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West India Dock Road #1
New Arrivals on West India Dock Road
The first in a BRAND NEW historical series from Renita D'Silva
Welcome to West India Dock Road, in London’s East End.
An array of businesses lines this crooked a butcher’s, a sailmaker’s, a Jewish shop, a Chinese hostelry, a lodging house for people of all nationalities. A snatch of song wafts from a music hall, mingling with the scent of the public house nearby, the swell of the Thames and the call of seagulls. The air tastes of yearning…
1938: Divya has made the long sea journey from India to England, employed as a nanny by a British family. But once they arrive, she is cruelly abandoned, with no means to return home. Afraid and alone, she faces prejudice and rejection… until she finds her way to an Irish-run boarding house on West India Dock Road and meets Jack, Charity and a host of unexpected friends.
Divya is a good cook, and preparing meals for the other immigrants, homesick for the food they were raised on, gives her a new sense of hope and purpose. In time, she opens a thriving curry house, beloved by the local communities.
But as war in Europe looms, Divya’s fragile sense of belonging – through her business, her friendships and budding romance with sailor Raghu – comes under threat.
A world away from home, will she ever truly find happiness in life, on West India Dock Road?
An array of businesses lines this crooked a butcher’s, a sailmaker’s, a Jewish shop, a Chinese hostelry, a lodging house for people of all nationalities. A snatch of song wafts from a music hall, mingling with the scent of the public house nearby, the swell of the Thames and the call of seagulls. The air tastes of yearning…
1938: Divya has made the long sea journey from India to England, employed as a nanny by a British family. But once they arrive, she is cruelly abandoned, with no means to return home. Afraid and alone, she faces prejudice and rejection… until she finds her way to an Irish-run boarding house on West India Dock Road and meets Jack, Charity and a host of unexpected friends.
Divya is a good cook, and preparing meals for the other immigrants, homesick for the food they were raised on, gives her a new sense of hope and purpose. In time, she opens a thriving curry house, beloved by the local communities.
But as war in Europe looms, Divya’s fragile sense of belonging – through her business, her friendships and budding romance with sailor Raghu – comes under threat.
A world away from home, will she ever truly find happiness in life, on West India Dock Road?
362 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 13, 2025
238 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
About the author
Renita D'Silva
21 books410 followersRenita D’Silva loves stories both reading and creating them. Wartime Comes To West India Dock Road, the second book in her historical saga series set on West India Dock Road, is out on July 23, 2025. Her books have been translated into several languages. Her short stories have been published in The View from Here, Bartleby Snopes, this zine, Platinum Page, Paragraph Planet, Verve among others, have been nominated for the Pushcart prize, the Best of the Net anthology, shortlisted for the LoveReading Very Short Story award and The Alpine Fellowship Writing Prize and longlisted for the BBC National Short Story award. Her short story, Eavesdropping Shamelessly, is published in the Arts Council England funded Bridges Not Borders anthology of prizewinning stories. Her first psychological thriller, The Neighbours, won the Joffe Books Prize 2023. Her second psychological thriller, The Dream Wedding, is out now.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
January 27, 2025
I love the East end atmosphere, the community, the snarky remarks. You Will fall in love wirh the community, i Know i did. I really enjoyed the book, following the Main character's Journey. So a Great start to a New series.
Thank you to netgalley.com for letting me read this e arc, in exchange for an honesr opinion.
Thank you to netgalley.com for letting me read this e arc, in exchange for an honesr opinion.
March 17, 2025
New Arrivals On West India Dock Road by Renita D’Silva, Divya Ram, lost her parents in a flood and then is shunned by her village in India and accused of being bad luck. is hired by a British couple to take care of their two young boys and brought to London but after they arrive they quickly fire her to hire more educated nannies. Luckily for Divya she gets sick and faints in front of the missionary school ran by some very kind nuns who bring her in and take care of her. while on the boat from India she met another Indian name Radji who told her to go to W. India Dock Rd. and she will find a place to belong. As soon as she is better she asked sister Magdalene and the other nuns how to get there. She is surprised that not only do they know where the street is but gives her instructions on where to go and who to ask for. The where is the the O’Kelly’s boarding house and who is charity O Kelly. They know she will take her in. when she arrives she’s already made a friend and Jack who knows everyone in the neighborhood and True to sister Magdalene‘s word charity takes her in but this is just the beginning. With her cooking and charisma divya find friends and Work to save money to go home but soon war breaks out and those she comes to Love wants to go fight she will find someone who loves her and someone she loves and sadly they are not the same person. This is a great book that is the beginning to a new series and I cannot wait to read the next book. Just know for the most part this is a fun fiction book but they do have very emotional parts to the story and very cringe worthy as well but all in all I really enjoyed this book. #NetGalley,#BoldWoodBooks, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview, #RenitaD’Silva, #NewArrivalsOnWestIndiaDockRoad,
March 31, 2025
In the first book in a brand-new series from Renita D’Silva, readers meet Divya in 1938 as she travels from India to England as a nanny for a British family. Cruelly abandoned upon her arrival to England, she cannot return home and must find a place to stay, in this case an Irish-run boarding house on West India Dock Road, where she meets Jack, Charity, and a community of supportive friends. Taking on a cooking role for the boarding house and cooking the meals the other immigrants miss, Divya’s new place in the community brings her purpose and gives her the chance to open a beloved local curry house. However, war is on the horizon, and Divya’s sense of belonging with this community -- and a growing romance with a sailor -- might be in danger. With its unique historical emphasis, fantastic cast of characters, and new lens on World War II historical fiction, readers will love this new and fascinating historical fiction series. Divya and her community are the absolute stars of the novel, and D’Silva has brought a complex and diverse cast of characters to life -- each of the many characters is fully formed and complex, really creating a thriving new community and historical setting for this brilliant new series.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.
