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Zen
In 1935, Zainab Essanji wants to break out of her restricted life and be part of the independence movement. But it seems that all she is destined to do is embroider and wait to get married.
In 2019, Zainab Currimji, class XI student, is unhappy at getting drawn into debates and controversies which she would rather not be part of. But in India of 2019, how can one not be drawn into these?
In this deeply addictive, sweeping book about the life and times of the two Zainabs, is captured a short history of Mumbai, and of India. Of what we were and what we have become.
Zipping between the past and the present, between midnight's children and millennials and getting both right, Shabnam Minwalla has crafted a page-turner whose heart is open, inclusive and populated by a host of memorable characters. -Jerry Pinto
In 2019, Zainab Currimji, class XI student, is unhappy at getting drawn into debates and controversies which she would rather not be part of. But in India of 2019, how can one not be drawn into these?
In this deeply addictive, sweeping book about the life and times of the two Zainabs, is captured a short history of Mumbai, and of India. Of what we were and what we have become.
Zipping between the past and the present, between midnight's children and millennials and getting both right, Shabnam Minwalla has crafted a page-turner whose heart is open, inclusive and populated by a host of memorable characters. -Jerry Pinto
635 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 22, 2023
9 people are currently reading
180 people want to read
About the author
Shabnam Minwalla
21 books34 followersShabnam Minwalla writes books for children.
These include:
`The Six Spellmakers of Dorabji Street'
`The Strange Haunting of Model High School'
`The Shy Supergirl'
`Lucky Girl'
`What Maya Saw'
`Nimmi's Spectabulous Schooldays'
and
`When Jiya Met Urmila'
Her short stories are included in numerous anthologies. She is also a journalist and columnist with a number of Indian newspapers and magazines. She is a former Senior Assistant Editor with the Times of India in Mumbai.
Shabnam did her Masters in Journalism at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles.
She did her Bachelors in Economics, Statistics and Mathematics at St Xavier's College in Mumbai.
These include:
`The Six Spellmakers of Dorabji Street'
`The Strange Haunting of Model High School'
`The Shy Supergirl'
`Lucky Girl'
`What Maya Saw'
`Nimmi's Spectabulous Schooldays'
and
`When Jiya Met Urmila'
Her short stories are included in numerous anthologies. She is also a journalist and columnist with a number of Indian newspapers and magazines. She is a former Senior Assistant Editor with the Times of India in Mumbai.
Shabnam did her Masters in Journalism at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles.
She did her Bachelors in Economics, Statistics and Mathematics at St Xavier's College in Mumbai.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 13, 2023
If I were to make one book a mandatory read today, it would be Zen by Shabnam Minwalla. It ticks all boxes - there is history, there are these women with strengths beyond their times, there are things that have not changed despite the passing and changing of time and there is the kind of romance that gives you butterflies in your stomach when you thought you had none.
I am not a seeker of romance in books. When my classmates were swooning over Mills and Boons, I was reading murder mysteries. In fact there was a phase when I grew allergic to romances because the idea of a damsel in distress and a tall dark handsome hero who had all the answers gave me a migraine. Then my editor and friend opened my world to Georgette Heyer. And her books opened the world of possibilities along with a longing for something like that set in a context I could relate to. But again, just romance is just not enough, there has to be more. Yep, I am greedy like that. Zen is that book. That one book which has a sweet fragrance of a romance that will make you smile through your day, the disturbing strokes of reality, the stark truths stated plainly , and the torn mind of people caught between opposing points of view pulling them apart.
The story is of two Zainabs - one in 1935, waking up to the independence movement, resentful of the restrictions put on her yet very aware of the destiny that awaited here. She was soon to be married to someone she knew nothing about. The other Zainab is in 2019, invariably getting drawn in to heated debates about the current scenario that was unfolding. She was not even sure if she wanted to be a part of it all. Both Zainabs were getting sucked into the history as it was being made, the freedom struggle at two different times that one simply could not not be a part of. Both Zainabs are surrounded by people that we meet everyday, in places that we know. Shabnam has beautifully captured the essence of Mumbai - some that has remained the same despite nearly 90 years having passed, and some that got covered in the dust of time.
