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Welcome to Paradise
Rich narratives that explore the depth of loneliness, heartbreak and deception. Huma’s divided family – Team Cemetery and Team Crematorium – clash hilariously over matters involving pigs and penises as they decide what to do with Amma’s body. Madhura Desai writes an email to the chief justice of India, urging him to choose a ‘nice cut-off age’ to die, sending shockwaves across the nation. Along the shores of Satpati, Nusrat grapples with the loss of her son, and her voice. And Amita tells her husband about her breast implants but not about Bua, Bangalore and beautiful men.Perfectly observed, shot through with light and shadow and wry humour, Welcome to Paradise confirms Khanna’s reputation as one of our most masterful storytellers.
135 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 23, 2023
112 people are currently reading
512 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
December 4, 2023
I had never read anything by Twinkle Khanna until Welcome to Paradise. Having watched her interviews, I always knew that she had a sharp wit and a fantastic humour laced with sarcasm. In Welcome to Paradise, you do see her quirky writing style peppered with clever and humourous dialogues but there’s also an amount of seriousness to her characters. She has undoubtedly balanced it well.
Welcome to Paradise has five different stories that explores human nature and their relationships with those around them. In one story, we see a daughter coming to terms with her mother’s death all the while trying to get hold of her brother. There’s a past of addiction, violence and general disagreements. In the next, a mother struggles with her son’s untimely death. But my favourite of all was that of an octogenarian who writes a letter to the govt asking them to approve her request to end her life because there’s not much left for her to see. The stories are simply written but they carry an undercurrent of sadness.
The famous wit of the author pops up now and then but this book is ultimately a serious one. Handling topics like violence, death and infidelity, she manages to talk about complex human relationships. Her way of writing is very nuanced and breezy, making this a good one time read. You can finish it in two sittings over the weekend and it also works as something that can get you out of a slump. Although I did enjoy it, I wasn’t completely blown away. However, I will certainly read more by the author.
Thanks to the publisher for sharing the review copy.
Welcome to Paradise has five different stories that explores human nature and their relationships with those around them. In one story, we see a daughter coming to terms with her mother’s death all the while trying to get hold of her brother. There’s a past of addiction, violence and general disagreements. In the next, a mother struggles with her son’s untimely death. But my favourite of all was that of an octogenarian who writes a letter to the govt asking them to approve her request to end her life because there’s not much left for her to see. The stories are simply written but they carry an undercurrent of sadness.
The famous wit of the author pops up now and then but this book is ultimately a serious one. Handling topics like violence, death and infidelity, she manages to talk about complex human relationships. Her way of writing is very nuanced and breezy, making this a good one time read. You can finish it in two sittings over the weekend and it also works as something that can get you out of a slump. Although I did enjoy it, I wasn’t completely blown away. However, I will certainly read more by the author.
Thanks to the publisher for sharing the review copy.
January 30, 2024
3.5 stars
I have not been a fan of Twinkle Khanna’s paperback efforts. That is putting it lightly of course – I have been rather critical of her privilege-backed literary fame. But when she spoke of going back to college to get herself a formal education in creative writing, I must say I was impressed (and envious!)
And so I have been waiting with bated breath to sink my teeth into her latest, post education offering. I was ready to dismiss it as a passable work of fiction – good but definitely nothing great.
But no. Like most tales of overconfidence and cynicism, mine is one that has been humbled by what is clearly a fourth outing of much effort and true heart (and a careful restraint on that trademark irreverence that is abundant in her columns and interviews. The dry humor is there but never overpowering).
The stories that bring alive the many colors of a very specific Bombay experience, are crafted with honesty and personal experience. They aren’t pathbreaking fiction but they make one feel a range of emotions – Sara's fear-induced rage, Madhura's bone-deep weariness, Nusrat's gut wrenching grief and more - a feat reserved for the best in the craft.
It is, therefore, with grudging appreciation that I applaud at Ms. Khanna’s work. It’s been worth every minute of my time spent with the five tales of Welcome to Paradise. Short stories are definitely this author’s forte.
I have not been a fan of Twinkle Khanna’s paperback efforts. That is putting it lightly of course – I have been rather critical of her privilege-backed literary fame. But when she spoke of going back to college to get herself a formal education in creative writing, I must say I was impressed (and envious!)
And so I have been waiting with bated breath to sink my teeth into her latest, post education offering. I was ready to dismiss it as a passable work of fiction – good but definitely nothing great.
But no. Like most tales of overconfidence and cynicism, mine is one that has been humbled by what is clearly a fourth outing of much effort and true heart (and a careful restraint on that trademark irreverence that is abundant in her columns and interviews. The dry humor is there but never overpowering).
The stories that bring alive the many colors of a very specific Bombay experience, are crafted with honesty and personal experience. They aren’t pathbreaking fiction but they make one feel a range of emotions – Sara's fear-induced rage, Madhura's bone-deep weariness, Nusrat's gut wrenching grief and more - a feat reserved for the best in the craft.
It is, therefore, with grudging appreciation that I applaud at Ms. Khanna’s work. It’s been worth every minute of my time spent with the five tales of Welcome to Paradise. Short stories are definitely this author’s forte.