February 9, 2025
This is the second book I have read by this author, and like the first, I thoroughly enjoyed it. When Divya's parents die unexpectedly, she is on her own in India, and perceived to be the cause of bad luck. She ends up becoming an ayah and goes to England with her employers, who then leave her stranded in England. Through the kindness of others, she ends up at a boarding house and eventually opens a restaurant. The author has captured the racism and bigotry of the times, but also the way East Enders stick together and the feeling of community. There is a rich cast of characters that really adds to the story. The story ends at the start of WW2, so I am looking forward to the next book to see what happens next to our courageous heroine and her community. Thanks to NetGalley for a copy to read and review.
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June 30, 2025It's 1938 and many of the British are fleeing India due to unrest. Divya has recently lost her parents to an accident and she is trying to survive on her own. She is considered bad luck by the people in her village, so when she gets the opportunity to sail to England as an Ayah (a nanny) for a British couple she is thrilled. With the 12 week pay and passage back home, she should be able to relocate and begin a new life. Unfortunately for her, she is only paid for 6 weeks and not given passage home, so is abandoned in a foreign country where she is not welcomed, and treated poorly. Luckily for her, she meets a man, Jack, who directs her to an Irish boarding house where she is lucky to get a small attic room. She immediately steps in to help Charity, the proprietess, and begins cooking for the boarders. She quickly becomes known for her excellent food and begins making her own money cooking for the neighbourhood. Opening her own curry house seems like a dream come true, but with racism, things do not pan out as she had hoped.
Once again, I learned a lot about the history of the Indian people in England. I didn't realize that so many of them came to England with the intention of returning home, but couldn't due to funds and promises not being kept. We are all aware of racism in out world, and England was not exception. The people from India were treated poorly. They were called names, not allowed in certain places, had their own entrances to buildings and washrooms, and were not given jobs because of their skin colour. Divya was lucky to have stumbled upon Jack. He supported her, helped her and eventually fell in love with her, but was that to be? She is a well written character who has an excellent work ethic, loves children, supports those around her, is an excellent cook, and never utters a bad work about anyone. There are several scenes of racism that devolve into physical violence in this story, so if that is a trigger for you, you might want to avoid this one. Raghu is also from India and he is a sailor. We get his perspective as well. He becomes a leader among the Lascars, which infuriates the white sailors as they get paid less, so are hired before they are. He is in love with Divya, but accused of something that could end his life. There are themes of racism, grief, love, new beginnings, friendship and community that added so much to this story. I am looking forward to the second in this series, Wartime Comes to West India Dock Road, publishing later in July. I listened to this book narrated by Nikki Patel. She does a great job with all the voices and accents. I enjoyed her performance.
Once again, I learned a lot about the history of the Indian people in England. I didn't realize that so many of them came to England with the intention of returning home, but couldn't due to funds and promises not being kept. We are all aware of racism in out world, and England was not exception. The people from India were treated poorly. They were called names, not allowed in certain places, had their own entrances to buildings and washrooms, and were not given jobs because of their skin colour. Divya was lucky to have stumbled upon Jack. He supported her, helped her and eventually fell in love with her, but was that to be? She is a well written character who has an excellent work ethic, loves children, supports those around her, is an excellent cook, and never utters a bad work about anyone. There are several scenes of racism that devolve into physical violence in this story, so if that is a trigger for you, you might want to avoid this one. Raghu is also from India and he is a sailor. We get his perspective as well. He becomes a leader among the Lascars, which infuriates the white sailors as they get paid less, so are hired before they are. He is in love with Divya, but accused of something that could end his life. There are themes of racism, grief, love, new beginnings, friendship and community that added so much to this story. I am looking forward to the second in this series, Wartime Comes to West India Dock Road, publishing later in July. I listened to this book narrated by Nikki Patel. She does a great job with all the voices and accents. I enjoyed her performance.
January 30, 2025
New Arrivals On West India Dock Road by Renata D’Silva is a powerful, heartfelt historical novel that I read in just one sitting. I am hoping there will be many more books to follow.
The tale is set just before the outbreak of World War II. We begin the novel in India in 1937, following a young girl who is employed as a nanny to two small boys, whose parents are English. Unrest in India sees the family boarding a ship to England as they make hollow promises to the nanny. Once on the shores of England, she is left to fend for herself.
The vibrancy of India contrasts with the greyness of England. “Everything is coated in a grey mist, a far cry from the ubiquitous orange dust of India.”
England is an inhospitable place for those whose skin colour is not white, and whose accent is not English.
As the streets of London are traversed, we move towards the docklands. Here, the streets are not paved with gold but the hearts are filled with love.
It is a very cosmopolitan area, populated by those whom society has marginalized – the Irish, African, India, Chinese and more. Here, the lost and lonely find a place to call home.
It is not all a bed of roses as there is gang warfare and racial discrimination. Gangs of white youths resent immigrants from taking ‘their jobs’ on-board boats. “They talk with their fists and not their mouths. They see our colour; they don’t see us.”
The cosmopolitan community is treated abominably by some. “They cannot see past colour, identity, to humanity.” We see that some “make fun of her just because the colour of her skin is a darker shade than theirs… Isn’t the colour of the blood… the same?”
People are quick to judge when tragedy strikes. They believe a false narrative and not the truth. Characters fight for justice.
As the novel ends, World War II is just beginning. Characters fear another war so fast on the heels of World War I. Communities are still reeling from the loss of a generation of young men, when along comes another war to steal the next generation of young men.
All the characters were well drawn, likable and believable. The leading lady, though small in stature was hugely brave, unswervingly loyal and had a big heart.
