Six days in Bombay by Alka Joshi

Sona is a nurse and when Mira comes to her hospital having a miscarriage they strike up a friendship. Sona is devastated when she dies but finds that MIra has left her a task. To deliver paintings to some of the people who matter to her, also leaving her a painting too.. After losing her job at the hospital, Sona is set on the adventure of a lifetime.

Firstly I am a massive, MASSIVE fan of Alka Joshi so I had high expectations of this book. It didn’t disappoint. The stage is set in an epic fashion. Sona is a wonderful character and I love how much depth there was to her. Mira is an interesting character. We get the version of her she wanted Sona to see and you get a different version of her with every person Sona gives a painting to. It was fascinating.

I loved the plot. It was fully immersive and the narration was on point!!

I love her writing style and this standalone book might be my favourite of hers to date. It was clever, well paced and entertaining from start to finish.

5 stars

Thank you to Alka Joshi, Harlequin Audio, and NetGalley for the advanced listening copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I wasn't entirely sure what to expect when I requested this book, but wow—I was not disappointed! As a longtime lover of historical fiction, I can be a little picky (okay, maybe even a bit snobby) when it comes to rating books in this genre. That said, Six Days in Bombay fully met—and even exceeded—my expectations.

Reminiscent of the rich storytelling styles of Kristin Hannah and Ariel Lawhon, Joshi masterfully brings her characters to life with nuance and emotional depth. She transports readers across time and place—from India to France to Prague—seamlessly weaving the past and present into a compelling narrative. The settings are immersive, the relationships complex, and the pacing just right.

This novel is a beautiful blend of history, mystery, and emotional insight. If you're a fan of layered historical fiction with vivid settings and well-drawn characters, Six Days in Bombay should absolutely be on your reading list.

Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin Audio for this e-alc in exchange for my honest opinion.

Narration for this book was by Sneha Mathan and I really enjoyed her voice as she did this narration.

This book was set in Bombay in 1937 and follows a nurse....and I just couldn't get past the way she only gave of herself, and didn't take care of herself as it feels way too close to home.

Loved the textured history with a unique view point for a time once lived. Enjoyed the bright description of India and the travel journey. The main character development ( Sona ) growth was shown here beautifully, a discovery of one's true self needs and path to happiness. Although the story started off slow for me and didn't agree with with some of the decisions this was such a beautiful story and enjoyed every minute of it. The audio was such a phenomenal way to read the story. I read and listen to this and it was such a wonderful experience.


Thank you NetGalley for the Ebook and audiook!

There is a part of me that really loves the opportunity to be immersed in India's history and culture, and this novel helped me appreciate the years leading to India's independence from Britain. The main character, Sona, a nurse, is half Indian - half English, and has spent all her life in India. Sona's world view expands when artist Mira Novak is admitted to the hospital for a miscarriage. Though just a few years older than Sona, Mira seems to have lived a full, exciting life by comparison. As a famous painter, Mira has traveled through Europe and as she regales Sona with stories of her adventures, Sona becomes enamored of the life that Mira seems to have. When Mira dies suddenly and Sona is not only devastated but dismissed from her position. Mira left a final message for Sona asking her to deliver four paintings that she's left for friends. Fulfilling this last request takes Sona out of her comfort zone and forces her to travel to Prague, Paris, Florence, and eventually London. Along the way, Sona learns Mira's life was not as carefree and glamorous as she thought. However, the greatest gift Mira leaves Sona is the opportunity to carve out her own life changing path.

This was my first Alka Joshi book and I enjoyed it along with the excellent audiobook. I found it interesting to read in the author's notes that the novel was inspired by a real-life Indian artist, Amrita Sher-Gil, who was known as the Frida Kahlo of India.

This is my very first book by Alka Joshi! I have seen people raving about her books often. This book took me a bit by surprise as I love historical fiction. The audio was very well done, the narrator was perfect for it. It was gripping and entertaining. My heart broke at times for Mira and Sonas story. I look forward to read more from Alka!

I was excited to dive into this one as I loved The Henna Artist for its dynamic characters and the descriptive prose and, while this one had the prose, the characters were less formidable than I am accustomed to. Sona paints the picture through her eyes so you never really get to know Mira on her own, and for a while, you don’t get to know Sona, either; eventually you get glimpses but it’s not until the end that you really get to know her, and even then, it’s through the lens of someone else’s expectations and needs. I enjoyed learning about medicine and life in this time period but was not as enthralled with this one as I was with other works.