December 28, 2023
In books with short stories, I'm fascinated by names. After reading a story, the title should resonate meaningfully, and this book excels in that regard. The well-crafted stories beautifully convey emotions. While "Nearly Departed" occasionally veered off track, it managed to return to the core subject in time. My favorite, "Jelly Sweets," skillfully weaves threads of mother's love, societal norms, the profound pain of loss, self-discovery, and the journey to finding a reason to live again. "Welcome to Paradise" is a light read, surpassing Twinkle Khanna's previous novel, "Pyjamas are Forgiving." For short story enthusiasts, this book is worth picking up—it may not break ceilings, but it's a worthwhile read. Don't judge the book by Twinkle Khanna's acting career; she is a pretty decent writer.
December 23, 2023
The stories were either too long or ended abruptly
The last two stories had nothing new to it.
Its something we have seen in other stories which are already written
.
It felt she wanted to diversify the book and hence chose a lot of different themes and was not able to juggle it well
.
It could have been better if more time was given
.
First two stories felt too small for the content and just for the sake of diversity it was put in
And
To feel inclusive
Both those stories had flow of story missing.
Tried hard to look cool with jumps in timeline but it wasn't successful
.
I didn't like the jokes
Insulting or offensive was the theme of jokes
I didn't laugh once.
.
Someone who is new to reading might like her books
.
Many Indian Authors have written better stories 🙈
Hence High standards
The last two stories had nothing new to it.
Its something we have seen in other stories which are already written
.
It felt she wanted to diversify the book and hence chose a lot of different themes and was not able to juggle it well
.
It could have been better if more time was given
.
First two stories felt too small for the content and just for the sake of diversity it was put in
And
To feel inclusive
Both those stories had flow of story missing.
Tried hard to look cool with jumps in timeline but it wasn't successful
.
I didn't like the jokes
Insulting or offensive was the theme of jokes
I didn't laugh once.
.
Someone who is new to reading might like her books
.
Many Indian Authors have written better stories 🙈
Hence High standards
March 7, 2025
Good bunch of stories. The author has a better grip at writing short stories than a full-fledged novel. I didn't quite like her last book which was a novel. One of the stories 'Nearly departed' which I quite enjoyed could have been a novel along the likes of 'A man called Ove'. I didn't get the point of the last story named Jelly Sweets. Certain observations the author makes about life with analogies were interesting and should be counted as the highlights of the book. A good read overall.
November 25, 2023
As I always have maintained TK writes very nice and her books are always nice to read.
Stories that are nuanced, detailed , keen observations, emotions, relevant and interesting premise. Each story somehow and in someway will touch you and be relatable.
A nice weekend or a holiday read. If you are planning to pick a book on your upcoming vacation this is a good one .
Stories that are nuanced, detailed , keen observations, emotions, relevant and interesting premise. Each story somehow and in someway will touch you and be relatable.
A nice weekend or a holiday read. If you are planning to pick a book on your upcoming vacation this is a good one .
January 28, 2024
In "Welcome to Paradise" by Twinkle Khanna, the author showcases her prowess as a masterful storyteller. The collection of five stories revolves around the overarching theme of loss, and Khanna's ability to infuse wit into situations of death and heartbreak is commendable. The title “Welcome to Paradise” therefore seems sarcastically appropriate because in this paradise all we are dealing with is loss.
1. The Man from the Garage: Huma wants to give a send-off to her dead mother. However, the debate takes place about whether to “bury or burn” her. It is funny though I couldn’t connect with Adil and Sara’s characters. I didn’t enjoy this story as much as the others in the collection.
2. Let’s Pretend: I found this one to be a really fun story. A seventy-something Bua is trying to find a companion through an online game of cards using a fake identity. While Amita is dealing with another break-up, blaming her flat chest and even undergoing a breast transplant. The ending is really adorable.
3. Nearly Departed: This is the story of an eighty-six-year-old Madhura who wants Euthanasia to be an honourable way to die for the elderly. I found the arguments very relevant and the story was well-crafted. Every character was highlighted and their purpose was served beautifully. It is also the longest story of the book.
4. Welcome to Paradise: Garima, to deal with her depression, decides to go on a vacation. However, things take a turn when she meets Anton Pais, a blond, wiry, bare-chested man. It is a light-hearted story about struggling times, intimacy, and some secrets.
5. Jelly Sweets: This story is the most emotional of all. After Nusrat loses her son, she goes completely silent. Some jelly sweets and love from her close ones help her through the tough times. This is my most favourite story of the entire collection.
"Welcome to Paradise" is recommended for readers seeking a diverse range of emotions and stories within a single book. Twinkle Khanna's unique blend of wit, humor, and sensitivity makes this collection a compelling read.
1. The Man from the Garage: Huma wants to give a send-off to her dead mother. However, the debate takes place about whether to “bury or burn” her. It is funny though I couldn’t connect with Adil and Sara’s characters. I didn’t enjoy this story as much as the others in the collection.
2. Let’s Pretend: I found this one to be a really fun story. A seventy-something Bua is trying to find a companion through an online game of cards using a fake identity. While Amita is dealing with another break-up, blaming her flat chest and even undergoing a breast transplant. The ending is really adorable.
3. Nearly Departed: This is the story of an eighty-six-year-old Madhura who wants Euthanasia to be an honourable way to die for the elderly. I found the arguments very relevant and the story was well-crafted. Every character was highlighted and their purpose was served beautifully. It is also the longest story of the book.
4. Welcome to Paradise: Garima, to deal with her depression, decides to go on a vacation. However, things take a turn when she meets Anton Pais, a blond, wiry, bare-chested man. It is a light-hearted story about struggling times, intimacy, and some secrets.
