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Soldier and Spice - An Army Wife's Life
A hilarious, heart-warming and one-of-it's-kind story of a complete-civilian-turned-Army Wife. This story takes you behind the closed and guarded gates of a military station, giving you a fat-piece of the grand and mysterious life of the Indian Army Wifes.
“An Army wife is probably the only woman in the world who
knows and readily accepts that she is the mistress, because, let’s
face it, the Army is the wife and the wife gets all the damn
attention!”
Pia is a regular, civilian girl with no connection to Army whatsoever.
Then she marries Arjun, an Indian Army Officer.
For Pia, regular life is a thing of the past. She is now an Army wife. From ‘just Pia’ to an Aunty, a memsaab and – her favorite words in the whole wide world – Mrs Pia Arjun Mehra.
At twenty six, Pia finds herself having to suddenly be more ‘lady-like’; focus on themed ladies’ meets, high teas and welfare functions; and deal with long (unexpected) separations from her husband, extraordinary challenges, a little heartache, and, well, growing up.
In the mysterious and grand world of Army wives, Pia learns that walking in high heels is okay as long as you don’t trip on combat boots. She learns that ‘civil’ is also a noun, that JCO and GOC are (very!) different, that snacks are ‘shown’ and WTF is better explained as Whiskey Tango Foxtrot. Yes, it really is a new world!
Let this quirky, hilarious story of the first year of Pia’s Army-wife life show you that the spice to a soldier’s life is most definitely his better, very strong, bloody extremely elegant, never-cussing, witty, warm and passionate half, his Army wife.
“An Army wife is probably the only woman in the world who
knows and readily accepts that she is the mistress, because, let’s
face it, the Army is the wife and the wife gets all the damn
attention!”
Pia is a regular, civilian girl with no connection to Army whatsoever.
Then she marries Arjun, an Indian Army Officer.
For Pia, regular life is a thing of the past. She is now an Army wife. From ‘just Pia’ to an Aunty, a memsaab and – her favorite words in the whole wide world – Mrs Pia Arjun Mehra.
At twenty six, Pia finds herself having to suddenly be more ‘lady-like’; focus on themed ladies’ meets, high teas and welfare functions; and deal with long (unexpected) separations from her husband, extraordinary challenges, a little heartache, and, well, growing up.
In the mysterious and grand world of Army wives, Pia learns that walking in high heels is okay as long as you don’t trip on combat boots. She learns that ‘civil’ is also a noun, that JCO and GOC are (very!) different, that snacks are ‘shown’ and WTF is better explained as Whiskey Tango Foxtrot. Yes, it really is a new world!
Let this quirky, hilarious story of the first year of Pia’s Army-wife life show you that the spice to a soldier’s life is most definitely his better, very strong, bloody extremely elegant, never-cussing, witty, warm and passionate half, his Army wife.
264 pages, Paperback
First published August 15, 2013
31 people are currently reading
494 people want to read
About the author
Aditi Mathur Kumar
6 books81 followersAditi Mathur Kumar is an author, a writer, and an obsessive reader. Outside of reading and writing books, she works full-time at an advertising agency with some of the most exciting brands. She is an Army Wife, a mother, TEDx Speaker, and overall curious. Her first book, "Soldier & Spice: An Army Wife's Life", is a hilarious story of a civilian girl married to an Indian Army Officer. The book deals with the grand and mysterious lives of the stunning Army Wives and will make you laugh and cry. Her second book "Love, Whatever That Means" is a romance read that will delight you with its relatable protagonist and the swoon-worthy Army Officer love interest.
Aditi's third book is a poetry collection titled "This Heartbreak" which she self-published in the middle of the pandemic, in May 2020.
Her latest book "Operation Payback" is a thrilling and action-packed story about a War Widow who joins the Army herself. Published by Penguin in Aug 2023, the book will make you smile, cry, grieve, and feel immense pride.
You can find Aditi on Twitter & Instagram: @adicrazy
Her Blog: aditimathurkumar.in
Happy reading!
Aditi's third book is a poetry collection titled "This Heartbreak" which she self-published in the middle of the pandemic, in May 2020.
