I always look forward to Alka Joshi's new books. This was a compelling story that also included some twists and turns. Some unexpected character developments. A story of complex people and some unexpected outcomes. Definitely a book to recommend.

This novel starts in a Bombay hospital in 1937 where an Indian nurse cares for an internationally know artist for six days after a miscarriage. The artist, Mira, tells stories of her friends and lovers, and her travels. However, when she dies, Sona is released from her job. However, Mira has left her 4 paintings for Sona to give to people who have touched her life.
Sona has lived a sheltered life with her mother after her British father abandoned them, and her income helped them survive. When Sona returns to their apartment, she finds her mother has had a heart attack and died, leaving Sona alone in the world.
She sets out on the journey and with the help of another patient, who is released as she begins her journey, she makes her way across the continent to Prague, Florence, Paris and London. Along the way, Sona finds herself, and her identity. She ends up in London and seeks her father- where she finds forgiveness, and eventually love.
The author developed Sona beautifully and her writing described Sona's thoughts and dreams, fears, and joys in a way that made me want her to find happiness and resolution. She described the poverty that she and her mother lived in and the love and respect they had for each other.
I received and ARC of Six Days in Bombay from NetGalley and the publisher. The opinions expressed are my own.

This was a slow dance. At times I wish it would go faster, it then I fell more deeply into it, the characters, and the story of a young woman finding herself thanks to an artist. In finding herself, she travels to some of my favorite cities in Europe, with places that I recognize as having been to, and others that I hope one day to visit. As I write this, I am reminded of “Eat, Pray, Love” and that journey and how I find parallels. It’s a slow dance, but it’s worth it.

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𝙎𝙞𝙭 𝘿𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝘽𝙤𝙢𝙗𝙖𝙮 𝙗𝙮 𝘼𝙡𝙠𝙖 𝙅𝙤𝙨𝙝𝙞 had all the ingredients I usually love: 1930s Bombay, a cross-continental journey, themes of identity and legacy. But while the premise was full of promise, the pacing dragged, and the emotional depth didn’t quite land for me. The protagonist Sona’s transformation, sparked by a brief connection, felt rushed, and I never fully connected with her journey.

It’s beautifully written. The author captures time and place with elegance, and the descriptions of 1930s Bombay and Europe are transportive. I also appreciated the ambition behind the story, but it left me wanting more substance and urgency.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for sending a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Sona is a nurse working at Wadia Hospital in Bombay. She is of mixed heritage – a British father and an Indian mother – grappling with her “half-half” identity. She harbors anger and hatred towards her father, who abandoned his family in India and returned to Britain to his British family, leaving her family in poverty. Sona lives a small life in 1937 within the confines of hospital and home with her aging mother. Kind and empathetic to all her patients, she develops friendships with some, and one, Mira Novak, in particular. Through the stories Mira tells her, Sona’s eyes are opened to the possibilities of life beyond Bombay. Mira is a famous artist known for her paintings of India’s rural life populated by Indian women and men. Joshi loosely based Mira on the prodigy artist, Amrita Sher-Gil, the youngest admitted to the Paris Salon in 1933, also of mixed heritage.

Mira dies, leaving behind a note bequeathing four of her paintings – one to Sona and the other three to former friends throughout Europe who impacted her development as an artist. This leads her on a journey through Europe to deliver the paintings to the other beneficiaries and a search for her father in London to answer her questions, hopefully to bring her peace. As she travels, Sona sees the political unrest brewing in this time leading up to WWII.

Alka Joshi has created a commendable character in Sona. It took more courage than she realized she had to embark on her journey which becomes one of self-discovery and growth. We watch her gain strength and confidence as she blossoms from her closed, insular life to a changed life with new friends and new experiences. She learns forgiveness as understanding and bitterness of the past fall away. A heartwarming story of love and redemption.
--The Historical Novels Review, May 2025

I adored Alka Joshi's the Jaipur trilogy, so I was delighted to receive an advance copy of Six Days in Bombay. Her ability to bring readers into a richly-described world is unparalleled. This stand-alone novel that introduces many readers to painter Amrita Sher-Gil, the "Frida Kahlo of India," and takes us and nurse Sona on an international journey.

Many thanks to the author, narrator, publisher, and NetGalley for sharing this book with me.

Six Days in Bombay was my second book from Alia Joshi (first one was The Henna Artist; one of my all time favorites). This book took place in various parts of Europe and India. Her writing always transports me to these locations that are so beautifully described. I really enjoyed this book. 4/5 stars!

I was excited to read this book after enjoying the Jaipur Trilogy. And, just like the other books, I enjoyed Six Days in Bombay as well.

The narrative and plot of the story kept me intrigued and wanting to know know more about the characters and how everything would turn out for the protagonist. I did however feel that the novel may have wrapped up quickly, certain events did not need to happen for the story to progress, and I also felt like the ending of Mira's mystery wasn't as I'd hope it would be (but that is just a personal opinion).

What I really love about the novel is that it was inspired by the life and work of Indian-Hungarian artist, Amrita Sher-Gil. Alka Joshi does a wonderful job writing South Asian stories and characters by introducing her readers to culture and history, many of us are not aware of.

Alka Joshi vividly portrays India as a young woman takes an unexpected journey to self-discovery. Joshi expertly weaves social commentary into an engaging storyline. While it cannot compare to The Henna Artist, this is still an entertaining read.

Good, inspiring story. A little hard to get through. Ended up being a mystery that is resolved to satisfaction in the end. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

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.
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Read if you like: strong female characters, art, culture, and travel
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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.
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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!