5. Jelly Sweets: This story is the most emotional of all. After Nusrat loses her son, she goes completely silent. Some jelly sweets and love from her close ones help her through the tough times. This is my most favourite story of the entire collection.
"Welcome to Paradise" is recommended for readers seeking a diverse range of emotions and stories within a single book. Twinkle Khanna's unique blend of wit, humor, and sensitivity makes this collection a compelling read.
December 20, 2023
This missed the mark for me. I liked premise of the stories but it felt to me like the author didn’t know where to take the storyline, and how to end it. In fact, the endings to some stories were so abrupt, I had to make sure I wasn’t missing a page. Some seemed to be just rambling with no planned destination. The book could have used more emotional depth and plot development.
December 10, 2023
didn't like it at all. not sure what's the hype about. book seems not edited properly. too many characters, flow is missing. not at all a good read unlike her other works.
June 19, 2024
Lately, I have been struggling with reading books. I would like to express my gratitude to Twinkle Khanna for scooping me out of this adverse phase. “Welcome to Paradise” has all the essential bits to engage the readers. Every page of the book engrosses you like Faluda wali Kulfi, wherein it is impossible not to savour the flavour that each story encapsulates. I couldn’t remember hitting a dull moment even as the characters from different stories went about their routine crest and trough in their reel lives. I deeply felt the varying textures of emotions of the people whose lives floated in the foreground. I think it is the profound impact of the magical writing that Twinkle is capable of evoking in her readers. With short stories, the trickiest part is to forego the element of details in favour of the plot, as the expectation from the writer is to rapidly close the important plot points. Twinkle Khanna, however, does an amazing job juggling between the two with sheer ease. For a reader like me, when I was in the middle of the story, I cultivated a deep hankering for none of these narratives to reach their individual ends because I felt I had developed a strong, invisible bond of attachment with them. Therefore, to say that I haven’t come across a book on short stories in a long time that emphasises the journey of each character so beautifully would be an understatement. After every story I finished, I couldn’t stop wondering about how Mrs. Funnybones was going to make it better with the next one. My lingering conjecture melted away as I kept turning the pages. So, if someone were to ask me to rank these stories in a certain order, I am worried my infallibility as a reader and that of a fan would widely influence the final outcome. Perhaps this was the writer’s point of view—to consider each one on its own merit without coaxing a comparison. One thing I strongly like about her writing is that she never fails to convey her latent obsession for culinary art. You will find several episodes in the book in which she withdraws her focal attention from the characters only to enrich our taste buds with a cuisine that the local foodies would spare no effort to try for themselves. And the length she would go to explain the recipe is just another example of what a talented writer she is. I will definitely try Khichda for sure.
January 14, 2024
Welcome to Paradise by Twinkle Khanna
.
5 stories, spanning a variety of human emotions. In the first story there is the loss of a mother and struggle to keep up with the addicted brother together with nuances of society in the veil of religion. In the second story Amita deals with her two identities, her relationship with Bua and when all of it comes together in a weird way.
The third one has the best theme - an octogenarian writing an email about euthanasia which goes viral. Fourth one is the title namesake and deals with Neil and Garima s life in a lucrative narrative. The final one although titled sweetly speaks of grieve in no sugar coating!
.
A mesmerizing short story collection that delves into the intricate depths of human psychology. Through abstract narratives, the author skillfully navigates the labyrinth of emotions, thoughts, and motivations that shape our existence.
Each story acts as a kaleidoscopic window into the human mind, offering readers a diverse array of perspectives on the complexities of the psyche. The abstract nature of the tales invites contemplation, challenging readers to unravel the layers of meaning woven into the narratives.
.
The collection explores a range of themes, from the subtle nuances of interpersonal relationships to the existential questions that linger in the recesses of our minds. The stories are like snapshots capturing the ephemeral nature of human experiences, leaving an indelible imprint on the reader's consciousness.
What sets this collection apart is its ability to evoke a spectrum of emotions, from introspective melancholy to the exhilaration of self-discovery. The prose is both evocative and thought-provoking, inviting readers to engage with the material on a profound level.
.
While the abstract nature of the stories may require readers to embrace ambiguity, it is precisely this ambiguity that lends the collection its power. It mirrors the inherent complexity of the human psyche, refusing to provide easy answers and challenging readers to confront the enigmatic nature of their own thoughts and emotions.
.
5 stories, spanning a variety of human emotions. In the first story there is the loss of a mother and struggle to keep up with the addicted brother together with nuances of society in the veil of religion. In the second story Amita deals with her two identities, her relationship with Bua and when all of it comes together in a weird way.
The third one has the best theme - an octogenarian writing an email about euthanasia which goes viral. Fourth one is the title namesake and deals with Neil and Garima s life in a lucrative narrative. The final one although titled sweetly speaks of grieve in no sugar coating!
.
A mesmerizing short story collection that delves into the intricate depths of human psychology. Through abstract narratives, the author skillfully navigates the labyrinth of emotions, thoughts, and motivations that shape our existence.
Each story acts as a kaleidoscopic window into the human mind, offering readers a diverse array of perspectives on the complexities of the psyche. The abstract nature of the tales invites contemplation, challenging readers to unravel the layers of meaning woven into the narratives.
.
The collection explores a range of themes, from the subtle nuances of interpersonal relationships to the existential questions that linger in the recesses of our minds. The stories are like snapshots capturing the ephemeral nature of human experiences, leaving an indelible imprint on the reader's consciousness.
What sets this collection apart is its ability to evoke a spectrum of emotions, from introspective melancholy to the exhilaration of self-discovery. The prose is both evocative and thought-provoking, inviting readers to engage with the material on a profound level.
.
While the abstract nature of the stories may require readers to embrace ambiguity, it is precisely this ambiguity that lends the collection its power. It mirrors the inherent complexity of the human psyche, refusing to provide easy answers and challenging readers to confront the enigmatic nature of their own thoughts and emotions.
December 18, 2023
#bookhoarderreviews
"Welcome to Paradise" presents a collection of five short stories infused with witty humor and compelling storytelling. The author skillfully employs sarcasm in a light-hearted manner, demonstrating a knack for navigating delicate subjects.
Each narrative addresses significant issues within the backdrop of relatable real-life situations. The initial story delves into the humorous yet poignant decision of whether to cremate or bury Amma's body, evoking a blend of laughter and sympathy.
In "Let's Pretend," the exploration of innocent pretense sheds light on the loneliness that accompanies aging, sometimes misunderstood by one's own family. This poignant and beautiful story resonates with the challenges of growing older.
Madhura Desai's plea for Euthanasia in a letter to the Chief Justice prompts deep reflection and induces goosebumps. The title story weaves a twisting tale around morality, matrimony, and monogamy within the lives of Garima and Neil, offering a captivating narrative.
The final story, "Jelly Sweets," emerges as a personal favorite, delivering an intense exploration of grief, motherhood, and the pursuit of embracing life after traumatic experiences. Together, these stories evoke a range of emotions, providing a glimpse into the intricacies of our daily lives and reflecting on circumstances often overlooked or intentionally ignored.
"Welcome to Paradise" presents a collection of five short stories infused with witty humor and compelling storytelling. The author skillfully employs sarcasm in a light-hearted manner, demonstrating a knack for navigating delicate subjects.
Each narrative addresses significant issues within the backdrop of relatable real-life situations. The initial story delves into the humorous yet poignant decision of whether to cremate or bury Amma's body, evoking a blend of laughter and sympathy.
In "Let's Pretend," the exploration of innocent pretense sheds light on the loneliness that accompanies aging, sometimes misunderstood by one's own family. This poignant and beautiful story resonates with the challenges of growing older.
Madhura Desai's plea for Euthanasia in a letter to the Chief Justice prompts deep reflection and induces goosebumps. The title story weaves a twisting tale around morality, matrimony, and monogamy within the lives of Garima and Neil, offering a captivating narrative.
The final story, "Jelly Sweets," emerges as a personal favorite, delivering an intense exploration of grief, motherhood, and the pursuit of embracing life after traumatic experiences. Together, these stories evoke a range of emotions, providing a glimpse into the intricacies of our daily lives and reflecting on circumstances often overlooked or intentionally ignored.
March 23, 2024
Weeee!!! I am tickled pink because I own a signed copy! Can you believe it? Me, who wasn't even head over heels for Mrs. Funnybones, Twinkle Khanna's first book—I actually gave it away! But here I am, holding this treasure close to my heart just because it is my first signed copy. Boy, am I glad I used that excuse and read this collection of 5 short stories.
I was initially unfairly skeptical about this book because of my previous experience with Mrs Funnybones, however considering it follows the author's bold decision to upgrade her skills in the world of creative writing by returning to university, I feel she truly deserves a round of applause as she hones her storytelling prowess & shines through "Welcome to Paradise"
Each story in the collection has its own charm, but if I had to pick favorites, "Nearly Departed" and "Jelly Beans" would be them. "Welcome to Paradise," too , left its mark. But "Jelly Beans" has my heart.
Beneath the surface of Twinkle's light and humourous prose, the book tackles some heavy themes from violence and death to infidelity. Yet, she handles these topics with such finesse that the short 1 day reading experience was easy, enjoyable, and thought-provoking. It's like she's struck the perfect balance between the poignant storytelling of Frederik Backman and the raw realism of Sally Rooney, all while infusing it with her signature sarcastic wit & humor that doesn't overpower but more like highlights.
I was initially unfairly skeptical about this book because of my previous experience with Mrs Funnybones, however considering it follows the author's bold decision to upgrade her skills in the world of creative writing by returning to university, I feel she truly deserves a round of applause as she hones her storytelling prowess & shines through "Welcome to Paradise"
Each story in the collection has its own charm, but if I had to pick favorites, "Nearly Departed" and "Jelly Beans" would be them. "Welcome to Paradise," too , left its mark. But "Jelly Beans" has my heart.
Beneath the surface of Twinkle's light and humourous prose, the book tackles some heavy themes from violence and death to infidelity. Yet, she handles these topics with such finesse that the short 1 day reading experience was easy, enjoyable, and thought-provoking. It's like she's struck the perfect balance between the poignant storytelling of Frederik Backman and the raw realism of Sally Rooney, all while infusing it with her signature sarcastic wit & humor that doesn't overpower but more like highlights.
January 11, 2025
Very pleasantly surprised by the really moving stories told in this anthology. I enjoyed reading ‘Nearly Departed’ and ‘Jelly Sweets’: the depth of the writing, the beautiful balance is joy and grief in those words were quite refreshing!