Shabnam does not mince her words. When the characters speak, some of the things that you hear them say are words you have heard in discussions that got too heated or too uncomfortable. The words hold a mirror to us, show us what we had set out to become years back when we were fighting for our freedom and what we have become when we let hatred rule our mind.
I have mentioned in the past that I suck at writing balanced reviews. I know only two modes- silence, if I do not like a book much and a fangirl. So do not expect a critique from me, I am here to fangirl about Zen, the times it captures, the characters, the plot, the twists, the parallel stories and most of all, all the women. There is so much more I want to tell you all but I can not because I want you to discover the nuances as you travel between the times. I promise you, that you will return to the inside of the cover after every few pages, pause to listen to the song that you had probably heard decades back, and rush to read back a few pages once you finish it. One of the most fun bit were the openings of each chapter in the form of lyrics from songs, verses from books - each relevant to what was about to unfold. Somewhere on Spotify there is also a playlist of all the songs that now is a part of my drive to work. You will search for it once you are done with the book, I promise.
I am not a seeker of romance in books. When my classmates were swooning over Mills and Boons, I was reading murder mysteries. In fact there was a phase when I grew allergic to romances because the idea of a damsel in distress and a tall dark handsome hero who had all the answers gave me a migraine. Then my editor and friend opened my world to Georgette Heyer. And her books opened the world of possibilities along with a longing for something like that set in a context I could relate to. But again, just romance is just not enough, there has to be more. Yep, I am greedy like that. Zen is that book. That one book which has a sweet fragrance of a romance that will make you smile through your day, the disturbing strokes of reality, the stark truths stated plainly , and the torn mind of people caught between opposing points of view pulling them apart.
The story is of two Zainabs - one in 1935, waking up to the independence movement, resentful of the restrictions put on her yet very aware of the destiny that awaited here. She was soon to be married to someone she knew nothing about. The other Zainab is in 2019, invariably getting drawn in to heated debates about the current scenario that was unfolding. She was not even sure if she wanted to be a part of it all. Both Zainabs were getting sucked into the history as it was being made, the freedom struggle at two different times that one simply could not not be a part of. Both Zainabs are surrounded by people that we meet everyday, in places that we know. Shabnam has beautifully captured the essence of Mumbai - some that has remained the same despite nearly 90 years having passed, and some that got covered in the dust of time.
Shabnam does not mince her words. When the characters speak, some of the things that you hear them say are words you have heard in discussions that got too heated or too uncomfortable. The words hold a mirror to us, show us what we had set out to become years back when we were fighting for our freedom and what we have become when we let hatred rule our mind.
I have mentioned in the past that I suck at writing balanced reviews. I know only two modes- silence, if I do not like a book much and a fangirl. So do not expect a critique from me, I am here to fangirl about Zen, the times it captures, the characters, the plot, the twists, the parallel stories and most of all, all the women. There is so much more I want to tell you all but I can not because I want you to discover the nuances as you travel between the times. I promise you, that you will return to the inside of the cover after every few pages, pause to listen to the song that you had probably heard decades back, and rush to read back a few pages once you finish it. One of the most fun bit were the openings of each chapter in the form of lyrics from songs, verses from books - each relevant to what was about to unfold. Somewhere on Spotify there is also a playlist of all the songs that now is a part of my drive to work. You will search for it once you are done with the book, I promise.
June 13, 2023
review - https://booksteacupreviews.com/2023/0...
Zen is beautiful, deep, well-written mix of contemporary and historical fiction that cleverly blends the lives of two girls with the same name from different time periods, Mumbai in 1935 and Mumbai in 2019, and how political changes in India affect their lives along with family drama and romance.
Writing is beautiful, realistic, and steady-paced with dual timeline. The present is written in third person narrative mostly from Zainab Currimji, aka Zen’s perspective while the past is written in diary format from Zainab Essaji’s perspective. I loved the mixed media format in the book. Apart from the diary format, there is text messages, newspaper articles, and phone call conversations that made the story more interesting and also helped to know other characters better. I also loved black pages that were written from a dead person’s perspective and the identity of that person was revealed in the climax.
