What do you think?
Rate this book
Bogey Bonhomie: A friend in deed, is a friend indeed
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
January 22, 2026
'Bogey Bonhomie' by SunJeev as far more than a novel—it felt like a quiet conversation with fate, friendship, and the invisible threads that bind people across time. With every chapter, I sensed that this was a story meant to be felt deeply rather than merely read. It moves with emotional restraint yet leaves a lasting impact, much like memories that surface long after an event has passed.
SunJeev seamlessly weaves together historical fiction, contemporary life, and spiritual philosophy. I felt the shift from 1961 Goa, set against the backdrop of liberation from Portuguese rule, to present-day Mumbai unfold with quiet care and emotional balance. The bond between Ray and Roy came across to me as deeply intense yet fragile, marked by all the vulnerabilities that make friendships truly human. In contrast, the modern group—Kuber, Yug, Prahlad, Siddharth, and Som—felt instantly relatable, mirroring the confusion, loyalty, and growing pains of coming of age in a rapidly changing world. I found myself equally drawn to both timelines, emotionally anchored to their journeys, sensing subtle connections and familiar echoes long before the story openly revealed its deeper truth.
SunJeev's writing as calm, reflective, and deeply thoughtful. Nothing felt exaggerated or manufactured for effect instead, emotions surfaced slowly through unspoken moments, small misunderstandings, and the weight of personal choices. What I truly appreciated is how reincarnation is handled with restraint. it never feels like a dramatic twist, but rather a quiet presence flowing beneath the story. Lives are shaped by emotional habits and familiar conflicts instead of clear memories from the past, which made the narrative feel honest and real. Despite its spiritual foundation, the story remained grounded, and that balance made it all the more convincing and emotionally resonant for me.
The meaning behind the title lingered with me long after I closed the book. I kept returning to the image of life as a train journey, where people share a compartment for a while, grow close, and then part ways without always being ready for it. Not every companion is meant to travel till the final station. Bogey Bonhomie made me reflect on how some friendships feel karmic, some remain painfully unfinished, and some, no matter how much time passes, seem destined to find their way back into our lives.
This book, ' Bogey Bonhomie' is a deeply reflective, beautifully written novel that rewards patience and emotional openness. I would wholeheartedly recommend it to readers who value character-driven stories, meaningful friendships, and narratives that linger quietly in the heart.
SunJeev seamlessly weaves together historical fiction, contemporary life, and spiritual philosophy. I felt the shift from 1961 Goa, set against the backdrop of liberation from Portuguese rule, to present-day Mumbai unfold with quiet care and emotional balance. The bond between Ray and Roy came across to me as deeply intense yet fragile, marked by all the vulnerabilities that make friendships truly human. In contrast, the modern group—Kuber, Yug, Prahlad, Siddharth, and Som—felt instantly relatable, mirroring the confusion, loyalty, and growing pains of coming of age in a rapidly changing world. I found myself equally drawn to both timelines, emotionally anchored to their journeys, sensing subtle connections and familiar echoes long before the story openly revealed its deeper truth.
SunJeev's writing as calm, reflective, and deeply thoughtful. Nothing felt exaggerated or manufactured for effect instead, emotions surfaced slowly through unspoken moments, small misunderstandings, and the weight of personal choices. What I truly appreciated is how reincarnation is handled with restraint. it never feels like a dramatic twist, but rather a quiet presence flowing beneath the story. Lives are shaped by emotional habits and familiar conflicts instead of clear memories from the past, which made the narrative feel honest and real. Despite its spiritual foundation, the story remained grounded, and that balance made it all the more convincing and emotionally resonant for me.
The meaning behind the title lingered with me long after I closed the book. I kept returning to the image of life as a train journey, where people share a compartment for a while, grow close, and then part ways without always being ready for it. Not every companion is meant to travel till the final station. Bogey Bonhomie made me reflect on how some friendships feel karmic, some remain painfully unfinished, and some, no matter how much time passes, seem destined to find their way back into our lives.
This book, ' Bogey Bonhomie' is a deeply reflective, beautifully written novel that rewards patience and emotional openness. I would wholeheartedly recommend it to readers who value character-driven stories, meaningful friendships, and narratives that linger quietly in the heart.
January 25, 2026
Book Review: Bogey Bonhomie – A Friend in Deed, Is a Friend Indeed by Sunjeev Bhatia
Overview
Bogey Bonhomie is a genre-defying novel that weaves together historical fiction, contemporary drama, spiritual philosophy, and metaphysical mystery. Spanning two distinct timelines—1960s Goa and present-day Bombay (Mumbai)—the story explores the enduring nature of friendship, the mysteries of reincarnation, and the invisible threads of destiny that bind souls across lifetimes. At its heart, the book is a meditation on loyalty, memory, and the haunting question: Do friendships end with death, or do they simply change form?
Plot Summary
Part 1: The Echo from Goa (1961)
The novel opens in a small coastal village in South Goa during the politically charged period of liberation from Portuguese rule. Two young boys, Ray and Roy, share an intense, almost instinctive friendship. Their bond is a refuge amidst uncertainty, fear, and historical upheaval. Together, they dream up adventures—like windsurfing with ropes and a makeshift parachute—that symbolize their fearless and inventive spirits. However, as the Indian Army advances and Portuguese rule crumbles, their world fractures. Ray struggles for survival on Palolem Beach, while Roy hides on Monkey Island. Their story ends tragically, leaving their bond unfinished and a hidden Portuguese treasure undiscovered.
Part 2: The Reincarnation (Modern-Day Mumbai)
Decades later, the souls of Ray and Roy are reborn as part of a close-knit group of five schoolboys in Mumbai: Kuber, Yug, Prahlad, Siddharth, and Som. Their friendship feels effortless—a “Pentagon of Bonhomie”—filled with mischief, dreams, rivalry, and loyalty. Yet, beneath the surface, strange patterns emerge, and an unresolved tension lingers, hinting at a shared past life.
Part 3: The Bogey & The Bonhomie
As the boys grow, the mystery of the Portuguese treasure resurfaces, intertwining their present lives with the unresolved karma of the past. The “bogey”—a symbol of fear, guilt, fate, and unseen forces—looms over their relationships. Through school trips, misunderstandings, and moments of trust, the novel explores whether friendship can survive secrets, betrayal, and the weight of past choices. The story culminates in a reflection on whether we recognize our soul connections in time or dismiss them as mere coincidence.
Themes & Symbolism
· Friendship as Fate: The novel suggests that some friendships are so powerful they transcend time and death.
· Reincarnation & Karma: Past actions and unresolved emotions echo into future lives, shaping new relationships.
· The Bogey vs. Bonhomie: “Bogey” represents inner demons, fear, and unresolved guilt; “Bonhomie” symbolizes warmth, trust, and genuine companionship.
· Historical & Personal Parallels: The collapse of Portuguese rule mirrors the fragility of young lives, while the hidden treasure serves as a metaphor for unfinished business and the consequences of choices.
Writing Style & Structure
The novel is divided into four parts:
1. The Echo from Goa – Historical coming-of-age
2. The Reincarnation – Modern-day friendship dynamics
3. The Bogey – Unseen forces and tension
4. The Bonhomie – Resolution and reflection
The prose is simple, visual, and emotionally honest, with smooth transitions between timelines. The settings of Goa and Bombay are vividly drawn, grounding the story in place and mood. The pacing is steady, and the emotional impact builds quietly, avoiding melodrama.
Strengths
· Layered Narrative: Seamlessly blends history, mystery, and spirituality.
· Relatable Characters: Ray, Roy, and the five schoolboys feel authentic, with flaws, dreams, and emotional depth.
· Thought-Provoking: Raises philosophical questions about destiny, memory, and the nature of friendship.
· Emotional Resonance: The relationships are portrayed with such honesty that they linger long after reading.
Conclusion
Bogey Bonhomie is a compelling, reflective, and deeply human novel. It is more than a story about reincarnation or hidden treasure—it is an exploration of the unseen forces that connect us, the friendships that define us, and the possibility that some bonds are meant to last forever. Perfect for readers who enjoy historical fiction, spiritual themes, and emotionally rich storytelling.