Read
February 19, 2024My first time reading a book by Twinkle Khanna and it did not disappoint! The collection of short stories is very well written and gripping.
March 2, 2024
Definitely better than her previous outings as an author.
August 3, 2024
3.5
I did not realise what the central themes running through these 5 short stories would be, ultimately, I feel that I enjoyed the book overall despite how surprised I was... not her strongest work but Twinkle Khanna's witty writing style will always be a hit for me! I loved "Jelly Sweets", "Nearly Departed" and "Let's Pretend" the most.
I did not realise what the central themes running through these 5 short stories would be, ultimately, I feel that I enjoyed the book overall despite how surprised I was... not her strongest work but Twinkle Khanna's witty writing style will always be a hit for me! I loved "Jelly Sweets", "Nearly Departed" and "Let's Pretend" the most.
February 22, 2024
I love TK's Pyjamas are Forgiving better than this. But this one is good too.
December 7, 2023
An experimental storytelling at its moderation. Every story has adultery, unnecessary romanticism, and twisted (chronologically) timelines. Seems like a simple point of the story is supported by lot of masala and beating around the bush.
December 24, 2023
Love and only love
I have read all of Twinkle’s books and this one by far is the most matured of her writing. It reminded me a little bit of Rohinton Mistry’s writing style. The last story is the one I loved the best. The way she has described grief shows the maturity of her writing. Highly recommend. .
I have read all of Twinkle’s books and this one by far is the most matured of her writing. It reminded me a little bit of Rohinton Mistry’s writing style. The last story is the one I loved the best. The way she has described grief shows the maturity of her writing. Highly recommend. .
February 5, 2024
It's the worst book in two years I have read. I couldn't even finish this. Such a lame writing skill, this book shows. Nowhere it is mentioned that this book is a collection of stories and every story seems like to be penned by a teenager with no story telling skill.
December 8, 2023
Confession time. I didn’t expect much from this book. I hadn’t read Khanna’s work. But oh boy, I was wrong and how. I think it’s time to pick up author’s other works.
In Welcome To Paradise, Khanna has tackled multiple themes in five short stories, all narrated by women. She has highlighted addiction, inter-religion marriages, identity, immigration, misleading and fake news in media, right to end one’s own life (euthanasia), body shaming and what not. Some she has just skimmed over, some she has delved deep into.
In first story, The Man From the Garage, where a daughter has to decide whether to bury her mother or burn her, Khanna writes- ‘Loss feels like the needle of a sewing machine - piercing through and lifting rhythmically; forgotten for a few moments, it slams down again.’
She masterfully deals with mother- daughter issues here and writes- ‘Sometimes Huma resented the attention, the love Amma reserved for Adil. Was it because he was the coveted son? Or does a mother always look out for her weaker child?’
There is a funny moment here where a young girl calls a man ‘bitch’.
In ‘Let’s Pretend’, Khanna talks about identity and nostalgia. This is my favourite story.
My favourite quote from the book is- ‘Those hard done by fate needed to believe in it the most.’
In Welcome To Paradise, Khanna has tackled multiple themes in five short stories, all narrated by women. She has highlighted addiction, inter-religion marriages, identity, immigration, misleading and fake news in media, right to end one’s own life (euthanasia), body shaming and what not. Some she has just skimmed over, some she has delved deep into.
In first story, The Man From the Garage, where a daughter has to decide whether to bury her mother or burn her, Khanna writes- ‘Loss feels like the needle of a sewing machine - piercing through and lifting rhythmically; forgotten for a few moments, it slams down again.’
She masterfully deals with mother- daughter issues here and writes- ‘Sometimes Huma resented the attention, the love Amma reserved for Adil. Was it because he was the coveted son? Or does a mother always look out for her weaker child?’
There is a funny moment here where a young girl calls a man ‘bitch’.
In ‘Let’s Pretend’, Khanna talks about identity and nostalgia. This is my favourite story.
My favourite quote from the book is- ‘Those hard done by fate needed to believe in it the most.’
May 18, 2024
As a writer Twinkle Khanna has forged a reputation and brand for writing effortless humor with a rare knack be it Mrs. Funny Bones, The Legend of Lakshmi Prasad, and Pyjamas are forgiving. In her latest, she shows her knack not only for this light-hearted read and also brings in a subtle manner sensitivity and humor in a seamless manner by relying on real-life context. It’s gripping as usual in true Mrs Funnybones style yet this time she injects a certain beauty in prose by touching the heart in the right place. Welcome to Paradise is a must-read with the different stories captivating the heart be it on themes such as euthanasia and couple finding love in the most unique manner.
January 11, 2024
Mind blowing narratives with jaw in the mouth story twists. Definitely Twinkle's best book so far. The descriptions of sweets in Jelly sweets story is mouth watering and you can feel the taste in your mouth. A great delight to read.
December 27, 2023
Not expecting much from the book made me like it a whole lot more.
January 18, 2024
Full review on my blog:
https://blog.medhaapps.com/2024/01/bo...
Welcome to Paradise is a collection of five short stories, mostly centered around human emotions like grief, loneliness, heartbreak. The five stories do not have the same length as two stories are quick reads while the other three are considerably long.
The first story ‘The Man from the Garage’ begins with the death of Huma’s Amma and while the relatives from her father’s side and Amma’s side debate if they will burn or bury her, Huma reminisces her life spent with Amma. Huma’s daughter Sara also recollects her days with her Nani and the Man from the Garage and wonders why her Nani put up with all the violence from That Man.