Her latest book "Operation Payback" is a thrilling and action-packed story about a War Widow who joins the Army herself. Published by Penguin in Aug 2023, the book will make you smile, cry, grieve, and feel immense pride.
You can find Aditi on Twitter & Instagram: @adicrazy
Her Blog: aditimathurkumar.in
Happy reading!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
July 18, 2014
It’s always interesting to know about army life. This time even more because it was from an outsider’s perspective who was trying to get familiar with it. ‘Soldier and Spice’ is witty, amusing and emotional in parts. I think women would enjoy it more than men might do. A fun and quick read recommended while travelling or over a lazy weekend, may be.
October 3, 2017
The author has touched upon a lot of aspects of army life, as an army wife one can totally relate to most of the incidences. It brings about fond memories of the initial days of being an army life and the lady starts her journey being an army wife.
October 3, 2013
I'l give it a 4.5 stars, actually.
http://sankshvet.blogspot.in/2013/10/...
http://sankshvet.blogspot.in/2013/10/...
January 11, 2018
Soldier and Spice is a funny, frothy and enjoyable book for anyone who wants a peek into the life of a regular Fauji wife and anyone who wants to just sit back and read for the joy of it.
Full review: https://varunbhakay.wordpress.com/201...
Full review: https://varunbhakay.wordpress.com/201...
January 13, 2014
I had no expectations whatsoever before I started Soldier & Spice. I thought it would be a nice read. I so did not expect myself to enjoy it as much as I did. Soldier & Spice was an amazing read. The topic was how a civilian girl becomes an Army wife and how her life changes. I'm pretty clueless where the Indian Army is concerned but I loved it.
Pia is our protagonist. It has been a month since she married the love of her life, Arjun. Arjun is in the Indian Army so its obvious that now Pia has to live the life of an Army wife. I loved Pia. She was fun! It was so easy to relate to her. She was bubbly and outspoken and quirky. Confident as a modern woman but still she had her own awkward moments which made her that much more adorable.
I loved being inside Pia's head and discovering a whole new world living as an Army wife. She has to go through a ton of changes from just being Pia to Mrs. Pia Arjun Mehra. We get to see her wobbling through etiquette classes and various high teas. The Army is made up of hierarchy and it demands discipline even where the wives are concerned.
Another thing I loved about Pia was her relationship with her husband Arjun. Arjun was a typical male not even attempting to guess what goes on Pia's head. He loved his wife to pieces but he still didn't get the mysterious workings of the female brain. Pia and Arjun's bond was full of love, playfulness and passion. They made a great couple who stood by each other through thick and thin.
Sarika and I have had the pleasure to meet Aditi. She is a wonderful a person and her personality shines through her writing. For a debut author, the book was so well written. Soldier & Spice made me laugh out loud several times. The book left me with a content smile on my face after finishing it. I would recommend Soldier & Spice to everyone.
*Note: A copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. We thank them.
Find more of my reviews at The Readdicts- http://thereaddicts.blogspot.in/
Pia is our protagonist. It has been a month since she married the love of her life, Arjun. Arjun is in the Indian Army so its obvious that now Pia has to live the life of an Army wife. I loved Pia. She was fun! It was so easy to relate to her. She was bubbly and outspoken and quirky. Confident as a modern woman but still she had her own awkward moments which made her that much more adorable.
I loved being inside Pia's head and discovering a whole new world living as an Army wife. She has to go through a ton of changes from just being Pia to Mrs. Pia Arjun Mehra. We get to see her wobbling through etiquette classes and various high teas. The Army is made up of hierarchy and it demands discipline even where the wives are concerned.
Another thing I loved about Pia was her relationship with her husband Arjun. Arjun was a typical male not even attempting to guess what goes on Pia's head. He loved his wife to pieces but he still didn't get the mysterious workings of the female brain. Pia and Arjun's bond was full of love, playfulness and passion. They made a great couple who stood by each other through thick and thin.
Sarika and I have had the pleasure to meet Aditi. She is a wonderful a person and her personality shines through her writing. For a debut author, the book was so well written. Soldier & Spice made me laugh out loud several times. The book left me with a content smile on my face after finishing it. I would recommend Soldier & Spice to everyone.
*Note: A copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. We thank them.
