a broken system. The next 150-off pages cover the trail, which sounds a lot like the Jessica LAL murder, and by the time it's done, you're as exhausted as the characters.
The politicians and criminals are oddly opaque, and singular in their evilness. What is beautifully done is the arguments between the characters, and the way their sympathies exist, in tangent to what they would actually like to believe.
One by one the characters start dying, Rhea and Karan split up, and the former continues to be annoying and unnecessarily dramatic. Karan becomes a stalker (a little like the criminal political beta!?), Then gives up and moves to London. That's where the book should have ended, but for this theme of Bombay, and so, we're left again in the grips of tired metaphors to keep reading on and on and on about Karan and his really idiotic heart. I didn't mind most of the book to be honest, but the last 80 pages took me a year to read.
To sum up, Sanghvi will always be a most beloved author for his sheer genius with TLSoD. He's a master story teller, and craftsman of narrative technique. His love of Bombay is seeped in every word, but sometimes when you create in the shadow of a great former creation, art doesn't follow. Perhaps it is best to label this book as a merry Sunday read, a blip in the Sanghvi, a pause before the storm to come. Perhaps it is time the writer asked if like his central character, he too has lost both the inclination and the romance.
September 19, 2022
At one point in Siddharth Dhanvant Shanghvi's novel, one character pronounces his judgment on another novel, calling it--"a creative writing workshop and overdriven." What could be more ironic than the fact that I found no better description than this to describe Mr. Shanghvi's own verbose project?
The Lost Flamingoes of Bombay is a novel that is not without its formal merits but lacks the same acumen when it comes to its plot, stock characters, and trite thematic concerns. All in all, it bases its plot premised on two real-life tragedies, namely the murder of Jessica Lal and the burgeoning AIDS epidemic of the early 1990s (with a fleeting mention of Dominic D' Souza and his unlawful incarceration). But while I admire Mr. Shanghvi's incisive (yet not without its cliches) take on Indian politics and corruption, I would first like to dwell on the ethics of appropriating those tragedies for fictional purposes, especially Lal's murder. Although Shangvi changes the names of his characters--so similar are the fictional proceedings to the real-life case of Jessica Lal that I found it really distasteful that the novel seeks to exploit her tragedy for fictional purposes with no due credit to either Lal or the temporal framework in which her tragedy was situated. Worse, it even absolves the Congress-backed support of Venod Sharma and blames the tragedy on a fictional Hindu People Party (based on an amalgamation of Shiv Sena and BJP). There could have been a great way to amalgamate all this in a historiographical metafictional way, but the way events are represented in the novel, it seems like Mr. Shanghvi researched some of the boiling topics of the late 1990s and 2000s and handpicked them for his narrative. Moreover, again, in a case of what I can only call writerly cowardice, there is a blatant mention of the Salman Khan hit-and-run case, which is again appropriated for its fictional ends.
What I cannot deny, however, is that Mr. Shanghiv is an immensely gifted storyteller whose prosaic talents can be admired more than a few times throughout the book. But somewhere, the formal beauty of the novel cannot fully compliment its story--often serving to distract rather than add to its aesthetic pleasures.
I had almost given up on this book (sighing multiple times throughout its runtime), but its bittersweet ending helped bring its love for the city of Bombay full circle. I, at least, smiled at the end.
The Lost Flamingoes of Bombay is a novel that is not without its formal merits but lacks the same acumen when it comes to its plot, stock characters, and trite thematic concerns. All in all, it bases its plot premised on two real-life tragedies, namely the murder of Jessica Lal and the burgeoning AIDS epidemic of the early 1990s (with a fleeting mention of Dominic D' Souza and his unlawful incarceration). But while I admire Mr. Shanghvi's incisive (yet not without its cliches) take on Indian politics and corruption, I would first like to dwell on the ethics of appropriating those tragedies for fictional purposes, especially Lal's murder. Although Shangvi changes the names of his characters--so similar are the fictional proceedings to the real-life case of Jessica Lal that I found it really distasteful that the novel seeks to exploit her tragedy for fictional purposes with no due credit to either Lal or the temporal framework in which her tragedy was situated. Worse, it even absolves the Congress-backed support of Venod Sharma and blames the tragedy on a fictional Hindu People Party (based on an amalgamation of Shiv Sena and BJP). There could have been a great way to amalgamate all this in a historiographical metafictional way, but the way events are represented in the novel, it seems like Mr. Shanghvi researched some of the boiling topics of the late 1990s and 2000s and handpicked them for his narrative. Moreover, again, in a case of what I can only call writerly cowardice, there is a blatant mention of the Salman Khan hit-and-run case, which is again appropriated for its fictional ends.
What I cannot deny, however, is that Mr. Shanghiv is an immensely gifted storyteller whose prosaic talents can be admired more than a few times throughout the book. But somewhere, the formal beauty of the novel cannot fully compliment its story--often serving to distract rather than add to its aesthetic pleasures.
I had almost given up on this book (sighing multiple times throughout its runtime), but its bittersweet ending helped bring its love for the city of Bombay full circle. I, at least, smiled at the end.
December 25, 2024
This is a poignant tale of love, friendship, and betrayal set against the vibrant yet gritty backdrop of Bombay. The book begins with photographer Karan Seth’s arrival in the city, lured by its intoxicating mix of glamour and chaos.
Through him, we meet a fascinating ensemble of characters: Samar, the enigmatic pianist; Zaira, the Bollywood diva shrouded in mystery; and Rhea, a married woman who pulls Karan into a complicated affair.
The strength of the book lies in its vivid descriptions of Bombay. Shanghvi paints the city with a raw authenticity, capturing its pulsating charm, its flaws, and its unrelenting energy. The socio-political commentary woven through the story adds depth, as the narrative brushes against themes of corruption, crime, and inequality.
However, while the premise is intriguing, the plot falters in its predictability.
The twists don’t shock as much as they should, and the pace dips in the middle, making it feel slightly drawn out.
That said, the emotional exploration of the characters—particularly their vulnerabilities and betrayals—makes up for the occasional sluggishness.
What I particularly appreciated is the book’s focus on unconventional relationships.
The friendships and love depicted are messy, real, and unfiltered, making them resonate even when the plot doesn’t entirely deliver.
So , The Lost Flamingoes of Bombay is a bittersweet read. It’s a story of flawed people navigating a flawed city, grappling with their desires and choices. While it’s not perfect, it does leave you thinking about the fragility of relationships and the resilience of the human spirit. I’d give it a solid 3.5/5—a compelling read with its fair share of highs and lows.
December 27, 2024
Imagine yourself standing on the bustling streets of Bombay, surrounded by the cacophony of horns, the aroma of street food, and the vibrant colors of the city. That's exactly what Siddharth Dhanvant Shanghvi's "The Lost Flamingoes of Bombay" will transport you to - a world of love, loss, and redemption, set against the mesmerizing backdrop of Bombay.
This book is a masterpiece of storytelling, weaving together the threads of a murder mystery, a doomed love affair, and a young man's quest for identity. Karan Seth, the protagonist, is a complex and flawed character who will capture your heart and imagination. His journey from the dark alleys of Bombay to the picturesque countryside of England is a rollercoaster ride of emotions, twists, and turns.
What I loved most about this book was its ability to evoke the sights, sounds, and smells of Bombay. Shanghvi's writing is like a sensory overload, transporting you to the city's bustling streets, its trendy bars, and its hidden corners. You'll feel like you're walking alongside Karan, experiencing the city's magic and mayhem firsthand.
The supporting cast of characters is equally well-crafted, from the enigmatic Zeenat to the ruthless politician Sunil. Each character adds depth and complexity to the story, making it impossible to put the book down.
So, if you're looking for a book that will transport you to another world, look no further than "The Lost Flamingoes of Bombay". This book is a triumph of storytelling, a sweeping tale of love, loss, and redemption that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.
This book is a masterpiece of storytelling, weaving together the threads of a murder mystery, a doomed love affair, and a young man's quest for identity. Karan Seth, the protagonist, is a complex and flawed character who will capture your heart and imagination. His journey from the dark alleys of Bombay to the picturesque countryside of England is a rollercoaster ride of emotions, twists, and turns.