The setting of Mumbai is perfectly written. Author perfectly captures the nuance of Mumbai in different era. I also loved the chapters titled under different colors which also played an important role in past Zainab’s life and each chapter opened with song lyrics and snippets.
It’s clear from the beginning both Zainabs are related. I was more interested to see how Zen is going to find that out and what happened to the past Zainab, if she found her happily ever after, how the current situation affects Zen, and if she too can hope to love- amid all the controversies, prejudice and judgments- that too from a boy whose father is extremely right-wing.
I loved both Zen in the present and Zainab in the past. The family dynamic of both Zainabs was equally interesting. I also loved how the author included other characters that both Zainabs meet in their everyday life.
The theme and layers were amazing. I love how the topic was realistic and moreover, I love reading it from Indian Muslim’s perspective. Even with all the serious topics and themes of the book, there are many lighthearted, positive and uplifting scenes.
Overall, Zen is beautiful, deep, well-written, and brilliant mix of historical fiction and contemporary that perfectly blends Mumbai’s history with its present.
Zen is beautiful, deep, well-written mix of contemporary and historical fiction that cleverly blends the lives of two girls with the same name from different time periods, Mumbai in 1935 and Mumbai in 2019, and how political changes in India affect their lives along with family drama and romance.
Writing is beautiful, realistic, and steady-paced with dual timeline. The present is written in third person narrative mostly from Zainab Currimji, aka Zen’s perspective while the past is written in diary format from Zainab Essaji’s perspective. I loved the mixed media format in the book. Apart from the diary format, there is text messages, newspaper articles, and phone call conversations that made the story more interesting and also helped to know other characters better. I also loved black pages that were written from a dead person’s perspective and the identity of that person was revealed in the climax.
The setting of Mumbai is perfectly written. Author perfectly captures the nuance of Mumbai in different era. I also loved the chapters titled under different colors which also played an important role in past Zainab’s life and each chapter opened with song lyrics and snippets.
It’s clear from the beginning both Zainabs are related. I was more interested to see how Zen is going to find that out and what happened to the past Zainab, if she found her happily ever after, how the current situation affects Zen, and if she too can hope to love- amid all the controversies, prejudice and judgments- that too from a boy whose father is extremely right-wing.
I loved both Zen in the present and Zainab in the past. The family dynamic of both Zainabs was equally interesting. I also loved how the author included other characters that both Zainabs meet in their everyday life.
The theme and layers were amazing. I love how the topic was realistic and moreover, I love reading it from Indian Muslim’s perspective. Even with all the serious topics and themes of the book, there are many lighthearted, positive and uplifting scenes.
Overall, Zen is beautiful, deep, well-written, and brilliant mix of historical fiction and contemporary that perfectly blends Mumbai’s history with its present.
November 25, 2023
The City, a Zen and every Citizen
Bombay, a teenage girl and what it means to be natives of India (diaspora included). Back-and-forth timelines, embroidered handkerchiefs and goofy-giraffe pajamas, blossoming courtship, suspenseful happenings (and music) from a bygone era, and a very interesting journal....potentially a complicated tale to tell. But it seemed so effortless, thanks to the romance woven into it all. Be it a recipe for lemon ice, written in a neat script from the 1930s or a poster for a school debate club in 2019, the fabulous descriptions will make you live the happenings and completely engross you. That for me, is the definition of a good story. An absolute cracker from Shabnam. Finished it in a day (no other way to possibly do it).
Bombay, a teenage girl and what it means to be natives of India (diaspora included). Back-and-forth timelines, embroidered handkerchiefs and goofy-giraffe pajamas, blossoming courtship, suspenseful happenings (and music) from a bygone era, and a very interesting journal....potentially a complicated tale to tell. But it seemed so effortless, thanks to the romance woven into it all. Be it a recipe for lemon ice, written in a neat script from the 1930s or a poster for a school debate club in 2019, the fabulous descriptions will make you live the happenings and completely engross you. That for me, is the definition of a good story. An absolute cracker from Shabnam. Finished it in a day (no other way to possibly do it).
