The Lights of Shantinagar by Nidhi Arora is a delightful story about the lives of residents of Shantinagar colony. Though it is mainly focused on Sumi , an aspiring quantum physics PhD candidate who is newly married into a Shantinagar family, it focuses equally on the Kapoor family members - Sumi's in laws.
It's a story based in early 90's and touches on the dreams and drama in the ordinary lives of ordinary citizens of Shantinagar.
The cast of characters included: Sumi, then her supportive and smitten husband Dev, the brash and loud personality of her older brother in law Om, his insecure but dramatic wife Mahima, and her kind, loving and very supportive in laws Mr. And Mrs. Kapoor, Sumi's own parents and brother; and neighbors Maya and her 3 daughters, house help Pushpa, her son and a lovable dog Sheru!
I just loved how well Nidhi Arora has woven quantum physics in the daily life and drama happening in Sumi's new life. And my favorite was Sumi's relationship with her brother and her father in law, these are such precious relationships and Nidhi Arora has portrayed them with playfulness and respect required for each of them, without it getting annoying or obsequious.
My only issue was I had hoped she would have shown some closure regarding Sumi and Mahima's complicated sisters in law relationship, and also a closure regarding the theft.
Nevertheless this is a simple, delightful story with lessons that are timeless doesn't matter which era it is based in.

We will not be reviewing this because we cannot easily read and review this file. The new format on Netgalley is a nightmare for serious reviewers like All About Romance. I worry that this new format will hurt all but the most famous of authors.