---
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
Genre: Literary Fiction / Historical / Spiritual / Mystery
Recommended for: Fans of The Alchemist, Life of Pi, and stories about destiny and human connection.
Overview
Bogey Bonhomie is a genre-defying novel that weaves together historical fiction, contemporary drama, spiritual philosophy, and metaphysical mystery. Spanning two distinct timelines—1960s Goa and present-day Bombay (Mumbai)—the story explores the enduring nature of friendship, the mysteries of reincarnation, and the invisible threads of destiny that bind souls across lifetimes. At its heart, the book is a meditation on loyalty, memory, and the haunting question: Do friendships end with death, or do they simply change form?
Plot Summary
Part 1: The Echo from Goa (1961)
The novel opens in a small coastal village in South Goa during the politically charged period of liberation from Portuguese rule. Two young boys, Ray and Roy, share an intense, almost instinctive friendship. Their bond is a refuge amidst uncertainty, fear, and historical upheaval. Together, they dream up adventures—like windsurfing with ropes and a makeshift parachute—that symbolize their fearless and inventive spirits. However, as the Indian Army advances and Portuguese rule crumbles, their world fractures. Ray struggles for survival on Palolem Beach, while Roy hides on Monkey Island. Their story ends tragically, leaving their bond unfinished and a hidden Portuguese treasure undiscovered.
Part 2: The Reincarnation (Modern-Day Mumbai)
Decades later, the souls of Ray and Roy are reborn as part of a close-knit group of five schoolboys in Mumbai: Kuber, Yug, Prahlad, Siddharth, and Som. Their friendship feels effortless—a “Pentagon of Bonhomie”—filled with mischief, dreams, rivalry, and loyalty. Yet, beneath the surface, strange patterns emerge, and an unresolved tension lingers, hinting at a shared past life.
Part 3: The Bogey & The Bonhomie
As the boys grow, the mystery of the Portuguese treasure resurfaces, intertwining their present lives with the unresolved karma of the past. The “bogey”—a symbol of fear, guilt, fate, and unseen forces—looms over their relationships. Through school trips, misunderstandings, and moments of trust, the novel explores whether friendship can survive secrets, betrayal, and the weight of past choices. The story culminates in a reflection on whether we recognize our soul connections in time or dismiss them as mere coincidence.
Themes & Symbolism
· Friendship as Fate: The novel suggests that some friendships are so powerful they transcend time and death.
· Reincarnation & Karma: Past actions and unresolved emotions echo into future lives, shaping new relationships.
· The Bogey vs. Bonhomie: “Bogey” represents inner demons, fear, and unresolved guilt; “Bonhomie” symbolizes warmth, trust, and genuine companionship.
· Historical & Personal Parallels: The collapse of Portuguese rule mirrors the fragility of young lives, while the hidden treasure serves as a metaphor for unfinished business and the consequences of choices.
Writing Style & Structure
The novel is divided into four parts:
1. The Echo from Goa – Historical coming-of-age
2. The Reincarnation – Modern-day friendship dynamics
3. The Bogey – Unseen forces and tension
4. The Bonhomie – Resolution and reflection
The prose is simple, visual, and emotionally honest, with smooth transitions between timelines. The settings of Goa and Bombay are vividly drawn, grounding the story in place and mood. The pacing is steady, and the emotional impact builds quietly, avoiding melodrama.
Strengths
· Layered Narrative: Seamlessly blends history, mystery, and spirituality.
· Relatable Characters: Ray, Roy, and the five schoolboys feel authentic, with flaws, dreams, and emotional depth.
· Thought-Provoking: Raises philosophical questions about destiny, memory, and the nature of friendship.
· Emotional Resonance: The relationships are portrayed with such honesty that they linger long after reading.
Conclusion
Bogey Bonhomie is a compelling, reflective, and deeply human novel. It is more than a story about reincarnation or hidden treasure—it is an exploration of the unseen forces that connect us, the friendships that define us, and the possibility that some bonds are meant to last forever. Perfect for readers who enjoy historical fiction, spiritual themes, and emotionally rich storytelling.
---
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
Genre: Literary Fiction / Historical / Spiritual / Mystery
Recommended for: Fans of The Alchemist, Life of Pi, and stories about destiny and human connection.
November 26, 2025
Bogey Bonhomie. Such a wonderful juxtaposition. Bonhomie is describing the camaraderie between friends, where there are no hard feelings and no sense of jealousy between them. But what if there is a sense of jealousy? Sense of greed and gossip? Will the friends be able to identify the “bogey” and try to fix it, or will they let it ruin their friendship? This might be one of my biggest takeaways from the book, is that not all friendships are meadows of lilies or tulips, some are really like a bed of roses. Beautiful to look at and admire but when you try to get in, you get bruised with their unforgiving and everpresent thorns.
Moving on from the title and on to story, it follows the story of inseparable friends Roy and Ray, who both have an untimely death when the Portuguese retreated from Goa in 1961. They reincarnate a few years later and as fate would have it, meet again in school and college, both unaware of their unfinished business of their previous birth. They all become a part of a friend group and each have a unique relationship with one another, even though they are so different. One is a hardcore traditionalist, one is conservative, one is lovingly referred to as Gandhi and Siddhartha, some vow to never leave their motherland, meanwhile the others can’t wait to get done with their degrees to move abroad. Even though their college is in Bombay, as fate would have it, they are back in Goa a few years later post graduation to scout for locations to look for places to build their ambitious hotel. Will being back in Goa trigger some kind of memories for them? Will they discover the Portuguese treasure that Ray and Roy left on ancient land which was deemed to be cursed? Buckle up, because this is going to be a wild ride.
I really liked the details in the books, post college, the friends group used to communicate via letters and as the storyline progressed and became more modern, they started communicating via emails and how their conversations were relevant to major events that were happening (the dot com bubble and when the bubble burst), Plus having literary devices at the beginning of each chapter which I overall enriched the language of the book. There are a lot of time jumps as they navigate life through their teenage, college, adulting and marriage phases but also explores the fact that we don’t live in a utopia where everyone finds their way and their dream job right after college, some take years or decades even to become “successful” which makes the book quite realistic.
As a horror and thriller junkie, I would say I can predict a plot twist coming in, but the twists here completely blindsided me. Genuinely, in my heart of hearts have I not been so shocked when I was moving towards the end which only made me finish the book quicker. The tropes and story are quite unique and I loved that it explored friendships in a different way, which is quite unlike the friendship stories where there’s always a resolution and a happy ending. I would say the ending was quite open ended and is up to the reader’s interpretation, but overall I really had a great time with this book. Definitely recommend.
Moving on from the title and on to story, it follows the story of inseparable friends Roy and Ray, who both have an untimely death when the Portuguese retreated from Goa in 1961. They reincarnate a few years later and as fate would have it, meet again in school and college, both unaware of their unfinished business of their previous birth. They all become a part of a friend group and each have a unique relationship with one another, even though they are so different. One is a hardcore traditionalist, one is conservative, one is lovingly referred to as Gandhi and Siddhartha, some vow to never leave their motherland, meanwhile the others can’t wait to get done with their degrees to move abroad. Even though their college is in Bombay, as fate would have it, they are back in Goa a few years later post graduation to scout for locations to look for places to build their ambitious hotel. Will being back in Goa trigger some kind of memories for them? Will they discover the Portuguese treasure that Ray and Roy left on ancient land which was deemed to be cursed? Buckle up, because this is going to be a wild ride.
I really liked the details in the books, post college, the friends group used to communicate via letters and as the storyline progressed and became more modern, they started communicating via emails and how their conversations were relevant to major events that were happening (the dot com bubble and when the bubble burst), Plus having literary devices at the beginning of each chapter which I overall enriched the language of the book. There are a lot of time jumps as they navigate life through their teenage, college, adulting and marriage phases but also explores the fact that we don’t live in a utopia where everyone finds their way and their dream job right after college, some take years or decades even to become “successful” which makes the book quite realistic.
