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Minor Disturbances at Grand Life Apartments
A warm-hearted debut novel set in the beautiful coastal city of Chennai, for fans of Alexander McCall Smith, Joanna Nell and Graeme Simsion.
Grand Life Apartments is a middle-class apartment block surrounded by lush gardens in the coastal city of Chennai, India. It is the home of Kamala, a pious, soon-to-be retired dentist who spends her days counting down to the annual visits from her daughter who is studying in the UK. Her neighbour, Revathi, is a thirty-two-year-old engineer who is frequently reminded by her mother that she has reached her expiry date in the arranged marriage market. Jason, a British chef, has impulsively moved to India to escape his recent heartbreak in London.
The residents have their own complicated lives to navigate, but what they all have in common is their love of where they live, so when a developer threatens to demolish the apartments and build over the gardens, the community of Grand Life Apartments are brought even closer together to fight for their beautiful home...
Grand Life Apartments is a middle-class apartment block surrounded by lush gardens in the coastal city of Chennai, India. It is the home of Kamala, a pious, soon-to-be retired dentist who spends her days counting down to the annual visits from her daughter who is studying in the UK. Her neighbour, Revathi, is a thirty-two-year-old engineer who is frequently reminded by her mother that she has reached her expiry date in the arranged marriage market. Jason, a British chef, has impulsively moved to India to escape his recent heartbreak in London.
The residents have their own complicated lives to navigate, but what they all have in common is their love of where they live, so when a developer threatens to demolish the apartments and build over the gardens, the community of Grand Life Apartments are brought even closer together to fight for their beautiful home...
304 pages, Hardcover
Published July 27, 2023
77 people are currently reading
2896 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews
February 12, 2024
This book doesn't tread any new ground, but it is as colourful, charming and easy to read as you would hope, and provides a very strong sense of the story's location (Chennai).
The sanctuary of a lowrise apartment block housing Mani (the owner), Kamala (a widow-dentist), Revathi (a single, young professional) and Jason (a British chef, recently arrived) comes under threat from developers. Together and separately the residents try to find the best way to confront the threat, all while dealing with their own life issues. Although to be fair, it's mainly focused on the three tenants, with Mani and his apartment mainly staying in the background. Reva is under attack on two fronts; her mother's constant nagging about finding a husband now that she is into her 30s, and at work where she is supremely capable but suffering the 'disability' of being a woman. Jason is a fish out of water, but doing his best to make the most of a rash decision to relocate to India following the collapse of a relationship he had thought was solid. Kamala has been knocked sideways by a revelation from her only daughter on her most recent visit from Oxford, where she has been studying for a few years. In alternating chapters we follow the progress of Reva, Kamala and Jason, while checking back in on the future of Grand Life Apartments from time to time.
I really enjoyed this gentle story, although I had expected the threat to the apartment block would have been a larger focus. Maybe it was actually better for being more about the people? Happy to recommend.
The sanctuary of a lowrise apartment block housing Mani (the owner), Kamala (a widow-dentist), Revathi (a single, young professional) and Jason (a British chef, recently arrived) comes under threat from developers. Together and separately the residents try to find the best way to confront the threat, all while dealing with their own life issues. Although to be fair, it's mainly focused on the three tenants, with Mani and his apartment mainly staying in the background. Reva is under attack on two fronts; her mother's constant nagging about finding a husband now that she is into her 30s, and at work where she is supremely capable but suffering the 'disability' of being a woman. Jason is a fish out of water, but doing his best to make the most of a rash decision to relocate to India following the collapse of a relationship he had thought was solid. Kamala has been knocked sideways by a revelation from her only daughter on her most recent visit from Oxford, where she has been studying for a few years. In alternating chapters we follow the progress of Reva, Kamala and Jason, while checking back in on the future of Grand Life Apartments from time to time.
I really enjoyed this gentle story, although I had expected the threat to the apartment block would have been a larger focus. Maybe it was actually better for being more about the people? Happy to recommend.
March 25, 2023
Hema Sukumar’s debut is an absolute joy. I loved being transported to the Grand Life Apartments and I was bewitched by the characters, colours and tastes of Chennai. Please can I move in forever?
May 19, 2023
This was such a feel good, slice of life read with characters, locations and situations I related to so much!
I was drawn to it by the title which turned out to be totally apt!
Set in an apartment building in Chennai as the name suggests, this story is about the owner and three tenants of the building.
Mani, the owner is a gentle, friendly person with a passion for gardening. He has,for company, his tenants, Kamala, Reva and Jason.
Kamala is instantly recognizable as the quintessential middle aged Chennai maami;traditional, strictly vegetarian, prays to a different God at home or in the temple based on the situation, loves to cook and feed and bemoans the loss of a simpler time. She is a soon to retire dentist who has been a single mom to her only child Lakshmi who is now studying at Oxford and whose arrival annually is a much awaited event in her life. She's simple and loving with a childhood best friend Sundu(Soundavalli), a busy lawyer who is independent and always encouraging her to step out of her comfort zone. When Lakshmi reveals a truth that she cannot comprehend at all, her dreams for the future seem to be crumbling.
Reva(Revati) is at 32, a software engineer who is being bombarded by her mother to choose a 'good boy' and get married. She struggles to assert herself in her work place and isn't sure she wants to commit to marriage. Her relationship with her mother, the frustration mingled with guilt that she isn't doing what her mom wants, the sudden burst of affection for the only parent she has, are all so familiar and will be to those who have been in her place.
Jason, the third tenant, is a chef from London who impulsively travelled to Chennai to get over a completely unexpected breakup. He absorbs and imbibes the atmosphere and culture of this place so far and different from home and is casually enclosed into the fold by the others. As he experiences power cuts and new scents and traffic, he tries out South Indian kootu and payasam from a cookbook and presents the dishes for Kamala's approval. The place and people soothe him and he feels a sense of belonging.
While the residents are grappling with their individual issues and finding moments of happiness and peace in the easy camaraderie and friendship that develops among those who live in close proximity, they become aware of a construction company threatening to take over their home and raze it and their shared fondness for the place and their lives sees them mount a counter attack.
The impromptu meetups that the four characters have, the delicious dosa, idly, ghee roast, mor kootan and other South Indian dishes they cook and share and enjoy, the way they are there for each other, are all very feel good. The setting and locations have been described authentically. The tone is light and fresh and has an underlying humour that comes through very well in the way daily routines unique to the place are described.
Uncles and aunties randomly advising Reva that 'only career is not enough', Kamala and Sundu sharing parenting woes, auto drivers demanding exorbitant fares.. all of this paints such well known scenes. Reading this made me appreciate the feeling of being seen and heard that seeing my own lived experiences within the pages of a book can only give.
I was smiling throughout my reading of this book and I really enjoyed it.
ETA : Special mention needs to be made of the apartment cat who is named... Poons! I found this and the cat's attitude hilarious!
I was drawn to it by the title which turned out to be totally apt!
Set in an apartment building in Chennai as the name suggests, this story is about the owner and three tenants of the building.
Mani, the owner is a gentle, friendly person with a passion for gardening. He has,for company, his tenants, Kamala, Reva and Jason.
Kamala is instantly recognizable as the quintessential middle aged Chennai maami;traditional, strictly vegetarian, prays to a different God at home or in the temple based on the situation, loves to cook and feed and bemoans the loss of a simpler time. She is a soon to retire dentist who has been a single mom to her only child Lakshmi who is now studying at Oxford and whose arrival annually is a much awaited event in her life. She's simple and loving with a childhood best friend Sundu(Soundavalli), a busy lawyer who is independent and always encouraging her to step out of her comfort zone. When Lakshmi reveals a truth that she cannot comprehend at all, her dreams for the future seem to be crumbling.
Reva(Revati) is at 32, a software engineer who is being bombarded by her mother to choose a 'good boy' and get married. She struggles to assert herself in her work place and isn't sure she wants to commit to marriage. Her relationship with her mother, the frustration mingled with guilt that she isn't doing what her mom wants, the sudden burst of affection for the only parent she has, are all so familiar and will be to those who have been in her place.
Jason, the third tenant, is a chef from London who impulsively travelled to Chennai to get over a completely unexpected breakup. He absorbs and imbibes the atmosphere and culture of this place so far and different from home and is casually enclosed into the fold by the others. As he experiences power cuts and new scents and traffic, he tries out South Indian kootu and payasam from a cookbook and presents the dishes for Kamala's approval. The place and people soothe him and he feels a sense of belonging.
