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The Enclave: Winner of the Kalinga Literary Festival Book Award for English Fiction 2024
'A sharp, and often hilarious, portrait of womanhood in post-liberalization India' - AMRITA MAHALE
'Full of wonders ... cunningly observant, rapturous, profoundly wise, and often funny' - AMIT CHAUDHURI
'Exquisitely transparent prose and finely tuned dialogue' - ARUNAVA SINHA
'Addictive' - SUMANA ROY
Freewheeling, in her early forties, lately divorced, Maya is happy in her job, happy with her crop of friends and lovers, and is enjoying a halcyon spell in Bombay, the city she loves and has made her home.
The Enclave traces the run of Maya's days as she goes about her work as a liaison officer, her trysts with her amours, her spirited engagement with the world at large, and her writerly ambitions - each of which comes with its joys and vexations. But then, things start to unravel. And Maya finds herself at an unsettling crossroads, where she must grapple with anger, grief and the precariousness of things hitherto taken for granted.
Set in the late 2000s, Rohit Manchanda's new novel is a finely observed, brilliantly wrought, tender yet humorous evocation of a time when the country's middle classes began savouring the fruits of economic liberalization, a newfound material well-being, and a broadening of social and cultural mores - a time, briefly, when so much seemed possible.
'Full of wonders ... cunningly observant, rapturous, profoundly wise, and often funny' - AMIT CHAUDHURI
'Exquisitely transparent prose and finely tuned dialogue' - ARUNAVA SINHA
'Addictive' - SUMANA ROY
Freewheeling, in her early forties, lately divorced, Maya is happy in her job, happy with her crop of friends and lovers, and is enjoying a halcyon spell in Bombay, the city she loves and has made her home.
The Enclave traces the run of Maya's days as she goes about her work as a liaison officer, her trysts with her amours, her spirited engagement with the world at large, and her writerly ambitions - each of which comes with its joys and vexations. But then, things start to unravel. And Maya finds herself at an unsettling crossroads, where she must grapple with anger, grief and the precariousness of things hitherto taken for granted.
Set in the late 2000s, Rohit Manchanda's new novel is a finely observed, brilliantly wrought, tender yet humorous evocation of a time when the country's middle classes began savouring the fruits of economic liberalization, a newfound material well-being, and a broadening of social and cultural mores - a time, briefly, when so much seemed possible.
402 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 27, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
October 18, 2024
Rohit Manchanda’s "The Enclave" is an evocative portrait of Maya—a middle-aged, recently divorced woman embracing life in the fast-evolving urban landscape of Bombay in the late 2000s. The book attempts to weave Maya’s personal struggles with broader social and economic transitions in post-liberalization India. While his narrative sparkles with keen observation and moments of humor, it ultimately falters in delivering depth and resonance beyond surface-level character exploration.
One of the book's key strengths lies in how it captures the pulse of Bombay and the social atmosphere of the late 2000s. The narrative provides glimpses into the lives of India’s burgeoning middle class, whose aspirations were shaped by the fruits of economic liberalization. His portrayal of Maya’s independence, her friendships, and romantic escapades adds a layer of charm, reflecting the newfound freedoms accessible to women of her generation. His ability to depict the ebb and flow of mundane life—whether Maya’s work as a liaison officer or her romantic liaisons—exhibits a sharp, satirical wit.
The language is lively and lyrical, engaging readers with its colloquial ease, although it may feel overindulgent at times. His humorous observations on modern urban life contribute to the book's entertainment value, making it easy to get lost in the rhythm of Maya’s day-to-day existence.
Despite the promising premise, Maya’s character arc feels underdeveloped. The narrative presents her as a free-spirited, self-assured woman, but when things begin to unravel—professionally and emotionally—the resolution lacks emotional depth. While the novel aims to explore themes of identity, ambition, and self-discovery, Maya's introspection is often shallow. Readers are given little more than surface-level insights into her emotional struggles, which limits the impact of her personal evolution.
The plot’s tension revolves around Maya’s grappling with anger, loss, and uncertainty. However, these conflicts are resolved too neatly, leaving the reader with the impression that the emotional stakes were not fully realized. As a result, her growth seems abrupt, and her transition from contentment to crisis and back to acceptance feels unconvincing.
In conclusion, it succeeds as a light, humorous take on urban life and relationships but falls short of being a profound exploration of personal growth and societal change. Readers who appreciate stories about contemporary Indian life and enjoy character-driven narratives may still find this book engaging. It is an entertaining read that captures the fleeting joys and frustrations of life, but its lack of narrative depth and character development leaves it hovering at the surface of something potentially more significant. This novel is a decent attempt at portraying womanhood in a changing world, but it does not fully realize its ambitions.