I thoroughly enjoyed New Arrivals On West India Dock Road. It was a powerful read.
I received a free copy via Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
The tale is set just before the outbreak of World War II. We begin the novel in India in 1937, following a young girl who is employed as a nanny to two small boys, whose parents are English. Unrest in India sees the family boarding a ship to England as they make hollow promises to the nanny. Once on the shores of England, she is left to fend for herself.
The vibrancy of India contrasts with the greyness of England. “Everything is coated in a grey mist, a far cry from the ubiquitous orange dust of India.”
England is an inhospitable place for those whose skin colour is not white, and whose accent is not English.
As the streets of London are traversed, we move towards the docklands. Here, the streets are not paved with gold but the hearts are filled with love.
It is a very cosmopolitan area, populated by those whom society has marginalized – the Irish, African, India, Chinese and more. Here, the lost and lonely find a place to call home.
It is not all a bed of roses as there is gang warfare and racial discrimination. Gangs of white youths resent immigrants from taking ‘their jobs’ on-board boats. “They talk with their fists and not their mouths. They see our colour; they don’t see us.”
The cosmopolitan community is treated abominably by some. “They cannot see past colour, identity, to humanity.” We see that some “make fun of her just because the colour of her skin is a darker shade than theirs… Isn’t the colour of the blood… the same?”
People are quick to judge when tragedy strikes. They believe a false narrative and not the truth. Characters fight for justice.
As the novel ends, World War II is just beginning. Characters fear another war so fast on the heels of World War I. Communities are still reeling from the loss of a generation of young men, when along comes another war to steal the next generation of young men.
All the characters were well drawn, likable and believable. The leading lady, though small in stature was hugely brave, unswervingly loyal and had a big heart.
I thoroughly enjoyed New Arrivals On West India Dock Road. It was a powerful read.
I received a free copy via Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
February 16, 2025
4.5 Stars
New Arrivals on West India Dock Road is a compelling and poignant story of new beginnings and community.
Divya’s parents die unexpectedly and she’s struggling to make it on her own in India. It’s more difficult since she is perceived as the cause of bad luck in her culture. She becomes an ayah (nanny) and travels to England with her employers who have promised her a return ticket. They do not follow through and now she is stranded in a strange city and culture. Through acts of kindness, she ends up at a boarding house in London’s East End. Divya is an excellent cook and prepares meals for the boarders and others in the community. Her reputation as a fine cook spreads through the community and this gives her renewed hope and a dream of opening her own curry house.
The author’s vivid descriptions of the people, the businesses, and the nationalities of London’s East End are delightful and add to this atmospheric story. Food is a central focus and you might want to “Door Dash” a few favorite Indian dishes to enhance your reading or book club experience.
Divya is a remarkable young woman who survives and thrives in a new country and culture. We cheer for her from page one. Her determination and bravery drive the action.
Thoughtful themes include grief, new beginnings, community, friendship, immigrants, entrepreneurship, cooking competition, diversity, prejudice, and intolerance.
Content Consideration: prejudice, hate crimes
Fans of diverse reads and books about cooking and cooking competitions will enjoy New Arrivals on West India Dock Road. Book clubs will want to indulge in some Indian cuisine.
Thanks #NetGalley @BoldwoodBooks for a complimentary eARC of #NewArrivalsOnWestIndiaDockRoad upon my request. All opinions are my own.
For more reviews visit my blog www.readingladies.com where this review was first published.
New Arrivals on West India Dock Road is a compelling and poignant story of new beginnings and community.
Divya’s parents die unexpectedly and she’s struggling to make it on her own in India. It’s more difficult since she is perceived as the cause of bad luck in her culture. She becomes an ayah (nanny) and travels to England with her employers who have promised her a return ticket. They do not follow through and now she is stranded in a strange city and culture. Through acts of kindness, she ends up at a boarding house in London’s East End. Divya is an excellent cook and prepares meals for the boarders and others in the community. Her reputation as a fine cook spreads through the community and this gives her renewed hope and a dream of opening her own curry house.
The author’s vivid descriptions of the people, the businesses, and the nationalities of London’s East End are delightful and add to this atmospheric story. Food is a central focus and you might want to “Door Dash” a few favorite Indian dishes to enhance your reading or book club experience.
Divya is a remarkable young woman who survives and thrives in a new country and culture. We cheer for her from page one. Her determination and bravery drive the action.
Thoughtful themes include grief, new beginnings, community, friendship, immigrants, entrepreneurship, cooking competition, diversity, prejudice, and intolerance.
Content Consideration: prejudice, hate crimes
Fans of diverse reads and books about cooking and cooking competitions will enjoy New Arrivals on West India Dock Road. Book clubs will want to indulge in some Indian cuisine.
Thanks #NetGalley @BoldwoodBooks for a complimentary eARC of #NewArrivalsOnWestIndiaDockRoad upon my request. All opinions are my own.
For more reviews visit my blog www.readingladies.com where this review was first published.
March 2, 2025
When her parents tragically die in a flood, Divya is left all alone. The other villagers consider her unlucky which makes it difficult for her to find work anywhere. She finally finds work as a nanny for a British family and has hopes for her future. When the family decides to move back to England, they take Divya along for help on the journey, with a promise to pay for her return passage to India. Once there, however, they let Divya go with only a little money and no way back home. Abandoned and alone in this foreign country, Divya doesn't know where to go. She is treated like a pariah because of her skin color and nobody will help her or hire her. Just as she's ready to give up, she is saved by some nuns who advise her to go to West India Dock Road. This area of the city is vastly different, with people if all ethnicities. She is finally hopeful for her future.
