Cathy C. (cathyskye) -
The Lost Man of Bombay is the latest entry in one of my favorite historical series. Khan does an excellent job of portraying a post-World War II, post-Partition India remaking itself in its new era of independence. Persis Wadia has her first ride on an airplane as she searches for answers to the Ice Man's identity, but that's not all she has to contend with.
Her father has a new woman in his life, and Persis does not want to deal with it. The entire situation brings up too many memories... and too many questions about the future. Something else she does not want to deal with is Seema Desai, a young girl from the slums of Bombay whom she's supposed to mentor. And then there's Archie Blackfinch, the white forensics expert with whom she's fallen in love. Although I'd just as soon skip this romance, it does show that the prejudices of colonial India are still a significant factor in life there.
The mystery in The Lost Man of Bombay is excellent, and the book was powering its way to my Best Reads of 2022 list when everything came to a screeching halt. Persis had a "TSTL" (Too Stupid to Live) moment that disgusted me. She even knew she was being stupid and did it anyway. Yes, it showed her determination to succeed at all costs. Yes, it showed her bravery. Yes, it showed her tactlessness (once again). But oh how I hate those moments! Hopefully, she's learned from her experience and won't be so foolhardy in the future.
Despite her momentary lapse in judgment, The Lost Man of Bombay is an excellent read that immerses readers in a fascinating period of India's history in which the extraordinary Persis Wadia is carving a name for herself. I look forward to the next installment.
Her father has a new woman in his life, and Persis does not want to deal with it. The entire situation brings up too many memories... and too many questions about the future. Something else she does not want to deal with is Seema Desai, a young girl from the slums of Bombay whom she's supposed to mentor. And then there's Archie Blackfinch, the white forensics expert with whom she's fallen in love. Although I'd just as soon skip this romance, it does show that the prejudices of colonial India are still a significant factor in life there.
The mystery in The Lost Man of Bombay is excellent, and the book was powering its way to my Best Reads of 2022 list when everything came to a screeching halt. Persis had a "TSTL" (Too Stupid to Live) moment that disgusted me. She even knew she was being stupid and did it anyway. Yes, it showed her determination to succeed at all costs. Yes, it showed her bravery. Yes, it showed her tactlessness (once again). But oh how I hate those moments! Hopefully, she's learned from her experience and won't be so foolhardy in the future.
Despite her momentary lapse in judgment, The Lost Man of Bombay is an excellent read that immerses readers in a fascinating period of India's history in which the extraordinary Persis Wadia is carving a name for herself. I look forward to the next installment.