One of the book's key strengths lies in how it captures the pulse of Bombay and the social atmosphere of the late 2000s. The narrative provides glimpses into the lives of India’s burgeoning middle class, whose aspirations were shaped by the fruits of economic liberalization. His portrayal of Maya’s independence, her friendships, and romantic escapades adds a layer of charm, reflecting the newfound freedoms accessible to women of her generation. His ability to depict the ebb and flow of mundane life—whether Maya’s work as a liaison officer or her romantic liaisons—exhibits a sharp, satirical wit.
The language is lively and lyrical, engaging readers with its colloquial ease, although it may feel overindulgent at times. His humorous observations on modern urban life contribute to the book's entertainment value, making it easy to get lost in the rhythm of Maya’s day-to-day existence.
Despite the promising premise, Maya’s character arc feels underdeveloped. The narrative presents her as a free-spirited, self-assured woman, but when things begin to unravel—professionally and emotionally—the resolution lacks emotional depth. While the novel aims to explore themes of identity, ambition, and self-discovery, Maya's introspection is often shallow. Readers are given little more than surface-level insights into her emotional struggles, which limits the impact of her personal evolution.
The plot’s tension revolves around Maya’s grappling with anger, loss, and uncertainty. However, these conflicts are resolved too neatly, leaving the reader with the impression that the emotional stakes were not fully realized. As a result, her growth seems abrupt, and her transition from contentment to crisis and back to acceptance feels unconvincing.
In conclusion, it succeeds as a light, humorous take on urban life and relationships but falls short of being a profound exploration of personal growth and societal change. Readers who appreciate stories about contemporary Indian life and enjoy character-driven narratives may still find this book engaging. It is an entertaining read that captures the fleeting joys and frustrations of life, but its lack of narrative depth and character development leaves it hovering at the surface of something potentially more significant. This novel is a decent attempt at portraying womanhood in a changing world, but it does not fully realize its ambitions.
October 18, 2024
Set in the late 2000s, the author explores the changing dynamics and economy of the country through the protagonist, Maya. Middle-aged at 40, she is recently divorced and quite settled, and works as a copywriter in a government-run-academic institution named ‘The Centre’. It is set in the author’s signature style of depicting, the protagonist's interest.
Maya spends her days mostly doing two things that keep her occupied- thinking about writing which she doesn’t and indulging in the many affairs. She has decent work and many suitors. Going through each day in her life is content. Like every one of us, she has to go through things that make her rethink everything about herself. Because she also understands that nothing comes easily.
Maya spends her days mostly doing two things that keep her occupied- thinking about writing which she doesn’t and indulging in the many affairs. She has decent work and many suitors. Going through each day in her life is content. Like every one of us, she has to go through things that make her rethink everything about herself. Because she also understands that nothing comes easily.
October 15, 2024
I have just completed the book called ‘The Enclave’ by Rohit Manchanda, and I can say it still lingers on my mind. This particular novel revolves around a woman, called Maya, and is set in the city of Bombay. A middle-aged lady in her 40s, divorced and quite settled, Maya going through her everyday life is content. She has a decent work, close companions and several suitors.
But not everything comes easily. Maya has to deal with some things that make her rethink everything about her. She is unsure of ever getting anything good in her life again. This is where the writer comes through the magic stick. Rohit Manchanda draws you in so you feel as if you have been experiencing everything Maya is experiencing.
The story takes place at the end of the decade of the 2000s when there was rapid development in India. It became evident that the money of the citizens was increasing and their consciousness was liberalizing. This period is beautifully documented by the author in relation to the common man.
What is particularly good about this book is that there is no pretence. Confrontation simply is personal and therefore complicated and vulnerable. It’s pointless to try and take back the emotions. You’ll reign in and out with her. The language is colloquial yet forceful therefore the reader easily gets carried away by the plot.
Readers with an inclination toward literary fiction, women's studies, and Indian culture will definitely enjoy the novel, ‘The Enclave’. Manchanda’s writing is such that, if you like authors such as Arundhati Roy or Jhumpa Lahiri or Amitav Ghosh, you will certainly enjoy the book.
But not everything comes easily. Maya has to deal with some things that make her rethink everything about her. She is unsure of ever getting anything good in her life again. This is where the writer comes through the magic stick. Rohit Manchanda draws you in so you feel as if you have been experiencing everything Maya is experiencing.