I always look forward to books by this author, her historical fiction stories transport you to a different time. This is supposedly the beginning of a series based on this area of London. While I still love the writing style of author, I didn't find the story itself to be very gripping. We pretty much follow Divya's journey and see how she adjusts to her new life. Nothing truly exciting really happens for most of the story. There is a bit of a romantic angle with two possible suitors and hints of WW2 looming. It wasn't until about 75 percent into the book that I found interesting conflict. The racial tensions get really bad and Divya realizes that people can easily turn their backs on their neighbors, she once again feels like an outsider.
Overall this was a nice story and I was happy to see Divya overcome struggles and make a life for herself. I look forward to the other books in this series.
Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I always look forward to books by this author, her historical fiction stories transport you to a different time. This is supposedly the beginning of a series based on this area of London. While I still love the writing style of author, I didn't find the story itself to be very gripping. We pretty much follow Divya's journey and see how she adjusts to her new life. Nothing truly exciting really happens for most of the story. There is a bit of a romantic angle with two possible suitors and hints of WW2 looming. It wasn't until about 75 percent into the book that I found interesting conflict. The racial tensions get really bad and Divya realizes that people can easily turn their backs on their neighbors, she once again feels like an outsider.
Overall this was a nice story and I was happy to see Divya overcome struggles and make a life for herself. I look forward to the other books in this series.
Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
July 22, 2025
I wanted to read this because of the Indian aspect. But there were so many things that put me off. Now, this is solely as an Indian that my reactions are so pointed. As a story, it works well.
The lead character is Divya who is from a small village and the setting is 1937. I am also reading another book set in approximately the same time and each character introduced in that brings with them their history which clearly points to their origins. That might be the reason I am going to be so picky here. Divya is a very generic girl/ woman. There’s Hindi thrown in for good measure, but nothing about the food she makes or the sarees she talks of can pinpoint her actual origin. Even more than now, India of the time, especially villages had some uniqueness to them and choosing an exact location might have endeared me more to her. The cover does not help because the styling of the saree is definitely 21st century. I am not a historian but after only recently reading so many related books set in the time, including non- ficton, I just couldn’t stop focusing on this point as is obvious from the above tirade ( of sorts).
The plot itself works well without the background, you have a found family who all work well together even though they all practice different religions and eat different foods. There is a mixed reaction when something big goes down and Divya’s life gets harder than originally anticipated.
This second paragraph should show most people what they will take away from this. I will not be continuing this series but I might look into more contemporary stories written by the author.
I received an ARC thanks to Netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.
The lead character is Divya who is from a small village and the setting is 1937. I am also reading another book set in approximately the same time and each character introduced in that brings with them their history which clearly points to their origins. That might be the reason I am going to be so picky here. Divya is a very generic girl/ woman. There’s Hindi thrown in for good measure, but nothing about the food she makes or the sarees she talks of can pinpoint her actual origin. Even more than now, India of the time, especially villages had some uniqueness to them and choosing an exact location might have endeared me more to her. The cover does not help because the styling of the saree is definitely 21st century. I am not a historian but after only recently reading so many related books set in the time, including non- ficton, I just couldn’t stop focusing on this point as is obvious from the above tirade ( of sorts).
The plot itself works well without the background, you have a found family who all work well together even though they all practice different religions and eat different foods. There is a mixed reaction when something big goes down and Divya’s life gets harder than originally anticipated.
This second paragraph should show most people what they will take away from this. I will not be continuing this series but I might look into more contemporary stories written by the author.
I received an ARC thanks to Netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.
February 16, 2025
WoW. . . . . . New Arrivals on West India Dock Road by Renita D'Silva was another brilliant book by this author and brilliant news the first book in a new "Welcome to West India Dock Road" This book is a strong historical fiction novel set in India and in London’s East End, we follow the story off Divya Ram a young girl who is orphaned and then hounded out of her own home which was considered bad luck. Divya finally gets luck on her side when she gets a job as a nursery maid to some children from a wealthy British family and when they finally return to England she will go with them, and with the promise of a return ticket to India when they find a permanent nanny. But once they arrive back in England, Divya was cruelly abandoned, and with no means to return home. She was afraid and alone, and now faces prejudice and rejection. . . . . . . until she finds her way to an Irish-run boarding house on West India Dock Road and meets Jack, Charity and a host of unexpected friends.
Divya is a very good cook, and preparing meals for the other immigrants, homesick for the food they were raised on, gives her a new sense of hope and purpose. In time, she opens a thriving curry house, beloved by the local communities.
But, as war in Europe looms, Divya’s fragile sense of belonging – through her business, her friendships and budding romance with sailor Raghu – comes under threat.
WoW This book is so good and so cleverly written that will draw you in from the beginning till the very end.
Divya is a great character, strong and resilient and loyal to her friends, I loved her and looking forward reading the next book within this new series.
I highly recommend this book.
Divya is a very good cook, and preparing meals for the other immigrants, homesick for the food they were raised on, gives her a new sense of hope and purpose. In time, she opens a thriving curry house, beloved by the local communities.
But, as war in Europe looms, Divya’s fragile sense of belonging – through her business, her friendships and budding romance with sailor Raghu – comes under threat.
WoW This book is so good and so cleverly written that will draw you in from the beginning till the very end.
Divya is a great character, strong and resilient and loyal to her friends, I loved her and looking forward reading the next book within this new series.
I highly recommend this book.