Find more of my reviews at The Readdicts- http://thereaddicts.blogspot.in/
July 6, 2015
Looking for the perfect book for a rainy afternoon or that long 18 hour flight? Look no further! Pick up ‘Soldier and Spice – An Army wife’s life’ authored by Aditi. Published in 2013 by Westland Ltd., this 253 pages book is a fun read almost till the end.
The author herself is an Army wife and a prolific blogger who blogs at http://www.aditimathurkumar.com/ is very popular for her style of writing on the virtual world too and has been voted as one of the funniest Indian blogs for 2015. You can find her tweeting with the handle @adicrazy.
The book deals with the travails of a young urban girl planted in the catty jungle of Armed Forces where the wives have to be regimented too. They have to follow all the rules of rank that the Army officers follow, hence the wife of a junior officer has to treat the wives of senior officers like royalty failing which they would be humiliated in the ‘Ladies Meets’ that are held regularly. Aditi has handled all the situations in the book with great finesse and humour. It is only when one starts ruminating on what one has read that makes one wonder – whither gender equality! And now with the induction of Lady officers I wonder how their spouses deal with these situations? Do they become househusbands at the stations where their spouses are posted or live separately?
Overall a fun book that is a light read and you wont have a regret having bought it!
The author herself is an Army wife and a prolific blogger who blogs at http://www.aditimathurkumar.com/ is very popular for her style of writing on the virtual world too and has been voted as one of the funniest Indian blogs for 2015. You can find her tweeting with the handle @adicrazy.
The book deals with the travails of a young urban girl planted in the catty jungle of Armed Forces where the wives have to be regimented too. They have to follow all the rules of rank that the Army officers follow, hence the wife of a junior officer has to treat the wives of senior officers like royalty failing which they would be humiliated in the ‘Ladies Meets’ that are held regularly. Aditi has handled all the situations in the book with great finesse and humour. It is only when one starts ruminating on what one has read that makes one wonder – whither gender equality! And now with the induction of Lady officers I wonder how their spouses deal with these situations? Do they become househusbands at the stations where their spouses are posted or live separately?
Overall a fun book that is a light read and you wont have a regret having bought it!
September 24, 2013
young, fresh, romantic, funny, entertaining and above all very relatable and easy read!
In short, the kind of book you would any day love to read on a journey, or when sitting idle or when cooking :P The easy read and simple way of writing makes it the easiest book of all. The amazing character Pia, who I am sure you would fall in love with, is just like us. A normal funny girl whose life changes drastically after her marriage. There is drama (good amount of it in a good way :-P), romance, some very soul stirring sad moments and loads of fun parts! How a normal Civil girl manages her way through "Army memsaab life" so many ladies meet and few etiquette sessions! Believe me, its the fun novel around! One that would not adorn your book shelves but keep coming out of it, coz' you are never going be bored of Pia :)and find new facets of her!
In short, the kind of book you would any day love to read on a journey, or when sitting idle or when cooking :P The easy read and simple way of writing makes it the easiest book of all. The amazing character Pia, who I am sure you would fall in love with, is just like us. A normal funny girl whose life changes drastically after her marriage. There is drama (good amount of it in a good way :-P), romance, some very soul stirring sad moments and loads of fun parts! How a normal Civil girl manages her way through "Army memsaab life" so many ladies meet and few etiquette sessions! Believe me, its the fun novel around! One that would not adorn your book shelves but keep coming out of it, coz' you are never going be bored of Pia :)and find new facets of her!
April 28, 2016
N Soldier and Spice by A Aditi Mathur Kumar is one of the best Indian Chicklits I have read. There are enough girly discussions around nails and clothes and hair colour to keep you interested but not go overboard! But that is not all that there is. There is plenty of serious stuff too. As a civilian, one gets a real insight into what it means to be an Army Wife. The central character Pia is just adorable!! You can not help wish for a BFF like her. One actually sees her grow in the book as she faces situations that test her. Throughout all of this she does not lose her positivity... Do pick it up for some girly fun!