June 29, 2023
"Zen" by Shabnam Minwalla is a captivating novel that effortlessly weaves together the lives of two women named Zainab, spanning across time in Mumbai, India. Through their stories, the author skillfully explores themes of independence, societal restrictions, and the evolution of India. The book beautifully captures the essence of Mumbai's history and presents a diverse cast of memorable characters. With its blend of grandeur and intimacy, the narrative delves into both love and hate, music and politics, creating a deeply personal and thought-provoking reading experience. I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking a compelling fiction read that offers a glimpse into India's past and present. The accompanying Spotify playlist, featuring the songs from the book, adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the overall experience.
June 29, 2024
Zainab Essaji and Zainab Currimji both live in Bombay, are overshadowed by a luminescent elder sister and live in times of change, but they couldn't be more different. The 19 year old Zainab of 1935 is engaged to be married to a man chosen by her family, but falls in love with another. Despite the many restrictions on her movement, she manages to not only have a clandestine relationship with him, but also to directly participate in the Freedom Movement. The 17 year old Zainab would be quite happy remaining invisible as long as she has her music, but her friend keeps drawing her into participating in the anti-CAA movement.
While the older Zainab is instantly attracted to a handsome man who she knows she can never have a future with, the romantic arc of the book has the younger one gradually developing feelings for a man who's ideology she and her family are opposed to. The two Zainabs are connected not just by blood, but by the neighbourhood they both reside in, the books that they flip through, an embroidered peacock with an incomplete tail, and even a saree they both wear at a memorable moment.
The characters are all spot on. Don't we all know someone like the object of the younger Zainab's affection- a pretentious NRI who has illusions about how smart he is but doesn't have the guts to stand up against his father when he is doing the wrong thing, who pretends to be above petty bigotry, but uses his perceived entitlement to pass his father's opinions off as his own. Even the minor characters were well rounded and I loved seeing the interaction between the various members of the younger Zainab's family.
Though we meet them only through the journal entries of the older Zainab, I was drawn to both her sister and her sister-in-law. All three of them, individually and collectively, challenge the perceptions we have of women, particularly Muslim women, in the 1930s. Each had strong opinions and each got things done despite the odds.
While I can go on raving about the book, I'd recommend you read it the book for the beautifully etched characters, for the parallel storylines, for the multiple narrators (and narration styles), and because it might convince you to speak up when you should.
While the older Zainab is instantly attracted to a handsome man who she knows she can never have a future with, the romantic arc of the book has the younger one gradually developing feelings for a man who's ideology she and her family are opposed to. The two Zainabs are connected not just by blood, but by the neighbourhood they both reside in, the books that they flip through, an embroidered peacock with an incomplete tail, and even a saree they both wear at a memorable moment.
The characters are all spot on. Don't we all know someone like the object of the younger Zainab's affection- a pretentious NRI who has illusions about how smart he is but doesn't have the guts to stand up against his father when he is doing the wrong thing, who pretends to be above petty bigotry, but uses his perceived entitlement to pass his father's opinions off as his own. Even the minor characters were well rounded and I loved seeing the interaction between the various members of the younger Zainab's family.
Though we meet them only through the journal entries of the older Zainab, I was drawn to both her sister and her sister-in-law. All three of them, individually and collectively, challenge the perceptions we have of women, particularly Muslim women, in the 1930s. Each had strong opinions and each got things done despite the odds.
While I can go on raving about the book, I'd recommend you read it the book for the beautifully etched characters, for the parallel storylines, for the multiple narrators (and narration styles), and because it might convince you to speak up when you should.
October 12, 2025
What a beautiful, beautiful book! I love how the parallel timelines twist and turn and echo each other. I loved the politics, the music references, the romance — the perfect Indian YA novel. This also made me really wish I’d met my maternal grandmother and heard her stories!
July 18, 2024
Full review: https://harshiiiiireviews02.blogspot....
'Zen' by Shabnam Minwalla is a captivating novel against the enchanting backdrop of Mumbai. The story seamlessly switches between two eras, following the lives of Zainab Essaji in 1935 and Zainab 'Zen' Currimji in 2019. The way the author intertwines these two stories is truly mesmerizing. The present is narrated in the third person from Zen's perspective while the past is written in diary format by Zainab Essaji.
The book is a perfect blend of history and contemporary fiction. It includes elements of politics, history, mystery, grief, and romance.
'Zen' by Shabnam Minwalla is a captivating novel against the enchanting backdrop of Mumbai. The story seamlessly switches between two eras, following the lives of Zainab Essaji in 1935 and Zainab 'Zen' Currimji in 2019. The way the author intertwines these two stories is truly mesmerizing. The present is narrated in the third person from Zen's perspective while the past is written in diary format by Zainab Essaji.
The book is a perfect blend of history and contemporary fiction. It includes elements of politics, history, mystery, grief, and romance.
January 1, 2025
A page-turner in the true sense of the word. I read Zen breathlessly, at meals and in lull periods during work hours, devouring Zen Currimji and her ancestor Zainab's story. The narrative skips in between Zainab's diary account of her life in 1930s Bombay and Zen's helter-skelter existence in Mumbai, 2019, and the way the two stories are woven together is so satisfying. Both stories are set against vastly different political backdrops, but the two protagonists react to the events of the day in ways that are both similar and dissimilar.
November 18, 2024
Easily one of the finer reads of 2024.
Complex and straightforward, this young adult read is so much more than young adult. Mumbai's past, present, and current all come together. Nothing is tied up neatly in the end, but then neither is life. It ends on the perfect note, leaving you wanting more.
Complex and straightforward, this young adult read is so much more than young adult. Mumbai's past, present, and current all come together. Nothing is tied up neatly in the end, but then neither is life. It ends on the perfect note, leaving you wanting more.
July 11, 2023
Well, it's been a while that I read some YA fiction but I am happy that I decided to read Zen. Zainab Currimji in 2019 and her great grandmother Zainab Essaji in 1935 are the two nuanced protagonists of Zen. The author brings the two Zainabs together to weave the most magical novel written in two timelines. Two stories go in parallel without interfering with each other's pace or narrative. This multi-genre novel which gives the contemporary YA vibes doesn't fall short being an amazing historical fiction as well.
The novel is set in Mumbai and I absolutely got immersed in Minwalla's excellent descriptions of the city. The alleys and shops, people and buildings come alive in this novel to give a lasting impression. The stark truths of reality, societal expectations and heated arguments over religion could make this book mundane and pretentious but the author is an excellent storyteller. Although she doesn't shy away from stating the obvious, her writing never loses the much needed grace of an excellent piece of literature.
Despite having a serious topic this book doesn't stop being entertaining enough. It is the perfect tiramisu, if I consider the grimness of protests against the unjustified system forming the base of it, there's sweetness of romance to balance out the bitterness. Moreover the hopeful and dreamy thoughts of the teenagers, the Zainabs make up the rich fluffy cream.
I love the way each chapter opens with a song, blurb or quote, it reminded me of The Eighth Life, a very favourite book of mine.
In fact I have found this to be the most brave book written in recent time that too on sensitive issues like the CAA and how the media fails to produce the real scenario at times but gets busy in creating a sensation. Thank you @shabnamminwalla for writing in such light note on difficult topics like the bigotry of media and social networks for inflaming the psychology of the citizens and a dollop of Islamophobia.
And, yes there's a Spotify playlist to go with the book, do check that as well. It's good!
I recommend this wholeheartedly, not only to the younger readers but also the parents. At least this may work a little more to clear the murkiness looming over us at present.
Thank you @penguinin for sending this #reviewcopy
The novel is set in Mumbai and I absolutely got immersed in Minwalla's excellent descriptions of the city. The alleys and shops, people and buildings come alive in this novel to give a lasting impression. The stark truths of reality, societal expectations and heated arguments over religion could make this book mundane and pretentious but the author is an excellent storyteller. Although she doesn't shy away from stating the obvious, her writing never loses the much needed grace of an excellent piece of literature.
Despite having a serious topic this book doesn't stop being entertaining enough. It is the perfect tiramisu, if I consider the grimness of protests against the unjustified system forming the base of it, there's sweetness of romance to balance out the bitterness. Moreover the hopeful and dreamy thoughts of the teenagers, the Zainabs make up the rich fluffy cream.