February 18, 2025
New Arrivals on West India Dock Road by Renita D´Silva is a story of resilience and survival in a hostile world. Divya is just about to enter my collection of brave women characters, decided to fight for her life at any honorable price. But Divya is not only fighting for her survival, she is also making a difference in the her community, through her delicious cooking and her well-spirited attitude. After the stories about the enchanted menu she prepared every day, I just wanted to have a warm curry with a spicy dessert and a cup of tea. I am no stranger to Renita D´Silva writing, and I am always captivated by her wordings, embracing the reader with the smells and colours of another world. From the very beginning, we are about to enter an ambiance that we are strongly convened through the strength of words. The ambiance of the East End at the brink of the WWII resonated with similar stories and personal accounts I´ve been shared. The language plays an important role in building an authentic ambiance.
As an immigrant for most part of my adult life, I felt the character´s challenges and hardships, due to her different appearance. However, I felt comfort and encouragement in her achievements, despite the everyday racism. From the naive girl who just arrived in London to the adult gazing the skies, there is a dramatic transformation that took place in between, and not because she had an easy life.
Disclaimer: Book offered as part of a book tour but the opinions are, as usual, my own
As an immigrant for most part of my adult life, I felt the character´s challenges and hardships, due to her different appearance. However, I felt comfort and encouragement in her achievements, despite the everyday racism. From the naive girl who just arrived in London to the adult gazing the skies, there is a dramatic transformation that took place in between, and not because she had an easy life.
Disclaimer: Book offered as part of a book tour but the opinions are, as usual, my own
February 1, 2025
A strong historical fiction novel set in India and London following Divya Ram a young girl who is orphaned and then hounded out of her home as being considered bad luck. She eventually gets a job as a nursery maid to the children of a wealthy family and when they return to England she goes with them, with the promise of a return ticket to India when they find a nanny. Divya is a great character, strong and resilient and loyal to her friends.
Briefly, after Divya’s employers throw her out and refuse to pay for her ticket home, she eventually arrives in West India Dock where she finds lodgings with Charity O’Kelly and her family. Soon Divya’s love of cooking leads to her taking over the boarding house’s kitchen, and eventually with financial help from a local man, and help from the community her own restaurant.
The racial prejudice that Divya and other black people suffer is excruciating uncomfortable and no doubt true of the times. Despite the fact that the dock area is a hotchpotch of nationalities and religions it did seem that there was a black / white divide for many when it came to trust and loyalty. There is an interesting three way romance simmering with wealthy Jack and Indian lascar Raghu both setting their caps at Divya. A very enjoyable and entertaining read.
Briefly, after Divya’s employers throw her out and refuse to pay for her ticket home, she eventually arrives in West India Dock where she finds lodgings with Charity O’Kelly and her family. Soon Divya’s love of cooking leads to her taking over the boarding house’s kitchen, and eventually with financial help from a local man, and help from the community her own restaurant.
The racial prejudice that Divya and other black people suffer is excruciating uncomfortable and no doubt true of the times. Despite the fact that the dock area is a hotchpotch of nationalities and religions it did seem that there was a black / white divide for many when it came to trust and loyalty. There is an interesting three way romance simmering with wealthy Jack and Indian lascar Raghu both setting their caps at Divya. A very enjoyable and entertaining read.
March 13, 2025
Divya Ram had a lovely childhood, but the sudden death of both parents in a flash flood led to her losing her home and all her suppport network, as the narrow minded villagers blamed her as a 'bad luck' omen and ostracised her. She found work as a nanny to an English family, and accepted their offer to travel to England with them until a new nanny was found there, when she would be given the fare home.
You can imagine, that didn't quite work out and Divya finds herself homeless, virtually penniless and lost in an alien country. She does get quite a bit of good luck, finding the right people who will help her, and ends up in a boarding house on West India Dock Road with an Irish girl and her brothers, where she is able to use her cooking skills and make friends and find acceptance.
However, narrow mindedness is not confined to India, and a series of events leads Divya again to be ostracised through no fault of her own, other than having brown skin.
The story is a good read, well written, uncomfortable in parts because of the prejudice shown, and while it is a little sugar coated (Divya could have come to serious harm very easily as a vulnerable Indian girl) it does paint a picture of immigrants to London struggling to survive and overcome innate prejudice.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
You can imagine, that didn't quite work out and Divya finds herself homeless, virtually penniless and lost in an alien country. She does get quite a bit of good luck, finding the right people who will help her, and ends up in a boarding house on West India Dock Road with an Irish girl and her brothers, where she is able to use her cooking skills and make friends and find acceptance.
However, narrow mindedness is not confined to India, and a series of events leads Divya again to be ostracised through no fault of her own, other than having brown skin.
The story is a good read, well written, uncomfortable in parts because of the prejudice shown, and while it is a little sugar coated (Divya could have come to serious harm very easily as a vulnerable Indian girl) it does paint a picture of immigrants to London struggling to survive and overcome innate prejudice.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 27, 2025
I love Renita’s books. Although most are set in India in the early 20th century, this one was a bit different. It started off in India and then moved on to England where most of the narrative unfolds. As always, Renita does a stunning job with the descriptiveness of the setting. I was able to fully immerse myself in West India Dock Road. I loved the community, diversity and friendliness although I was still wary of the undertones of bigotry which seemed just beneath the surface for most of the people.
Divya’s story is mainly focused on the theme of belonging. She was a great main character, sympathetic and easy to root for. I also liked how realistically portrayed she was. I liked being a witness to her life’s journey. The support characters such as Raghu, Jack, Charity were all very well portrayed. I could imagine myself in that little community. I literally feel like I can identify the characters if I found myself in West India Dock Road.
This is a beautiful, well-plotted story. The pacing is even and there are no parts that felt bogged down. I do love good well wrapped up stories and this wasn’t one but the ending was still satisfying. Hopefully, there will be a continuation of the story though. A fantastic read overall.