August 31, 2013
Witty, entertaining, fun.. Kudos to the author, Aditi
Got my copy last evening n already finished reading it... Couldn't keep it down once i started it.. It witty, entertaining , fun... Loved the easy-on-you style of writing... And it was engrossing all thru.. And writing is crisp... Doesn't drag... Insightful on army life for a "civilian" like me, without being preachy at anytime...... Kudos to the author for i credible job on her first novel... Please write more often... "Memsaab, take a blow"
Got my copy last evening n already finished reading it... Couldn't keep it down once i started it.. It witty, entertaining , fun... Loved the easy-on-you style of writing... And it was engrossing all thru.. And writing is crisp... Doesn't drag... Insightful on army life for a "civilian" like me, without being preachy at anytime...... Kudos to the author for i credible job on her first novel... Please write more often... "Memsaab, take a blow"
June 22, 2017
Ever since I became an army wife, this book had been in my 'want to read' list. now I just read it. the central character is so funny and someone I can relate with. the incidents, gossips, events, stories... everything is so beautifully narrated. this is a must read for an army wife.... I loved the writing style and the flow of events... I think this story is one that every army wife can easily relate to. this story is not about the adventurous life of a soldier.... this story is about the glits glamour and tears tensions of an army wife.... just enjoyed it in a day....
January 11, 2014
A beautiful read for those days when you want to learn about humor,emotions and a subtle story of rising beyond all the odds. A book well spun in an Military backdrop describing the life from the Better half's point of view.Her patience & Struggle. After all its not always Bullets & cannon in the Military. Let's taste the Spice in it. Good read
- Froggy
- Froggy
March 15, 2014
Inspite of being a civilian, I could relate to the book really well, maybe because of the correct expression of emotions. The book is narrated in present continuous tense, sometimes making the narration complex. I liked various quotes mentioned in the book, related to Army and Army wives. And the way Army wives have been portrayed throughout is just commendable. All in all, a good read.
January 10, 2014
A light, witty, funny book that gives a great "first timer" insight to army life for a civilian.... and vice versa too, perhaps. A brilliant first effort, Aditi - I'm already looking forward to your next.
June 4, 2014
A light book about the life of an army wife, the rules she has to follow, the bitching, parties, coffee meets. The story of Pia who being a civilian has to take up the post of an army officer wife and live to the expectations of it.
October 7, 2016
I loved it. Just as much is expected from the first year of an army wife's life but put together very well. It was hilarious and reminded me of my first year as an army wife. I recommend it to everyone
June 14, 2015
Fun read!
January 22, 2015
A light, enjoyable read about the life of an army wife in India.
April 25, 2015
a chick lit but not a fluffy one , very well written, keeps you engrossed till you finish.
May 7, 2015
In the words of Nimue... "I have laughed insanely while reading this book and would be eagerly awaiting her next book."
http://www.a-lotofpages.com/2015/04/s...
http://www.a-lotofpages.com/2015/04/s...
May 25, 2023
I am quite inquisitive when it comes towards the life that an Army personnel in general live. I have an inclination to it and I search good books which could give a sneak peak into their lives. It is then I found about the author and this beautiful book written by her. I loved every word on every page of the book.
The best fiction book is the one which let's you get into your favorite character and let's you travel through the story all by yourself. When you finish reading you come out living another life which otherwise you wouldn't have. That's exactly how this book made me feel. You will like getting inside the head of the main character Pia. You will enjoy, laugh and get an insight on how different is the life of the new brides in the Army community.
I very much liked the plot where the hero is the wife and that doesn't mean she is perfect. It cleanly showcases how one needs to adjust, manage, understand and learn to get into the circle which you are going to be part of your entire life.
It's not the beaming romance between the officer and the wife which, in general public at large is fond of. Both have their Individual roles and responsibilities and it is indeed a struggle to be the right one to fit in. And, just when you break the code, you get the transfer. You begin again!
That's what their life is all about. Its not all play, but yes whole lot of an adventure. It's not easy to live a life where you know that a separation can be your constant partner any moment.
I am cutting a half star for the ending. I believe, it could have been little more better.
The best fiction book is the one which let's you get into your favorite character and let's you travel through the story all by yourself. When you finish reading you come out living another life which otherwise you wouldn't have. That's exactly how this book made me feel. You will like getting inside the head of the main character Pia. You will enjoy, laugh and get an insight on how different is the life of the new brides in the Army community.