What I loved most about this book was its ability to evoke the sights, sounds, and smells of Bombay. Shanghvi's writing is like a sensory overload, transporting you to the city's bustling streets, its trendy bars, and its hidden corners. You'll feel like you're walking alongside Karan, experiencing the city's magic and mayhem firsthand.
The supporting cast of characters is equally well-crafted, from the enigmatic Zeenat to the ruthless politician Sunil. Each character adds depth and complexity to the story, making it impossible to put the book down.
So, if you're looking for a book that will transport you to another world, look no further than "The Lost Flamingoes of Bombay". This book is a triumph of storytelling, a sweeping tale of love, loss, and redemption that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.
July 6, 2020
Any author trying to write about Bombay or Mumbai will include bollywood, politics, gang wars, slums, media and so on. This novel too has all that. So how is this novel any different? This is the third book based on streets of Mumbai that I have read; and as a reader I did not feel one bit bored.
City of Mumbai unlike any other city in India; holds so many stories that any author walking into the city can find a new plot. My previous two reads were from authors who narrated real life incidents- Shantaram and Maximum city. I loved both books.
But this novel, tells a story of a struggling newbie in the city, of a famous Bollywood star, of a rich pianist, of an unhappy housewife, of an influential politician and many other colorful characters. It’s a story of love, lust, friendship, infidelity, pain, loss, betrayal, struggle, success and memories. And Siddharth has expressed every emotion very passionately.
Having stayed in Mumbai for few years, I can tell that one can easily fall in love with this beautiful and mysterious city. With this book, I just felt connected to the city again. But I loved this novel for the way in which friendship was portrayed.
Karan and Samar's friendship was so ardent that it just engulfed me. I loved Samar Arora's character, it depicted purity. It was a good read.
Again, it's not a literary marvel. And it's a lot of inflated drama like Bollywood. But for a change I enjoyed the book.
City of Mumbai unlike any other city in India; holds so many stories that any author walking into the city can find a new plot. My previous two reads were from authors who narrated real life incidents- Shantaram and Maximum city. I loved both books.
But this novel, tells a story of a struggling newbie in the city, of a famous Bollywood star, of a rich pianist, of an unhappy housewife, of an influential politician and many other colorful characters. It’s a story of love, lust, friendship, infidelity, pain, loss, betrayal, struggle, success and memories. And Siddharth has expressed every emotion very passionately.
Having stayed in Mumbai for few years, I can tell that one can easily fall in love with this beautiful and mysterious city. With this book, I just felt connected to the city again. But I loved this novel for the way in which friendship was portrayed.
Karan and Samar's friendship was so ardent that it just engulfed me. I loved Samar Arora's character, it depicted purity. It was a good read.
Again, it's not a literary marvel. And it's a lot of inflated drama like Bollywood. But for a change I enjoyed the book.
May 18, 2018
This review originally appeared on Rain and a Book
The Lost Flamingoes of Bombay is a book that you don’t really need to read. Think of all the crimes committed by celebrities/politicians/sons-of-the-baap-in-tu-jaanta-hai-mera-baap-kaun-hai, blend in a little bit of this, a cupful of that, and you have a mishmash of a “novel”, allegedly “fictional”, that gives the tabloid treatment to serious issues.
Let me begin by saying how smitten I was by Siddharth Dhanvant Shanghvi’s first novel, The Last Song of Dusk. Set during the pre-independence era, that melancholy novel with its palaces and magical realism, tragedies and romances enthralled me. Maybe it’s just grown grander in memory. Maybe if I go back to it, I’ll read it without the rose-tinted glasses. Or maybe, it really was as good as I remember it to be.
If his name wasn’t on the cover in big bold letters, I wouldn’t have believed it was the same author that wrote both these books. Why, Shanghvi, why? How, Shanghvi, how?!
For the rest of this review, please visit Rain and a Book
The Lost Flamingoes of Bombay is a book that you don’t really need to read. Think of all the crimes committed by celebrities/politicians/sons-of-the-baap-in-tu-jaanta-hai-mera-baap-kaun-hai, blend in a little bit of this, a cupful of that, and you have a mishmash of a “novel”, allegedly “fictional”, that gives the tabloid treatment to serious issues.