Divya’s story is mainly focused on the theme of belonging. She was a great main character, sympathetic and easy to root for. I also liked how realistically portrayed she was. I liked being a witness to her life’s journey. The support characters such as Raghu, Jack, Charity were all very well portrayed. I could imagine myself in that little community. I literally feel like I can identify the characters if I found myself in West India Dock Road.
This is a beautiful, well-plotted story. The pacing is even and there are no parts that felt bogged down. I do love good well wrapped up stories and this wasn’t one but the ending was still satisfying. Hopefully, there will be a continuation of the story though. A fantastic read overall.
February 12, 2025
It's the first book in a new series about a young Indian woman who loses her family in a tragic incident. Forced out of her community due to superstition, she finds work with an English couple, looking after their children and goes with them when they return to England. When her employers fail to honour their promise to pay for her passage back to India, she finds herself homeless and alone. Finding the community on West India Dock Road is serendipitous for Divya, and she finds acceptance until things go wrong. It's an evocative story detailing the differences between Divya's life in India and England. She faces differing prejudices in both places. Divya experiences luck at both ends of the spectrum and begins to make a life in the East End with the help of her found family and the diverse community. Their cohesiveness develops from the wider prejudice they all experience, but it is fragile, and when the tragedy rocks the road, Divya's new life crumbles. I like the female protagonists who are courageous and compassionate. Detailed characterisation, culture and ethos in India and England draw the reader into the story. Although it is heartbreaking in parts, it's an engaging beginning to this new series.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
February 19, 2025
I'm reviewing this via NetGalley, as part of a tour with Rachel's Random Resources.
Taking place shortly before the onset of WWII, the story follows Divya Ram, a woman from Bombay. Following the deaths of her parents, Divya sets out to make her own way in the world. She is employed as a nanny by the Ellis family, which she enjoys, only to find herself harshly dismissed later on. Though she is cruelly shunned by many, Divya finds a home at West India Dock Road in East End London, with her newfound friends Charity, Jack and Raghu.
Even at the start, I enjoyed how the author created an atmosphere and brought the story to life on the pages, describing colours, flavours and scents. I enjoyed Divya as a protagonist; she was an intelligent, caring and patient person, with a passion and enthusiasm for cooking. Her love of food and cooking became a big part of her journey. Though her journey wasn't an easy one, I wanted her to succeed, and in the latter part of the book, I found myself surprisingly emotional. This was a heartwarming story of love, courage and friendship, and it sparked joy to read it.
Thank you to NetGalley, Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books, and to the author, for the opportunity to read and review this.
Taking place shortly before the onset of WWII, the story follows Divya Ram, a woman from Bombay. Following the deaths of her parents, Divya sets out to make her own way in the world. She is employed as a nanny by the Ellis family, which she enjoys, only to find herself harshly dismissed later on. Though she is cruelly shunned by many, Divya finds a home at West India Dock Road in East End London, with her newfound friends Charity, Jack and Raghu.
Even at the start, I enjoyed how the author created an atmosphere and brought the story to life on the pages, describing colours, flavours and scents. I enjoyed Divya as a protagonist; she was an intelligent, caring and patient person, with a passion and enthusiasm for cooking. Her love of food and cooking became a big part of her journey. Though her journey wasn't an easy one, I wanted her to succeed, and in the latter part of the book, I found myself surprisingly emotional. This was a heartwarming story of love, courage and friendship, and it sparked joy to read it.
Thank you to NetGalley, Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books, and to the author, for the opportunity to read and review this.
February 16, 2025
The story covers genres from history to a family saga told from one individuals perspective. Divya orphaned suddenly at seventeen, finds herself an outcast in her own village. Through very troubling circumstances she finds herself as a nanny to two young charges on a ship to England. Cheated of her fare home to India, she fortunately finds herself with nuns who send her to a home run by a compassionate girl who helps Divya to stand on her own feet.
More than Divya carving a niche for herself is the story of grit and determination not to give up against all odds of racism, language, lack of skills and a myriad disadvantages. Divya manages to establish herself as a cafe owner dishing out her own specialities. She builds up a loyal clientele including two men who fall in love with her.
The story was descriptive of life in the docks and of the people who inhabit it. Tough breed of people from every walk of life and every country who grew to call England home and who have made it the melting pot it is today. Set in the early 20th century and at the beginning of the WWII this story detailed how ordinary Britons faced hardship and loss.
More than Divya carving a niche for herself is the story of grit and determination not to give up against all odds of racism, language, lack of skills and a myriad disadvantages. Divya manages to establish herself as a cafe owner dishing out her own specialities. She builds up a loyal clientele including two men who fall in love with her.
The story was descriptive of life in the docks and of the people who inhabit it. Tough breed of people from every walk of life and every country who grew to call England home and who have made it the melting pot it is today. Set in the early 20th century and at the beginning of the WWII this story detailed how ordinary Britons faced hardship and loss.
February 28, 2025
Traveling from India to London, readers will be swept away by Divya's story. After her parent's death, Divya is cast out of her home and seeks shelter as in a high-society home as an Ayah. Due to her ancestry, she's treated like a second-class servant and upon arriving in London, forced to leave in her employment after they hire a white nanny.
Reneging on their agreement to pay for her passage back to India, they cruelly garnish her wages and turn her out on the streets. Determined to succeed and with the help from the kindness of strangers, her mother's recipes serve up a second chance.
Readers will find themselves championing Divya's fight and that society will finally support her dreams. Fans of D'Silva's previous novels will recognize her historical fiction prose and charismatic characters. Thank you to #NetGalley and the publisher for the early edition of #NewArrivalsonWestIndiaDockRoad in exchange for an honest review.
I had trouble settling into the story but once Divya was London bound, that's what bridged the connection. From that point on, I finished the novel in a single sitting.