I love the way each chapter opens with a song, blurb or quote, it reminded me of The Eighth Life, a very favourite book of mine.
In fact I have found this to be the most brave book written in recent time that too on sensitive issues like the CAA and how the media fails to produce the real scenario at times but gets busy in creating a sensation. Thank you @shabnamminwalla for writing in such light note on difficult topics like the bigotry of media and social networks for inflaming the psychology of the citizens and a dollop of Islamophobia.
And, yes there's a Spotify playlist to go with the book, do check that as well. It's good!
I recommend this wholeheartedly, not only to the younger readers but also the parents. At least this may work a little more to clear the murkiness looming over us at present.
Thank you @penguinin for sending this #reviewcopy
July 19, 2023
Zen" by Shabnam Minwalla is a captivating novel that seamlessly weaves together the lives of two protagonists from different timelines, Zainab Currimji and her great-grandmother Zainab Essaji. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Mumbai, this book takes readers on a delightful journey filled with vivid descriptions, thought-provoking societal commentary, and heartfelt storytelling.
One of the standout features of the book is the author's ability to paint a vivid and immersive picture through her descriptions. Whether it's the colorful details of Yash's rust kurta or Zainab's watermelon-red Kohlapuri slippers, the reader is transported into the scenes with every sensory detail brought to life. The vivid descriptions extend beyond fashion to encompass the city itself, capturing the essence of Mumbai with its bustling shops, iconic buildings, and diverse people.
The parallel narratives of Zainab Currimji and Zainab Essaji add depth and intrigue to the story. The author skillfully interweaves their stories, allowing them to unfold side by side without interference. This dual timeline approach provides a rich tapestry of family history and personal growth, creating a sense of connection and understanding between generations.
Furthermore, "Zen" offers more than just a captivating storyline. It delves into the sociopolitical fabric of Mumbai, tackling themes of societal expectations, heated religious arguments, and thought-provoking commentary on the complexities of the society. The book serves as a mirror to the cultural landscape of the city, offering insightful observations and inviting readers to reflect on their own perspectives.
The author's writing style is engaging and entertaining, making the reading experience thoroughly enjoyable. Each page is infused with energy and authenticity, ensuring that readers stay engrossed in the story from start to finish.
All-in-all, "Zen" is a beautifully written novel that transports readers to the vibrant streets of Mumbai while exploring the lives of two remarkable women. With its vivid descriptions, thought-provoking themes, and captivating storytelling, the book is a must-read for those who seek an immersive and enriching literary experience.
One of the standout features of the book is the author's ability to paint a vivid and immersive picture through her descriptions. Whether it's the colorful details of Yash's rust kurta or Zainab's watermelon-red Kohlapuri slippers, the reader is transported into the scenes with every sensory detail brought to life. The vivid descriptions extend beyond fashion to encompass the city itself, capturing the essence of Mumbai with its bustling shops, iconic buildings, and diverse people.
The parallel narratives of Zainab Currimji and Zainab Essaji add depth and intrigue to the story. The author skillfully interweaves their stories, allowing them to unfold side by side without interference. This dual timeline approach provides a rich tapestry of family history and personal growth, creating a sense of connection and understanding between generations.
Furthermore, "Zen" offers more than just a captivating storyline. It delves into the sociopolitical fabric of Mumbai, tackling themes of societal expectations, heated religious arguments, and thought-provoking commentary on the complexities of the society. The book serves as a mirror to the cultural landscape of the city, offering insightful observations and inviting readers to reflect on their own perspectives.
The author's writing style is engaging and entertaining, making the reading experience thoroughly enjoyable. Each page is infused with energy and authenticity, ensuring that readers stay engrossed in the story from start to finish.
All-in-all, "Zen" is a beautifully written novel that transports readers to the vibrant streets of Mumbai while exploring the lives of two remarkable women. With its vivid descriptions, thought-provoking themes, and captivating storytelling, the book is a must-read for those who seek an immersive and enriching literary experience.