Let me begin by saying how smitten I was by Siddharth Dhanvant Shanghvi’s first novel, The Last Song of Dusk. Set during the pre-independence era, that melancholy novel with its palaces and magical realism, tragedies and romances enthralled me. Maybe it’s just grown grander in memory. Maybe if I go back to it, I’ll read it without the rose-tinted glasses. Or maybe, it really was as good as I remember it to be.
If his name wasn’t on the cover in big bold letters, I wouldn’t have believed it was the same author that wrote both these books. Why, Shanghvi, why? How, Shanghvi, how?!
For the rest of this review, please visit Rain and a Book
December 27, 2024
The title and cover of the book are both intriguing and unique, setting the tone for what's inside. The story revolves around several characters: Karan, a photographer; Samar, a pianist; Leo, an American writer; Zaira, an actress; Prasad, a politician; and Rhea, a woman married to Aditya.
Karan is determined to capture the essence of Bombay through his photographs. During a visit to Chor Bazaar, he meets Mrs. Rhea Dalal, who offers to guide him around the city. One of their stops is the mudflats at Sewri, a place where flamingos flock every year. This ties into the title, symbolizing how both flamingos and people are drawn to Bombay, despite its chaos.
The plot, inspired by the sensational Jessica Lal murder case, is layered with themes of love, friendship, corruption, scandals, and politics. The pacing is moderate, though it slows in certain parts. The vivid descriptions of Bombay bring the city to life. The narrative feels so authentic that we experience the characters' emotions—crying, laughing, and feeling their joys and sorrows.
The author's perspective on Indian politics adds depth to the narrative, and the poetic descriptions of the city are truly commendable. The friendship between Samar and Karan stands out. While the book offers several twists, it lacks the grip to keep readers fully engrossed. Overall, it’s an enjoyable one-time read.
Karan is determined to capture the essence of Bombay through his photographs. During a visit to Chor Bazaar, he meets Mrs. Rhea Dalal, who offers to guide him around the city. One of their stops is the mudflats at Sewri, a place where flamingos flock every year. This ties into the title, symbolizing how both flamingos and people are drawn to Bombay, despite its chaos.
The plot, inspired by the sensational Jessica Lal murder case, is layered with themes of love, friendship, corruption, scandals, and politics. The pacing is moderate, though it slows in certain parts. The vivid descriptions of Bombay bring the city to life. The narrative feels so authentic that we experience the characters' emotions—crying, laughing, and feeling their joys and sorrows.
The author's perspective on Indian politics adds depth to the narrative, and the poetic descriptions of the city are truly commendable. The friendship between Samar and Karan stands out. While the book offers several twists, it lacks the grip to keep readers fully engrossed. Overall, it’s an enjoyable one-time read.
January 15, 2025
📚 BOOK REVIEW
The Lost Flamingoes of Bombay
by Siddharth Dhanvant Shanghvi
The Lost Flamingoes of Bombay is written by Siddharth Dhanvant Shanghvi. It is a contemporary fiction which focuses upon the modern city of Mumbai and the people residing there.
The main protagonist is Karan, who is a new comer in Mumbai starts his career as a photographer. He dreams of capturing the city life in through his lenses. He makes new friends in the city but one day his life suddenly takes a sharp turn when one of his friend is found murdered.
The real beauty of Bombay is captured within this story. We get the real feel of Mumbai through this novel, the bustling streets, the busy roads, golden sands on beach, high rise buildings, glamour world, nightlife etc. We also witness the harsh reality of the glamour city.
The novel is captivating and highlights upon the themes of love, loss, acquaintance, friendship, betrayal, glamour and charm of Mumbai. The author writing style is raw and crisp. It provides a rich reading experience. It is a thought provoking book which resonates with the readers. At times I found the pace of the story slow. A deeply emotional story which explores the complexities of human connections and relationships.
The novel has a strong impact on the readers as it stays on our mind for long after we finish reading it.