Reneging on their agreement to pay for her passage back to India, they cruelly garnish her wages and turn her out on the streets. Determined to succeed and with the help from the kindness of strangers, her mother's recipes serve up a second chance.
Readers will find themselves championing Divya's fight and that society will finally support her dreams. Fans of D'Silva's previous novels will recognize her historical fiction prose and charismatic characters. Thank you to #NetGalley and the publisher for the early edition of #NewArrivalsonWestIndiaDockRoad in exchange for an honest review.
I had trouble settling into the story but once Divya was London bound, that's what bridged the connection. From that point on, I finished the novel in a single sitting.
February 8, 2025
The beginning of New Arrivals on West India Dock Road by Renita D’Silva drew me in. I liked Divya and felt for her. She went through some trying times. We get to meet a variety of characters as Divya journeys from India to England. The West India Dock Road was an interesting area of London. There were people from many different countries living there. I loved Charity and her brothers. They added humor and heart to the story. I did not enjoy reading about the racism. It is a shame that people can be so cruel to someone from another country because they look or sound different. The dishes that Divya cooked sounded delicious (they will have your mouth watering). The author provides vivid descriptions of the food, homes, people, and more. There are two people who care for Divya, but only one catches her heart. I enjoyed New Arrivals on West India Dock Road, and I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
February 10, 2025
This story starts off in India in 1937. We follow a young girl Divya, who is employed by an English couple as a nanny for their two young boys. When the family moves back to England, Divya travels with the family with the promise that they would pay for her return journey, but when they arrive in England, they abandon her. But a little luck is on Divya's side when she ends up in a boarding house and becomes the cook.
This is a descriptively written story. The characters are well-portrayed. The story covers racism and gang warfare. The racism that the black people had to suffer is harrowing. Divya has a couple of love interests. The pace is steady. What a great start to a new series, I will definitely be looking out for the next book.
Published 13th February 2025
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #RenitaDSilva for my ARC of #NewArrivalsOnWestIndiaDockRoad in exchange for an honest review.
This is a descriptively written story. The characters are well-portrayed. The story covers racism and gang warfare. The racism that the black people had to suffer is harrowing. Divya has a couple of love interests. The pace is steady. What a great start to a new series, I will definitely be looking out for the next book.
Published 13th February 2025
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #RenitaDSilva for my ARC of #NewArrivalsOnWestIndiaDockRoad in exchange for an honest review.
September 13, 2025
Renita D’Silva is such a talented writer with a rich, immersive style.
Reading The New Arrivals on West India Dock Road felt like stepping back in time, before my time, but so vividly described that I could almost believe I had lived on West India Dock Road myself.
Divya Ram’s story is heartwarming, showing us the quiet strength of kindness. Jack Devine quickly became my favorite character. He embodies how some people stay several steps ahead in life, but also how, with the right encouragement and support, we can learn to believe in ourselves.
The novel beautifully captures the power of community, the right kind of community, and also the fickleness of human nature. It reminds us of the importance of standing up for the truth, even when no one else believes it. I look forward to reading more of the authors books!
Reading The New Arrivals on West India Dock Road felt like stepping back in time, before my time, but so vividly described that I could almost believe I had lived on West India Dock Road myself.
Divya Ram’s story is heartwarming, showing us the quiet strength of kindness. Jack Devine quickly became my favorite character. He embodies how some people stay several steps ahead in life, but also how, with the right encouragement and support, we can learn to believe in ourselves.
The novel beautifully captures the power of community, the right kind of community, and also the fickleness of human nature. It reminds us of the importance of standing up for the truth, even when no one else believes it. I look forward to reading more of the authors books!
February 19, 2025
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
My heart broke for Divya instantly when she was cast aside by her employers as soon as she reached a country that she didn’t know, she literally had nothing.
I was shocked they would do that but I had a feeling what was about to happen as I read more.
Divya is made of strong stuff though and with the help of some salt of the earth locals who befriend her, she starts to find her feet but prejudices because of who she is start to rear their ugly head, I found that aspect of the story hard to read at times, it broke my heart.
It was a powerful read that i found hard to put down, I’d happily read more of this series as it’s a fresh take on the Historical Saga Genre.
My heart broke for Divya instantly when she was cast aside by her employers as soon as she reached a country that she didn’t know, she literally had nothing.
I was shocked they would do that but I had a feeling what was about to happen as I read more.
Divya is made of strong stuff though and with the help of some salt of the earth locals who befriend her, she starts to find her feet but prejudices because of who she is start to rear their ugly head, I found that aspect of the story hard to read at times, it broke my heart.
It was a powerful read that i found hard to put down, I’d happily read more of this series as it’s a fresh take on the Historical Saga Genre.
July 29, 2025
3,5 stars rounded down.
I've read and loved many novels from Renita D'Silva, but this one didn't work for me as the rest of them.
I can see it has a very high rating so I guess it's just me and not the book! It happens.
Renita's books are usually very emotional but I found this one too grim when things were going bad and too cozy when things were going well. I didn't feel much emotional involvement also, althought Divya, the main character, is lovely.
And then, there is no ending, I get it that the second novel in the serie is already out and it isn't like there is a big cliffhanger, just a sense of only partial resolution, but now I'm not sure I am invested enought to read on this serie.. I'll wait a moment and do some backreading of the author before I decide!
I've read and loved many novels from Renita D'Silva, but this one didn't work for me as the rest of them.
I can see it has a very high rating so I guess it's just me and not the book! It happens.
Renita's books are usually very emotional but I found this one too grim when things were going bad and too cozy when things were going well. I didn't feel much emotional involvement also, althought Divya, the main character, is lovely.