While the residents are grappling with their individual issues and finding moments of happiness and peace in the easy camaraderie and friendship that develops among those who live in close proximity, they become aware of a construction company threatening to take over their home and raze it and their shared fondness for the place and their lives sees them mount a counter attack.
The impromptu meetups that the four characters have, the delicious dosa, idly, ghee roast, mor kootan and other South Indian dishes they cook and share and enjoy, the way they are there for each other, are all very feel good. The setting and locations have been described authentically. The tone is light and fresh and has an underlying humour that comes through very well in the way daily routines unique to the place are described.
Uncles and aunties randomly advising Reva that 'only career is not enough', Kamala and Sundu sharing parenting woes, auto drivers demanding exorbitant fares.. all of this paints such well known scenes. Reading this made me appreciate the feeling of being seen and heard that seeing my own lived experiences within the pages of a book can only give.
I was smiling throughout my reading of this book and I really enjoyed it.
ETA : Special mention needs to be made of the apartment cat who is named... Poons! I found this and the cat's attitude hilarious!
August 10, 2023
3.5 stars
This is a pretty charming slice-of-life book set in Chennai, India. It deals with the lives of four residents at Grand Life Apartments, a family-owned building set in a neighbourhood aggressively being preyed on by industrial developers.
Read this full review on my blog.
This is one of those books I couldn’t help but get sucked into, and I found myself actively reading a chapter or two when I had time to spare. The residents at the apartments it follows are Kamala, a middle aged lady with a daughter studying in London, Jason, a British cook working in a fancy hotel, Revathi, a millennial working a corporate job, and Mani, the owner of the building.
It flows without much of a plot and takes its own time to introduce these characters and their circumstances to the reader, and does a pretty good job introducing us to their daily routine and struggles. At the same time, it is so grounded in Chennai that I felt like I was back in the city. All the sights and smells described add to the atmosphere, and the characters are fantastically much more than stereotypical cardboard cutouts that I pessimistically expected. They all have their idiosyncrasies, but they display the kind of Indian sentiments that are very common in the subcontinent, and they all come across as distinct but relatable personalities. They’re regular people with regular person worries who are trying to navigate life in the best way they can.
I liked that the author spread her attention between characters of different ages, as this makes it so much easier to settle into their lives. There’s a glimpse of the pressures that today’s Indian millennials go through in Revathy’s experiences. She wants to climb the ladder at her career, and finds it incredibly hard to assert herself in some situations, and hence feel frustrated with that aspect of her life. At the same time, she is pushed to “settle down” with a nice man from a respectable family by her mother, and she envies the life her friends live abroad, and this overall situation is extremely relatable to anyone who grew up in the country. We also have an opposing viewpoint from Kamala’s perspective as she worries over her daughter’s future and yearns to have grandchildren, all the while trying to escape from related uncomfortable conversations about her daughter’s domestic plans in social settings. I don’t have as much to say about Jason and Mani’s perspectives, but I really appreciated that the former was a character who showed interest in the local culture, rather than showing any signs of activism to tell them how to improve their lives for the better. For the non-Indian readers, I am sure that his viewpoint would be instrumental in highlighting the quirks in urban Indian lifestyles. All of the characters come together organically, and there’s no forced connections or romances here.
Some of the scenes in this book made me want to visit certain establishments to eat all the food mentioned in the pages. I read it in two days, and all I wanted to eat then were dosas and thattu idlis and murukku and mor kozhumbu, and you bet I’m busy trying to figure out how to eat all of these things, and others that I frequently daydreamt at moments I couldn’t pick this book up.
But, this book is a far cry from perfect. The pacing can be improved. The first half takes its time to introduce characters and their lives, and not always do they get equal attention, making it a bit hard to connect to some until the midway point. The promised conflict with the construction giant that wants to bully the residents into moving is a bit too abruptly and easily resolved. In certain chapters, I liked that the author didn’t act the part of a tour guide for universal audiences, but there were others in which certain things were being described for the same. Now, this wouldn’t be an issue if different perspectives got different treatments, but this confused narration made me wonder who she was trying to make comfortable with the setting.
We all know how this story ends, and it ends well. Despite all the niggles, I enjoyed reading it, and commend the author for writing a book that proudly displays my cultural sensibilities, and doing a good job baking them into a cozy setting with characters of varying backgrounds.
Blog | Instagram | Twitter
This is a pretty charming slice-of-life book set in Chennai, India. It deals with the lives of four residents at Grand Life Apartments, a family-owned building set in a neighbourhood aggressively being preyed on by industrial developers.
Read this full review on my blog.
This is one of those books I couldn’t help but get sucked into, and I found myself actively reading a chapter or two when I had time to spare. The residents at the apartments it follows are Kamala, a middle aged lady with a daughter studying in London, Jason, a British cook working in a fancy hotel, Revathi, a millennial working a corporate job, and Mani, the owner of the building.
It flows without much of a plot and takes its own time to introduce these characters and their circumstances to the reader, and does a pretty good job introducing us to their daily routine and struggles. At the same time, it is so grounded in Chennai that I felt like I was back in the city. All the sights and smells described add to the atmosphere, and the characters are fantastically much more than stereotypical cardboard cutouts that I pessimistically expected. They all have their idiosyncrasies, but they display the kind of Indian sentiments that are very common in the subcontinent, and they all come across as distinct but relatable personalities. They’re regular people with regular person worries who are trying to navigate life in the best way they can.
I liked that the author spread her attention between characters of different ages, as this makes it so much easier to settle into their lives. There’s a glimpse of the pressures that today’s Indian millennials go through in Revathy’s experiences. She wants to climb the ladder at her career, and finds it incredibly hard to assert herself in some situations, and hence feel frustrated with that aspect of her life. At the same time, she is pushed to “settle down” with a nice man from a respectable family by her mother, and she envies the life her friends live abroad, and this overall situation is extremely relatable to anyone who grew up in the country. We also have an opposing viewpoint from Kamala’s perspective as she worries over her daughter’s future and yearns to have grandchildren, all the while trying to escape from related uncomfortable conversations about her daughter’s domestic plans in social settings. I don’t have as much to say about Jason and Mani’s perspectives, but I really appreciated that the former was a character who showed interest in the local culture, rather than showing any signs of activism to tell them how to improve their lives for the better. For the non-Indian readers, I am sure that his viewpoint would be instrumental in highlighting the quirks in urban Indian lifestyles. All of the characters come together organically, and there’s no forced connections or romances here.
Some of the scenes in this book made me want to visit certain establishments to eat all the food mentioned in the pages. I read it in two days, and all I wanted to eat then were dosas and thattu idlis and murukku and mor kozhumbu, and you bet I’m busy trying to figure out how to eat all of these things, and others that I frequently daydreamt at moments I couldn’t pick this book up.
But, this book is a far cry from perfect. The pacing can be improved. The first half takes its time to introduce characters and their lives, and not always do they get equal attention, making it a bit hard to connect to some until the midway point. The promised conflict with the construction giant that wants to bully the residents into moving is a bit too abruptly and easily resolved. In certain chapters, I liked that the author didn’t act the part of a tour guide for universal audiences, but there were others in which certain things were being described for the same. Now, this wouldn’t be an issue if different perspectives got different treatments, but this confused narration made me wonder who she was trying to make comfortable with the setting.
We all know how this story ends, and it ends well. Despite all the niggles, I enjoyed reading it, and commend the author for writing a book that proudly displays my cultural sensibilities, and doing a good job baking them into a cozy setting with characters of varying backgrounds.
Blog | Instagram | Twitter
May 15, 2024
Minor Disturbances at Grand Life Apartments by Hema Sukumar is a book about well, home.
The Grand Life Apartments is a middle class apartment block in Chennai. Its diverse set of residents lead a complex life with minor disturbances. Throughout all the disturbances, the one thing that is constant is home i.e. Grand Life Apartments but what if their constant is on the verge of demolition? What would their lives be like? Read the book to find out.
This breezy book reminded me about the importance and comfort a home brings. The writing yearned me to go for a stroll along the coasts of Chennai and experience the authentic life of South. I could feel the love for Idli Dosa along with coconut chutney and the damp air of the coast.
However, the pace of this book is quite slow as compared to my taste. Moreover, I found the plot not standing up with the synopsis of the book. The content in the synopsis seem to have been a bit exaggerated as compared to the plot. If you wish to read this title for a slow Sunday, you can pick it up but unfortunately, if you are expecting a fast paced book, then this isn’t for you.
The Grand Life Apartments is a middle class apartment block in Chennai. Its diverse set of residents lead a complex life with minor disturbances. Throughout all the disturbances, the one thing that is constant is home i.e. Grand Life Apartments but what if their constant is on the verge of demolition? What would their lives be like? Read the book to find out.
This breezy book reminded me about the importance and comfort a home brings. The writing yearned me to go for a stroll along the coasts of Chennai and experience the authentic life of South. I could feel the love for Idli Dosa along with coconut chutney and the damp air of the coast.
However, the pace of this book is quite slow as compared to my taste. Moreover, I found the plot not standing up with the synopsis of the book. The content in the synopsis seem to have been a bit exaggerated as compared to the plot. If you wish to read this title for a slow Sunday, you can pick it up but unfortunately, if you are expecting a fast paced book, then this isn’t for you.
March 5, 2023
This is a brilliantly evocative book. It follows four people who live in the Grand Life Apartments. Kamala (whose daughter has gone off to university, leaving Kamala feeling a bit lost), Revathi (whose job is treating her apallingly and whose mother is nagging her to get married), Jason (who is running away from his heartbreak) and Mani (who owns the building and is fighting a battle of his own).
We get to meet each of them and see the ups and downs of their lives.
It's a quiet book - nothing overly dramatic, but it vividly describes every day life in modern Chennai.
I really enjoyed reading and the food description meant I was craving a decent curry by the end.
We get to meet each of them and see the ups and downs of their lives.
It's a quiet book - nothing overly dramatic, but it vividly describes every day life in modern Chennai.
I really enjoyed reading and the food description meant I was craving a decent curry by the end.
September 8, 2023
barely anything happened and I couldn't get into any of the povs, especially the homophobic mum
April 9, 2024
3.5 stars
While the book didn't really make for an "exciting" new read, I found myself constantly reaching for it. Perhaps it was the simple comfort and warmth exuded by the characters and Hema Sukumar's descriptions of their lives and surroundings. There is something to be said for books that allow you to put up your feet and read, where nothing exciting seems to be happening and yet so much is taking place - almost like our daily lives. This was certainly a book that left me smiling and contented.
While the book didn't really make for an "exciting" new read, I found myself constantly reaching for it. Perhaps it was the simple comfort and warmth exuded by the characters and Hema Sukumar's descriptions of their lives and surroundings. There is something to be said for books that allow you to put up your feet and read, where nothing exciting seems to be happening and yet so much is taking place - almost like our daily lives. This was certainly a book that left me smiling and contented.
February 8, 2024
3.5 stars. I think I would have enjoyed this more if the synopsis better fit the actual story, because I’m always down for gentle, slice of life stories, but I was mentally prepared for a much more wacky and fun book.
April 14, 2023
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an early copy of this book in return for an honest review.
The book tells the story of a small building in Chennai and its four tenants. Mani, the genial and kind landlord, who is struggling against a construction company using aggressive practices to take over his land. Kamala, a middle aged single mother whose daughter, the centre of her existence, studies in the UK and puts Kamala's traditional values and aspirations under pressure. Reva, an early 30s successful professional, who is stuck between filial obligations (and the meekness expected of her) and her natural instincts to want something new and different for herself. Finally, Jason, a British expat, who left the UK on a whim to try and mend his broken heart, and is now working as a chef in a local Western hotel, getting to know Chennai through its food and its people.
In essence, this is a story of simple struggles by average people, reminding us all that is unique in every single one of us. In the background, there is also a love story between Chennai (and its food) and its residents. There is really no broader or more complex agenda here. In some ways, I see this as the antithesis to Last Man in Tower.
I really liked the book. It was well written and well paced. The characters made you fall in love with them from the minute you met them, despite their idiosyncratic behaviours and frustrating decisions (or because of?). Chennai is described with such warmth and affection that its hard to not want to visit it (or at least go out for a dosa).
It's also essentially a feel good kind of book. Nothing really bad happens, and it's refreshing to read something like this once in a while, especially about India, books about which are often grim, sad, and depressing. This is a celebration of life and the humans inhabiting it, and it's just lovely.
My one (minor) frustration is the huge potential the story had beyond what it delivered. I finished it with a distinct sense of a meal unfinished.
Can't wait to read more of the author's work.
The book tells the story of a small building in Chennai and its four tenants. Mani, the genial and kind landlord, who is struggling against a construction company using aggressive practices to take over his land. Kamala, a middle aged single mother whose daughter, the centre of her existence, studies in the UK and puts Kamala's traditional values and aspirations under pressure. Reva, an early 30s successful professional, who is stuck between filial obligations (and the meekness expected of her) and her natural instincts to want something new and different for herself. Finally, Jason, a British expat, who left the UK on a whim to try and mend his broken heart, and is now working as a chef in a local Western hotel, getting to know Chennai through its food and its people.
In essence, this is a story of simple struggles by average people, reminding us all that is unique in every single one of us. In the background, there is also a love story between Chennai (and its food) and its residents. There is really no broader or more complex agenda here. In some ways, I see this as the antithesis to Last Man in Tower.
I really liked the book. It was well written and well paced. The characters made you fall in love with them from the minute you met them, despite their idiosyncratic behaviours and frustrating decisions (or because of?). Chennai is described with such warmth and affection that its hard to not want to visit it (or at least go out for a dosa).
It's also essentially a feel good kind of book. Nothing really bad happens, and it's refreshing to read something like this once in a while, especially about India, books about which are often grim, sad, and depressing. This is a celebration of life and the humans inhabiting it, and it's just lovely.
My one (minor) frustration is the huge potential the story had beyond what it delivered. I finished it with a distinct sense of a meal unfinished.
Can't wait to read more of the author's work.
May 9, 2023
Hema Sukumar paints a vivid and beautiful setting of Chennai, South India and introduces a diverse set of developed characters whose individual and group struggles, and daily lives are highlighted throughout the novel. Sukumar touches on various themes such as unconditional and familial love, generational differences, but sometimes the exploration of these themes felt slightly underdeveloped and superficial.
Whilst I enjoyed the overall writing style for the most part, and loved the vivid setting (and descriptions of food), the actual story felt rather slow paced and mundane, to the point that the overarching conflict with the construction company was lost and almost pointless, which would be fine if it weren't highlighted as the main conflict in the synopsis.
Thanks NetGelley for the eARC
Whilst I enjoyed the overall writing style for the most part, and loved the vivid setting (and descriptions of food), the actual story felt rather slow paced and mundane, to the point that the overarching conflict with the construction company was lost and almost pointless, which would be fine if it weren't highlighted as the main conflict in the synopsis.
Thanks NetGelley for the eARC
February 9, 2024
The blurbs were glowing , it promised to be a good story and I'm always happy to discover and push an Indian author for my book club read. Sadly, however, it felt like all those gushing blurbs were by and for a Western reading audience, for whom the exoticised Indian setting and characters were enough to hold the interest. I was delighted initially by the descriptions. For example, of another American tourist that Jason bumps into and shares a ghee roast dosa meal with, he observed she thanked the waiter 'more profusely than was necessary.' So accurate and true of the passing firangi traveller in India. But I just wish the editor had been a lot more critical and done away with so much superfluous detailing that had no bearing on anything; neither character development nor making the plot richer. In the same paragraph the author goes on to have Jason observing the woman's eyes. 'One greenish blue, the other bluish green.' So? You wonder if this is something you need to make note of, is this character going to reappear? No. Of course not. It's sadly self indulgent writing that the editor too seems to have fallen in love with. The premise had a lot of potential , to take the hiccups in individual lives, link them up with the major hiccup of them losing the place they love. That major conflict of losing the apartment building just slid in somewhere without explanation or any developments that involved me as a reader. At one stage I literally sat up and thought, huh, when did it get to a court stage. Everything was glossed over wrt the major conflict and that's not really justifiable given that so much else that was superfluous and could have been sacrificed, wasn't. This could have been such a charming and taut book if if only...
One last thing. I usually love character driven books. I have absolutely no issue with there being no plot per se in a novel. That is the pleasure of reading. To enter other minds, other worlds. But to be promised some conflicts, in the title itself : 'Minor disturbances' at Grand life apartments' and then have these disturbances come and go so gently, they barely even register.
Sneeze and you'd miss them!
One last thing. I usually love character driven books. I have absolutely no issue with there being no plot per se in a novel. That is the pleasure of reading. To enter other minds, other worlds. But to be promised some conflicts, in the title itself : 'Minor disturbances' at Grand life apartments' and then have these disturbances come and go so gently, they barely even register.