The Lost Flamingoes of Bombay
by Siddharth Dhanvant Shanghvi
The Lost Flamingoes of Bombay is written by Siddharth Dhanvant Shanghvi. It is a contemporary fiction which focuses upon the modern city of Mumbai and the people residing there.
The main protagonist is Karan, who is a new comer in Mumbai starts his career as a photographer. He dreams of capturing the city life in through his lenses. He makes new friends in the city but one day his life suddenly takes a sharp turn when one of his friend is found murdered.
The real beauty of Bombay is captured within this story. We get the real feel of Mumbai through this novel, the bustling streets, the busy roads, golden sands on beach, high rise buildings, glamour world, nightlife etc. We also witness the harsh reality of the glamour city.
The novel is captivating and highlights upon the themes of love, loss, acquaintance, friendship, betrayal, glamour and charm of Mumbai. The author writing style is raw and crisp. It provides a rich reading experience. It is a thought provoking book which resonates with the readers. At times I found the pace of the story slow. A deeply emotional story which explores the complexities of human connections and relationships.
The novel has a strong impact on the readers as it stays on our mind for long after we finish reading it.
Read
June 4, 2025Did I read two different books somehow taped together?
The book goes from a flippant, quirky-dialogued satire to a meditative, monologued drama within a chapter or so. Don't get me wrong, I found the prose in the second half very moving. It's just that, maybe if we'd spent the same effort in getting us emotionally invested in the main characters in the first half, the payoff in the second half would've been incredible. Now, it just feels meandering.
The lead character is, unfortunately, unlikable (not even in an interesting way as with the other main cast :p). So it took me a lot of time to get into this book. Close to 2 months. But the rest of the characters salvage this endeavour. Overall, a bit of a whiplash-y read.
Do I think this book warrants a major mention when talking of books that extract the soul of Mumbai? Yes and No. There are some majorly Mumbai elements in this book - the dialogue, the slang, the background events such as the floods, the physical locations. But are they so intrinsic that they cannot be transplanted to any other metropolitan city in India? Are there also some things that just don't feel like Bombay (I mean the Jessica Lal case is literally from Delhi). I don't know, I'm not sure. And I think that's why, maybe, people are not so impressed with this being included in every list about novels about Bombay.
The book goes from a flippant, quirky-dialogued satire to a meditative, monologued drama within a chapter or so. Don't get me wrong, I found the prose in the second half very moving. It's just that, maybe if we'd spent the same effort in getting us emotionally invested in the main characters in the first half, the payoff in the second half would've been incredible. Now, it just feels meandering.
The lead character is, unfortunately, unlikable (not even in an interesting way as with the other main cast :p). So it took me a lot of time to get into this book. Close to 2 months. But the rest of the characters salvage this endeavour. Overall, a bit of a whiplash-y read.
Do I think this book warrants a major mention when talking of books that extract the soul of Mumbai? Yes and No. There are some majorly Mumbai elements in this book - the dialogue, the slang, the background events such as the floods, the physical locations. But are they so intrinsic that they cannot be transplanted to any other metropolitan city in India? Are there also some things that just don't feel like Bombay (I mean the Jessica Lal case is literally from Delhi). I don't know, I'm not sure. And I think that's why, maybe, people are not so impressed with this being included in every list about novels about Bombay.
December 19, 2024
The world wasn’t meant to be a place of justice, just a game of snakes and ladders through which we navigate ourselves. The story is a reminder of broken lives, the torpedo of emotions and the actions that take us closer to death.
A riveting read, the book explores the many facets of life, with love and friendship being the core. The story has been inspired by current affairs, the numerous headlines that we wake up to—murder, scandals, corruption, glamour, but as the author states, ‘it’s primarily a work of fiction’. However, as the narrative progresses, it feels more real than the headlines we have read.
The story isn’t about families weathering the storms of life, but about people with no blood connection loving each other unconditionally, despite their financial status. In fact, the material barely holds sway in the story.
Shanghvi’s creative streak shows us the many shades of Bombay, the socio-political structure, the good and the ugly, the sleazy and the gentle. It also takes us to Delhi, San Francisco, Singapore. Like an artist he brings alive the cities with their many layers and hues. It’s a book that needs to be read over days, and not hours.