I very much liked the plot where the hero is the wife and that doesn't mean she is perfect. It cleanly showcases how one needs to adjust, manage, understand and learn to get into the circle which you are going to be part of your entire life.
It's not the beaming romance between the officer and the wife which, in general public at large is fond of. Both have their Individual roles and responsibilities and it is indeed a struggle to be the right one to fit in. And, just when you break the code, you get the transfer. You begin again!
That's what their life is all about. Its not all play, but yes whole lot of an adventure. It's not easy to live a life where you know that a separation can be your constant partner any moment.
I am cutting a half star for the ending. I believe, it could have been little more better.
September 1, 2020
Aditi Mathur Kumar’s “Soldier and Spice – An Army Wife’s Life” is the light-hearted read for all those book lovers who seek some laughter, a sweet little story and a whole lot of insight into an Army wife’s life.
My ratings: 4 / 5
How many of us actually know what a life of an army wife looks like? Is it as common as average Indian household? What are the perks? What are pros and what are the cons? How much of a fun it is and how emotionally draining it can be at times?
Answering all of these above questions is Soldier and Spice. Oh! There is also a sweet, ordinary but total cute love story between the lines!
What I loved about this book is, the author handles all the pros and cons of having an Army Husband perfectly. At times you can relate it and at times you can only wish it got better for the characters. It gives you beautiful insight into the happiness, the turmoil and all the jugaad the newly wed Army Wife has to go through!
A one time read at it’s best unless you are completely hypnotized by the story (like me) you can read it multiple times as you like! It cannot get boring!
I wish there are plenty of books like this that feature Army men, their life, their struggles so that we people, who often take their sacrifices for granted, be reminded of what an honourable life it is!
My ratings: 4 / 5
How many of us actually know what a life of an army wife looks like? Is it as common as average Indian household? What are the perks? What are pros and what are the cons? How much of a fun it is and how emotionally draining it can be at times?
Answering all of these above questions is Soldier and Spice. Oh! There is also a sweet, ordinary but total cute love story between the lines!
What I loved about this book is, the author handles all the pros and cons of having an Army Husband perfectly. At times you can relate it and at times you can only wish it got better for the characters. It gives you beautiful insight into the happiness, the turmoil and all the jugaad the newly wed Army Wife has to go through!
A one time read at it’s best unless you are completely hypnotized by the story (like me) you can read it multiple times as you like! It cannot get boring!
I wish there are plenty of books like this that feature Army men, their life, their struggles so that we people, who often take their sacrifices for granted, be reminded of what an honourable life it is!
October 16, 2020
'Soldier and Spice' is a story of Pia. From 'just Pia' to an Army wife to a Aunty, a memsaab and her favorite words in the whole wide world Mrs. Pia Arjun Mehra. At twenty six, Pia suddenly become more 'lady-like', focus on themed ladies meets, high teas and welfare functions and deal with long unexpected separations from her husband, from extraordinary challenges to little heartache and growing up. In the mysterious and grand world of Army wives, Pia learns that walking in high heels is okay as long as you don't trip on combat boots. She learns that 'civil' is also a noun, that JCO and GOC are very different, that snacks are 'shown' and WTF means Whiskey Tango Foxtrot. It really is a new world. The quirky and hilarious story of the first year of Pia's Army wife life show you that the spice to a soldier's life is most definitely is better, very strong, extremely elegant, never-cussing, witty, warm and passionate
November 8, 2022
A very well written book by an army wife, brought back memories of our own days in the army.
Pia, from a completely civilian background, marries a young artillery captain and finds herself alone in the cantonment at Pathankot, trying to learn the army lingo, customs and the social life. She makes a number of friends and a couple of critical enemies. The rules and etiquettes are overwhelming at first but Pia learns the ropes.
The writing is fun, Aditi Mathur has a great sense of humour and expression which made this a light and fast reading experience. Though fiction, various real incidents have been patched up to make it look like the real life of a young army couple. Also nice to have a positive filmy ending. Hope this happened in real life also.
Pia, from a completely civilian background, marries a young artillery captain and finds herself alone in the cantonment at Pathankot, trying to learn the army lingo, customs and the social life. She makes a number of friends and a couple of critical enemies. The rules and etiquettes are overwhelming at first but Pia learns the ropes.