Six Days in Bombay had all the ingredients for a story I thought I’d love—lush settings, cultural immersion, and emotional depth. Unfortunately, the heart of the novel, the central relationship between the main character and her patient, didn’t work for me. The intense connection between them felt rushed and implausible. We’re meant to believe that in less than a week, they formed such a deep bond that it becomes the emotional core of the story. I struggled to suspend disbelief; it all felt too forced and underdeveloped. There, I said it.

That said, Joshi’s writing is beautiful. Her prose is evocative and rich, painting vivid portraits of Bombay’s streets and its layered cultural identity. I found myself completely swept away by the sensory details of the setting—sights, sounds, and smells came alive on the page. The novel shines most when it leans into travel and memory. Joshi has a real gift for place-writing, and it’s that immersive quality that kept me turning the pages.

I was thriled to receive Six Days in Bombay by Alia Joshi as a NetGalley-especially since l've loved Alia Joshi's previous work-and it did not disappoint! I listened to the audiobook and the narrator was fantastic, bringing so much heart and depth to the story.
This beautifully written historical fiction transported me to another culture and time, and I loved learning through the eyes of a young woman facing unexpected changes to the life she imagined. A moving, vivid story of self-discovery, resilience, and choosing your own path.

Title: Six Days in Bombay
Author: Alka Joshi
Narrated by: Sneha Mathan
Publisher: Harlequin Audio
Length: Approximately 12 hours and 24 minutes
Source: Audiobook from NetGalley. Thank-you!

What is your favorite coming of age story?

Sonia is a young nurse in Bombay. She has grown up ostracized as the daughter of Englishman and an Indian mother. Her father left the young family when she was three years old. Her brother died shortly after, and her mother worked hard to raise her. Now at twenty-three, she takes pride in her work as a nurse. Over the course of six days, she spends time with a new patient, Mira Novak. Mira helps her to see life in a new way and to help her to leave her sheltered world and take a new look at life. Will Sonia find love, closure on what happened to her father, and what she wants to do with her life moving forward?

My thoughts on this novel:
• This was a great coming of age novel and I liked seeing Sonia’s growth through the novel.

• I previously read and enjoyed The Henna Artist by this author, and I enjoyed reading this work by her as well.

• This novel was set in the spring of 1937, mostly in Bombay, but there is also travel to Europe. I thought it was a fascinating time period as Ghandi was mentioned and the relationship between Indians and the English is tense. There is also signs of the lead up to WWII.

• Sonia has unresolved issues with her father Owen Falstaff. Owen swept her mother off her feet and lived with her as a husband until he suddenly announced one day that he was leaving for England and that he already had a family back there. He sent money for Sonia’s birthday every year, but she never heard from him again after he left when she was three. It made me wonder how many children were born like this and abandoned? Why did some men abandon their Indian wife and children while others brought them back to England?

• Sonia is called blackie by English people and white by Indian people. She doesn’t feel comfortable in either world and is constantly trying to prove herself.

• Mira Novak was a fascinating character. I was interested to learn at the end that she was based on real artist. She challenged Sonia’s feeling on what life could be. Mira is also half white and half Indian, but she has become a successful artist and does not live by modern conventions. Sonia is half scandalized by her tales and half fascinated.

• Women’s health was a big issue in this book. It disturbed the characters that in 1937, a woman could die from a miscarriage. It’s unfortunate that is can still happen today. An Indian doctor realized things were going wrong, but his superior, a white doctor, did not take him seriously.

• I enjoyed the narrator of this audiobook. It was a great story. It moved a little slow at first, but once the story was set, I couldn’t stop listening to it.

• There was some romance in this story, but really it was Mira and Sonia’s story. There were also a few slight mysterious events that were resolved by the end of the story that kept me hooked.

• This was a perfect book to read for Asian American Pacific Islander Month

Overall, Six Days in Bombay by Alka Joshi was a fascinating historical fiction novel with great characters and setting.

I loved the concept of the book, but just wish it had been executed better. Some parts were too drawn out and lacked progression in plot. It felt like most of the action took place in the second half when she traveled to deliver the three paintings to people from Mira’s past, but it too so long for the writing to get there. Snetha Mathan, the narrator, has a beautiful, soothing voice which made it extremely pleasant to listen to.

Thank you to Harlequin Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen in exchange for an honest review.

Alka Joshi has quickly become one of my favorite authors. Her ability to create such vivid stories that force your attention is beautiful!

Six Days in Bombay focuses upon Sona, a young British-Indian nurse who works in 1930s Bombay. When she meets Mira, a renowned painter who she forms a deep connection with, Sona begins to question her modest life. Soon, Mira passes away in Sona’s care, and she is catapulted into a mysterious journey to meet Mira’s wishes and discover herself. We follow Sona’s journey as she reckons with her identity, familial ties, and sense of self.

This is a book that is hard to look away from. It is easy to fall in love with Sona, and find yourself needing to know what happens next. A fantastic story about identity, and giving grace & love to all that we are. If you enjoy historical fiction written through bright & intimate stories, this is for you!

I love love loved the Jaipur trilogy, so I was beyond excited to dive into this new standalone novel. Alka Joshi brings her signature blend of atmosphere, emotion, and intrigue to Six Days in Bombay, and Sneha Mathan once again does an incredible job narrating.

The story follows Sona, a young nurse in Bombay whose quiet life is upended when her patient, the glamorous and enigmatic painter Mira Novak, dies suddenly and mysteriously. Sona becomes a suspect, and what follows is part mystery, part self-discovery.

What I loved most is how this book balances a fast-moving plot with deep emotional undercurrents. Watching Sona transform into a woman determined to understand herself and the complex woman she admired was so satisfying as a reader. Another beautifully written and expertly narrated story from Alka and Sneha that I’ll be thinking about for a long time.

Thank you to Harlequin Audio and NetGalley for the ALC.

Although I have a few of Alka Joshi's books on my shelves, Six Days In Bombay is the first one of hers that I've read!

Instantly, I was transported to a different time and place. The time was 1937, and the places were Bombay, Prague, Florence, Paris, and London.

Joshi created such lovable characters within this story, and it was as much about main character, Sona, as it was about the wonderful supporting cast. Sona's character arc was beautiful to observe and although life constantly threw her curve balls, she persevered, managing to find a way to rise above. I found myself relating to many aspects of Sona's story, specifically to her relationship with her nursing patient, Mira. I also thoroughly enjoyed the themes of identity that were present within this story.

Sneha Mathan was an amazing choice to narrate this audiobook! Her voice was rich and smooth with an easily understood accent. I really can't articulate just how much I enjoyed listening to Mathan's voice - it was soothing and added so much depth to this story! If you get the chance, audiobook is the perfect way to read this one!

I was so pleasantly surprised by Joshi's writing! She created atmospheric settings with approachable wording, and I can't wait to read more from her soon!

Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for the complimentary audio copy to read and review.

There is nothing I love more than a jaunt through Europe and in a historical fiction setting it was even more perfect. I loved how rich and lush this book was, I felt like I was there with her the entire time. The added mystery was really chefs kiss to this beautiful book. The deep dive into Sona's culture and her sheltered life made for such an engaging story. I loved every minute.

[Absolutely loved it]

As always, this was another terrific read by this author! I love her storytelling so so much, she just has the ability to make you feel apart of that world. The characters were all so vivid and unique. I absolutely adored this book from start to finish. Very well done! The narration of the audiobook was also excellent and highly recommend. I read in tandem of the audio and it was perfection. Highly recommend.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing a free advanced copy of this ebook and audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you HTP Hive for inviting me to read and review (thanks also to Park Row Books, HTP Books, HTP Audio for the advanced readers copies via Netgalley). I’ve yet to read The Henna Artist so this was my first by Joshi!

The title is misleading as Sona goes from Bombay to Prague to Paris to Florence to London over the course of weeks so it’s not as if the story takes place over the course of only six days in India. We go on this journey with her through her inexperienced eyes as she also wrestles with her mixed identity, dreams, and desires. While it’s mentioned here and there I wish there was a bit more on Sona’s grief that contributes to the push for her to leave India (I won’t give any spoilers here). The chapters are lengthy (by audio some chapters are an hour long) and it took a while for it to gain any kind of steam for me. It’s written in a way that is introspective: here is Sona, a young mixed-race Indian nurse, who while naive to the world embarks on a cross-continental journey of self-discovery after an eccentric patient, Mira, also mixed race, she cared for suddenly dies and leaves in Sona’s care her final few paintings to deliver to those from Mira’s past. Despite this, I never felt like we get to know Sona as well as we could’ve.

It was okay but not what I was expecting and there were a lot of brief side characters to keep track of. Still, I know many enjoy her The Henna Artist and I’d like to give that one a chance at some point. Content includes mentions of infidelity, an attempted sexual assault, and a brief detailed sex scene. I give it a lackluster and generous 3/5

Alka Joshi's "Six Days in Bombay" is a historical fiction novel set in 1930s India that follows the journey of Sona, a young Anglo-Indian nurse, as she unravels a mystery surrounding the death of a famous painter. The story explores themes of identity, belonging, and the challenges faced by women in a society undergoing significant change. Joshi's writing vividly portrays the historical backdrop of British-occupied India and the complex social dynamics of the time.

Sona is a nurse working in a Bombay hospital, where she meets Mira Novak, a renowned painter. Mira is half-Indian and considered one of the most important painters of 20th-century India. Sona is drawn to Mira's vivacious personality and stories of her travels and lovers across Europe. However, Mira's sudden and mysterious death throws Sona's life into turmoil, and she becomes a suspect.

To prove her innocence, Sona embarks on a journey across Europe, following a cryptic note and delivering four paintings left in her care by Mira. Her travels take her to Prague, Florence, Paris, and London, where she encounters Mira's former friends and lovers. Along the way, Sona uncovers secrets about Mira's complicated past and begins to understand her own identity.

Sona's character is central to the novel, as she grapples with her Anglo-Indian heritage in a society divided by British rule and Indian nationalism. As the daughter of an Indian mother and an English father who abandoned the family, Sona occupies an ambiguous position in society, facing prejudice from both the British and Indian communities. Her mixed background both benefits and complicates her life in Bombay.

Mira's character is inspired by the real-life Hungarian-Indian artist Amrita Sher-Gil. Like Mira, Sher-Gil was a pioneering female artist who challenged social norms and explored her identity through her art. Mira is portrayed as a flamboyant, sexually active, and outspoken woman who defies societal expectations. Her death sets in motion the events that lead Sona on her journey of self-discovery.

The novel delves into the social and political issues of the time, including British occupation, the struggle for Indian independence, and the status of Anglo-Indians in society. It also explores the challenges faced by women in a patriarchal society, including issues of suffrage and legal inequalities. Despite these challenges, the novel highlights the strength and solidarity of women in India, who support each other and work to break down barriers.

As Sona travels through Europe, she experiences different cultures and encounters a variety of characters who help her to understand herself and the world around her. She learns about Mira's past and the secrets she kept, as well as her own family history. The journey becomes a pilgrimage of self-discovery, as Sona confronts her own prejudices and learns to forgive others.

"Six Days in Bombay" is a story about identity, belonging, and the search for truth. Sona's journey takes her from the familiar streets of Bombay to the unfamiliar landscapes of Europe, where she discovers not only the truth about Mira's death but also the truth about herself. The novel is a testament to the power of female friendship and the importance of finding one's place in the world.

The novel is praised for its vivid descriptions, strong female characters, and exploration of complex themes. Joshi's writing transports the reader to 1930s India and Europe, immersing them in the sights, sounds, and social dynamics of the time. "Six Days in Bombay" is a compelling and thought-provoking novel that will appeal to fans of historical fiction and stories about self-discovery.
#Netgalley #SixDaysinBombay #HarlequinAudio

This story is based in the 1930s about a nurse in Bombay and follows her life and new found friendship with a patient.

ANHPI Heritage Month 2025 #5

I remember liking THE HENNA ARTIST more, not that I could tell you anything about it at this current point in time.

I wasn't incredibly fond of Sona, an Anglo-Indian nurse who works in Bombay. Take this with a grain of salt. I've enjoyed plenty of books where I didn't like the cast of characters.

So while I had trouble with her naïveté, I also had issues with the book's pacing. The time in Bombay, which constituted 2/3 of the book? Slow. The time galivanting around Europe? Rushed.

Sona is Mira's nurse, another half-half, although different halves than Sona. They befriend each other during Mira's six-day stay. When Mira, an artist, mysteriously dies under Sona's care, it is left to Sona to return Mira's art to various people in Europe, thus embarking Sona's first time out of India, and steps closer to her birth father.

🎧 Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Audio