A riveting read, the book explores the many facets of life, with love and friendship being the core. The story has been inspired by current affairs, the numerous headlines that we wake up to—murder, scandals, corruption, glamour, but as the author states, ‘it’s primarily a work of fiction’. However, as the narrative progresses, it feels more real than the headlines we have read.
The story isn’t about families weathering the storms of life, but about people with no blood connection loving each other unconditionally, despite their financial status. In fact, the material barely holds sway in the story.
Shanghvi’s creative streak shows us the many shades of Bombay, the socio-political structure, the good and the ugly, the sleazy and the gentle. It also takes us to Delhi, San Francisco, Singapore. Like an artist he brings alive the cities with their many layers and hues. It’s a book that needs to be read over days, and not hours.
December 29, 2024
Are you looking for a book that offers the thrill of suspense, the warmth of true friendship, the struggles of life, the taste of politics, and the allure of glamour? Then The Lost Flamingoes of Bombay by Siddharth Dhanvant Shanghvi is perfect for you.
The story revolves around four central characters: Karan, Samar, Zaira, and Rhea. Karan moves to Bombay, the dream city, to capture its vast life and glamour through his camera. However, his life takes a dramatic U-turn when his friend is murdered, plunging him into a world of crime, politics, scandals, and more.
This 400+ page book captures the essence of Bombay beautifully, making the city almost a character in itself. The story feels relevant and timely, reflecting the complexities of modern urban life. The writing is lucid and engaging, with well-developed, relatable characters. The twists and turns kept me hooked, though there were moments when I briefly lost focus; however, it didn’t detract from my overall experience.
With its captivating narrative and vivid portrayal of Bombay, The Lost Flamingoes of Bombay was a great read for me. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys stories with depth, drama, and suspense.
The story revolves around four central characters: Karan, Samar, Zaira, and Rhea. Karan moves to Bombay, the dream city, to capture its vast life and glamour through his camera. However, his life takes a dramatic U-turn when his friend is murdered, plunging him into a world of crime, politics, scandals, and more.
This 400+ page book captures the essence of Bombay beautifully, making the city almost a character in itself. The story feels relevant and timely, reflecting the complexities of modern urban life. The writing is lucid and engaging, with well-developed, relatable characters. The twists and turns kept me hooked, though there were moments when I briefly lost focus; however, it didn’t detract from my overall experience.
With its captivating narrative and vivid portrayal of Bombay, The Lost Flamingoes of Bombay was a great read for me. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys stories with depth, drama, and suspense.
December 27, 2024
One of my reading goals of 2024 was to try new authors as much as possible. Though some books have failed me, this book has left a positive mark. So, let’s talk about it.
Karan comes to the ‘City of Dreams’ to become a photographer. There he makes new friends, falls in love. But his life turns upside down when one of his friends gets killed by an influential political individual. Justice, a foul play of power and politics, turns out to be a farce and Karan becomes a victim of it.
The story has 3 parts. The 1st part is the build up, 2nd- the trial and 3rd- the conclusion. And the build up is truly beautiful. U feel a bond with the characters.
The author has portrayed the corrupt human society through an unfiltered lens; the flawed raw human sentiments; and the complex, messy relationships in a beautiful way. So, thumps up for that!
My only complain was with the second half which dips in pace, making it seems like slightly boring and lengthy. But overall, it’s a great read, u can give it a try.
Karan comes to the ‘City of Dreams’ to become a photographer. There he makes new friends, falls in love. But his life turns upside down when one of his friends gets killed by an influential political individual. Justice, a foul play of power and politics, turns out to be a farce and Karan becomes a victim of it.
The story has 3 parts. The 1st part is the build up, 2nd- the trial and 3rd- the conclusion. And the build up is truly beautiful. U feel a bond with the characters.
The author has portrayed the corrupt human society through an unfiltered lens; the flawed raw human sentiments; and the complex, messy relationships in a beautiful way. So, thumps up for that!
My only complain was with the second half which dips in pace, making it seems like slightly boring and lengthy. But overall, it’s a great read, u can give it a try.
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