The second story ‘Let’s Pretend’ is about Amita’s Bua who made an online friend Sumit in the later years of her life, as both exchange bits of their life through emails. When Amita unexpectedly meets Sumit in person, she cannot reveal her identity to Sumit or the truth about Bua.
In the third story ‘Nearly Departed’ Madhura Desai wrote a letter to the Chief Justice of India, requesting his permission for euthanasia, after she suffered a stroke while alone at home and the future seems bleak as life seems to be leaving her body slowly. As her appeal goes viral across the country, NGO workers take up for her case, media wants a byte from her, but Madhura only wants to look back at her memories with her best friend Pipi who is also slowly losing his memory.
The fourth one ‘Welcome to Paradise’ is about Garima and the changing equation with her husband Neil after she found that her husband has cheated on her. As she stays back in Goa with her mother Leela on her break from her husband, she gets attracted to Pais who ran a shack. While Garima judged her mother for her relationships as frivolous, Garima is also looking for the same Paradise as her mother.
The fifth story ‘Jelly Sweets’ is about Nusrat who was considered lucky when the groom who came to meet her sister married Nusrat instead. However, her happiness was short lived when her young son passed away after getting hit by a cricket ball. The grief gets so unbearable for Nusrat transporting her to a world where there is no coming back; she even loses her voice and stops communicating with her family. Will Nusrat be able to move on from this loss forms the rest of the story.
Overall, the book is a mix of stories that impress and those which leave the reader underwhelmed, especially the first two with no-closure to the characters and abrupt ending. The highlight of the stories are the keen observations of the author about the simpler things in life, how we often judge others without ever thinking from their perspective and how life can be unfair and cruel.
The author begins every story in a simple way but slowly reveals the layers of each of the character, leaving the reader in awe of how complex characters are introduced in an intriguing way. The wit and humor mixed in the narration in the most tragic sequences is sure to capture the reader’s interest. The characters, their background and the timelines are also very diverse in all the five stories, which provides the much-needed variety.
My personal favorites are Nearly Departed followed by Jelly Sweets — both have the right mix of hope and tragedy, grief and happiness and stay with you even after the story ends. I read the earlier works of the author, and this is definitely her best to date. If you like reading stories that depict slice-of-live without unnecessary sugar-coating, then this is the right pick for you.
https://blog.medhaapps.com/2024/01/bo...
Welcome to Paradise is a collection of five short stories, mostly centered around human emotions like grief, loneliness, heartbreak. The five stories do not have the same length as two stories are quick reads while the other three are considerably long.
The first story ‘The Man from the Garage’ begins with the death of Huma’s Amma and while the relatives from her father’s side and Amma’s side debate if they will burn or bury her, Huma reminisces her life spent with Amma. Huma’s daughter Sara also recollects her days with her Nani and the Man from the Garage and wonders why her Nani put up with all the violence from That Man.
The second story ‘Let’s Pretend’ is about Amita’s Bua who made an online friend Sumit in the later years of her life, as both exchange bits of their life through emails. When Amita unexpectedly meets Sumit in person, she cannot reveal her identity to Sumit or the truth about Bua.
In the third story ‘Nearly Departed’ Madhura Desai wrote a letter to the Chief Justice of India, requesting his permission for euthanasia, after she suffered a stroke while alone at home and the future seems bleak as life seems to be leaving her body slowly. As her appeal goes viral across the country, NGO workers take up for her case, media wants a byte from her, but Madhura only wants to look back at her memories with her best friend Pipi who is also slowly losing his memory.
The fourth one ‘Welcome to Paradise’ is about Garima and the changing equation with her husband Neil after she found that her husband has cheated on her. As she stays back in Goa with her mother Leela on her break from her husband, she gets attracted to Pais who ran a shack. While Garima judged her mother for her relationships as frivolous, Garima is also looking for the same Paradise as her mother.
The fifth story ‘Jelly Sweets’ is about Nusrat who was considered lucky when the groom who came to meet her sister married Nusrat instead. However, her happiness was short lived when her young son passed away after getting hit by a cricket ball. The grief gets so unbearable for Nusrat transporting her to a world where there is no coming back; she even loses her voice and stops communicating with her family. Will Nusrat be able to move on from this loss forms the rest of the story.
Overall, the book is a mix of stories that impress and those which leave the reader underwhelmed, especially the first two with no-closure to the characters and abrupt ending. The highlight of the stories are the keen observations of the author about the simpler things in life, how we often judge others without ever thinking from their perspective and how life can be unfair and cruel.
The author begins every story in a simple way but slowly reveals the layers of each of the character, leaving the reader in awe of how complex characters are introduced in an intriguing way. The wit and humor mixed in the narration in the most tragic sequences is sure to capture the reader’s interest. The characters, their background and the timelines are also very diverse in all the five stories, which provides the much-needed variety.
My personal favorites are Nearly Departed followed by Jelly Sweets — both have the right mix of hope and tragedy, grief and happiness and stay with you even after the story ends. I read the earlier works of the author, and this is definitely her best to date. If you like reading stories that depict slice-of-live without unnecessary sugar-coating, then this is the right pick for you.