August 12, 2023
The exquisitely written book "Zen" by Shabnam Minwalla takes readers on an engrossing voyage of self-discovery in the busy city of Mumbai. The book is a captivating experience that has a lasting impression on the reader with its expert blending of mystery, self-reflection, and imaginative storytelling.
Zen, a twelve-year-old girl who is passionate and inquisitive and finds herself in the middle of an exciting adventure, is the main character of the novel. Zen experiences a terrible sense of anxiety after learning that her father, a well-known investigator, has inexplicably vanished. Zen sets off on a mission to learn the truth, driven by an unshakeable desire and a firm conviction in her father's talents.
This book stands out because the author did a marvelous job of capturing the spirit of the city.Mumbai's bright and busy streets take on a life of their own as the author expertly captures the distinctive sights, sounds, and smells, enveloping readers in the rich tapestry of the city. By generating a sense of intimacy and connection, Minwalla transports her viewers by using evocative descriptions to let them experience the city alongside Zen.
Incorporating tension, humor, and reflection with ease, the author's writing is fluid and captivating. Her writing has a smooth flow that makes reading enjoyable from beginning to end. The layers of the mystery are revealed in each chapter, which also explores Zen's development as a person and emotional maturity. Readers are left wanting more.
In conclusion, "Zen" is a literary gem that skillfully infuses mystery, introspection, and the liveliness of Mumbai's backdrop. Shabnam Minwalla's ability to capture the essence of her characters and their surroundings elevates this novel to a level of brilliance that will stay with readers long after the final page has been turned.
Zen, a twelve-year-old girl who is passionate and inquisitive and finds herself in the middle of an exciting adventure, is the main character of the novel. Zen experiences a terrible sense of anxiety after learning that her father, a well-known investigator, has inexplicably vanished. Zen sets off on a mission to learn the truth, driven by an unshakeable desire and a firm conviction in her father's talents.
This book stands out because the author did a marvelous job of capturing the spirit of the city.Mumbai's bright and busy streets take on a life of their own as the author expertly captures the distinctive sights, sounds, and smells, enveloping readers in the rich tapestry of the city. By generating a sense of intimacy and connection, Minwalla transports her viewers by using evocative descriptions to let them experience the city alongside Zen.
Incorporating tension, humor, and reflection with ease, the author's writing is fluid and captivating. Her writing has a smooth flow that makes reading enjoyable from beginning to end. The layers of the mystery are revealed in each chapter, which also explores Zen's development as a person and emotional maturity. Readers are left wanting more.
In conclusion, "Zen" is a literary gem that skillfully infuses mystery, introspection, and the liveliness of Mumbai's backdrop. Shabnam Minwalla's ability to capture the essence of her characters and their surroundings elevates this novel to a level of brilliance that will stay with readers long after the final page has been turned.
June 4, 2025
Shabnam Minwalla has long been one of my favourite authors. From Murder at Daisy Apartments to The Body in the Swimming Pool, her books perfectly blend mystery, wit, and warmth. But Zen is on a whole new level. It is bold, layered, and utterly unforgettable.
Zen tells two stories: one set in 2019 with the feisty and sharp Zainab Currimji (aka Zen), and another in 1935 featuring the equally fiery and rebellious Zainab Essaji. Nearly a century apart, both ask the same big questions: Who am I? What do I believe in? And what’s worth
fighting for?
Zen is messy, fierce, and real. She makes mistakes, falls in love, and keeps fighting for her beliefs, even when laws and rules threaten her. Zainab Essaji’s story is equally impactful. It is filled with quirky habits, mysterious love, and secrets that must remain hidden.
I am usually the kind of reader whose favourite character is always the main one. But this book had me falling in love with the entire cast — from Zen’s charming Yash to Zainab’s
mysteriously tender K, and supportive Abha, sharp Menka, Natasha, Indranil, and even Tejal!
Minwalla’s writing bursts with energy, emotion, and plot twists that leave you gasping with goosebumps. Her style is pure magic — hilarious one moment, heartbreakingly tender the
next. The chapters are titled so creatively and introduced with lyrics that make you want to underline every line.
Zen reminded me that no one is all good or all bad. We are all gloriously grey.
If you have not read Zen yet, I envy you. You are in for an incredible experience of secrets, butterflies-in-the-
stomach romance, and self-discovery. Start reading now!
Zen tells two stories: one set in 2019 with the feisty and sharp Zainab Currimji (aka Zen), and another in 1935 featuring the equally fiery and rebellious Zainab Essaji. Nearly a century apart, both ask the same big questions: Who am I? What do I believe in? And what’s worth
fighting for?
Zen is messy, fierce, and real. She makes mistakes, falls in love, and keeps fighting for her beliefs, even when laws and rules threaten her. Zainab Essaji’s story is equally impactful. It is filled with quirky habits, mysterious love, and secrets that must remain hidden.
I am usually the kind of reader whose favourite character is always the main one. But this book had me falling in love with the entire cast — from Zen’s charming Yash to Zainab’s
mysteriously tender K, and supportive Abha, sharp Menka, Natasha, Indranil, and even Tejal!
Minwalla’s writing bursts with energy, emotion, and plot twists that leave you gasping with goosebumps. Her style is pure magic — hilarious one moment, heartbreakingly tender the
next. The chapters are titled so creatively and introduced with lyrics that make you want to underline every line.
Zen reminded me that no one is all good or all bad. We are all gloriously grey.
If you have not read Zen yet, I envy you. You are in for an incredible experience of secrets, butterflies-in-the-
stomach romance, and self-discovery. Start reading now!
February 26, 2025
This is a book meant for young adults. So it has a young adult romance with all its doubts and insecurities, a young adult's fire and brimstone about things that they are passionate about and a young adult's explanation of complex issues. It's an easy read - well-written and engaging. I was very interested in the brief snatches of the history of Mumbai that are given and wished there was more of that. Also, the beginnings of the Indian freedom struggle are all happening on the sidelines of the story. Both our heroines - the past Zainab and the present Zen are feisty and unsure. They want to break out of their moulds and yet... I would have liked to know a little more about the husband who in the early 20th century seems to have accepted a woman with a past. He deserved a bit more of a storyline, methinks!
June 26, 2024
A feel good book about teenage romance, while also dabbling into heavyset topics like freedom struggle, minority rights, female empowerment etc. The minor ick however is that this dabbling is superficial at times, seemingly to ruffle all the right feathers. But then again, the juxtaposition of light hearted adolescent frolics with much larger political questions may find an ill fit to start with.
The characters are flat and therefore you sometime relate to their simplistic struggles and get frustrated at times. However, the experimentation with narrative styles across traditional 3rd person narrative to diaries, newspaper reports, even text messages and a ghost recounting her dark deeds are the most appreciable.
A fun, light read. Don’t expect anything too serious or revelatory.
The characters are flat and therefore you sometime relate to their simplistic struggles and get frustrated at times. However, the experimentation with narrative styles across traditional 3rd person narrative to diaries, newspaper reports, even text messages and a ghost recounting her dark deeds are the most appreciable.
A fun, light read. Don’t expect anything too serious or revelatory.
October 23, 2023
A delightful book that deftly switches between 1935 and 2019, about two girls of different eras who are decisive and firm in their beliefs, living with a love for books in the best part of Mumbai. This is also one of the rare 'Colaba Novels' where the entire action takes place within colaba and does not center on drug dealings or nefarious characters (although nefarious characters of a different sort exist). A great read for anyone who is fond of Mumbai, and also of writing that holds a much needed mirror to the times we live in.
February 18, 2025
DNF - three stars because I think teens will like it, but I found it overly long and the writing style was too full of dropping names, pop culture references in an attempt to connect with the audience (clearly not me).
May 28, 2023
An absolutely brilliant book that blends Mumbai's history with its present. One of my favourite books and a must-read for everyone. Beautiful writing and a creative structure kept me hooked.
October 31, 2023
Abandoned. Well written but I’m not the right TG.
October 18, 2025
nice book, didnt like the keshav and zen storyline tho
October 23, 2025
terribly childish writing and storytelling..there was so much potential in the blurb
March 30, 2025
Cute but privileged story
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