And then, there is no ending, I get it that the second novel in the serie is already out and it isn't like there is a big cliffhanger, just a sense of only partial resolution, but now I'm not sure I am invested enought to read on this serie.. I'll wait a moment and do some backreading of the author before I decide!
February 4, 2025
New Arrivals on West India Dock Road is the story of Divya a young woman who despite being shunned has great promise and has grown into a strong and resilient lady. The author is knowledgeable and experienced in the subject and times of the book and it shows through the descriptive writing. I felt like I was a silent feature in the book just watching all that was happening. It touches all your senses you can see, feel, smell and taste everything. I enjoyed everything about the story including the characters, narrative and the complexity of the plot. I wanted Divya to succeed and find happiness. A strong start to what is set to be a intricate series!
February 11, 2025
This powerful historical saga starts in India where Divya lost her parents in an accident, and she lost her village too. She travels to England as an ayah for a white couple who soon abandon her. Nuns help Divya find her way to the East End of London, where there’s a multi-ethnic cast of characters. Life has it’s ups and downs as Divya finds her place amongst the locals with a degree of success. It’s a tough life of hard work. The story ends just as the Second World War is starting.
I thoroughly enjoyed this emotive read. Recommend.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy from NetGalley and Boldwood. I am writing a voluntary, honest review.
I thoroughly enjoyed this emotive read. Recommend.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy from NetGalley and Boldwood. I am writing a voluntary, honest review.
January 23, 2025
*Spoilers*
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Thoroughly enjoyed this book, after her parents die,Divya leaves India for England working as an Ayah for a British family during the Raj.
However once she arrives in London she finds herself stuck there and has to find her place in 1940’s east end London where Racism is thriving.
The first part of this book really drew me in, particularly as my own family history shares a similar story. I found the second half of the story not quite so gripping, however I still really enjoyed Divyas story and I’m definitely keen to read more from this author 💖
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Thoroughly enjoyed this book, after her parents die,Divya leaves India for England working as an Ayah for a British family during the Raj.
However once she arrives in London she finds herself stuck there and has to find her place in 1940’s east end London where Racism is thriving.
The first part of this book really drew me in, particularly as my own family history shares a similar story. I found the second half of the story not quite so gripping, however I still really enjoyed Divyas story and I’m definitely keen to read more from this author 💖
February 10, 2025
3.5 stars
I found some parts of this story really enjoyable but there were other parts that I skimmed over. The main character is Divya Ram, an Indian woman who found herself alone in London. It tells of the people she met, some were very kind and helpful but others were very racist. I like some description but not when it is just a list of items or food that was eaten. Also several things were repeated throughout the book. It was good to see Diyva grow in confidence throughout the book. There is violence (not graphic) and danger in the book and it seems as though this is the first in a series as one issue is not fully resolved. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I found some parts of this story really enjoyable but there were other parts that I skimmed over. The main character is Divya Ram, an Indian woman who found herself alone in London. It tells of the people she met, some were very kind and helpful but others were very racist. I like some description but not when it is just a list of items or food that was eaten. Also several things were repeated throughout the book. It was good to see Diyva grow in confidence throughout the book. There is violence (not graphic) and danger in the book and it seems as though this is the first in a series as one issue is not fully resolved. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 15, 2025
Divya accompanies the family that employs her as an ayah from India to England, with the understanding that they will pay her passage back to India. When they renege on their word, she finds herself in a strange country, with nowhere to stay and no job. She ends up at the West India Dock road, and becomes a cook for the boarding house she stays at. But war is on the horizon, and how can she choose between Jack and Raghu?
I really enjoyed this book. It was very well written and the descriptions of Indian food made my mouth water! It kept me enthralled from the first page to the last. I believe this is the first in a series, and I look forward to reading more about Divya and the people in the East End. Highly recommended.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an unbiased review.
I really enjoyed this book. It was very well written and the descriptions of Indian food made my mouth water! It kept me enthralled from the first page to the last. I believe this is the first in a series, and I look forward to reading more about Divya and the people in the East End. Highly recommended.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an unbiased review.
January 12, 2025
Outstanding! From the days in India to moving to London I thoroughly enjoyed the whole book. The characters were all so likeable and it was easy to imagine the posh family being so cruel and not providing Divya's fare home. Sadly too I know from reading other books how racist and cruel people were to people of different nations not just the Indians when they came to the UK.
I thoroughly enjoyed the mention of all the dishes that were being cooked and found myself looking up recipes and it certainly made my mouth water and hungry at times! I love cinnamon so the cups of tea sounded heaven to me!
I loved Charity and her family and Jack as soon they came into the book and loved to imagine their Irish accent!
I cannot wait for more books in the series and will be looking up more books by the author having never read any of her titles before. I know it's early in the year but I can see this being one of my best reads of 2025.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and of course Renita D'Silva for allowing me to read and review an Arc copy.
I thoroughly enjoyed the mention of all the dishes that were being cooked and found myself looking up recipes and it certainly made my mouth water and hungry at times! I love cinnamon so the cups of tea sounded heaven to me!
I loved Charity and her family and Jack as soon they came into the book and loved to imagine their Irish accent!
I cannot wait for more books in the series and will be looking up more books by the author having never read any of her titles before. I know it's early in the year but I can see this being one of my best reads of 2025.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and of course Renita D'Silva for allowing me to read and review an Arc copy.
February 14, 2025
This historical novel is the start of a new series, and my first read by this author.
I felt the content was well researched and the subject of prejudice and how society treats those who are different was presented well.
The characters were ones I was able to care about and I would enjoy seeing what comes next for them.
I felt the content was well researched and the subject of prejudice and how society treats those who are different was presented well.
The characters were ones I was able to care about and I would enjoy seeing what comes next for them.
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