The story takes place at the end of the decade of the 2000s when there was rapid development in India. It became evident that the money of the citizens was increasing and their consciousness was liberalizing. This period is beautifully documented by the author in relation to the common man.
What is particularly good about this book is that there is no pretence. Confrontation simply is personal and therefore complicated and vulnerable. It’s pointless to try and take back the emotions. You’ll reign in and out with her. The language is colloquial yet forceful therefore the reader easily gets carried away by the plot.
Readers with an inclination toward literary fiction, women's studies, and Indian culture will definitely enjoy the novel, ‘The Enclave’. Manchanda’s writing is such that, if you like authors such as Arundhati Roy or Jhumpa Lahiri or Amitav Ghosh, you will certainly enjoy the book.
July 19, 2024
The Enclave by Rohit Manchanda is the story of Maya - who is in her early forties and enjoying her job in the city of dreams Bombay which is now her home, and lately divorced, yet exploring the dynamics of the relationships. Set in the late 2000s, the novel shows the changing dynamics of the economy and the nation through Maya, who finds herself at some unsettling crossroads, where she needs to find a way for herself beyond her anger, grief and past!
The story very smoothly encapsulates the changing nature of the city and the country with the story of Maya and raises questions about the progress which we often cite but ignore to delve deeper into. The people surrounding Maya capture the essence of middle-class families and associations very well - at the workplace, society, and surroundings amongst the partners, children, partners, co-workers and neighbors. The character of Reeta G very authentically captures the typical nature of a nosy neighbor who always taps into the weak nerves of the people.
Though the story sets a captivating premise and looks promising, I was not able to connect with the characters emotionally, maybe more so because of the writing. The writing though lyrical, hinders the flow of the story and I found myself skipping some parts of it, which is rare for someone like me who reads word by word. In the end, what's all that was left for me were themes and descriptions of the places and things, but not the story or the characters, and thus, this one was a disappointing read for me. A ⭐⭐/5 for me.
The story very smoothly encapsulates the changing nature of the city and the country with the story of Maya and raises questions about the progress which we often cite but ignore to delve deeper into. The people surrounding Maya capture the essence of middle-class families and associations very well - at the workplace, society, and surroundings amongst the partners, children, partners, co-workers and neighbors. The character of Reeta G very authentically captures the typical nature of a nosy neighbor who always taps into the weak nerves of the people.
Though the story sets a captivating premise and looks promising, I was not able to connect with the characters emotionally, maybe more so because of the writing. The writing though lyrical, hinders the flow of the story and I found myself skipping some parts of it, which is rare for someone like me who reads word by word. In the end, what's all that was left for me were themes and descriptions of the places and things, but not the story or the characters, and thus, this one was a disappointing read for me. A ⭐⭐/5 for me.
October 24, 2024
This is my second book by the author, and it’s a stark departure from the first. Here, the flawed protagonist—a woman navigating life's complexities—felt all too relatable, which is exactly why my curiosity didn’t let me put it down.
Maya is lost in the swirl of her life. Freshly divorced and feeling distant from her son, who’s away at school, she fills her time with casual relationships and work at a government institution. Though she dreams of becoming a poet, the thought remains just that—something she barely approaches. Meanwhile, Her friend Sayali, a struggling artist who finds success highlights Maya’s own struggles. As her career and personal life begin to fall apart, Maya is faced with the challenge of figuring out what truly matters to her in a world that’s moving forward without her.
Reading this book, I found Maya to be what we’d call “all sorted” by modern standards—financially secure, living comfortably in a 2BHK in Mumbai, with independence and no major worries. Yet, the author cleverly reveals that superficial comfort isn't enough to fill the deeper voids. The portrayal of society’s contrasts was striking too—conservative at its core, yet with surprising liberal edges woven through. Now while the plotline was engaging, the writing occasionally felt overly polished, which sometimes took away from the natural flow. A simpler approach might have made the story’s moments shine more effectively. But then, that’s just my opinion. Overall, I definitely enjoyed the piece.
Maya is lost in the swirl of her life. Freshly divorced and feeling distant from her son, who’s away at school, she fills her time with casual relationships and work at a government institution. Though she dreams of becoming a poet, the thought remains just that—something she barely approaches. Meanwhile, Her friend Sayali, a struggling artist who finds success highlights Maya’s own struggles. As her career and personal life begin to fall apart, Maya is faced with the challenge of figuring out what truly matters to her in a world that’s moving forward without her.
