Six Days in Bombay: A New Novel (Paperback, June 2025)
From the New York Times bestselling author of The Henna Artist, this sweeping novel of identity and self-discovery takes readers from 1937 Bombay to Prague, Florence, Paris and London to uncover the mystery behind a famous painter's death.
A Captivating Tale of Identity and Intrigue
From the acclaimed author of the New York Times bestselling novel, The Henna Artist, comes a sweeping and richly textured narrative that transcends geographical boundaries and delves into the intricate tapestry of identity and self-discovery. This enthralling tale transports readers from the vibrant streets of 1937 Bombay to the culturally resonant cities of Prague, Florence, Paris, and London, all in pursuit of unraveling the enigma surrounding the untimely demise of a celebrated painter.
A Life Intertwined with Mystery
The narrative unfolds within the hallowed halls of Wadia Hospital in Bombay, where the renowned painter Mira Novak finds herself convalescing after a devastating miscarriage. Her nurse, the quietly observant Sona, a woman yearning for a life beyond the confines of her current reality, becomes captivated by Mira's vibrant personality and the compelling accounts of her extensive travels and passionate romantic entanglements across Europe. Mira's life, a whirlwind of artistic expression and amorous adventures, is revealed to Sona through captivating anecdotes, showcasing a woman of remarkable charisma and a complex personal history. However, Mira's sudden and inexplicable death casts a pall over this burgeoning friendship, thrusting Sona into an unexpected and perilous situation where she finds herself the prime suspect.
A Journey of Self-Discovery Across a Tumultuous Continent
The key to exonerating Sona from the accusations levied against her rests within a cryptic note and a collection of four paintings entrusted to her by Mira. This inheritance propels Sona on a transformative journey across a Europe on the brink of war, forcing her to navigate the treacherous currents of political uncertainty and confront the enigmatic legacies of Mira's past lovers and associates. As Sona delves deeper into the investigation, peeling back the layers of Mira's carefully constructed public persona, she uncovers a far more troubled and complex individual than she could have ever imagined, a revelation that profoundly impacts her own understanding of self and belonging.
Inspired by a Master
In this, her highly anticipated first standalone novel since the phenomenal success of The Henna Artist, Alka Joshi masterfully draws inspiration from the life and work of Amrita Sher-Gil, the celebrated Indian painter often referred to as the "Frida Kahlo of India." This evocative narrative serves as a powerful exploration of the lengths to which individuals will travel, both geographically and emotionally, in their quest to discover their true place in the world, a journey that resonates deeply with the themes of identity, self-acceptance, and the enduring power of art.