As a horror and thriller junkie, I would say I can predict a plot twist coming in, but the twists here completely blindsided me. Genuinely, in my heart of hearts have I not been so shocked when I was moving towards the end which only made me finish the book quicker. The tropes and story are quite unique and I loved that it explored friendships in a different way, which is quite unlike the friendship stories where there’s always a resolution and a happy ending. I would say the ending was quite open ended and is up to the reader’s interpretation, but overall I really had a great time with this book. Definitely recommend.
November 9, 2025
Friendship that outlives death. Bonds that reincarnate. And a haunting legacy buried beneath Goan sands. “Bogey Bonhomie” is not your conventional horror novel; it’s a deeply layered narrative where nostalgia, loyalty, and the supernatural blend into an eerie yet emotional journey across time.
The story begins in 1961, in the lush, fading world of Portuguese Goa. Two inseparable friends — Ray and Roy, set out on a daring windsurfing experiment, unaware that their fate is tied to something far more sinister than the ocean’s pull. When the Portuguese rule collapses, survival becomes a test not only of courage but of destiny itself.
Years later, their spirits return, reborn as Kuber Savla, Yug Ikani, Prahlad Ahuja, Siddharth Bhandari, and Som Sarkaar, five schoolboys in bustling Bombay. Their friendship mirrors the eternal bond of Ray and Roy, but the echoes of their past lives begin to resurface in mysterious, sometimes terrifying ways. From a school picnic gone wrong in Matheran to an unexpected discovery of a buried Portuguese treasure, their lives become a chilling dance of déjà vu, destiny, and dread.
Every part of the book, from Echo from Goa to The Bogey and The Bonhomie, feels like peeling through layers of reincarnation and guilt. The prose is vivid and cinematic, and the illustrations scattered throughout the book add a visual weight that deepens the unease. They’re not just drawings; they feel like whispers from the past, trying to remind the reader (and the characters) of something forgotten.
What makes Sun:jeev’s storytelling stand out is how he uses horror as a metaphor; not merely to scare, but to explore the haunting nature of friendship, betrayal, and the human longing for closure. There’s a psychological undercurrent to every supernatural event, blurring the line between memory and haunting.
As the story spirals toward its finale, the question remains, can friendship survive even death, or does it sometimes become the very thing that refuses to let go?
Lastly, “Bogey Bonhomie” is a hauntingly beautiful fusion of horror, history, and human emotion. It’s as much about the ghosts within us as it is about the ones around us. Perfect for readers who enjoy multi-generational mysteries, psychological horror, and stories where friendship turns into fate’s most chilling echo.
The story begins in 1961, in the lush, fading world of Portuguese Goa. Two inseparable friends — Ray and Roy, set out on a daring windsurfing experiment, unaware that their fate is tied to something far more sinister than the ocean’s pull. When the Portuguese rule collapses, survival becomes a test not only of courage but of destiny itself.
Years later, their spirits return, reborn as Kuber Savla, Yug Ikani, Prahlad Ahuja, Siddharth Bhandari, and Som Sarkaar, five schoolboys in bustling Bombay. Their friendship mirrors the eternal bond of Ray and Roy, but the echoes of their past lives begin to resurface in mysterious, sometimes terrifying ways. From a school picnic gone wrong in Matheran to an unexpected discovery of a buried Portuguese treasure, their lives become a chilling dance of déjà vu, destiny, and dread.
Every part of the book, from Echo from Goa to The Bogey and The Bonhomie, feels like peeling through layers of reincarnation and guilt. The prose is vivid and cinematic, and the illustrations scattered throughout the book add a visual weight that deepens the unease. They’re not just drawings; they feel like whispers from the past, trying to remind the reader (and the characters) of something forgotten.
What makes Sun:jeev’s storytelling stand out is how he uses horror as a metaphor; not merely to scare, but to explore the haunting nature of friendship, betrayal, and the human longing for closure. There’s a psychological undercurrent to every supernatural event, blurring the line between memory and haunting.
As the story spirals toward its finale, the question remains, can friendship survive even death, or does it sometimes become the very thing that refuses to let go?
Lastly, “Bogey Bonhomie” is a hauntingly beautiful fusion of horror, history, and human emotion. It’s as much about the ghosts within us as it is about the ones around us. Perfect for readers who enjoy multi-generational mysteries, psychological horror, and stories where friendship turns into fate’s most chilling echo.
December 18, 2025
"Bogey Bonhomie"🌼>> I genuinely enjoyed the entire experience. The book offers a fresh, emotionally rich take on friendship- one that goes far beyond the usual lighthearted portrayals. From the very first chapter, the story grips you with its blend of nostalgia, destiny, and human complexity, making it a truly memorable read.💕
🧡Set across two lifetimes, the novel explores how a bond formed in a small Goan village in 1961 refuses to fade, even after tragedy and reincarnation. Ray and Roy’s friendship, and the eventual rebirth of their spirits into five different boys in Bombay, creates a deeply layered narrative. Watching these characters unknowingly carry the weight of their past lives adds an intriguing emotional depth to the story.
🔖As the plot moves between timelines, secrets unravel- about the Portuguese-era treasure, the curse tied to it, and the unfinished story from their earlier lives. The tension slowly builds as the reincarnated friends return to Goa, where the past and present begin to collide. The author beautifully contrasts innocence with guilt, love with betrayal, and destiny with choice, making the story both compelling and heartfelt>>💗
✒️Sun Jeev’s writing is descriptive, emotional, and immersive. He paints Goa and Bombay with vivid detail, balancing atmosphere with storytelling. His ability to jump across timelines without confusing the reader is impressive. The narrative flows with a cinematic quality, slow-burning yet engaging, thoughtful yet dramatic. The dialogues feel natural, the emotions feel raw, and the pacing remains steady throughout, making it the kind of book you want to sit with and absorb slowly.
📖The themes of friendship, fate, and redemption are handled with honesty. What makes the book stand out is how it portrays friendship not as something perfect or idealised, but as something messy, painful, healing, and ultimately worth fighting for. By the end, you feel like you’ve lived an entire lifetime with these characters.🌼🍁
I would definitely recommend "Bogey Bonhomie" to anyone who loves stories about friendship, destiny, and the unseen threads that connect our lives across time//🥰📚
🧡Set across two lifetimes, the novel explores how a bond formed in a small Goan village in 1961 refuses to fade, even after tragedy and reincarnation. Ray and Roy’s friendship, and the eventual rebirth of their spirits into five different boys in Bombay, creates a deeply layered narrative. Watching these characters unknowingly carry the weight of their past lives adds an intriguing emotional depth to the story.
🔖As the plot moves between timelines, secrets unravel- about the Portuguese-era treasure, the curse tied to it, and the unfinished story from their earlier lives. The tension slowly builds as the reincarnated friends return to Goa, where the past and present begin to collide. The author beautifully contrasts innocence with guilt, love with betrayal, and destiny with choice, making the story both compelling and heartfelt>>💗
✒️Sun Jeev’s writing is descriptive, emotional, and immersive. He paints Goa and Bombay with vivid detail, balancing atmosphere with storytelling. His ability to jump across timelines without confusing the reader is impressive. The narrative flows with a cinematic quality, slow-burning yet engaging, thoughtful yet dramatic. The dialogues feel natural, the emotions feel raw, and the pacing remains steady throughout, making it the kind of book you want to sit with and absorb slowly.
📖The themes of friendship, fate, and redemption are handled with honesty. What makes the book stand out is how it portrays friendship not as something perfect or idealised, but as something messy, painful, healing, and ultimately worth fighting for. By the end, you feel like you’ve lived an entire lifetime with these characters.🌼🍁
I would definitely recommend "Bogey Bonhomie" to anyone who loves stories about friendship, destiny, and the unseen threads that connect our lives across time//🥰📚
December 26, 2025
"Bogey Bonhomie" is a genre-defying novel that blends history, friendship, reincarnation, mystery, and metaphysical intrigue into a richly layered narrative. Set against the evocative backdrops of Portuguese-era Goa and later the bustling chaos of Bombay, the book explores one timeless question with remarkable sensitivity: Do friendships end with death, or do they simply change form?
