Aunties of Vasant Kunj

Aunties of Vasant Kunj gives you everything and you keep asking for more, it makes you laugh and it makes you think and it gives you an insight to the culture of the capital through the lens of the three female protagonists who are navigating their lives in Delhi and many the seasons it has to offer.If you’re looking for a light-hearted fun book with the rarely found female gaze - Aunties of Vasant is for you, pick it up over the weekend and finish it with a cup of coffee, you won’t regret it!

A witty and insightful look at the lives of three women with vastly different circumstances and mindsets, who unwittingly end up forming a bond sometimes over the paucity of water in the middle class colony and at other times discussing cheating partners. As you read the interactions between Shailaja, Dini and Mrs Gandhi, their distinct way of dealing with the challenges they are faced with brings a smile and a chuckle to the reader. It could have easily been a cynical, feminist take on these women battling their circumstances, but the author's keen observation, delightful wit and evident empathy makes this a delightful read. This reader finds herself rooting for the headstrong Dini, upright yet lovelorn Shailaja and the chanting Mrs Gandhi with a hint of tenderness evoked by the author's emotional dexterity and craftsmanship. Not surprising, as it is admittedly autobiographical at its base. As the three women find their oasis, the reader shuts the book with a sense of hope for all such women yearning to fulfil their dreams even as they battle for roads and water in our city. A definite must read.

Humorous, sensitive and poignant at the same time, a slice of upper class Delhi comes alive in the conflicted women protagonists...The sense of place is beautifully evoked...a great read.

The book wonderfully captures the intricate lives of the “aunties” of Vasant Kunj. Absolutely recommended!

Aunties of Vasant Kunj is such a romp! It made me laugh at the water woes that have defined early mornings in this Delhi neighbourhood. Its characters were people I’ve encountered in the city. Its “aunties” are entirely too relatable in their challenges, their flaws, and most of all, in the unlikely sisterhood they find themselves forging. Anuradha Marwah pulls you into the book with her excellent writing even as she forces you to confront questions about the difficult choices women must make to thrive in urban India. Big thumbs up to this one

"Aunties of Vasant Kunj " is very relatable and genuine in its tone and essense. It was unputable for sure, keeps the readers on the toes on what's going to happen next.It strikes a chord of rhythm in the unrthymic lives of three completely different women.... And not just those three women but the novel definitely vibes with most of the middle aged women who are single and homemaker.There's a touch of humorous flavour in the representations, which keeps the readers at a comfortable place and distance to enjoy the read on a journey of being critical, self critical, sometimes being judgemental and understanding.A must read for all. It will make one laugh at oneself sometimes and gradually allows a chance to look at people and the situations from the others' perspective which might change the entire game completely.

The author Mrs. Marwah masterfully blends humor and depth in this delightful novel. The vivid characters make it a memorable read.

Sharp, funny, and empathetic. Marwah’s writing brilliantly captures the complexities of women’s lives in a way that resonates deeply.

How many times have we heard that 40s are the new 30 or 20? Aunties of Vasant Kunj by Anuradha Marwah escapes one such trap and launches the lives of women in their 40s just as they are and how they should be. Shailaja, Dini, and Mrs. Gandhi not once think of rewinding their lives or falling in any other age camp. The ease of the narrative reflects in the smooth transitions from these women being strangers to neighbors, and finally friends. They have chosen their lives and also the people who come and go in their worlds. The Buddhist alternate that Marwah weaves for these women becomes another character with its nature changing with each of the three women. Men remain outside the circle of chanting and that emerges as an important question. Overall, a great read, informative and challenging. If you want to get a deeper look in the lives of women of Vasant Kunj, this book will entertain and offer openings for the reader to situate themselves in the world of Aunties of Vasant Kunj.

Loving the book! It reminds me of my early days in Vasant Kunj. The aunties feel like my friends and I can definitely relate to a lot that’s written in the book! Highly recommend for everyone especially if you are from Delhi! 💖