Reading this book, I found Maya to be what we’d call “all sorted” by modern standards—financially secure, living comfortably in a 2BHK in Mumbai, with independence and no major worries. Yet, the author cleverly reveals that superficial comfort isn't enough to fill the deeper voids. The portrayal of society’s contrasts was striking too—conservative at its core, yet with surprising liberal edges woven through. Now while the plotline was engaging, the writing occasionally felt overly polished, which sometimes took away from the natural flow. A simpler approach might have made the story’s moments shine more effectively. But then, that’s just my opinion. Overall, I definitely enjoyed the piece.
October 25, 2024
The Enclave is the story of Maya, a single woman in her 40s living in Bombay. As a professional, she is a liaison officer in the government and a published poet and writer. In the storyline, we watch her relationship with her boss, her family, the male in her life, a few friends, and the destination where her life will lead her. The narrative alternates between the individuals in her life, and we get a broad overview of what's going on with each of them at the time of narration thanks to her prose-heavy point of view narration. The narrative alternates between the individuals in her life, and we get a broad overview of what's going on with each of them at the time of narration thanks to her prose-heavy point of view narration.
As a character, Maya's only child lives with her husband. Every time she wants to write something but all the time goes in vain, she has the option to write without working, but she is not doing it. Her life resembles many people around us who don't really have any ambition or a goal they have to work towards; she doesn't do what she wants in life, and she is searching for something. In the end, something happened that changed the life of Maya.
Manchanda's writing is vivacious and poetic, skilfully balancing perceptive observation with subtle emotion. The book's beauty and humour are evident in the way it depicts Maya's relationships and the intricate details of her surroundings. "The Enclave" stands out as a sharp, occasionally comical, and profoundly incisive analysis of gender in a rapidly evolving society.
As a character, Maya's only child lives with her husband. Every time she wants to write something but all the time goes in vain, she has the option to write without working, but she is not doing it. Her life resembles many people around us who don't really have any ambition or a goal they have to work towards; she doesn't do what she wants in life, and she is searching for something. In the end, something happened that changed the life of Maya.
Manchanda's writing is vivacious and poetic, skilfully balancing perceptive observation with subtle emotion. The book's beauty and humour are evident in the way it depicts Maya's relationships and the intricate details of her surroundings. "The Enclave" stands out as a sharp, occasionally comical, and profoundly incisive analysis of gender in a rapidly evolving society.
October 21, 2024
The Enclave offers a poignant portrayal of Maya, a middle-aged woman navigating life after a recent divorce in the rapidly transforming urban landscape of Bombay during the late 2000s.
•••
As you might have guessed it right, this book takes you through Maya's journey and throws light on the lives of India's burgeoning middle class, particularly on the lives of women, carrying the load of all the expectations of the society while at the same time as all want freedom, the freedom that seems to them forever unattainable but again so dearly wanted.
The book also does captures, through its pages, quite vividly the pulse of Bombay then and at the same time the changing social trends of the period.
The poetic, exuberant language driven by the author brings life to the narrative, which is rich in vivid descriptions, bringing out a strong sense of place and emotion at times. It's rather stunning to think about how a male author masterfully crafts the tale of the woman, sensitive to her plight and thoughtful in his interpretation of it.
Though The Enclave's plot seems understated, it's in the small, everyday moments where its beauty is truly revealed. It does a great job of playing out ordinary pleasures and irritations of life: career, love, relationships and how we grow through each. It is a thought-provoking introspection into the transitions of life, done authentically and graciously.
•••
As you might have guessed it right, this book takes you through Maya's journey and throws light on the lives of India's burgeoning middle class, particularly on the lives of women, carrying the load of all the expectations of the society while at the same time as all want freedom, the freedom that seems to them forever unattainable but again so dearly wanted.
The book also does captures, through its pages, quite vividly the pulse of Bombay then and at the same time the changing social trends of the period.
The poetic, exuberant language driven by the author brings life to the narrative, which is rich in vivid descriptions, bringing out a strong sense of place and emotion at times. It's rather stunning to think about how a male author masterfully crafts the tale of the woman, sensitive to her plight and thoughtful in his interpretation of it.
Though The Enclave's plot seems understated, it's in the small, everyday moments where its beauty is truly revealed. It does a great job of playing out ordinary pleasures and irritations of life: career, love, relationships and how we grow through each. It is a thought-provoking introspection into the transitions of life, done authentically and graciously.
October 19, 2024
“The Enclave by Rohit Manchanda” is set in the late 2000s and, captures the spirit of a rapidly evolving India against the backdrop of Mumbai, where changing economy and nation is bringing new freedoms and opportunities. The story follows Maya, a middle-aged woman struggling with a recent divorce, a distant relationship with her son, and a growing loneliness. As she navigates the complexities of life, she discovers a newfound sense of independence and freedom while enjoying the company of her friends and lovers.