Sneeze and you'd miss them!
December 14, 2023
5 stars just for the Chennai nostalgia.
This book didn't have a very strong plot, and the writing style was a little too on the nose (a lot of "telling" vs. "showing"). That said, the beauty of the book is in its small moments. The details with which each character's day-to-day life is depicted, peppered with extremely relatable anecdotes about life in Chennai as seen from 3 very different perspectives - a middle-aged single mother who's close to retirement, a tech worker in her early 30s trying to figure out what she wants both in her career and her personal life, and an English chef who moved to the city impulsively to get a change of pace after a breakup. Having grown up in Chennai, I could hear the sounds and visualize every part of this book as it was happening, and it made reading the book such a joyous experience.
I both read and listened to this book, and I would avoid the audiobook, especially if you're a native Tamil-speaker. The narrator butchers the few Tamil words that are in the book, which really messed with my immersion and flow.
This book didn't have a very strong plot, and the writing style was a little too on the nose (a lot of "telling" vs. "showing"). That said, the beauty of the book is in its small moments. The details with which each character's day-to-day life is depicted, peppered with extremely relatable anecdotes about life in Chennai as seen from 3 very different perspectives - a middle-aged single mother who's close to retirement, a tech worker in her early 30s trying to figure out what she wants both in her career and her personal life, and an English chef who moved to the city impulsively to get a change of pace after a breakup. Having grown up in Chennai, I could hear the sounds and visualize every part of this book as it was happening, and it made reading the book such a joyous experience.
I both read and listened to this book, and I would avoid the audiobook, especially if you're a native Tamil-speaker. The narrator butchers the few Tamil words that are in the book, which really messed with my immersion and flow.
June 2, 2024
A book full of endearing characters. A narrative that engulfs the reader in its absolute warmth. How does one create conflict that will also make the story engrossing? Hema hits it out of the park with her brilliant magic by creating a Wodehousian plot, where nothing bad ever happens to all the gentle characters that live in Grand Life Apartments, despite some minor disturbances. And her evocative descriptions will make the heart of any Chennai-ite beat faster with nostalgia. Not to forget the deliciously detailed coverage of certain recipes that are truly appetising.
October 2, 2024
Set in Chennai, India, this novel explores the intersecting lives of several individuals with diverse life paths who live in the same apartment building. Everything about this plot description and the first quarter of the novel made me think I'd love this book.
However, the payoff just wasn't there. The characters had desires, but those desires fizzled out. They had conflicts, but those conflicts just kind of happened, and then everyone went on with their lives.
Overall, I felt an overall lack of emotive reality, along with a lack of agency. For the most part, the characters living in the apartment building were fine with letting their lives continue as they had before, with only minimal changes.
However, the payoff just wasn't there. The characters had desires, but those desires fizzled out. They had conflicts, but those conflicts just kind of happened, and then everyone went on with their lives.
Overall, I felt an overall lack of emotive reality, along with a lack of agency. For the most part, the characters living in the apartment building were fine with letting their lives continue as they had before, with only minimal changes.
Read
January 6, 2025A very, very low-plot slice of life type book about four people living in a Chennai apartment block. Vivid setting but I wanted a lot more development in the characters if we weren't getting it in the plot. Then again I am not very good at low plot reads, what can you do.
Read
January 21, 2024So warm, so familiar, so comforting.
December 30, 2024
Such a vibrant and cosy read. I loved following the life and troubles of the residents of the grand life apartments. The setting and descriptions were vivid and colourful. A story full of life :D
July 25, 2023
A sweet book set in bustling Chennai, a place I used to travel to often. I enjoyed the descriptions of the scenery, but found the story itself a little slow,
April 6, 2023
I was so happy to have been sent an advanced reader’s copy of Hema Sukumar’s debut novel, Minor Disturbances at the Grand Life Apartments. Minor Disturbances at Grand Life Apartments follows the lives of the residents of Grand Life Apartments in Chennai, specifically focussing on: Kamala, a dentist whose daughter is studying university abroad in the UK, Revathi, an engineer struggling with the societal pressure to find a husband whilst being passionate about her career, and Jason, a British chef who came to Chennai for a much needed fresh start.
This book is classed as General Fiction (Adult) and is set to be released in July 2023.
What I liked about it
Fair warning - this book will make you hungry. Sukumar goes into wonderful detail carefully describing almost every dish mentioned in the book in a way which blends with the storytelling itself. In fact, Sukumar is so incredible at describing the entire setting that I felt as though I was with the characters themselves in Chennai. I loved every second of reading this book. I especially liked that it started off as almost three separate stories and over the course of the book became a lot more interlinked. All of the characters were complex but still relatable in one way or another. It was refreshing to read a book that a wonderful dive into another culture, that I was previously uneducated about, whilst reading a captivating and wholesome story about community.
This book does deal with some themes of homophobia and sexism, so please be mindful if these topics are triggering for you.
Overall, this book was absolutely amazing and wholesome, and I have already been telling my friends and family that they should read it when it gets released later in the year.
This book is classed as General Fiction (Adult) and is set to be released in July 2023.
What I liked about it
Fair warning - this book will make you hungry. Sukumar goes into wonderful detail carefully describing almost every dish mentioned in the book in a way which blends with the storytelling itself. In fact, Sukumar is so incredible at describing the entire setting that I felt as though I was with the characters themselves in Chennai. I loved every second of reading this book. I especially liked that it started off as almost three separate stories and over the course of the book became a lot more interlinked. All of the characters were complex but still relatable in one way or another. It was refreshing to read a book that a wonderful dive into another culture, that I was previously uneducated about, whilst reading a captivating and wholesome story about community.
This book does deal with some themes of homophobia and sexism, so please be mindful if these topics are triggering for you.
Overall, this book was absolutely amazing and wholesome, and I have already been telling my friends and family that they should read it when it gets released later in the year.
June 29, 2024
Minor Disturbances at Grand Life Apartments
Author: Hema Sukumar
Pages: 290
Ratings: 3.75/5
Remember those golden afternoons of childhood summers? The ones where you'd return home after hours of play, enjoy a hearty lunch, and simply relax? Well, reading "Minor Disturbances at Grand Life Apartments" is similar to reliving those moments. It's a slice of life book that sweeps you away on a journey through the lives of the tenants residing in Grand Life Apartment.
This book is set in the beautiful landscapes of Chennai. As you step through the doors of Grand Life Apartment, you're greeted by a cast of characters as diverse and vibrant as the colors on an artist's palette. What makes this novel truly shine is its raw, unfiltered portrayal of human emotion. As you immerse yourself in the lives of the tenants, you will become the part of them.
This book reminds me more of Bombay Balchao by Jane Borges. Both novels excel in exploring the intricacies of human relationships, particularly the bonds that form between neighbors.
One of the most compelling aspects of "The Minor Disturbances at Grand Life Apartment" is its exploration of the bonds that form between neighbors. Despite their differences, the residents of Grand Life Apartment find solace and support in one another, forming unlikely friendships and forging connections that transcend the boundaries of age, race, and social status.
The only drawback I felt in this book is its pacing, which may feel a tad slow for some readers. Nevertheless, I highly recommended for anyone who enjoys immersive, character-driven fiction that speaks to the complexities of the human experience. So grab a copy, cozy up with a cup of tea, and prepare to be swept away on an unforgettable journey through the heart of humanity.
Author: Hema Sukumar
Pages: 290
Ratings: 3.75/5
Remember those golden afternoons of childhood summers? The ones where you'd return home after hours of play, enjoy a hearty lunch, and simply relax? Well, reading "Minor Disturbances at Grand Life Apartments" is similar to reliving those moments. It's a slice of life book that sweeps you away on a journey through the lives of the tenants residing in Grand Life Apartment.
This book is set in the beautiful landscapes of Chennai. As you step through the doors of Grand Life Apartment, you're greeted by a cast of characters as diverse and vibrant as the colors on an artist's palette. What makes this novel truly shine is its raw, unfiltered portrayal of human emotion. As you immerse yourself in the lives of the tenants, you will become the part of them.
This book reminds me more of Bombay Balchao by Jane Borges. Both novels excel in exploring the intricacies of human relationships, particularly the bonds that form between neighbors.
One of the most compelling aspects of "The Minor Disturbances at Grand Life Apartment" is its exploration of the bonds that form between neighbors. Despite their differences, the residents of Grand Life Apartment find solace and support in one another, forming unlikely friendships and forging connections that transcend the boundaries of age, race, and social status.
The only drawback I felt in this book is its pacing, which may feel a tad slow for some readers. Nevertheless, I highly recommended for anyone who enjoys immersive, character-driven fiction that speaks to the complexities of the human experience. So grab a copy, cozy up with a cup of tea, and prepare to be swept away on an unforgettable journey through the heart of humanity.
August 22, 2023
Actual rating 4.5.
If you are looking for an utterly joyful and uplifting read with a wonderful cast of characters then please, pick this up! I absolutely loved this book set mostly in Chennai, which just felt like a warm hug kind of read 🤗
This is one of those lovely stories where an unexpected group of mostly strangers become the best of friends as they take a stand to protect their homes from corrupt property developers. I loved just how different each main character was, and what they each brought to the story with the things going on in their lives, from the British chef escaping a bad breakup, to the Indian mother trying to accept her daughter’s sexuality. There were just so many wonderful, heartwarming moments and conversations throughout this book that had me smiling. Omg and then the FOOD! 🤤
What I found most refreshing (and I hope this isn’t too much of a spoiler 🙈), was that when I started I assumed there’d be a romantic angle to the story, but it didn’t go down that route and was all the better for it. Friendships across different generations and cultures are every bit as interesting and I really can’t recommend this one enough!
If you are looking for an utterly joyful and uplifting read with a wonderful cast of characters then please, pick this up! I absolutely loved this book set mostly in Chennai, which just felt like a warm hug kind of read 🤗
This is one of those lovely stories where an unexpected group of mostly strangers become the best of friends as they take a stand to protect their homes from corrupt property developers. I loved just how different each main character was, and what they each brought to the story with the things going on in their lives, from the British chef escaping a bad breakup, to the Indian mother trying to accept her daughter’s sexuality. There were just so many wonderful, heartwarming moments and conversations throughout this book that had me smiling. Omg and then the FOOD! 🤤
What I found most refreshing (and I hope this isn’t too much of a spoiler 🙈), was that when I started I assumed there’d be a romantic angle to the story, but it didn’t go down that route and was all the better for it. Friendships across different generations and cultures are every bit as interesting and I really can’t recommend this one enough!
July 20, 2023
4.3 Stars
One Liner: Character-driven and a slice-of-life novel (a worthy debut)
Grand Life Apartments is a middle-class apartment block in Chennai. With its beautiful gardens and open space, it is home to different people navigating various stages of their lives.
Kamala is a widowed dentist and a typical middle-aged conservative woman whose daughter is studying at Oxford. She and her friend Sundu share a wonderful relationship. Revathi is a thirty-two-year-old working professional living on her own and dealing with her mother’s non-stop calls about getting married.
Jason, the British chef, moved to India after a breakup with his girlfriend and hopes to restart his life in a new country. Mani is the owner of the apartments, an old man writing a book about the city.
The residents lead parallel lives, which get entwined over time. And when a construction company threatens to tear apart their home, they may have to do more than passively move on from one day to another.
The story comes from the limited third-person POV of Kamala, Revathi, and Jason, with a couple of chapters from Mani.
My Thoughts:
As always, I was hesitant and curious when I requested the book. (My reviews for India-based books begin with the same disclaimer). However, this one proved to be a good choice in many ways.
This is a character-driven novel with no specific ending. It’s not something I like in my novels, but this book is an exception. The characters are based on their stereotypes but are rounded and complete. Their emotions, feelings, vulnerabilities, fears, decisions, etc., are realistic and align with their arcs.
The exact period of the setting is not mentioned (trust me to read such books back-to-back). It seems to be around the early 2000s at the most (and definitely not after 2010). Fortunately, I could relate to it, given my nationality.
The characters are your average people with personal issues trying to find ways to make their lives better, handle the changes around them, and still be hopeful about the future. These are the kind we see around. They could be us and our friends!
The writing is easy to read and has some quirky metaphors. I’m not sure how the pacing will work for others, but for me, it went well. I could read at a steady pace and didn’t feel bored even when the plot was slow to progress.
As such, there isn’t any plot. The central premise of the threat from the construction company is more of a subplot and is established only at the midway point. Even then, there is no action. We don’t see any drastic change in personalities or social activism. There’s more passivity than action. While it keeps the story realistic and true to life, it can also disappoint readers expecting something dramatic. My only issue was that the case gets resolved too easily (we know how the courts work).
(Rewording the blurb to remove the focus from the threat would set better expectations.)
The setting, Chennai, comes alive on the pages. Though I haven’t been there, I know enough (and many Indian cities are similar, sans the beaches) about the buildings, weather, Saravana Bhavan, and food!
Oh, man, the food in this one made me so hungry! I read after dinner, but the descriptions of my South Indian dishes made my tummy rumble in approval. Here, I’ll have to mention a scene where Jason makes jackfruit short beard and offers them to young Salim. The kiddo says, “Of all the things you can make with jackfruit, you choose to make biscuits?” (paraphrased), and I was like hi-fi dude, couldn’t have said it better.
The side characters, Sundu (Soundavalli), Salim (this kid is going places, I tell you!), Mani, Reva’s mother, Karthik, and Lakshmi are also well-etched. Even though Reva’s mother is the most stereotypical character, there’s no exaggeration as such. That’s the only way she knows to express her concerns (generational conditioning, you could say).
Of course, Jason is an absolute sweetheart. He was neither an ‘eww… dirty Indians’ tourist nor an ‘oh, such potential for activism’ foreigner.
I love that we don’t have any unwanted romance or love blooming between the characters. There is a possibility of it but things may or may not happen. There’s no attempt to force connections. Rather, how the characters come to know each other and become friends (despite their differences) feels very organic (and much like how things work in real life).
To summarize, Minor Disturbances at Grand Life Apartments is a quiet and gentle book that celebrates middle-class Indians and their lives. If you want a book that shows a more human (and realistic) side of India, pick this one and go with the flow.
Thank you, NetGalley, Hodder & Stoughton, and Coronet, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #MinorDisturbancesatGrandLifeApartments
***
P.S.: I admit I didn’t pay much attention to the cover until I finished the book. The details reflect the characters and the premise without being in the face. I love how artfully this is done.
One Liner: Character-driven and a slice-of-life novel (a worthy debut)
Grand Life Apartments is a middle-class apartment block in Chennai. With its beautiful gardens and open space, it is home to different people navigating various stages of their lives.
Kamala is a widowed dentist and a typical middle-aged conservative woman whose daughter is studying at Oxford. She and her friend Sundu share a wonderful relationship. Revathi is a thirty-two-year-old working professional living on her own and dealing with her mother’s non-stop calls about getting married.
Jason, the British chef, moved to India after a breakup with his girlfriend and hopes to restart his life in a new country. Mani is the owner of the apartments, an old man writing a book about the city.
The residents lead parallel lives, which get entwined over time. And when a construction company threatens to tear apart their home, they may have to do more than passively move on from one day to another.
The story comes from the limited third-person POV of Kamala, Revathi, and Jason, with a couple of chapters from Mani.
My Thoughts:
As always, I was hesitant and curious when I requested the book. (My reviews for India-based books begin with the same disclaimer). However, this one proved to be a good choice in many ways.
This is a character-driven novel with no specific ending. It’s not something I like in my novels, but this book is an exception. The characters are based on their stereotypes but are rounded and complete. Their emotions, feelings, vulnerabilities, fears, decisions, etc., are realistic and align with their arcs.
The exact period of the setting is not mentioned (trust me to read such books back-to-back). It seems to be around the early 2000s at the most (and definitely not after 2010). Fortunately, I could relate to it, given my nationality.
The characters are your average people with personal issues trying to find ways to make their lives better, handle the changes around them, and still be hopeful about the future. These are the kind we see around. They could be us and our friends!
The writing is easy to read and has some quirky metaphors. I’m not sure how the pacing will work for others, but for me, it went well. I could read at a steady pace and didn’t feel bored even when the plot was slow to progress.
As such, there isn’t any plot. The central premise of the threat from the construction company is more of a subplot and is established only at the midway point. Even then, there is no action. We don’t see any drastic change in personalities or social activism. There’s more passivity than action. While it keeps the story realistic and true to life, it can also disappoint readers expecting something dramatic. My only issue was that the case gets resolved too easily (we know how the courts work).
(Rewording the blurb to remove the focus from the threat would set better expectations.)
The setting, Chennai, comes alive on the pages. Though I haven’t been there, I know enough (and many Indian cities are similar, sans the beaches) about the buildings, weather, Saravana Bhavan, and food!
Oh, man, the food in this one made me so hungry! I read after dinner, but the descriptions of my South Indian dishes made my tummy rumble in approval. Here, I’ll have to mention a scene where Jason makes jackfruit short beard and offers them to young Salim. The kiddo says, “Of all the things you can make with jackfruit, you choose to make biscuits?” (paraphrased), and I was like hi-fi dude, couldn’t have said it better.
The side characters, Sundu (Soundavalli), Salim (this kid is going places, I tell you!), Mani, Reva’s mother, Karthik, and Lakshmi are also well-etched. Even though Reva’s mother is the most stereotypical character, there’s no exaggeration as such. That’s the only way she knows to express her concerns (generational conditioning, you could say).
“…As she (Reva) brought up this reference with ease, she realised how much she knew about life in the UK from just reading the books that had filled the library in her school. She had pieced together clues along with Enid Blyton's intrepid investigators as a child, swooned in the countryside in the arms of Georgette Heyer as a teenager and, as recent as the month before, had inhabited the world woven by Zadie Smith for an entire weekend. She was certain that Jason would not have encountered as many stories from India and wondered, in a slightly alarmed manner, if his entire frame of reference for the country came from watching Slumdog Millionaire.”
Of course, Jason is an absolute sweetheart. He was neither an ‘eww… dirty Indians’ tourist nor an ‘oh, such potential for activism’ foreigner.
I love that we don’t have any unwanted romance or love blooming between the characters. There is a possibility of it but things may or may not happen. There’s no attempt to force connections. Rather, how the characters come to know each other and become friends (despite their differences) feels very organic (and much like how things work in real life).
To summarize, Minor Disturbances at Grand Life Apartments is a quiet and gentle book that celebrates middle-class Indians and their lives. If you want a book that shows a more human (and realistic) side of India, pick this one and go with the flow.
Thank you, NetGalley, Hodder & Stoughton, and Coronet, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #MinorDisturbancesatGrandLifeApartments
***
P.S.: I admit I didn’t pay much attention to the cover until I finished the book. The details reflect the characters and the premise without being in the face. I love how artfully this is done.
February 4, 2024
Beautiful descriptions of India but no real story, nothing really happened - very disappointing.
December 6, 2024
Minor Disturbances at Grand Life Apartments is a book that quietly weaves its magic, pulling readers into the bustling, aromatic streets of Chennai, the intimate lives of its characters, and the warm embrace of everyday human connection. It’s a story that doesn’t shout for attention but instead gently invites you to sit down, savor its flavors, and immerse yourself in its charm.
The narrative revolves around three distinct residents of the titular Grand Life Apartments. Kamala, a lonely yet resilient elderly woman, yearns for her daughter, who is finishing her studies in the UK. Revathi, or Reva, is an accomplished engineer grappling with societal expectations to marry a “nice boy” despite her desire to live life on her terms. Then there’s Jason, a British chef nursing a broken heart, who seeks solace in the vibrant chaos of Chennai. Their individual lives are thrown into a shared upheaval when a group of builders threatens to demolish their beloved apartment complex to make way for a sprawling garden.
The book’s greatest strength lies in its simplicity. It’s not about grand twists or thrilling drama but the intricacies of daily life, relationships, and personal growth. It reminds us that the most “ordinary” lives are often the most extraordinary when viewed up close. Kamala’s quiet strength, Reva’s defiance of societal norms, and Jason’s quest for belonging make the characters relatable and endearing. Their stories intersect beautifully, creating a tapestry of emotions and experiences that feel real and resonant.
One of the most enchanting aspects of the novel is its vivid portrayal of Chennai. From the mouthwatering mentions of payasam and ghee roast dosas to the chaotic yet comforting backdrop of the city, the book doesn’t just tell a story—it evokes a place. It captures the spirit of Chennai so authentically that it feels like a love letter to the city and its culture. If you’ve ever lived in or visited Chennai, this book will feel like a warm homecoming; if you haven’t, it might ignite a longing to experience its vibrancy firsthand.
However, the book isn’t without its shortcomings. The plot, while well-paced, lacks the kind of tension or depth that keeps you on the edge of your seat. For readers who prefer intricate subplots or high-stakes drama, this might be a slight disappointment. There’s an undeniable sense that the story had more potential—a deeper exploration of the characters’ pasts or more intricate dynamics between them might have elevated the narrative further.
Yet, something is refreshing about its straightforwardness. It’s a story about ordinary people facing ordinary challenges, and in that lies its extraordinary charm. It reminds us that even the most mundane lives are filled with moments of beauty, struggle, and growth.
Ultimately, Minor Disturbances at Grand Life Apartments is a cozy, comforting read—perfect for curling up with on a winter evening, accompanied by a steaming cup of filter coffee. It’s not a book that will leave you breathless, but it will leave you with a sense of warmth and nostalgia.
I give this book a solid 3.5 stars. While it may not be groundbreaking, it has its own quiet magic, and for those seeking a slice-of-life story with heart and soul, it’s certainly worth picking up.
The narrative revolves around three distinct residents of the titular Grand Life Apartments. Kamala, a lonely yet resilient elderly woman, yearns for her daughter, who is finishing her studies in the UK. Revathi, or Reva, is an accomplished engineer grappling with societal expectations to marry a “nice boy” despite her desire to live life on her terms. Then there’s Jason, a British chef nursing a broken heart, who seeks solace in the vibrant chaos of Chennai. Their individual lives are thrown into a shared upheaval when a group of builders threatens to demolish their beloved apartment complex to make way for a sprawling garden.
The book’s greatest strength lies in its simplicity. It’s not about grand twists or thrilling drama but the intricacies of daily life, relationships, and personal growth. It reminds us that the most “ordinary” lives are often the most extraordinary when viewed up close. Kamala’s quiet strength, Reva’s defiance of societal norms, and Jason’s quest for belonging make the characters relatable and endearing. Their stories intersect beautifully, creating a tapestry of emotions and experiences that feel real and resonant.
One of the most enchanting aspects of the novel is its vivid portrayal of Chennai. From the mouthwatering mentions of payasam and ghee roast dosas to the chaotic yet comforting backdrop of the city, the book doesn’t just tell a story—it evokes a place. It captures the spirit of Chennai so authentically that it feels like a love letter to the city and its culture. If you’ve ever lived in or visited Chennai, this book will feel like a warm homecoming; if you haven’t, it might ignite a longing to experience its vibrancy firsthand.
However, the book isn’t without its shortcomings. The plot, while well-paced, lacks the kind of tension or depth that keeps you on the edge of your seat. For readers who prefer intricate subplots or high-stakes drama, this might be a slight disappointment. There’s an undeniable sense that the story had more potential—a deeper exploration of the characters’ pasts or more intricate dynamics between them might have elevated the narrative further.
Yet, something is refreshing about its straightforwardness. It’s a story about ordinary people facing ordinary challenges, and in that lies its extraordinary charm. It reminds us that even the most mundane lives are filled with moments of beauty, struggle, and growth.
Ultimately, Minor Disturbances at Grand Life Apartments is a cozy, comforting read—perfect for curling up with on a winter evening, accompanied by a steaming cup of filter coffee. It’s not a book that will leave you breathless, but it will leave you with a sense of warmth and nostalgia.
I give this book a solid 3.5 stars. While it may not be groundbreaking, it has its own quiet magic, and for those seeking a slice-of-life story with heart and soul, it’s certainly worth picking up.
July 27, 2023
"A warm-hearted debut novel set in the beautiful coastal city of Chennai, for fans of Alexander McCall Smith, Joanna Nell and Graeme Simsion" says the advertising text, and I felt addressed - I would also like to be on the coast of Chennai now , and I've always loved McCall Smith's novels. A little side note right at the beginning: I actually found both writers (Sukumar and McCall Smith) to have a similarly pleasant writing style.
Okay, but now to the book: We are in the "Grand Life Apartments", a quiet, middle-class condominium. Mani, the owner, inherited the property from his parents a long time ago and loves tending the gardens. This is where the residents of the house meet again and again: There is Kamala, a dentist, about to retire, with her friend, the lawyer Sundu. Kamala idolizes her daughter Lakshmi, who is studying in England, and yet no longer seems to really get along with her; we have Revathi, the young engineer who has chosen modern life without a husband and is regularly reminded by her mother that she will soon be too old for the marriage market, and then there's Jason, the young Englishman, who fled head over heels to India after his girlfriend dumped him. Each has their own problems to contend with, but when a shady real estate shark appears, all residents must stick together and stand up for their home and community. The "minor disturbances" threaten all of their homes, and so they all stand up together and fight….