The novel opens in 1961, at a pivotal moment in Indian history, when the Portuguese are on the verge of retreating from Goa. In a quiet fishing village in South Goa, two inseparable childhood friends—Ray and Roy—dream with the audacity only youth can afford. Their idea of windsurfing using ropes and a makeshift balloon-shaped wind parachute is symbolic of their spirits: inventive, fearless, and free. As political tension mounts and survival becomes uncertain, their friendship is tested by forces far greater than themselves—colonial collapse, fear, and fate.
The Indian Army’s advance fractures their world. Roy struggles to remain hidden on Monkey Island, while Ray fights for survival on Palolem Beach. The novel captures this phase with haunting imagery and emotional depth, paralleling the crumbling Portuguese rule with the fragile uncertainty of two young lives. This portion of the book reads almost like a historical elegy—quiet, tense, and deeply moving. Just when the reader believes the story belongs to the past, Bogey Bonhomie takes a bold and unexpected leap across time and existence itself.
This novel is not just about reincarnation or hidden treasure—it is about friendship as fate. It asks whether we recognize our soul connections in time, or whether we dismiss them as coincidences, curiosities, or even burdens. The “bogey” in the title becomes symbolic of the unseen force that binds these lives together—something feared, misunderstood, yet impossible to escape.
"Bogey Bonhomie" is a compelling, layered novel that stays with the reader long after the final page. It is a tribute to enduring friendship, a meditation on destiny, and a reminder that some stories are too powerful to be lived just once.
The novel opens in 1961, at a pivotal moment in Indian history, when the Portuguese are on the verge of retreating from Goa. In a quiet fishing village in South Goa, two inseparable childhood friends—Ray and Roy—dream with the audacity only youth can afford. Their idea of windsurfing using ropes and a makeshift balloon-shaped wind parachute is symbolic of their spirits: inventive, fearless, and free. As political tension mounts and survival becomes uncertain, their friendship is tested by forces far greater than themselves—colonial collapse, fear, and fate.
The Indian Army’s advance fractures their world. Roy struggles to remain hidden on Monkey Island, while Ray fights for survival on Palolem Beach. The novel captures this phase with haunting imagery and emotional depth, paralleling the crumbling Portuguese rule with the fragile uncertainty of two young lives. This portion of the book reads almost like a historical elegy—quiet, tense, and deeply moving. Just when the reader believes the story belongs to the past, Bogey Bonhomie takes a bold and unexpected leap across time and existence itself.
This novel is not just about reincarnation or hidden treasure—it is about friendship as fate. It asks whether we recognize our soul connections in time, or whether we dismiss them as coincidences, curiosities, or even burdens. The “bogey” in the title becomes symbolic of the unseen force that binds these lives together—something feared, misunderstood, yet impossible to escape.
"Bogey Bonhomie" is a compelling, layered novel that stays with the reader long after the final page. It is a tribute to enduring friendship, a meditation on destiny, and a reminder that some stories are too powerful to be lived just once.
December 10, 2025
Book Review : Bogey Bonhomie: A Friend in Deed, Is a Friend Indeed by sun:jeev
Friendship, fate, and a touch of the mystical—this book is an unexpected, thought-provoking ride.
Bogey Bonhomie blends history, adventure, and reincarnation into a uniquely layered story that moves seamlessly across time. It begins in 1961 South Goa, just as the Portuguese are losing their grip, and drops us into the lives of two inseparable childhood friends, Ray and Roy. Amid political tension and personal turmoil, their youthful curiosity leads them into an ambitious experiment with wind surfing, danger on Monkey Island, survival on Palolem beach, and a secret that will echo far beyond their lifetimes.
Years later, their spirits return; reborn as five schoolboys in Bombay: Kuber, Yug, Prahlad, Siddharth, and Som. What follows is a beautifully chaotic tale of destiny, friendship, and the unexplainable ties that bind souls across lifetimes. From a memorable picnic in Matheran to the slow formation of a “Pentagon of bonhomie,” the story explores how these boys’ lives are mysteriously entangled in ways they don’t yet understand.
The plot deepens when a buried Portuguese treasure, once connected to Ray and Roy, resurfaces—raising the question: is it a blessing, or a curse? As misunderstandings grow and each friend questions the others, the story cleverly plays with the concept of the “bogey”, the unseen danger, the hidden truth, the karmic shadow.
What makes this book stand out are the illustrations sprinkled throughout. They aren’t just decorative; they add emotional weight and provoke reflection, making you pause and think about the themes of friendship, fate, and second chances.
Bogey Bonhomie is a creative, multi-layered tale that mixes nostalgia, mystery, and philosophy with a strong dose of imagination. If you enjoy stories about reincarnation, long-standing friendships, and secrets that span generations, this one will keep you hooked till the end.
Friendship, fate, and a touch of the mystical—this book is an unexpected, thought-provoking ride.
Bogey Bonhomie blends history, adventure, and reincarnation into a uniquely layered story that moves seamlessly across time. It begins in 1961 South Goa, just as the Portuguese are losing their grip, and drops us into the lives of two inseparable childhood friends, Ray and Roy. Amid political tension and personal turmoil, their youthful curiosity leads them into an ambitious experiment with wind surfing, danger on Monkey Island, survival on Palolem beach, and a secret that will echo far beyond their lifetimes.
Years later, their spirits return; reborn as five schoolboys in Bombay: Kuber, Yug, Prahlad, Siddharth, and Som. What follows is a beautifully chaotic tale of destiny, friendship, and the unexplainable ties that bind souls across lifetimes. From a memorable picnic in Matheran to the slow formation of a “Pentagon of bonhomie,” the story explores how these boys’ lives are mysteriously entangled in ways they don’t yet understand.
The plot deepens when a buried Portuguese treasure, once connected to Ray and Roy, resurfaces—raising the question: is it a blessing, or a curse? As misunderstandings grow and each friend questions the others, the story cleverly plays with the concept of the “bogey”, the unseen danger, the hidden truth, the karmic shadow.
What makes this book stand out are the illustrations sprinkled throughout. They aren’t just decorative; they add emotional weight and provoke reflection, making you pause and think about the themes of friendship, fate, and second chances.
Bogey Bonhomie is a creative, multi-layered tale that mixes nostalgia, mystery, and philosophy with a strong dose of imagination. If you enjoy stories about reincarnation, long-standing friendships, and secrets that span generations, this one will keep you hooked till the end.
November 12, 2025
Some friendships echo across lifetimes-whispered through sea winds, written in destiny, remembered by the soul long after the world forgets.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ (4.5/5)
"Bogey Bonhomie: A Friend in Deed, Is a Friend Indeed" by Sun:jeev is a deeply layered tale of friendship, fate, and unseen threads that bind hearts beyond one lifetime. What began in 1961 Goa two inseparable boys, Ray and Roy, chasing dreams and freedom as the Portuguese retreat unwinds into a reincarnated saga of five friends in modern Bombay. The past meets the present when, out of curiosity and coincidence, their new lives start to resonate with the choices, love, and betrayals of their erstwhile selves.
Why This Friendship Saga Stands Out
• Unique Concept: A rare blend of reincarnation, history, and human emotion, where friendship becomes a timeless force that connects generations.
• Writing with Evocative Imagery: Sun:jeev's words smell of the sea and the weight of memory. His words flow like waves between eras, binding Goa's sunsets together with Bombay's restless hum.
• Complex Characters: Each of the five - Kuber, Yug, Prahlad, Siddharth, and Som - embodies a unique side of friendship, from loyalty and laughter to envy and loss.
• Spiritual Depth: The story subtly explores notions of karma, destiny, and how with every bond there comes a blessing and a burden much like the treasure that buries their fate.
Final Thoughts
Bogey Bonhomie is more than a story it’s a meditation on how some connections outlive lifetimes. With its nostalgic tone, layered symbolism, and hauntingly poetic writing, the book reminds us that true friendship never really ends; it simply finds new ways to begin again. A poignant, soul-stirring read for anyone who believes that some hearts are meant to meet-in every life, in every form.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ (4.5/5)
"Bogey Bonhomie: A Friend in Deed, Is a Friend Indeed" by Sun:jeev is a deeply layered tale of friendship, fate, and unseen threads that bind hearts beyond one lifetime. What began in 1961 Goa two inseparable boys, Ray and Roy, chasing dreams and freedom as the Portuguese retreat unwinds into a reincarnated saga of five friends in modern Bombay. The past meets the present when, out of curiosity and coincidence, their new lives start to resonate with the choices, love, and betrayals of their erstwhile selves.
Why This Friendship Saga Stands Out
• Unique Concept: A rare blend of reincarnation, history, and human emotion, where friendship becomes a timeless force that connects generations.
• Writing with Evocative Imagery: Sun:jeev's words smell of the sea and the weight of memory. His words flow like waves between eras, binding Goa's sunsets together with Bombay's restless hum.
• Complex Characters: Each of the five - Kuber, Yug, Prahlad, Siddharth, and Som - embodies a unique side of friendship, from loyalty and laughter to envy and loss.
• Spiritual Depth: The story subtly explores notions of karma, destiny, and how with every bond there comes a blessing and a burden much like the treasure that buries their fate.
Final Thoughts
Bogey Bonhomie is more than a story it’s a meditation on how some connections outlive lifetimes. With its nostalgic tone, layered symbolism, and hauntingly poetic writing, the book reminds us that true friendship never really ends; it simply finds new ways to begin again. A poignant, soul-stirring read for anyone who believes that some hearts are meant to meet-in every life, in every form.
December 4, 2025
Bogey Bonhomie turned out to be a very refreshing and meaningful read for me. The story begins in 1961 South Goa with Ray and Roy, two close childhood friends trying to survive the uncertainties created by the Portuguese retreat. I liked how simply and naturally their friendship is portrayed — nothing over the top, just two boys growing up in difficult times and learning to rely on each other.
What felt even more interesting was the shift to the present, where five new friends unknowingly carry the same karmic ties as Ray and Roy. SUN:JEEV doesn’t treat reincarnation like something dramatic — it’s woven into the story in a subtle and realistic way, making the theme feel more emotional than supernatural. The lives of these five friends feel very real: different ambitions, insecurities, ups and downs, and the way friendships sometimes drift, sometimes strengthen.
The mystery of the old Portuguese treasure adds a nice layer without overshadowing the characters. It’s not the treasure itself that drives the story, but how it affects each person’s choices and mindset. That part felt very relatable — how money, curiosity, misunderstandings, and personal goals can complicate even the strongest friendships.
What I genuinely appreciated was SUN:JEEV’s writing style. It’s straightforward and thoughtful, and doesn’t try to over-explain things. He lets the characters and their relationships speak for themselves. By the end, the book made me think about how friendships evolve over time, how our past shapes our present, and how destiny sometimes shows up in very ordinary ways.
For anyone who enjoys character-driven stories with emotional depth and a touch of mystery, Bogey Bonhomie is a must-read. It feels real, warm, and quietly impactful.
What felt even more interesting was the shift to the present, where five new friends unknowingly carry the same karmic ties as Ray and Roy. SUN:JEEV doesn’t treat reincarnation like something dramatic — it’s woven into the story in a subtle and realistic way, making the theme feel more emotional than supernatural. The lives of these five friends feel very real: different ambitions, insecurities, ups and downs, and the way friendships sometimes drift, sometimes strengthen.
The mystery of the old Portuguese treasure adds a nice layer without overshadowing the characters. It’s not the treasure itself that drives the story, but how it affects each person’s choices and mindset. That part felt very relatable — how money, curiosity, misunderstandings, and personal goals can complicate even the strongest friendships.
What I genuinely appreciated was SUN:JEEV’s writing style. It’s straightforward and thoughtful, and doesn’t try to over-explain things. He lets the characters and their relationships speak for themselves. By the end, the book made me think about how friendships evolve over time, how our past shapes our present, and how destiny sometimes shows up in very ordinary ways.
For anyone who enjoys character-driven stories with emotional depth and a touch of mystery, Bogey Bonhomie is a must-read. It feels real, warm, and quietly impactful.
December 20, 2025
Some stories do not begin with answers. They begin with a feeling. Bogey Bonhomie is one such book, and that is exactly why I loved its plot so much.
As I read, I could feel the familiarity between the characters, moments that felt remembered rather than newly experienced. The sense of déjà vu runs quietly through the narrative, making the relationships feel meaningful and intentional.
What made this story feel especially real to me was its portrayal of friendship. Not all the friends go on the Goa trip, which mirrors real life perfectly. Friendships change over time, priorities shift, and not everyone walks the same path together. The trip becomes a turning point for those who do go, bringing suppressed emotions and unexplained memories closer to the surface. It is during these moments that the past and present begin to overlap in subtle but powerful ways.
The book does not romanticize friendship blindly. It shows that not every friend is equally connected and that some bonds are deeper than others for reasons that extend beyond the present lifetime. This layered portrayal made the characters feel human and emotionally complex. The theme of reincarnation is not used for dramatic effect alone, but as a way to explore destiny, unfinished bonds, and the idea that some people are meant to find each other again.
By the end of the book, I found myself reflecting on how certain connections stay with us, even when we do not fully understand why. Bogey Bonhomie is not just about a group of friends or a long awaited trip. It is about rebirth, memory, and the quiet pull of relationships that feel familiar for reasons we cannot always explain.
Some friendships do not begin in this lifetime, and some stories do not end where we think they will.
As I read, I could feel the familiarity between the characters, moments that felt remembered rather than newly experienced. The sense of déjà vu runs quietly through the narrative, making the relationships feel meaningful and intentional.
What made this story feel especially real to me was its portrayal of friendship. Not all the friends go on the Goa trip, which mirrors real life perfectly. Friendships change over time, priorities shift, and not everyone walks the same path together. The trip becomes a turning point for those who do go, bringing suppressed emotions and unexplained memories closer to the surface. It is during these moments that the past and present begin to overlap in subtle but powerful ways.
The book does not romanticize friendship blindly. It shows that not every friend is equally connected and that some bonds are deeper than others for reasons that extend beyond the present lifetime. This layered portrayal made the characters feel human and emotionally complex. The theme of reincarnation is not used for dramatic effect alone, but as a way to explore destiny, unfinished bonds, and the idea that some people are meant to find each other again.
By the end of the book, I found myself reflecting on how certain connections stay with us, even when we do not fully understand why. Bogey Bonhomie is not just about a group of friends or a long awaited trip. It is about rebirth, memory, and the quiet pull of relationships that feel familiar for reasons we cannot always explain.
Some friendships do not begin in this lifetime, and some stories do not end where we think they will.
January 28, 2026
I have not picked up literary fiction in a while, but when my South Asian booksta fam kept raving about Bogey Bonhomie, I knew it was calling my name. Cherry on top was Sunjeev ji personally sending me copies during his visit to Vancouver. Truly grateful for your kindness and patience with me, Sunjeev ji.
Now let us talk about this story.
Bogey Bonhomie is a beautiful blend of literary fiction, historical fiction, spirituality and metaphysical elements. Two timelines. Two friendships. One deeply layered journey that spans childhood, youth, adulthood and old age. And somehow, it never feels overwhelming. The timelines flow so naturally that you just sink into the story.
We start in 1961 Goa, with Roy and Ray, two boys whose friendship blossoms during a politically tense time as Portuguese rule nears its end. Their adventures and innocence are heartwarming, until tragedy strikes and both lose their lives on the day Goa is liberated.
Fast forward to the present, and we meet the pentagon of bonhomie: Sid, Sarkar, Yug, Prahlad and Kuber. Flawed, vulnerable, human. Their bond feels real and lived in. And then the revelation that ties everything together: they are reincarnated souls of Roy and Ray.
