Alka Joshi crafts a rich, sensory journey that transports readers through the vibrant streets and cultures of Bombay, Istanbul, Florence, Paris, Prague, and London—seen through the eyes of Sona, a half-Indian, half-British nurse whose sheltered upbringing leaves her unprepared for the emotional and physical voyage ahead. After being unjustly dismissed from her job, Sona decides to deliver three paintings to friends of a recently deceased, renowned artist. Along the way, she discovers profound lessons in trust, forgiveness, self-awareness, and love.

As one of my favorite authors, Alka Joshi once again delivers a moving and beautifully written story that did not disappoint.

Thanks to NetGalley & Harlequin Trade Publishing for a digital advanced readers copy. All comments and opinions are my own.

I’ve read all three of Alka Joshi’s novels, so this fourth was a must-read for me and I was not disappointed. The story starts out leisurely as we are introduced to nurse Sona Falstaff in 1937 Bombay. She befriends renowned painter Mira Novak, a new patient who fascinates Sona. They are both young and of mixed heritage (English and Indian). But Mira is everything Sona is not – sophisticated and worldly, confident and wealthy.

Sona spends six days with Mira in the hospital while she recovers. Mira encourages Sona to take risks and accept challenges in all areas of her life. After Mira dies unexpectedly from complications of a miscarriage, Sona is accused of carelessness. She is dismissed from this hospital and decides to follow the request in Mira’s note to her. Mira sends her on a journey that will open up her world, leave her sheltered life, and take chances.

Despite having never been outside of India before, Sona travels to Prague, Florence, Paris and London, to deliver Mira’s paintings to her friends. She also decides to search for the father who abandoned her many years ago. During her travels Sona learns that not everyone is who they appear to be, which is one of the novel’s themes.

Sona “struggles with her identity – with an English father and a Hindu mother, she is Anglo-Indian and neither fully English nor fully Indian.” The concept of identity continues throughout the novel, as well as the half-half and in-between themes that refer to several characters as well as India’s fight for independence from British rule at the time. Even the fact that the story takes place in between the two world wars contributes to that theme.

I liked the character of Sona, even though I occasionally wanted to shout out warnings to her when I could see what was likely to happen and usually did. Despite being an adult, I consider this a coming-of-age novel as Sona was young and unexperienced. Fulfilling Mira’s request actually helps Sona to grow up, learn about herself, and satisfy her dream of a larger life.

I enjoyed this satisfying and well-written novel and highly recommend it.

4 stars
This is my 4th book by #AlkaJoshi, do not miss her earlier The Henna Artist series. I appreciated the relationship of Sona (quiet nurse) and Mira (flamboyant artist) and how they each played to their personalities of half Indian/half British. The book covered the historical settings of Bombay in the late 1930s, the caste system of locals, 'halfs', the British in India and the subservient role of women in general.
Sona is changing her life after her 6 day interaction with Mira, she is emerging to become more independent travelling to distant cities, dealing with people mostly on her own. Enter Dr Stoddard who acts as a guide post, a man, as typical of the times but immensely enjoyable in the storyline. A rogue of sorts with a big heart!
I felt Sona's character (especially) could have had more depth, she was naive but determined and defied the current standards. I liked the other characters, could understand her mother and her (spoiler) abused colleague and would have liked to have known them more. But that would be another book, wouldn't it?
Although I did not rate this one higher (her other 3 were a solid 5 stars for me), #SixDaysinBombay is a wonderful introduction to Indian culture and history of that time.
Thank you to #NetGalley and #HarlequinTradePublishing for an early copy to review.

★ ★ ★ ½

Alka Joshi’s Six Days in Bombay kicks off with a bang—a famous painter dies under suspicious circumstances, and Sona, a young Anglo-Indian nurse, is suddenly the prime suspect. What follows is a globe-trotting journey from Bombay to Europe as Sona tries to clear her name and untangle the truth about Mira Novak, the enigmatic artist who changed her life in just six days.

The setup is rich, and the premise has real intrigue. Joshi brings exotic locations to life with her usual flair. But where The Henna Artist and The Secret Keeper of Jaipur gripped me from the start, this one took a while to warm up. The first third drags, bogged down by overlong descriptions and a slower pace than the mystery deserves.

That said, once Sona hits the road—armed with Mira’s note and a few cryptic paintings—the novel finds its rhythm. The twisty backstories and emotional reveals add depth, and Sona’s growth is satisfying. Still, I wished the plot had more urgency and fewer travelogue-style detours. The narrator did a wonderful job, though.

Fans of art, secrets, and strong female leads will enjoy this one—but it’s not Joshi’s strongest work.

** Thanks to NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and Harlequin Audio for comps of the eBook and audiobook. The opinions are my own.

I absolutely loved The Henna Artist, but this was not what I was expecting. Based on the premise, I thought I'd be following Sona's travels. The plot and hints of potential plots were all over the place. I didn't feel connected to the characters, and the book was overall a little shaky.