I really liked the novel 😊. I found it very charmingly, I really like the warm-hearted and vivid narrative style, and I found all the protagonists very sympathetic. I also found some insights into the lives of modern Indian middle and upper class very interesting. This is where tradition and modernity meet, and that was kind of bizarre and funny for me: on the one hand, we have very well-educated young Indian women who are really good at their jobs, but on the other hand, we also have the absolute ideal of marriage and motherhood, and the Indian marriage market is raging, as Reva has experienced for years. Arranged marriages are the order of the day, and I found it quite interesting how matter-of-factly modern women talk about it. I see this in a completely neutral way, and when I read it I was reminded of TV shows like “Marriage at First Sight” (TV matchmaking made in Germany). Anyway, I found it fascinating.
With the dentist Kamala and the lawyer Sundu, we also have two women in top jobs who are self-employed and independent, and yet at least Kamala is still very connected to traditional values. Which isn't bad per se, but here, too, several worlds collide.
But the ladies manage to take the best of all worlds with them and to lead THEIR life - at least that's what I took with me 😉.
I really enjoyed reading the book, it was really a visit to Chennai - I confess, I've never been there, but the author took me with her and told it so wonderfully, I almost smelled the flowers and was there 😉. Loved it!
I am very happy to recommend the book!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the review copy!
Okay, but now to the book: We are in the "Grand Life Apartments", a quiet, middle-class condominium. Mani, the owner, inherited the property from his parents a long time ago and loves tending the gardens. This is where the residents of the house meet again and again: There is Kamala, a dentist, about to retire, with her friend, the lawyer Sundu. Kamala idolizes her daughter Lakshmi, who is studying in England, and yet no longer seems to really get along with her; we have Revathi, the young engineer who has chosen modern life without a husband and is regularly reminded by her mother that she will soon be too old for the marriage market, and then there's Jason, the young Englishman, who fled head over heels to India after his girlfriend dumped him. Each has their own problems to contend with, but when a shady real estate shark appears, all residents must stick together and stand up for their home and community. The "minor disturbances" threaten all of their homes, and so they all stand up together and fight….
I really liked the novel 😊. I found it very charmingly, I really like the warm-hearted and vivid narrative style, and I found all the protagonists very sympathetic. I also found some insights into the lives of modern Indian middle and upper class very interesting. This is where tradition and modernity meet, and that was kind of bizarre and funny for me: on the one hand, we have very well-educated young Indian women who are really good at their jobs, but on the other hand, we also have the absolute ideal of marriage and motherhood, and the Indian marriage market is raging, as Reva has experienced for years. Arranged marriages are the order of the day, and I found it quite interesting how matter-of-factly modern women talk about it. I see this in a completely neutral way, and when I read it I was reminded of TV shows like “Marriage at First Sight” (TV matchmaking made in Germany). Anyway, I found it fascinating.
With the dentist Kamala and the lawyer Sundu, we also have two women in top jobs who are self-employed and independent, and yet at least Kamala is still very connected to traditional values. Which isn't bad per se, but here, too, several worlds collide.
But the ladies manage to take the best of all worlds with them and to lead THEIR life - at least that's what I took with me 😉.
I really enjoyed reading the book, it was really a visit to Chennai - I confess, I've never been there, but the author took me with her and told it so wonderfully, I almost smelled the flowers and was there 😉. Loved it!
I am very happy to recommend the book!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the review copy!
January 8, 2024
This is a slice of life read which turned out to be quite cozy and heartwarming. Set in the South Indian city of Chennai, this is the story of the 3 tenants and the owner of Grand Life Apartments. I saw this book on my friend Sri's list on GR and immediately the title and cover attracted me. Her review of this book pushed it up the list.
3 tenants in the apartment belong to 3 different age groups, Reva aka Revathi is a 32 year old unmarried professional. She is continuously being bombarded by her mom regarding her marriage. She is frustrated with her mom's unending lecture about settling down in life. Kamala a widowed 50+ year old dentist is another tenant in the same building. She is the quintessential middle aged lady who is god fearing, traditional and always about her daughter studying in Oxford. She is the apple of her eye and her world revolves around her daughter. Jason, A Brit chef is the 3rd tenant who escaped to India on a whim to nurse his broken heart. Mani is the owner of this place who also serves as a talking companion to these 3 tenants. When a threat from a construction company looms over this place being torn up, the residents also take this up to save their precious homes along with their problems. The book is in the third person POV of Kamala, Jason and Revathi with couple of chapters dedicated to the owner, Mani
Thoughts
This book essentially doesn't have a central plot. Its more about the day to day lives of all the 3 occupants and their problems. The characters seemed to be developed pretty well and rounded. The emotions, fears and the aspirations are very realistic. The setting in terms of food, temple scenes, traffic is very realistic to any South Indian city. If you go into the book expecting some dramatic movement in the midst, you will be disappointed. The book kind of maintains status quo throughout till the end. The secondary characters are well etched too. They seem to have a purpose however miniscule it is. With all this, there was a little piece of disappointment for me. I wanted to know more about the conversation between Lakshmi and her daughter or wanted to see more of friendship blooming between Jason and Reva (not essentially romantic). Also wanted little more space for Mani, the owner. Apart from this, the ending with regards to the threat by construction company seemed to be rushed a little. It seemed to have tied up nicely.
Pick this up for a nice cozy read. I enjoyed reading this in spite of my very small disappointments.
My rating is 3.75 rounded to 4
3 tenants in the apartment belong to 3 different age groups, Reva aka Revathi is a 32 year old unmarried professional. She is continuously being bombarded by her mom regarding her marriage. She is frustrated with her mom's unending lecture about settling down in life. Kamala a widowed 50+ year old dentist is another tenant in the same building. She is the quintessential middle aged lady who is god fearing, traditional and always about her daughter studying in Oxford. She is the apple of her eye and her world revolves around her daughter. Jason, A Brit chef is the 3rd tenant who escaped to India on a whim to nurse his broken heart. Mani is the owner of this place who also serves as a talking companion to these 3 tenants. When a threat from a construction company looms over this place being torn up, the residents also take this up to save their precious homes along with their problems. The book is in the third person POV of Kamala, Jason and Revathi with couple of chapters dedicated to the owner, Mani
Thoughts
This book essentially doesn't have a central plot. Its more about the day to day lives of all the 3 occupants and their problems. The characters seemed to be developed pretty well and rounded. The emotions, fears and the aspirations are very realistic. The setting in terms of food, temple scenes, traffic is very realistic to any South Indian city. If you go into the book expecting some dramatic movement in the midst, you will be disappointed. The book kind of maintains status quo throughout till the end. The secondary characters are well etched too. They seem to have a purpose however miniscule it is. With all this, there was a little piece of disappointment for me. I wanted to know more about the conversation between Lakshmi and her daughter or wanted to see more of friendship blooming between Jason and Reva (not essentially romantic). Also wanted little more space for Mani, the owner. Apart from this, the ending with regards to the threat by construction company seemed to be rushed a little. It seemed to have tied up nicely.
Pick this up for a nice cozy read. I enjoyed reading this in spite of my very small disappointments.
My rating is 3.75 rounded to 4
April 17, 2023
Hema Sukumar's debut novel, "Minor Disturbances at Grand Life Apartments," is a delightful concoction of chaos, humor, and the intricacies of human relationships, all set against the backdrop of an upscale apartment complex. The author masterfully weaves together the lives of the residents, bringing out their eccentricities and the inevitable conflicts that arise from living in close quarters.
The story revolves around the lives of the diverse inhabitants of Grand Life Apartments, each with their unique quirks and idiosyncrasies. The book is structured as a series of interconnected short stories, allowing readers to delve into the lives of these individuals and explore the complexities of their relationships.
The residents have their own complicated lives to navigate, but what they all have in common is their love of where they live, so when a developer threatens to demolish the apartments and build over the gardens, the community of Grand Life Apartments is brought even closer together to fight for their beautiful home.
One of the strengths of "Minor Disturbances at Grand Life Apartments" is Sukumar's ability to infuse humor into even the most mundane situations. The dialogue is sharp and engaging, keeping readers invested in the narrative and eager to learn more about the residents' exploits.
Another aspect that sets this book apart is its exploration of human emotions and the challenges of maintaining relationships in a confined environment. Through her characters, Sukumar delves into themes such as loneliness, jealousy, and the need for validation. She does so with sensitivity and empathy, allowing readers to connect with the characters on a deeper level.
While the book is a delightful read, some may find the pacing uneven, as certain stories seem to drag on longer than necessary. Additionally, a few of the characters could have benefited from further development, as they occasionally come across as one-dimensional.
Overall, "Minor Disturbances at Grand Life Apartments" is a charming and entertaining read that offers a refreshing take on the complexities of human relationships. Hema Sukumar's keen eye for detail and her ability to infuse humor into everyday situations make this book a must-read for fans of contemporary fiction. With its memorable characters and engaging narrative, "Minor Disturbances at Grand Life Apartments" is a delightful debut that leaves readers eagerly anticipating more from this talented author.
The story revolves around the lives of the diverse inhabitants of Grand Life Apartments, each with their unique quirks and idiosyncrasies. The book is structured as a series of interconnected short stories, allowing readers to delve into the lives of these individuals and explore the complexities of their relationships.
The residents have their own complicated lives to navigate, but what they all have in common is their love of where they live, so when a developer threatens to demolish the apartments and build over the gardens, the community of Grand Life Apartments is brought even closer together to fight for their beautiful home.
One of the strengths of "Minor Disturbances at Grand Life Apartments" is Sukumar's ability to infuse humor into even the most mundane situations. The dialogue is sharp and engaging, keeping readers invested in the narrative and eager to learn more about the residents' exploits.
Another aspect that sets this book apart is its exploration of human emotions and the challenges of maintaining relationships in a confined environment. Through her characters, Sukumar delves into themes such as loneliness, jealousy, and the need for validation. She does so with sensitivity and empathy, allowing readers to connect with the characters on a deeper level.
While the book is a delightful read, some may find the pacing uneven, as certain stories seem to drag on longer than necessary. Additionally, a few of the characters could have benefited from further development, as they occasionally come across as one-dimensional.
Overall, "Minor Disturbances at Grand Life Apartments" is a charming and entertaining read that offers a refreshing take on the complexities of human relationships. Hema Sukumar's keen eye for detail and her ability to infuse humor into everyday situations make this book a must-read for fans of contemporary fiction. With its memorable characters and engaging narrative, "Minor Disturbances at Grand Life Apartments" is a delightful debut that leaves readers eagerly anticipating more from this talented author.
May 30, 2023
Slow-paced and character-driven, Minor Disturbances at Grand Life Apartments by Hema Sukumar tells a story about three people who live in an apartment building in Chennai, highlighting the intricacies of human interaction.
Summary: Kamala struggles with her daughter moving away to study in a UK universiy. Revathi "Reva" has an awful job and a mother who keeps yapping at her to get married. Jason is a chef from London who has come to Chennai to run away from heartbreak. The three live in Grand Life Apartments and interact.
Tropes/Genres:
• general fiction
• neighbours
• food ;))
• set in Chennai, India
• talks about a daughter coming out
• talks about the pressure regarding marriage put on families by societal expectations
Review: While I finished this book in one sitting, I felt that the book was a little mundane. What's a key takeaway from this book? What is the moral of the story? This book felt a bit more like a slice-of-life read, focusing on the way humans react to the people around them and the situation they are put in.
Narrated from the third-person POVs of three characters, for the most part, this story follows the experiences of Kamala, Revathi and Jason. I understood their struggles as portrayed in the book. I won't elaborate because that would spoil the book, being character-focused and all, but the characters are realistic. I enjoyed the writing style and the themes portrayed in this book, though they could've been developed more deeply as well.
I think I would've liked it if the threat of their apartment building being demolished was touched upon more. This plot point probably only appeared for less than 5% of the book. It would've been nice to see a bit more of it to balance out the character-focused aspect of the story, especially when it sounded like it was the main conflict in the blurb.
Such a book is certainly not for everyone, being slow-paced and heavily character-driven. I recommend this book to readers who enjoy books that are not very plot-driven. Many readers prefer following a plot line; if you're one of them, this is not the book for you. But if you don't mind character-driven books, this book is certainly worth a shot.
Summary: Kamala struggles with her daughter moving away to study in a UK universiy. Revathi "Reva" has an awful job and a mother who keeps yapping at her to get married. Jason is a chef from London who has come to Chennai to run away from heartbreak. The three live in Grand Life Apartments and interact.
Tropes/Genres:
• general fiction
• neighbours
• food ;))
• set in Chennai, India
• talks about a daughter coming out
• talks about the pressure regarding marriage put on families by societal expectations
Review: While I finished this book in one sitting, I felt that the book was a little mundane. What's a key takeaway from this book? What is the moral of the story? This book felt a bit more like a slice-of-life read, focusing on the way humans react to the people around them and the situation they are put in.
Narrated from the third-person POVs of three characters, for the most part, this story follows the experiences of Kamala, Revathi and Jason. I understood their struggles as portrayed in the book. I won't elaborate because that would spoil the book, being character-focused and all, but the characters are realistic. I enjoyed the writing style and the themes portrayed in this book, though they could've been developed more deeply as well.
I think I would've liked it if the threat of their apartment building being demolished was touched upon more. This plot point probably only appeared for less than 5% of the book. It would've been nice to see a bit more of it to balance out the character-focused aspect of the story, especially when it sounded like it was the main conflict in the blurb.
Such a book is certainly not for everyone, being slow-paced and heavily character-driven. I recommend this book to readers who enjoy books that are not very plot-driven. Many readers prefer following a plot line; if you're one of them, this is not the book for you. But if you don't mind character-driven books, this book is certainly worth a shot.
March 4, 2024
Charming novel set in CHENNAI
I really wanted to read this novel set in Chennai (formerly Madras) because I had a trip planned to Chennai and Southern India back in 2020 but the pandemic meant I had to cancel. I am still optimistic that the trip will take place and so I wanted to somehow connect with the possibility of seeing the city, at least through fiction for now….
And what a choice this was. There are four people living in the apartment building. Kamala whose daughter has left to study at Oxford; Reva, whose Mother is pushing her to get married; Jason, whose relationship shattered back in the UK and spontaneously chose Chennai to settle in and work as a chef; and Mani who owns the building. Having a chef in the midst of her characters affords the author ample opportunity to write ravishingly about South India food. Indeed there is a restaurant recommendation, to wit Ratna Café, where one should – apparently – try their Ghee Roast Dosas (that tip has gone into my top tips for Chennai file!).
Mani is being harried by a construction company, who wants to buy the building and plot, and the company resorts to intimidation and vandalism. The tenants are stalwart supporters of his cause (the building after all is their home) and because they have a really joyous community thriving under one roof.
And there is Poons that cat who drops in randomly to observe proceedings.
This story is just a delightful ramble through the characters’ lives, with a wonderfully colourful backdrop of Chennai. It is about relationships and mother-daughter pressures, painting a whole raft of emotions. There is humour and observation of Indian culture that brings the narrative to life and at the end of the novel, I was sad to leave the people living in this little haven. A debut novel that is well worth your time.
I really wanted to read this novel set in Chennai (formerly Madras) because I had a trip planned to Chennai and Southern India back in 2020 but the pandemic meant I had to cancel. I am still optimistic that the trip will take place and so I wanted to somehow connect with the possibility of seeing the city, at least through fiction for now….
And what a choice this was. There are four people living in the apartment building. Kamala whose daughter has left to study at Oxford; Reva, whose Mother is pushing her to get married; Jason, whose relationship shattered back in the UK and spontaneously chose Chennai to settle in and work as a chef; and Mani who owns the building. Having a chef in the midst of her characters affords the author ample opportunity to write ravishingly about South India food. Indeed there is a restaurant recommendation, to wit Ratna Café, where one should – apparently – try their Ghee Roast Dosas (that tip has gone into my top tips for Chennai file!).
Mani is being harried by a construction company, who wants to buy the building and plot, and the company resorts to intimidation and vandalism. The tenants are stalwart supporters of his cause (the building after all is their home) and because they have a really joyous community thriving under one roof.
And there is Poons that cat who drops in randomly to observe proceedings.
This story is just a delightful ramble through the characters’ lives, with a wonderfully colourful backdrop of Chennai. It is about relationships and mother-daughter pressures, painting a whole raft of emotions. There is humour and observation of Indian culture that brings the narrative to life and at the end of the novel, I was sad to leave the people living in this little haven. A debut novel that is well worth your time.
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