Sunjeev’s writing peels back the layers slowly, showing how one choice can ripple through friendships and lifetimes. The spiritual and metaphysical themes add such a thoughtful depth, making this more than just a story.
As someone who has always dreamed of visiting Goa and grew up watching Bollywood films like Dil Chahta Hai and Josh, I felt such a strong emotional connection to the setting and history. The grammatical notions with illustrations before chapters were such a unique touch too.
Bogey Bonhomie is not just a book, it is an experience. Highly recommend if you want something fresh, layered and quietly powerful.
Now let us talk about this story.
Bogey Bonhomie is a beautiful blend of literary fiction, historical fiction, spirituality and metaphysical elements. Two timelines. Two friendships. One deeply layered journey that spans childhood, youth, adulthood and old age. And somehow, it never feels overwhelming. The timelines flow so naturally that you just sink into the story.
We start in 1961 Goa, with Roy and Ray, two boys whose friendship blossoms during a politically tense time as Portuguese rule nears its end. Their adventures and innocence are heartwarming, until tragedy strikes and both lose their lives on the day Goa is liberated.
Fast forward to the present, and we meet the pentagon of bonhomie: Sid, Sarkar, Yug, Prahlad and Kuber. Flawed, vulnerable, human. Their bond feels real and lived in. And then the revelation that ties everything together: they are reincarnated souls of Roy and Ray.
Sunjeev’s writing peels back the layers slowly, showing how one choice can ripple through friendships and lifetimes. The spiritual and metaphysical themes add such a thoughtful depth, making this more than just a story.
As someone who has always dreamed of visiting Goa and grew up watching Bollywood films like Dil Chahta Hai and Josh, I felt such a strong emotional connection to the setting and history. The grammatical notions with illustrations before chapters were such a unique touch too.
Bogey Bonhomie is not just a book, it is an experience. Highly recommend if you want something fresh, layered and quietly powerful.
January 17, 2026
Bogey Bonhomie by Sunjeev is a soul-stirring meditation on friendship, fate, and the invisible threads that bind lives across time. Set against the evocative backdrop of 1961 Goa, as Portuguese rule crumbles and history reshapes itself, the story begins with the innocent dreams of two inseparable friends, Ray and Roy. Their camaraderie, fragile yet fierce, unfolds amid survival, separation, and silence. What moved me deeply was how the author transforms a historical moment into something profoundly intimate, making the past feel alive, aching, and unfinished.
As the narrative shifts to Bombay in a later life, the idea that we carry fragments of our past emotions into new existences is explored with haunting beauty. The reincarnation of Ray and Roy into a pentagon of friendships is not just clever storytelling, but an emotional reckoning. The bond between Kuber, Yug, Prahlad, Siddharth, and Som feels uncannily familiar, as if their souls recognize one another before their minds do. Sunjeev captures this sense of déjà vu with remarkable sensitivity, making the reader question how much of who we are is shaped by memories we cannot consciously recall.
What truly elevates Bogey Bonhomie is the author’s writing style. There is a quiet elegance in the prose, a balance between mystery and warmth, fate and free will. The buried Portuguese treasure becomes a powerful metaphor, not just of greed or curse, but of unresolved pasts demanding acknowledgment. This is a story that lingers long after the last page, leaving you with the awe-inspiring thought that friendships may outlive lifetimes, and emotions, once born, never truly die.
As the narrative shifts to Bombay in a later life, the idea that we carry fragments of our past emotions into new existences is explored with haunting beauty. The reincarnation of Ray and Roy into a pentagon of friendships is not just clever storytelling, but an emotional reckoning. The bond between Kuber, Yug, Prahlad, Siddharth, and Som feels uncannily familiar, as if their souls recognize one another before their minds do. Sunjeev captures this sense of déjà vu with remarkable sensitivity, making the reader question how much of who we are is shaped by memories we cannot consciously recall.
What truly elevates Bogey Bonhomie is the author’s writing style. There is a quiet elegance in the prose, a balance between mystery and warmth, fate and free will. The buried Portuguese treasure becomes a powerful metaphor, not just of greed or curse, but of unresolved pasts demanding acknowledgment. This is a story that lingers long after the last page, leaving you with the awe-inspiring thought that friendships may outlive lifetimes, and emotions, once born, never truly die.
December 2, 2025
Bogey Bonhomie is one of those stories that get stronger with every chapter. Told through two different timelines, the book explores friendship, fate and destiny in a heartfelt and engaging way.
The story begins in Goa in 1961, with two friends who were shaped by each other. As children, Ray and Roy shared a friendship that was simple, pure and full of innocence. It never felt dramatic, but instead grew naturally from the world around them. I really liked how this part was written. It was simple, intense and beautifully done.
Then comes the present, set in 2025 in Mumbai. Here, we follow five friends who are unknowingly connected by that same old thread from the past. Unlike the earlier timeline, this friendship is messy, sassy and more raw. They struggle with insecurity, loyalty and misunderstandings in ways that could shake the very foundation of their bond. I loved the way the reincarnation element was incorporated. It blended so well with both timelines. The journey of these five friends is narrated with so much care that you can feel every shift in their dynamic.
There is also a touch of mystery that plays with the fate of two of these characters. The fact that the author travelled through an entire lifetime with these friendships before revealing that small twist was the best storytelling choice. I also loved how the author defined Bogey Bonhomie without literally explaining it.
If you love books about friendships that can be messy, raw and real, blended with a bit of twisted fate and mystery, then Bogey Bonhomie should definitely be your next read.
The story begins in Goa in 1961, with two friends who were shaped by each other. As children, Ray and Roy shared a friendship that was simple, pure and full of innocence. It never felt dramatic, but instead grew naturally from the world around them. I really liked how this part was written. It was simple, intense and beautifully done.
Then comes the present, set in 2025 in Mumbai. Here, we follow five friends who are unknowingly connected by that same old thread from the past. Unlike the earlier timeline, this friendship is messy, sassy and more raw. They struggle with insecurity, loyalty and misunderstandings in ways that could shake the very foundation of their bond. I loved the way the reincarnation element was incorporated. It blended so well with both timelines. The journey of these five friends is narrated with so much care that you can feel every shift in their dynamic.
There is also a touch of mystery that plays with the fate of two of these characters. The fact that the author travelled through an entire lifetime with these friendships before revealing that small twist was the best storytelling choice. I also loved how the author defined Bogey Bonhomie without literally explaining it.
If you love books about friendships that can be messy, raw and real, blended with a bit of twisted fate and mystery, then Bogey Bonhomie should definitely be your next read.
November 12, 2025
Book Review: Bogey Bonhomie by Sunjeev
Sunjeev's Bogey Bonhomie: A Friend in Deed, Is a Friend Indeed is a hauntingly and imaginatively conceived story of friendship that transcends death, time, and fate. Taking place against the last shimmers of the Portuguese rule of Goa in 1961, it tells the story of two inseparable friends, Ray and Roy, whose close friendship will be tested by war, loss, and the dust of a secret. Years later, Ray & Roy are reincarnated as five boys—Kuber, Yug, Prahlad, Siddharth, and Som—in 1970 Bombay, unknowingly replicating a series of events from their former lives.
The narrative moves freely through time, merging historical fiction with spiritual philosophy and psychological horror. Sunjeev's writing is vivid and lyrical—each place in Goa and Bombay occupies space in the reader's imagination through expressive language. Each of the five friends in some measure holds a facet of loyalty, jealousy, and longing to form an intricate portrait of friendship that is intimate yet mythic.
Along with the illustrations, the story takes on a cinematic, yet ghost-like quality, the otherworldly aspect serves to deepen the feeling of eerie nostalgia. Bogey Bonhomie is more than reincarnation—it is about emotional echoes that still exist but do not dissolve. Thoughtful, poetic, and disconcerting in all the right places, this book suggests some bonds never die, but just come back to life, waiting to be understood once again.
Sunjeev's Bogey Bonhomie: A Friend in Deed, Is a Friend Indeed is a hauntingly and imaginatively conceived story of friendship that transcends death, time, and fate. Taking place against the last shimmers of the Portuguese rule of Goa in 1961, it tells the story of two inseparable friends, Ray and Roy, whose close friendship will be tested by war, loss, and the dust of a secret. Years later, Ray & Roy are reincarnated as five boys—Kuber, Yug, Prahlad, Siddharth, and Som—in 1970 Bombay, unknowingly replicating a series of events from their former lives.
The narrative moves freely through time, merging historical fiction with spiritual philosophy and psychological horror. Sunjeev's writing is vivid and lyrical—each place in Goa and Bombay occupies space in the reader's imagination through expressive language. Each of the five friends in some measure holds a facet of loyalty, jealousy, and longing to form an intricate portrait of friendship that is intimate yet mythic.
Along with the illustrations, the story takes on a cinematic, yet ghost-like quality, the otherworldly aspect serves to deepen the feeling of eerie nostalgia. Bogey Bonhomie is more than reincarnation—it is about emotional echoes that still exist but do not dissolve. Thoughtful, poetic, and disconcerting in all the right places, this book suggests some bonds never die, but just come back to life, waiting to be understood once again.
December 17, 2025
Bogey Bonhomie is a suspenseful and mysterious book, packed with adventure, mystery, and reincarnation. The story begins in 1961 in a fishing village in Goa, where two friends, Ray and Roy, are caught up in their adventurous lives and the secret of an old Portuguese treasure.🔥
Years later, their spirits are reborn in Bombay and connected to five modern schoolboys, who gradually form a close friendship. A school picnic in Matheran becomes a turning point, triggering memories of their past lives and revealing that this is their second birth.
According to the author: Bogey = fear, betrayal, curse, or inner demon (which can break relationships) and Bonhomie = friendship. The story is a perfect mix of mystery, suspense, and friendship, exploring destiny and karmic connections.🍁
The bond between Ray and Roy’s reincarnated spirits proves that trust, loyalty, and understanding are the true essence of friendship. The reincarnation theme shows that our past actions inevitably shape our future. The suspense and the treasure’s curse highlight how choices and fears influence our lives.🌿
Overall, the book delivers a strong message: having a loyal friend in life is invaluable.
Sun:jeev’s engaging writing style and layered storytelling teach readers many life lessons and offer multiple perspectives on friendship, courage, and destiny.💖
A thrilling, thought-provoking read that beautifully blends mystery, adventure, and human emotions.🌸
Years later, their spirits are reborn in Bombay and connected to five modern schoolboys, who gradually form a close friendship. A school picnic in Matheran becomes a turning point, triggering memories of their past lives and revealing that this is their second birth.
According to the author: Bogey = fear, betrayal, curse, or inner demon (which can break relationships) and Bonhomie = friendship. The story is a perfect mix of mystery, suspense, and friendship, exploring destiny and karmic connections.🍁
The bond between Ray and Roy’s reincarnated spirits proves that trust, loyalty, and understanding are the true essence of friendship. The reincarnation theme shows that our past actions inevitably shape our future. The suspense and the treasure’s curse highlight how choices and fears influence our lives.🌿
Overall, the book delivers a strong message: having a loyal friend in life is invaluable.
Sun:jeev’s engaging writing style and layered storytelling teach readers many life lessons and offer multiple perspectives on friendship, courage, and destiny.💖
A thrilling, thought-provoking read that beautifully blends mystery, adventure, and human emotions.🌸
November 11, 2025
Every once in a while, you come across a book that doesn’t try too hard to impress — it simply feels real. Bogey Bonhomie is one of those quiet yet powerful stories that slowly wrap around your heart.
This 200-page novel takes you through emotions of friendship, loss, and healing. It’s not about dramatic twists or loud moments, but about the silences between people — those unspoken feelings that often say the most. The story reminds us how friendships can become our safe spaces, how even in grief we find strength through connection.
Sunjeev’s writing style is simple, but that’s exactly what makes it special. His words are honest, raw, and deeply human. The characters feel like people you might actually know — flawed, emotional, but trying their best to hold on to something meaningful.
What stood out for me was the realness of the emotions. There’s no sugarcoating of pain or loss; instead, there’s a quiet comfort in how it’s told. It makes you reflect on your own friendships, on how people come and go, yet leave behind a part of themselves that stays forever. 💭
I finished this book in just a few days, but the feeling it left behind lingered much longer. Bogey Bonhomie isn’t just a story — it’s an experience, a reminder that healing doesn’t always come with noise, sometimes it comes in silence and understanding. 🌻
This 200-page novel takes you through emotions of friendship, loss, and healing. It’s not about dramatic twists or loud moments, but about the silences between people — those unspoken feelings that often say the most. The story reminds us how friendships can become our safe spaces, how even in grief we find strength through connection.
Sunjeev’s writing style is simple, but that’s exactly what makes it special. His words are honest, raw, and deeply human. The characters feel like people you might actually know — flawed, emotional, but trying their best to hold on to something meaningful.
What stood out for me was the realness of the emotions. There’s no sugarcoating of pain or loss; instead, there’s a quiet comfort in how it’s told. It makes you reflect on your own friendships, on how people come and go, yet leave behind a part of themselves that stays forever. 💭
I finished this book in just a few days, but the feeling it left behind lingered much longer. Bogey Bonhomie isn’t just a story — it’s an experience, a reminder that healing doesn’t always come with noise, sometimes it comes in silence and understanding. 🌻
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 24, 2025
Bogey Bonhomie is a thoughtful and emotional book about friendship, destiny, and how relationships stay with us through different phases of life. The book is divided into four parts: The Echo from Goa, The Reincarnation, The Bogey, and finally ,The Bonhomie. Each part makes the story deeper and slowly shows the strong connection between friendship, destiny, and past lives.
What makes this book interesting is how the author links the past with the present. The characters feel real because they have their own strengths, weaknesses, dreams, and mistakes. As the story goes on, the friendships face ups and downs, misunderstandings, and emotional moments, which makes it easy for readers to connect with them. The writing style is simple and engaging. The book is not just about friendship, but also about life lessons, loyalty, trust, and how people change with time. Some parts make you think deeply about your own friendships and the people who matter in your life.
Overall, Bogey Bonhomie is a meaningful book that combines emotions, mystery, and friendship in a very interesting way. It makes readers think about how some relationships are so strong that they go beyond time and life itself. It is not a fast-paced book, but it stays with you because of its emotions and message. It reminds us that true friendship is rare and valuable, and it should never be taken for granted.
What makes this book interesting is how the author links the past with the present. The characters feel real because they have their own strengths, weaknesses, dreams, and mistakes. As the story goes on, the friendships face ups and downs, misunderstandings, and emotional moments, which makes it easy for readers to connect with them. The writing style is simple and engaging. The book is not just about friendship, but also about life lessons, loyalty, trust, and how people change with time. Some parts make you think deeply about your own friendships and the people who matter in your life.
Overall, Bogey Bonhomie is a meaningful book that combines emotions, mystery, and friendship in a very interesting way. It makes readers think about how some relationships are so strong that they go beyond time and life itself. It is not a fast-paced book, but it stays with you because of its emotions and message. It reminds us that true friendship is rare and valuable, and it should never be taken for granted.
December 19, 2025
Just finished BOGEY BONHOMIE and wow… this one surprised me in the best way. ✨📖
Set against the backdrop of 1961 Goa, right when the Portuguese are retreating, the story begins with two childhood friends, Ray and Roy, whose bond is as deep as the sea they grow up by. 🌊
Their innocent experiments, survival struggles, and the chaos of changing times make the opening deeply nostalgic yet intense.
But here’s where it gets really interesting 👀—their story doesn’t end there.
Years later, their spirits return through reincarnation in Bombay, forming a group of five school friends who unknowingly share a fate far bigger than themselves.
From school picnics to lifelong connections, this “Pentagon of bonhomie” is bound by friendship, curiosity, and something… unsettling.
The mix of history, reincarnation, friendship, mystery, and a hidden Portuguese treasure makes this book feel like a slow-burning adventure with philosophical undertones. 🧩⏳
Is the treasure a blessing or a curse? Are their lives guided by fate or free will?
Sunjeev weaves nostalgia, destiny, and suspense beautifully, making you question how much of our lives is coincidence and how much is pre-written.
A unique read for those who love layered storytelling with heart. 💫
Set against the backdrop of 1961 Goa, right when the Portuguese are retreating, the story begins with two childhood friends, Ray and Roy, whose bond is as deep as the sea they grow up by. 🌊
Their innocent experiments, survival struggles, and the chaos of changing times make the opening deeply nostalgic yet intense.
But here’s where it gets really interesting 👀—their story doesn’t end there.
Years later, their spirits return through reincarnation in Bombay, forming a group of five school friends who unknowingly share a fate far bigger than themselves.
From school picnics to lifelong connections, this “Pentagon of bonhomie” is bound by friendship, curiosity, and something… unsettling.
The mix of history, reincarnation, friendship, mystery, and a hidden Portuguese treasure makes this book feel like a slow-burning adventure with philosophical undertones. 🧩⏳
Is the treasure a blessing or a curse? Are their lives guided by fate or free will?
Sunjeev weaves nostalgia, destiny, and suspense beautifully, making you question how much of our lives is coincidence and how much is pre-written.
A unique read for those who love layered storytelling with heart. 💫
October 29, 2025
Bogey Bonhomie by Sanjeev Bhatia is one of those books that quietly grows on you. It starts off simple — two best friends, Ray and Roy, in 1961 Goa, caught between dreams and a world that’s changing fast. But the story doesn’t stop there. Years later, their souls return in Bombay as five different people, and that’s where the real magic begins.
What stood out to me was how naturally the author connects both timelines — you can feel the nostalgia of the 60s and the chaos of modern life blending together. The writing is heartfelt, not rushed, and gives you time to feel what the characters are going through. The theme of reincarnation is handled beautifully — not too mystical, but enough to make you think about destiny and the invisible ties between people.
I really liked how friendship is shown here — not perfect, not always loyal, but real. It shows how ego, success, and fate can test relationships, and yet some bonds manage to survive everything. The ending left me thoughtful, wondering about the line between coincidence and fate.
A warm, emotional, and slightly mysterious read — perfect if you enjoy character-driven stories with soul.
What stood out to me was how naturally the author connects both timelines — you can feel the nostalgia of the 60s and the chaos of modern life blending together. The writing is heartfelt, not rushed, and gives you time to feel what the characters are going through. The theme of reincarnation is handled beautifully — not too mystical, but enough to make you think about destiny and the invisible ties between people.
I really liked how friendship is shown here — not perfect, not always loyal, but real. It shows how ego, success, and fate can test relationships, and yet some bonds manage to survive everything. The ending left me thoughtful, wondering about the line between coincidence and fate.
A warm, emotional, and slightly mysterious read — perfect if you enjoy character-driven stories with soul.
November 3, 2025
Bogey Bonhomie by Sun:jeev is a unique and imaginative novel that takes readers through time, friendship, and destiny. Set partly in 1961 Goa and later in modern Mumbai, the story follows two childhood friends, Ray and Roy, whose bond continues beyond lifetimes. The book blends history, reincarnation, and human emotion beautifully, making it both engaging and thought-provoking.
I really liked the concept of the story. It felt fresh and creative, offering something different from the usual reads. The way the author connects two timelines and explores friendship and fate kept me hooked till the end. The book also contains images that enhance the reading experience, making it more immersive and visually engaging.
It’s a story that stays with you even after finishing, not just because of its premise but also because of how it’s told. A unique and enjoyable read that combines emotion, imagination, and thoughtful narration in a memorable way.
I really liked the concept of the story. It felt fresh and creative, offering something different from the usual reads. The way the author connects two timelines and explores friendship and fate kept me hooked till the end. The book also contains images that enhance the reading experience, making it more immersive and visually engaging.
It’s a story that stays with you even after finishing, not just because of its premise but also because of how it’s told. A unique and enjoyable read that combines emotion, imagination, and thoughtful narration in a memorable way.
November 28, 2025
Bogey Bonhomie surprised me with how thoughtful it was. The shift from 1961 Goa to present-day Bombay is smooth and adds a lot of depth to the story. Ray and Roy’s childhood bond is written with so much honesty that it becomes the emotional anchor of the book. In the present timeline, the group of friends feels very real with their insecurities, ambitions, and conflicts. The idea of reincarnation is handled with subtlety, giving the book a quiet sense of mystery without making it complicated. What stayed with me is how the story explores friendship that lasts, friendship that hurts, and the kind that silently shapes who we become. Simple, meaningful, and surprisingly reflective.
December 10, 2025
“Bogey Bonhomie” is an emotionally rich story that traces the lives of five friends from their carefree school days to the complexities of adulthood. The narrative opens with a shocking scene where Sid found dead on a Goan beach and slowly unravels the deep bond the group shares. What sets this book apart is the honesty between the characters, expressed through years of letters that reveal their thoughts on family, marriage, distance, and the shifting phases of life. The author touches on themes like death, rebirth, and the challenges within Indian marriages with sincerity and depth. A heartfelt, reflective read that lingers long after you finish it. Highly recommend for lovers of friendship-driven stories.
January 11, 2026
The plot is amazing and profound. It gradually unveils the secrets of the reality and puts the loyalty of the characters to test. A number of factors keep the reader glued to the story to the end, such as the legal disputes, their intertwined fates, and cruel reality. The motive of friendship as the most powerful element works well with the plot mystery as the exciting and emotional one. In the course of the book, the author manages to demonstrate the ability to change the speed of the narration. Such a strategy is a good indication to thriller fans that they desire high-speed and time to think.
January 5, 2026
Bogey Bonhomie begins in 1961 Goa, just as the Portuguese rule is collapsing, and introduces two spirited boys, Ray and Roy, whose friendship is as daring as their makeshift adventures by the sea. The story later shifts to Bombay, where a group of schoolchildren unknowingly carry the echo of that same bond through reincarnation. This blend of history, friendship, fate, and a lingering secret forms the core of the book, and I was surprised by how effortlessly it pulled me in.
While reading, I found myself drawn to the contrast between the two timelines. When the story moves forward into their reincarnated lives, the tone becomes more layered, almost like watching threads from a past life tug at the present. The five boys who form the Pentagon of bonhomie feel incredibly real. I enjoyed how their dynamic slowly uncovers the weight of the treasure hidden decades ago, turning childhood friendship into something much bigger and more mysterious.
The book’s take on destiny is remarkable. It’s not presented as something magical or distant but it feels personal and intertwined with everyday choices. The story plays with the idea that bonds can survive across lifetimes, but also that such bonds can carry unfinished business, mistakes, and consequences. That balance between affection and unease gave the narrative a surprising emotional depth.
By the time I reached the end, I felt like I’d travelled with these characters through their highs, fears, and rediscoveries. Bogey Bonhomie is imaginative, warm, and quietly unsettling in all the right ways. If you enjoy stories about friendship with a touch of mystery and reincarnation, this book is worth picking up.
While reading, I found myself drawn to the contrast between the two timelines. When the story moves forward into their reincarnated lives, the tone becomes more layered, almost like watching threads from a past life tug at the present. The five boys who form the Pentagon of bonhomie feel incredibly real. I enjoyed how their dynamic slowly uncovers the weight of the treasure hidden decades ago, turning childhood friendship into something much bigger and more mysterious.
The book’s take on destiny is remarkable. It’s not presented as something magical or distant but it feels personal and intertwined with everyday choices. The story plays with the idea that bonds can survive across lifetimes, but also that such bonds can carry unfinished business, mistakes, and consequences. That balance between affection and unease gave the narrative a surprising emotional depth.
By the time I reached the end, I felt like I’d travelled with these characters through their highs, fears, and rediscoveries. Bogey Bonhomie is imaginative, warm, and quietly unsettling in all the right ways. If you enjoy stories about friendship with a touch of mystery and reincarnation, this book is worth picking up.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews