"Hello. Anil? Can you hear me?" "I can always hear you, bawa. You're always full volume." "I have something of great significance to discuss with you. Could I come over for a cup of chai?" Rustom Wadia's life is drifting. He no longer has his beloved pets Polly and Fluffy to anchor him and he has questions about his roots and who he really is. A call to his 'best friend' Anil Velkar, and a discovery of a connection with young restaurateur Toral Shah sets the three of them off on an adventure to the Parsi holy site of Udvada and a shocking discovery. Rohit Trilokekar follows up on his charming allegorical tale The Perfect Outside with a heartwarming, touching and funny novel.
In the literary world where stories often blend into one another, Rohit Trilokekar’s “Wadia” emerges as a distinctive and memorable work. This book is a testament to Trilokekar’s extraordinary ability to craft a narrative that is both beautiful and emotionally resonant. The way he weaves mystery and adventure into the fabric of the story results in cliffhanger moments that deeply engage the reader’s emotions.
As one dives into the world of “Wadia”, the vivid descriptions and compelling storytelling effortlessly paint a picture in the reader's mind, showcasing Trilokekar's exceptional talent in creating an immersive experience. This vividness is a key strength of the book, drawing readers into its depths.
A standout aspect of “Wadia” is how it seamlessly integrates with Trilokekar’s earlier works, “The Kitty Buddha” and “The Perfect Outside.” This connection is beautifully illustrated in the chapters about Wadia's pets, which not only fit perfectly within the story but also enrich the overarching themes across the trilogy. The book delves into several profound themes, presenting them in a manner that is engaging yet not preachy, allowing the story to unfold naturally and encouraging readers to draw their own conclusions.
The narrative is marked by its simplicity, directness, and uniqueness, echoing the profound message that what we seek is often closer than we think, within and around us, despite our tendency to look far and wide. This theme of discovery and realization comes full circle, suggesting that our explorations often lead us back to our beginnings.
However, the book could have been enhanced with more in-depth character development. Certain aspects, such as Wadia's Parsi background and Toral's OCD, are mentioned but not deeply explored. Expanding on these elements could have added another layer to the narrative, making it even more engaging.
Nevertheless, Trilokekar’s voice remains distinct and compelling throughout the book. With “Wadia,” he continues to demonstrate his growth as a storyteller, reaching new heights in his craft. In conclusion, “Wadia” is more than just a book; it is an enriching journey of completion and closure, offering a must-read experience for those who cherish nuanced and thoughtful storytelling.
Rustom Wadia is a single Parsi septuagenarian, who now feels even more alone after the death of his dear pets - a parrot and a cat (The author's previous book 'The Perfect Outside' is their story - another fascinating read). Wadia knows his roots, but there is an incident related to his ancestors which remains a mystery. The unreasonable Bawa (Parsi) that he is, he sets out on a quest trying to trace people from his ancestors' generations who might be able to give him answers and put his mind at ease. There are other endearing characters who join him in this journey and lend further charm to the story.
Rohit has crafted an endearing story that makes you laugh, cry and keeps you rooting for Wadia while he sets out of his comfort zone, and takes on the unknown. The author has truly created a beautiful world, in which we see the goodness of heart in a variety of characters as they step in to help Wadia connect the dots. This is a unique book as it provides both a deeper meaning into life and a mystery which makes it unputdownable. The writing is brilliant and witty, the philosophies meaningful, the story-telling deep and engaging, and the experience unforgettable!