The writing is fun, Aditi Mathur has a great sense of humour and expression which made this a light and fast reading experience. Though fiction, various real incidents have been patched up to make it look like the real life of a young army couple. Also nice to have a positive filmy ending. Hope this happened in real life also.
November 12, 2022
It's one of the best book i have read so far and exact sneak peek of what you will find as a wide of army officer, so true it was and all the events recounted in the book reminds me of my mom s experience in army life at times when my parents were stationed at various locations.😃😀 This book is soooo good ...superr good to read and reminisce the good ole army days
February 27, 2020
Simply put, the novel is an entertainer and is a simple read for those who want to peep into the life of army wives.
April 24, 2020
Book is recommended to those who want to know how about normal army wife’s life...
Enjoyed...
Enjoyed...
August 8, 2020
Beautifully written book that gives an in-depth view into an Indian Army wife's life.
July 11, 2024
The author did a really great work.
June 26, 2020
Loved the raw emotions and situations shared within few chapters. The book really walks you through the very first year of being an “army wife.” Kudos to the author and a must read for military wives! ❤️
February 19, 2015
As a fellow army wife I had picked up the book with a lot expectations and overall Aditi’s book does not disappoint. She has touched upon all the relevant and at times controversial topics that affect the life of an army wife. Glossed over them actually but this was a love story first and an army story second. The gossip and conflicts like this happen in every group of friends, ladies kitty clubs or even in office politics. She has meshed them very well into the story that might as well have been a love story.
I must say she has handled the Army incidents with the finesse of an accomplished army wife. That said to make the book more about the Army wife and the army that makes her stand apart from wives I felt she needed to delve in greater detail into the lives of the army wives.
The challenges they faced the issues that hinder their progress or the dilemmas confronted by them. The long periods of separation, the isolation due to connectivity issues, lack of socialisation and lack to access to basic amenities. Independent managing of family and house in far off isolated places and not in an independent bustling cantonment like Pathankot. What do the ladies do when the war and insurgency really hits home.
The book reads very smoothly and I wished to know more and more about the life of Pia and her handsome hubby. The characters are very likeable and even the weird and silly ones too feel like someone you have met.
I felt at times that I was reading the diary of a new house wife and not an army wife. It was only with the generous sprinkling of sentences like “Sitting on my MES sofa” that made my eyes roll and reminded me that I too was sitting on my MES sofa while reading it. Come on! It is just like any other regular sofa; not luxurious but functional. Much like most things in army.
Aditi Mathur Kumar’s book Soldier and Spice An Army Wife’s Tale is just that - a tale. Yes the army wife happens to be incidental in the book. It might as well have read as ‘a wife’s tale of love, faith and resilience’. She does manage to highlight the strength of an Army Wife.
Pick up a copy today to get a candid insight into the army life from the eyes of the younger generation.
I must say she has handled the Army incidents with the finesse of an accomplished army wife. That said to make the book more about the Army wife and the army that makes her stand apart from wives I felt she needed to delve in greater detail into the lives of the army wives.
The challenges they faced the issues that hinder their progress or the dilemmas confronted by them. The long periods of separation, the isolation due to connectivity issues, lack of socialisation and lack to access to basic amenities. Independent managing of family and house in far off isolated places and not in an independent bustling cantonment like Pathankot. What do the ladies do when the war and insurgency really hits home.
The book reads very smoothly and I wished to know more and more about the life of Pia and her handsome hubby. The characters are very likeable and even the weird and silly ones too feel like someone you have met.
I felt at times that I was reading the diary of a new house wife and not an army wife. It was only with the generous sprinkling of sentences like “Sitting on my MES sofa” that made my eyes roll and reminded me that I too was sitting on my MES sofa while reading it. Come on! It is just like any other regular sofa; not luxurious but functional. Much like most things in army.
Aditi Mathur Kumar’s book Soldier and Spice An Army Wife’s Tale is just that - a tale. Yes the army wife happens to be incidental in the book. It might as well have read as ‘a wife’s tale of love, faith and resilience’. She does manage to highlight the strength of an Army Wife.
Pick up a copy today to get a candid insight into the army life from the eyes of the younger generation.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews