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.
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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

Six Days in Bombay by Alka Joshi is a captivating and richly narrated audiobook that immerses you in the vibrant world of 1960s India. The story is beautifully told, blending mystery, emotion, and cultural detail with compelling characters and evocative prose. The narration enhances the experience, bringing every scene to life. A short but powerful listen that leaves a lasting impression

This book is a beautiful love letter to accepting yourself, taking risks and having adventures; and all the people who help us along the way.

Sona lives a very small life, she goes to work, she goes home to her single mother. Having never felt like she truely belonged anywhere due to her half English, half Indian heritage; she feels safe in the confines of this simple life, though she yearns for more.

One night she meets a new patient. Mira is full of life, she has lived and loved loudly. She believes Sona is meant for so much more and encourages her to follow those dreams.

This book is beautiful and heartbreaking, both in the writing and narration.

This story swept me away in the best way. I felt so lucky to have received a signed and personalized finished copy from Alka Joshi herself—it made diving into this beautiful book feel extra meaningful!

As expected with her writing, I was completely transported. The way she brings each location to life—from the chaos and color of Bombay to the elegance of Prague and Paris—is just stunning. But what really stuck with me was Sona’s personal journey. While she’s chasing down answers about Mira, she slowly starts uncovering parts of herself, too.

There were definitely sad, emotional moments, but the whole story had this thread of hope and possibility running through it. It reminded me that sometimes the life we’re looking for is already right in front of us—we just have to be willing to see it.

Rich, layered, and full of heart. I loved it.

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.

The narration of this book amplified the experience.

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

This is my first read by Alka Joshi and I cannot wait to read more!

This standalone novel is about Sona, a nurse in India in the 1930s. I was so drawn in by her job as a nurse and the realities for women back in this time. A favorite patient passes away and it is on Sona to deliver her paintings to their rightful owners. I loved her journey through delivering the paintings and Sona's self discovery. The character development on this one is top notch! I loved the mystery of what really happened to the patient and what will Sona do now. Highly recommend!

Six Days in Bombay is a beautifully written historical fiction novel that transports readers to 1930s Bombay and across Europe. Alka Joshi masterfully weaves a tale of Sona, a young Anglo-Indian nurse, whose life takes an unexpected turn after meeting the charismatic artist Mira.​

Joshi's descriptive prose brings each setting to life, from the bustling streets of Bombay to the artistic hubs of Prague and Paris. The novel delves deep into themes of identity, colonialism, and the transformative power of unexpected friendships.​

While the narrative is compelling, some transitions between settings felt abrupt, and certain character developments could have been more fleshed out. Nonetheless, the story's emotional depth and historical context make it a worthwhile read.​

I recommended for active who enjoys historical fiction with rich cultural settings and character-driven narratives.

I really enjoyed this book. It is engaging and interesting. The book is well written and unique. I highly recommend this book.

Oh Sona, I thought you’d be my girl’s girl protagonist. I’d strap in as your ride-or-die reader as you went from lamb to lioness and became the hero of your own story.

Instead, as the book progressed, your first-person perspective became more about being the investigative narrator of someone else’s storyline. I know you’re a nurse, which means you prioritize caring for others—but it’s OK to put your own hero’s journey first. To attach emotionally to you and your outcome, I needed more from you than being a dead patient’s delivery girl.

The audiobook narrator, Deepti Gupta, has such a soothing voice. Her delivery really added positively to my reading experience.

Thank you to Harlequin Audio and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. I’m still such a fan of Alka Joshi’s Henna Artist trilogy that whatever she writes snacks will go straight to my TBR list.

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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I was excited to read "Six Days in Bombay" as I loved Joshi's Henna Artist trilogy. This book is just as engrossing--it is an epic that first allows us to peek into the everyday life of Sona, a nurse in 1937 Bombay, and then witness her adventures across Europe. Her travels and interactions with a wide cast of characters help her understand herself and the woman whose brief friendship changed her life. It is a captivating tale and I loved watched Sona grow as her world expands. Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to provide an honest review of this audiobook.

★ ★ ★ 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 loved Joshi’s other books, but this one left me a bit disappointed. The premise and protagonist are very promising, but the writing just doesn’t feel… finished. The plot feels slow to start and rushed to finish, and the characters aren’t quite developed enough. I love seeing all the different places represented, but I wish there had been a few more revisions to refine the storytelling.

I absolutely loved this book. The author's storytelling is so vivid and nostalgic. I loved following Sona’s journey across Europe it felt personal and dreamy. The themes of identity and finding yourself were powerful, and the mystery around the artist kept me hooked. The audiobook narrator was amazing and brought everything to life beautifully.

Super excited for Alka Joshi’s newest book post her Henna Artist trilogy! This one had very similar vibes to her previous series. It really reminded me a lot of The Perfumist of Paris in many ways. It was a good time seeing Sons travel from Bombay to Prague, Florence, Paris, and London. There felt like there was something missing from this, though, to make it a truly great book. But overall enjoyable and definitely worth checking out if you like Joshi’s other books.

Than you to NetGalley and the publisher for an audio copy to listen to in exchange for an honest review.

This is the first book I have read from Joshi and I'm hooked on this author! Such a beautiful piece of writing that fully captures how just one person, or one day, or one interaction can have an impact. I loved the story and the characters and the descriptions. A remarkable tale expertly written to evoke emotion.

The audio was spectacular. The narrator made me feel like I was there.

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.

I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Sneha Mathan, and it was a fabulous experience. Her narration brought the diverse characters to life with such skill—the accents, the emotion, the delivery—everything stood out in the best ways. It truly enhanced the immersion.

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!