December 24, 2023
Welcome to Paradise
By: Twinkle Khanna
"Welcome is Paradise" consists of six stories that speak of the unsaid. Loss, grief, loneliness and infidelity. Things that we see and feel but often term as life and fate to make peace with.
As soon as I started the book, I was taken aback by death and everything that happens as we "deal" with the dead. I flipped pages and landed on the story that touched me: Nearly Departed.
Nearly Departed felt like it could be the story of any other person I see, but never observed. Story of a retired teacher who instead of waiting for death, decides to choose her time to go by filing a plea for euthanasia. Her life, love and loss felt personal. And that's where I found these lines that spoke volumes about loss:
"His absence was not a constant ache, nor did it come equipped with a full stop. It lived between pauses and emerged at unexpected moments."
Welcome to Paradise must be my second favourite. It felt rubish at first but the way it unfolds infidelity made one wonder about all the quick judgements and decisions we make. How we are so eager to fix things. How desperate we are to give/take labels just to feel secure. It highlights the greys in morality and marriage. Things we don't see, or rather don't want to see.
It was in this story that I came across these lines:
🌸
So few grains of happiness measured against all the dark and still the scales balance.
🌸
Let's Pretend and Jelly Sweets deserve special mention because while I felt empathetic while reading them. It was like walking in someone else's shoes and understanding how horrifying loneliness and loss is. The way author presents them is raw and aches the heart a little. Kind of reminded me how blind we are towards the life and people around us.
So, You can read this book whatever way you like: Just to pass time or to dive deep into human nature. Either way, it'll offer you something.
By: Twinkle Khanna
"Welcome is Paradise" consists of six stories that speak of the unsaid. Loss, grief, loneliness and infidelity. Things that we see and feel but often term as life and fate to make peace with.
As soon as I started the book, I was taken aback by death and everything that happens as we "deal" with the dead. I flipped pages and landed on the story that touched me: Nearly Departed.
Nearly Departed felt like it could be the story of any other person I see, but never observed. Story of a retired teacher who instead of waiting for death, decides to choose her time to go by filing a plea for euthanasia. Her life, love and loss felt personal. And that's where I found these lines that spoke volumes about loss:
"His absence was not a constant ache, nor did it come equipped with a full stop. It lived between pauses and emerged at unexpected moments."
Welcome to Paradise must be my second favourite. It felt rubish at first but the way it unfolds infidelity made one wonder about all the quick judgements and decisions we make. How we are so eager to fix things. How desperate we are to give/take labels just to feel secure. It highlights the greys in morality and marriage. Things we don't see, or rather don't want to see.
It was in this story that I came across these lines:
🌸
So few grains of happiness measured against all the dark and still the scales balance.
🌸
Let's Pretend and Jelly Sweets deserve special mention because while I felt empathetic while reading them. It was like walking in someone else's shoes and understanding how horrifying loneliness and loss is. The way author presents them is raw and aches the heart a little. Kind of reminded me how blind we are towards the life and people around us.
So, You can read this book whatever way you like: Just to pass time or to dive deep into human nature. Either way, it'll offer you something.
March 29, 2024
"People called life a gift, but it was a loan. All briefly borrowed."
.
After Mrs Funnybones, Welcome to paradise is my next read, although I was willing to read Pajamas are forgiving in between.
When its Twinkle Khanna, I know the book and the characters are definitely going to be hilarious and funny. Her quick witted nature never fails to amuse us readers and listeners.
Welcome to paradise is another collection of five stories where women take the central roles with the perfect blend of the different shades of femininity.
Women as protagonists seemed to be dealing with the unglamorous yet significant phases of their lives which is indeed a real thing.
.
Huma has no time to mourn for her deceased mother as the whole family is disputing over her funeral rites.
Madhura Desai wanted a peaceful assisted death as her Parkinson's is in full form to show its scary signs. Amita is insecure with her looks, thanks to all the men she has ever dated. She realises some of the hardest lessons when she starts talking to a guy over the mail. Nusrat is grieving for her lost child. In her aloofness, she finds respite in a widower and regains her lost confidence.
.
The narration has the right fluency and humor. Although the subjects were deeply provoking, Khanna has her way of expressing them in a discrete way. Been exploring the depth of human nature- both soft and crooked, her words weren't just on the surface and rather etched a longer impact on the reader's minds. To think and introspect was the motto. The leading characters have been portrayed as strong, not-so-perfect, opinionated (sometimes) and not to miss, humorous (the Khanna way).
.
.
#qotd- Let me know if you have read any of her works?
.
After Mrs Funnybones, Welcome to paradise is my next read, although I was willing to read Pajamas are forgiving in between.
When its Twinkle Khanna, I know the book and the characters are definitely going to be hilarious and funny. Her quick witted nature never fails to amuse us readers and listeners.
Welcome to paradise is another collection of five stories where women take the central roles with the perfect blend of the different shades of femininity.
Women as protagonists seemed to be dealing with the unglamorous yet significant phases of their lives which is indeed a real thing.
.
Huma has no time to mourn for her deceased mother as the whole family is disputing over her funeral rites.
Madhura Desai wanted a peaceful assisted death as her Parkinson's is in full form to show its scary signs. Amita is insecure with her looks, thanks to all the men she has ever dated. She realises some of the hardest lessons when she starts talking to a guy over the mail. Nusrat is grieving for her lost child. In her aloofness, she finds respite in a widower and regains her lost confidence.
.
The narration has the right fluency and humor. Although the subjects were deeply provoking, Khanna has her way of expressing them in a discrete way. Been exploring the depth of human nature- both soft and crooked, her words weren't just on the surface and rather etched a longer impact on the reader's minds. To think and introspect was the motto. The leading characters have been portrayed as strong, not-so-perfect, opinionated (sometimes) and not to miss, humorous (the Khanna way).
.
.
#qotd- Let me know if you have read any of her works?
April 18, 2024
“Contentment is about cooperating with life, it’s about acceptance.”
Huma’s divided family – Team Cemetery and Team Crematorium– clash hilariously over matters as they decide what to do with Amma’s body. Madhura Desai writes an email to the chief justice of India, urging him to choose a ‘nice cut-off age’ to die, sending shockwaves across the nation. Along the shores of Satpati, Nusrat grapples with the loss of her son, and her voice. And Amita tells her husband about her breast implants but not about Bua, Bangalore and beautiful men.
Welcome to Paradise is a collection of five short stories, each centred around women, that explores the depth of grief, loneliness, deception and heartbreak. Set in middle-class Bombay, these are poignant observations on the realities of life.
In each story, Khanna peels back the complex layers of her protagonists to show how thoughts and actions shape our decisions. Their stories explore human psychology, evoking strong emotions of helplessness and rage. As her nuanced characters walk a rugged path burdened by profound melancholy, there is also the joyful satisfaction of self-discovery.
I found myself deeply moved by the abruptness of each story and the ambiguous endings. They capture the myriad hues of life and offer a perspective that one may not imagine in the natural course.
Layered, thought-provoking narratives on hard-hitting matters, this is the author’s finest work till date, proving she is not just a celebrity writer but an accomplished author who deserves to be on your reading lists.
This review copy courtesy of the publisher.
For complete review, visit https://aquamarineflavours.wordpress....
Find me on other platforms via https://linktr.ee/AshieJayn
Huma’s divided family – Team Cemetery and Team Crematorium– clash hilariously over matters as they decide what to do with Amma’s body. Madhura Desai writes an email to the chief justice of India, urging him to choose a ‘nice cut-off age’ to die, sending shockwaves across the nation. Along the shores of Satpati, Nusrat grapples with the loss of her son, and her voice. And Amita tells her husband about her breast implants but not about Bua, Bangalore and beautiful men.
Welcome to Paradise is a collection of five short stories, each centred around women, that explores the depth of grief, loneliness, deception and heartbreak. Set in middle-class Bombay, these are poignant observations on the realities of life.
In each story, Khanna peels back the complex layers of her protagonists to show how thoughts and actions shape our decisions. Their stories explore human psychology, evoking strong emotions of helplessness and rage. As her nuanced characters walk a rugged path burdened by profound melancholy, there is also the joyful satisfaction of self-discovery.
I found myself deeply moved by the abruptness of each story and the ambiguous endings. They capture the myriad hues of life and offer a perspective that one may not imagine in the natural course.
Layered, thought-provoking narratives on hard-hitting matters, this is the author’s finest work till date, proving she is not just a celebrity writer but an accomplished author who deserves to be on your reading lists.
This review copy courtesy of the publisher.
For complete review, visit https://aquamarineflavours.wordpress....
Find me on other platforms via https://linktr.ee/AshieJayn
March 15, 2025
🌼Welcome To Paradise🌼
This book is filled with one of the best and intriguing stories which shows different aspects of the world. It shows the way people are sticking
to their own notions and things without actually realising the situation.
🪷The fight about the cemetery and crematorium which takes turn towards the pigs and penises- showing the fight on religion over the amma's dead body.
🪷Madhura's request for euthanasia rather than living with parkinson's disease creating a shockwave in the media. Attracting lots of public interest, PR and giving hope to lots of old age people.
🪷The way of god giving back everything after taking everything from nusrat- her son's death and husband getting married to someone else.She getting married again to fayyaz and getting pregnant again. Her sister who had two daughter and no son but getting everything normal is making us realise the god's mysterious ways.
🪷It also touches the topic of showing cheating from the perspective of male and female. Also, discusing the online romance over the game of poker by middle age women who disguises herself as younger than her age on internet.
If anybody who is a fan of reading short stories must go for this book. Twinkle khanna has touched lots of Taboo topics in this book. As I have always been fan of her way of writing
style which involve lots of witty humour, depth and observation skills. This is a must read.
This book is filled with one of the best and intriguing stories which shows different aspects of the world. It shows the way people are sticking
to their own notions and things without actually realising the situation.
🪷The fight about the cemetery and crematorium which takes turn towards the pigs and penises- showing the fight on religion over the amma's dead body.
🪷Madhura's request for euthanasia rather than living with parkinson's disease creating a shockwave in the media. Attracting lots of public interest, PR and giving hope to lots of old age people.
🪷The way of god giving back everything after taking everything from nusrat- her son's death and husband getting married to someone else.She getting married again to fayyaz and getting pregnant again. Her sister who had two daughter and no son but getting everything normal is making us realise the god's mysterious ways.
🪷It also touches the topic of showing cheating from the perspective of male and female. Also, discusing the online romance over the game of poker by middle age women who disguises herself as younger than her age on internet.
If anybody who is a fan of reading short stories must go for this book. Twinkle khanna has touched lots of Taboo topics in this book. As I have always been fan of her way of writing
style which involve lots of witty humour, depth and observation skills. This is a must read.
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