I think I am adding Alka Joshi to my favorite authors list. I have now read all her books and they have spoken to me. The characters are wonderfully flawed and the writing just flows and before you know it it’s finished!
Sona captivates you from the very beginning with her warmth and character. Historical fiction at its best!

Having read and loved The Henna Artist Series, I knew I wanted to read Six Days in Bombay! This book will tug at your heartstrings! When Sona’s credibility is challenged, she sets out on a journey to deliver Mira’s paintings across Europe. Inspired by Mira’s free spirit, Sona takes readers across Europe and learns so much about life, and herself, along the way. Add this book to your TBR!!

Thank you Harper Collins Canada, Mira Books and Alka Joshi for the gifted eARC and the opportunity to read this wonderful book!!

Thanks to Mira Books for an advanced copy of Six Days in Bombay which comes out on Tuesday - April 15th!

I've read and loved Joshi's previous books in the Jaipur Trilogy so was looking forward to her new book about an Anglo-Indian nurse in 1937 from Bombay. After a famous painter dies while in her care she goes on a journey to Prague, Florence, Paris and London to learn more about her patient and deliver three paintings.

This book focuses a lot on identity especially because Sona is half Indian/half British and her father abandoned her and her mother years ago. The artist Mira was also half Indian and is what helps form the bond between Sona and Mira. I really liked the themes of identity and belonging throughout the book along with seeing Sona step out of her comfort zone to explore the world - which in 1937 would have been rare.

If you're looking for a great historical fiction about strong women with wonderful characters and set in the 1930s I highly recommend Six Days in Bombay!

Alka Joshi delivers a captivating and richly layered tale in Six Days in Bombay, a historical fiction gem set in 1930s India. With vivid imagery and a gripping plot, this story pulled me in from page one and never let go.

At its heart is Sona Falstaff, a smart, determined nurse who unexpectedly finds herself at the center of a murder mystery. As tensions rise and secrets unravel, Sona’s emotional journey of self-discovery is both powerful and inspiring. The female leads in this novel are strong, complex, and refreshingly real—each one adding depth and fire to the story.

The cultural nuances, historical backdrop, and family drama are intricately woven, making the novel feel both cinematic and intimate. Joshi masterfully balances suspense with emotional depth, and the result is a story that’s both thrilling and heartfelt.

If you love historical fiction with strong women, emotional drama, and a touch of mystery, this one’s for you. A fun, thought-provoking, and utterly immersive read!

Thank you Harlequin Trade Publishing for the copy of this book.
-
Read if you like: strong female characters, art, culture, and travel
-
Sona is a nurse at a hospital in Bombay before Indian independence, and when renowned painter, Mira, is admitted, Sona develops a relationship with her that will send her on a journey all through Europe.
-
This was an interesting story and I liked how Sona travelled throughout Europe fulfilling Mira's wishes, as well as searching for her own identity. She was a great main character!

Alka Joshi creates characters with great depth and draws you into their complicated lives. In this story, Sona is a nurse in Bombay, and being half English, she is granted privileges that the Indian women are not. As you can imagine, the other nurses resent this. When a woman is admitted with intense pains after a miscarriage, Sona's life is going to change forever. Her journey takes her through Europe as she tries to fulfill the last wishes of her patient and possibly discover something about her own life. There are so many cultural and class insights as to what life was like for a mixed raced individual back in 1937 as Sona searches for the woman she is destined to become. I also had a chance to listen to the audio version which is well narrated, I enjoyed the local accent.

Another fine read from Alka Joshi. For me, it hit all the right notes: pacing just right, compelling characters, exotic location. Thanks to NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

I loved Alka Joshi's Jaipur Trilogy, and was very excited to receive an ARC of Six Days in Bombay. If you loved the Henna Artist, you will find Joshi's writing to be sublimely familiar in this novel, but the book is completely unlike her previous novels in plot and storyline.

Six Days in Bombay is an adventurous coming-of-age story from the point-of-view of Sona, a half-British, half-English nurse who develops a friendship with a beautiful and sophisticated artist that she treats at the hospital where she works in Bombay. The plot is sweeping and develops around several mysteries resulting from the death of Mira, the artist. The book takes place in the 1930's so there are palpable political tensions globally, and in India; as well as the personal challenges that Rona faces as a woman who is neither all Indian, or all British.

Six Days in Bombay is a great read you liked Alka Joshi's previous novels, enjoy historical fiction, romance, and/or mystery novels. Thank you Net Galley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the advanced reader copy of the novel. 5 Stars.

Six Days in Bombay
By: Alka Joshi
Pub Date: April 15, 2025

Set in the 1930's, Six Days in Bombay is a tale of self discovery, of finding purpose, friendship and family.

Sona is an anglo-indian nurse that befriends an artist, Mira Novak, while she's in the hospital. While listening to Mira's stories, Sona is given a glimpse into a world of possibilities, of where dreams are made possible and an entire world to explore.
After Mira's passing, she entrusted Sona to deliver three paintings to people from her past. As Sona embarks on a journey of a lifetime, and Mira's past is revealed, Sona comes to an understanding of her past and family history.

What I loved most about this novel is how it explores identity and resilience. Sona’s struggles with her mixed heritage and her search for purpose feel so real and relatable. The book beautifully captures the sights and sounds of Bombay and beyond, making you feel like you’re right there with Sona as she steps out into the world.

It was really interesting to learn that Mira's character was inspired by a painter, Amirta Sher-Gil. I loved the history woven into this beautiful story!

Six Days in Bombay is about Sona who is a nurse that goes to find out the mystery behind a painter's death. The author wrote this well and I was turning pages until the very end. All of the characters in this one were great and I liked Sona a lot. This was a new author for me and I look forward to reading other books from the author. I highly enjoyed this one and would recommend to any reader who likes historical fiction. Thank you to The Hive and HTP Books also to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing/ MIRA for this amazing read in exchange of my honest review of Six Days in Bombay by Alka Joshi.

This is Joshi’s fourth book, and it’s another beautiful, heart aching story that starts off in India before embarking on adventures in Europe.

Anglo-Indian nurse, Sona befriends renowned artist, Mira Novak during her stay at the hospital. Reserved Sona is fascinated by Mira’s lifestyle - her openness and daring nature. When Mira passes away, Sona a finds a letter from her asking her to deliver 2 paintings to old friends, one in Prague, and one in Italy. The timing is perfect considering other unforeseen circumstances, and this propels Sona on a life changing journey. It’s not surprising that Mira would’ve engineered this.

Joshi delivers Sona’s naïveté and eagerness to explore with such warmth and grace. Sona, stuck between two worlds, that of her Indian side (her mother) and her English side (her absent father), discovers so much about herself and her heritage. This aspect of the story fascinated me.

Highlights:
* Historical fiction, post WWII, single POV
* India, Prague, Italy, England
* Anglo-Indian culture
* Mira Novak inspired by the life of painter Amrita Sher-Gil

CW/TW: see my Goodreads for info (link in bio)

Joshi’s a gifted storyteller who brings the past in to full view. You travel miles through her words, getting a strong sense of the era as if you’re right there. I always think of her novels as sweeping dramas, and I love to get lost in them. 𝗦𝗶𝘅 𝗗𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗕𝗼𝗺𝗯𝗮𝘆 is no exception!

Six Days in Bombay is a whirlwind of emotion, connection, and the kind of unexpected magic that only comes when you let go of the plan and live in the moment. When Tara and Vivaan cross paths in the bustling, vibrant heart of Bombay, what starts as a chance encounter unfolds into a six-day journey full of vulnerability, healing, and chemistry that leaps off the page.

Shikha Kumar captures the pulse of the city and the quiet ache of two souls carrying heavy pasts, giving us a love story that’s tender, raw, and breathtaking in its simplicity. It’s about timing, fate, and the power of being seen—truly seen—by someone who just gets it.

A short stay, a long impact. This story lingers like the scent of monsoon rain and the echo of a goodbye that might not be forever.

I previously read a book by Alka Joshi and really enjoyed it, so when I had the opportunity to receive an Advance Reader’s Copy of this one, I couldn’t wait to dive in.

The story begins in Bombay, just before WWII. At the heart of it is Wadia Hospital, where a range of patients and staff work and intersect. Sona, a dedicated nurse, has been working there for almost two years after struggling to find employment.
She lives in a modest flat with her mother, doing her best to support them by picking up as many shifts as possible. Her father, who was British, left them behind when she was young. Sona is considered to be of mixed heritage—half Indian and half British—and that identity adds another layer of complexity to her personal and work life.

While working at the hospital, Sona meets Mira—a vibrant patient and gifted artist who is also of mixed heritage. The two form a fast friendship while Mira is under Sona’s care. Tragically, Mira dies during her stay at the hospital, and the circumstances of her death are questioned. Sona is accused of negligence and loses her job.

Before leaving the hospital, Sona searches for Mira’s belongings and discovers a letter from her, along with several paintings. Mira’s final wish is for Sona to deliver each painting to a specific person: Petra in Prague, Josephine in Paris, and Paolo. Honoring her friend’s last request, Sona sets off on a journey that takes her far from Bombay—and even further toward discovering her own courage, identity, and voice.

I really enjoyed learning more about India during the period of British withdrawal and appreciated the perspective on the challenges faced by those of mixed heritage. The story was rich with character development and cultural insight. I highly recommend this book—it was an engaging and emotional journey.

I’d love to read more about Dr. Stoddard, another intriguing character from the hospital. A follow-up story featuring him would be fantastic!

Six Days in Bombay is a new book by the author of The Henna Artist and it did not disappoint. It follows the story of a young nurse who is the daughter of an Indian mother and a British father. It is set in the turbulence in India during the 1930s. It accurately describe the caste system there and British rule. Will she get the answers to her questions? A very emotional story that I highly recommend. Thanks to @NetGalley for the ARC of this book.

Alka Joshi is one of my favorites for historical fiction and this book did not disappoint! We follow nurse and friend as she navigates being fired and then fulfilling a friends wish to give her art to the people that inspired it. Loved this read!

Thank you for this ARC!