Reading a book from a female perspective makes it more relatable and engaging. Although I couldn’t fully connect with Maya’s struggles, her experiences offer a poignant exploration of the human condition and the challenges of finding meaning in a world that is constantly changing. I love how this book highlights the importance of human connection and the transformative power of friendship and delves into complex emotions like love, loss, and regret.
I appreciate how the author uses wit and humor in his writing. His prose is often lyrical and poetic vividly describing Mumbai.
I would recommend this book to fans of literary fiction and women's fiction, especially those interested in Indian culture.
Reading a book from a female perspective makes it more relatable and engaging. Although I couldn’t fully connect with Maya’s struggles, her experiences offer a poignant exploration of the human condition and the challenges of finding meaning in a world that is constantly changing. I love how this book highlights the importance of human connection and the transformative power of friendship and delves into complex emotions like love, loss, and regret.
I appreciate how the author uses wit and humor in his writing. His prose is often lyrical and poetic vividly describing Mumbai.
I would recommend this book to fans of literary fiction and women's fiction, especially those interested in Indian culture.
October 18, 2024
This particular novel revolves around a woman, called Maya, and is set in the city of Bombay. Maya, the main character, is a manifestation of, well, mostly everything that shapes an Indian woman in post-liberalization India. The narrative presents her as a free-spirited, self-assured woman, but when things begin to unravel—professionally and emotionally—the resolution lacks emotional depth. Rohit Manchanda draws you in so you feel like you have been experiencing everything Maya is experiencing.
The language is poetic and it is wonderful to see a woman’s story written sensitively by a male author. The author has a keen eye for details, which is evident in his observant and exuberant writing, capturing the essence of Maya’s existence.
This novel is a trip to childhood memory lane for everyone who grew up in a small town. The story depicts the pleasures and irritations that come with every facet of her life as she manages her career, love relationships, and goals as a writer.
The language is poetic and it is wonderful to see a woman’s story written sensitively by a male author. The author has a keen eye for details, which is evident in his observant and exuberant writing, capturing the essence of Maya’s existence.
This novel is a trip to childhood memory lane for everyone who grew up in a small town. The story depicts the pleasures and irritations that come with every facet of her life as she manages her career, love relationships, and goals as a writer.
October 29, 2024
It is set up in the early 2000s around Mumbai, and a female protagonist written by a Male author. This stood out for me in this book.
The books story revolves around the story of our main character aka Maya who is going through some challenges in her life. From her recent divorce and her son is not living with her. The author's portrayal of Maya is really resonating for a few.
I loved the way the author had flipped the narratives between other characters as well, which give the story a wide span and overview, that helps the readers to understand and connect with the story in a better way.
The book narrative is captivating, language is lyrical and author style is fluid. However after all these stand outs there are certain things which remains understated. Overall this is an enjoyable read.
The books story revolves around the story of our main character aka Maya who is going through some challenges in her life. From her recent divorce and her son is not living with her. The author's portrayal of Maya is really resonating for a few.
I loved the way the author had flipped the narratives between other characters as well, which give the story a wide span and overview, that helps the readers to understand and connect with the story in a better way.
The book narrative is captivating, language is lyrical and author style is fluid. However after all these stand outs there are certain things which remains understated. Overall this is an enjoyable read.
October 19, 2024
"The Enclave" by Rohit Manchanda offers a stunning portrayal of womanhood via our protagonist- Maya. She's in her early forties, and got divorced recently.
Happy in her job, Maya leads the life absolutely on her own terms, as she should. As she navigates her journey in the charming whirlwind of multiple suitors, fate brings her to a juncture where she is compelled to wade through uncomfortable situations.
Brilliantly written and poignantly expressed, Manchada has done a commendable job at crafting a tale evocative of the prevailing situation of economic liberalization and social evolution. The presence of captivating dialogues marked by the right balance of wit and humour makes this work a true literary gem.
Happy in her job, Maya leads the life absolutely on her own terms, as she should. As she navigates her journey in the charming whirlwind of multiple suitors, fate brings her to a juncture where she is compelled to wade through uncomfortable situations.
Brilliantly written and poignantly expressed, Manchada has done a commendable job at crafting a tale evocative of the prevailing situation of economic liberalization and social evolution. The presence of captivating dialogues marked by the right balance of wit and humour makes this work a true literary gem.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews