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The Only City: Bombay in Eighteen Stories
Financial capital, cradle of Bollywood, home to India's largest slum—Bombay is a megalopolis with many associations. But the one that's especially significant is it is a place of stories. The Only City is a collection of eighteen new pieces of short fiction that captures the pulse of this always-morphing urban centre.
Featuring some of the best names in Indian fiction—both emerging and established—this extraordinary anthology frames the city through a range of vantage points. From the urchin lurking by Grant Road's railway overbridge to the screenwriter prowling the dance bars in Andheri; from the gay man cruising in a Dadar local to the artist hovering by a studio across the Danda shore; from immigrant nurses and couples in love to runaway teenagers—every character carries a critical Bombay fragment. Bombay is the only city that can grant them dimension.
Like the megalopolis, this book of stories is sometimes coloured by romance and sometimes dark and dystopic; it can be whimsical, but it is always voracious. Put together by novelist and editor Anindita Ghose, The Only City is perhaps the finest mirror yet to the sole corner in India that has captivated resident and tourist, actor and stockbroker-but especially, the writer.
Featuring some of the best names in Indian fiction—both emerging and established—this extraordinary anthology frames the city through a range of vantage points. From the urchin lurking by Grant Road's railway overbridge to the screenwriter prowling the dance bars in Andheri; from the gay man cruising in a Dadar local to the artist hovering by a studio across the Danda shore; from immigrant nurses and couples in love to runaway teenagers—every character carries a critical Bombay fragment. Bombay is the only city that can grant them dimension.
Like the megalopolis, this book of stories is sometimes coloured by romance and sometimes dark and dystopic; it can be whimsical, but it is always voracious. Put together by novelist and editor Anindita Ghose, The Only City is perhaps the finest mirror yet to the sole corner in India that has captivated resident and tourist, actor and stockbroker-but especially, the writer.
342 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 24, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
November 18, 2025
this is a strange collection in the sense that you have a group of stellar writers, almost none of whom (with a few exceptions) seem to know how to write a short story. there are plenty of misplaced metaphors (translated lines of dialogue that could never have spoken in hindi), several odd turns of phrase (a child being described as "only a few years old"? next time try an actual number, like "not more than 6 years old"), antiquated diction that belongs to the 1910s, and so many chekov's guns that simply never fire.
the best anthologies collect writings that have already appeared elsewhere, and just re-organise them within a new interpretive framework (see "ways of dying" for example). but for this one, it feels very much like someone told these writers "hey we need a bombay story can you write one in the next 2 weeks?"
in fact, the single best writing in this entire book seems to be the editor's note by anindita ghose which was genuinely personal and filled with a sincere love for the city (she also happens to write one of the better stories in the collection, but even there you have a case of "bit off more than your can chew" moment in that you really need to understand your subjects better before writing about them). the rest of the stories are, with few exceptions, very very poorly written (and worse, very poorly conceived). a few do stand out (like "silver clouds", uniformly good, almost reminiscent of jhumpa lahiri) and some others have decent moments here and there (the one about an AI annotator, even though the writing is inconsistent and the characterization shallow). some are utterly atrocious ("hon. secy", not one word in that entire piece was in its right place).
if you want to read short stories, just read anjum hasan (or simply re-read jhumpa lahiri). if you want to read bombay story stories, just read karmachari by vasant kale (or any of the classic bombay writers like eunice de souza). in fact, "no presents please" by jayant kaikini is exactly what this book wants to be (except with multiple authors) -- unfortunately, this book barely makes it off the ground.
(i wonder if one reason this collection doesn't work is because several of the authors come from posh backgrounds -- if you have spent all your life looking at the city from inside air conditioned cars, do you really see this city any differently that any other generic tier 1/tier 2 city in india?)
the best anthologies collect writings that have already appeared elsewhere, and just re-organise them within a new interpretive framework (see "ways of dying" for example). but for this one, it feels very much like someone told these writers "hey we need a bombay story can you write one in the next 2 weeks?"
in fact, the single best writing in this entire book seems to be the editor's note by anindita ghose which was genuinely personal and filled with a sincere love for the city (she also happens to write one of the better stories in the collection, but even there you have a case of "bit off more than your can chew" moment in that you really need to understand your subjects better before writing about them). the rest of the stories are, with few exceptions, very very poorly written (and worse, very poorly conceived). a few do stand out (like "silver clouds", uniformly good, almost reminiscent of jhumpa lahiri) and some others have decent moments here and there (the one about an AI annotator, even though the writing is inconsistent and the characterization shallow). some are utterly atrocious ("hon. secy", not one word in that entire piece was in its right place).
if you want to read short stories, just read anjum hasan (or simply re-read jhumpa lahiri). if you want to read bombay story stories, just read karmachari by vasant kale (or any of the classic bombay writers like eunice de souza). in fact, "no presents please" by jayant kaikini is exactly what this book wants to be (except with multiple authors) -- unfortunately, this book barely makes it off the ground.
(i wonder if one reason this collection doesn't work is because several of the authors come from posh backgrounds -- if you have spent all your life looking at the city from inside air conditioned cars, do you really see this city any differently that any other generic tier 1/tier 2 city in india?)
September 20, 2025
A stunning collection of 18 stories from some of India's finest contemporary writers. A joy to work on this book!
December 14, 2025
Some cities talk. But Mumbai? Mumbai never stops telling stories — and this book reminded me exactly why. This, edited by Anindita Ghose, felt less like reading and more like being pulled into the city’s heartbeat. It’s noisy, crowded, confusing, magical… and somehow, it all makes sense. Page after page, I felt like I was standing in familiar places — the kind you pass every day without noticing — suddenly seeing them with new eyes.
What I truly loved is how the book gives space to so many different voices. It’s like sitting in a Mumbai local and quietly watching people lost in their own worlds. A screenwriter wandering through Andheri bars, an artist staring at the Danda shore, a man finding unexpected connection on a Dadar train, teenagers running away to find themselves, nurses fighting for a quieter life… every character carries a tiny spark of this city. You realise quickly that Mumbai itself is the main character here — the only city that can hold all these lives without breaking.
Because there are eighteen different stories, some hit harder than others. A few felt warm and almost cinematic; a few felt dark, reminding me of the real, unglamorous corners we don’t always talk about. And that’s exactly what I appreciated. Mumbai has days that feel romantic and full of promise, and days that feel heavy and unforgiving. This book doesn’t pretend otherwise. It shows the city in all its moods — shifting, messy, beautiful, and real.
By the end, this felt like a letter written to Bombay by people who’ve loved it, survived it, left it, returned to it, or are still learning how to live with it. As someone who has grown up around this city’s noise and tenderness, the book felt strangely comforting. It reminded me why Mumbai stays with you long after you leave its streets. If you’ve ever wanted to understand this city beyond the skyline and the stereotypes, this collection is the closest, truest mirror you’ll find.
What I truly loved is how the book gives space to so many different voices. It’s like sitting in a Mumbai local and quietly watching people lost in their own worlds. A screenwriter wandering through Andheri bars, an artist staring at the Danda shore, a man finding unexpected connection on a Dadar train, teenagers running away to find themselves, nurses fighting for a quieter life… every character carries a tiny spark of this city. You realise quickly that Mumbai itself is the main character here — the only city that can hold all these lives without breaking.
Because there are eighteen different stories, some hit harder than others. A few felt warm and almost cinematic; a few felt dark, reminding me of the real, unglamorous corners we don’t always talk about. And that’s exactly what I appreciated. Mumbai has days that feel romantic and full of promise, and days that feel heavy and unforgiving. This book doesn’t pretend otherwise. It shows the city in all its moods — shifting, messy, beautiful, and real.
By the end, this felt like a letter written to Bombay by people who’ve loved it, survived it, left it, returned to it, or are still learning how to live with it. As someone who has grown up around this city’s noise and tenderness, the book felt strangely comforting. It reminded me why Mumbai stays with you long after you leave its streets. If you’ve ever wanted to understand this city beyond the skyline and the stereotypes, this collection is the closest, truest mirror you’ll find.
November 16, 2025
Anindita Ghose (author of the terrifying but brilliant The Illuminated) edited The Only City, an anthology of short stories dedicated to Bombay (or Mumbai, I suppose).
Eighteen writers (including Ghose), of great heft and might, have contributed. This collection speaks to all who do or once did call this city home; it also serves as a way to introduce Bombay, warts and all, to those who want to get to know it.
As expected, I can't say I loved or that each and everyone was necessarily unique to Bombay, but thats not a big deal. It was well put together, nonetheless.
The stories I enjoyed the most:
Diksha Basu's Bollywood, Baby - It was very nicely written, subtle and poignant, and was about one of the most intrinsic parts of Bombay - the struggles of a Bollywood wannabe.
Tejaswini Apte-Rahm's Nurse Shanti - in a city where one can get terribly lonely, full of immigrants, two unlikely candidates form a friendship. Rahm added some underworld dealings and produced the most enjoyable story of the whole lot.
Dharini Bhaskar's Silver Clouds - It was achingly melancholic and haunting in its use of prose and poetry.
Prayaag Akbar's Hoodbhoy House - Just such a well written piece (as one has come to expect of him), and it is an interesting take on the haves and have-nots of Bombay.
Kersi Khambatta's The Hon. Secy - So deliciously dark and funny, and reflective of one of the most crucial aspect's of Bombay - the ever-so-annoying housing societies with that one old cranky uncle whose mission it is to make everyone's life miserable.
Namita Devidayal's The Girls Of Visty Villa - Another brilliant piece, sardonic and showcasing a slice of the slowly disappearing Parsi life.
All in all, definitely worth reading.
Eighteen writers (including Ghose), of great heft and might, have contributed. This collection speaks to all who do or once did call this city home; it also serves as a way to introduce Bombay, warts and all, to those who want to get to know it.
As expected, I can't say I loved or that each and everyone was necessarily unique to Bombay, but thats not a big deal. It was well put together, nonetheless.
The stories I enjoyed the most:
Diksha Basu's Bollywood, Baby - It was very nicely written, subtle and poignant, and was about one of the most intrinsic parts of Bombay - the struggles of a Bollywood wannabe.
Tejaswini Apte-Rahm's Nurse Shanti - in a city where one can get terribly lonely, full of immigrants, two unlikely candidates form a friendship. Rahm added some underworld dealings and produced the most enjoyable story of the whole lot.
Dharini Bhaskar's Silver Clouds - It was achingly melancholic and haunting in its use of prose and poetry.
Prayaag Akbar's Hoodbhoy House - Just such a well written piece (as one has come to expect of him), and it is an interesting take on the haves and have-nots of Bombay.
Kersi Khambatta's The Hon. Secy - So deliciously dark and funny, and reflective of one of the most crucial aspect's of Bombay - the ever-so-annoying housing societies with that one old cranky uncle whose mission it is to make everyone's life miserable.
Namita Devidayal's The Girls Of Visty Villa - Another brilliant piece, sardonic and showcasing a slice of the slowly disappearing Parsi life.
All in all, definitely worth reading.
January 5, 2026
If you’ve ever wondered what it’d be like to experience Bombay, not as a visitor, but as someone living, loving, and struggling amidst the madness, then “The Only City ” is definitely the book to read. It introduces you not to one ‘Bombay’, but many.
By means of one-hundred-and-eightty short stories, it allows you to put yourself in their shoes, which may be the ones you may cross daily but never truly notice: a young escaped kid, a screenwriter with a dance bar, a nurse miles away from home, and a man searching ardently for love in a local train.
What lingers with you, though, is not the stories alone, but the people. These are no heroes and no symbols, but human beings who possess the dreams and the loneliness, the small dreams and the pieces of a city, which both embraces and suffocates them. While some are soft, no more than a love letter to the monsoons in Bombay, some are hard and very real, with no bit left unturned about the darkness and the light in the very same spaces. But in both, Bombay is no mere background it’s a breathing entity, pulsating, cruel, and kind at the very same time.
Reading this book is like moving from one neighborhood to another. You go from Grant Road to Dadar to Andheri to Bandra. Not on the map, but on the emotions. The writing is clear, vivid, and human. Not heavy words, but simple, honest, and pulling you into the narrative, refusing to let go even after the last page is turned.
If you are a fan of the soulful city, or if you think the greatest tales are always contained within the ordinary lives, this is an exquisite friend. This is no way the story of Bombay it is the voices of Bombay, and there is not one here I would not have loved to have heard. A truly magical book for the lovestruck and the curious.
By means of one-hundred-and-eightty short stories, it allows you to put yourself in their shoes, which may be the ones you may cross daily but never truly notice: a young escaped kid, a screenwriter with a dance bar, a nurse miles away from home, and a man searching ardently for love in a local train.
What lingers with you, though, is not the stories alone, but the people. These are no heroes and no symbols, but human beings who possess the dreams and the loneliness, the small dreams and the pieces of a city, which both embraces and suffocates them. While some are soft, no more than a love letter to the monsoons in Bombay, some are hard and very real, with no bit left unturned about the darkness and the light in the very same spaces. But in both, Bombay is no mere background it’s a breathing entity, pulsating, cruel, and kind at the very same time.
Reading this book is like moving from one neighborhood to another. You go from Grant Road to Dadar to Andheri to Bandra. Not on the map, but on the emotions. The writing is clear, vivid, and human. Not heavy words, but simple, honest, and pulling you into the narrative, refusing to let go even after the last page is turned.
If you are a fan of the soulful city, or if you think the greatest tales are always contained within the ordinary lives, this is an exquisite friend. This is no way the story of Bombay it is the voices of Bombay, and there is not one here I would not have loved to have heard. A truly magical book for the lovestruck and the curious.
January 12, 2026
The City of Mumbai or historically known as Bombay isn’t just the wealthiest city in the country, but also synonymous with the ‘City of Dreams’ for the people of India. Not just the biggest metropolis of India, a melting pot of different cultures or the home of Bollywood; the city has many identities. 'The Only City' is a collection of short stories that aim to capture these multiple identity of Mumbai, each capturing a unique facet of it.
The book is a collection of 18 short stories, each by an accomplished name in Indian literature; from Manu Joseph to Raghu Karnad, the book brings together diverse voices to weave an unforgettable potrait of the city. From an urchin's struggle for survival to an immigrant search for identity and from a couple's search for love to an artist looking for opportunity, the book is a collection of different voices, each woven around a story. The stories not only explore different characters but the city of Bombay like never before. Beyond the glitz and glamour, the stories explore the unexplored, unspoken side of Mumbai, from the slums to the local trains to the rain and the ever present ocean.
What sets the collection apart is the blend of different emotions, taking the readers through a rollercoaster of emotions. Each story feels like a slice of life, borrowed from the unknown faces in the crowd around us. Each story, not a glossy tribute but a realistic portrayal of the city. Though all stories are good, 'Silver Clouds, Hoodbhoy House, Your Meat in My Hands and Snakeskin' really stood for me.
Overall, The Only City is one collection that should not be missed. A must read for anyone wishing to experience Mumbai like never before.
The book is a collection of 18 short stories, each by an accomplished name in Indian literature; from Manu Joseph to Raghu Karnad, the book brings together diverse voices to weave an unforgettable potrait of the city. From an urchin's struggle for survival to an immigrant search for identity and from a couple's search for love to an artist looking for opportunity, the book is a collection of different voices, each woven around a story. The stories not only explore different characters but the city of Bombay like never before. Beyond the glitz and glamour, the stories explore the unexplored, unspoken side of Mumbai, from the slums to the local trains to the rain and the ever present ocean.
What sets the collection apart is the blend of different emotions, taking the readers through a rollercoaster of emotions. Each story feels like a slice of life, borrowed from the unknown faces in the crowd around us. Each story, not a glossy tribute but a realistic portrayal of the city. Though all stories are good, 'Silver Clouds, Hoodbhoy House, Your Meat in My Hands and Snakeskin' really stood for me.
Overall, The Only City is one collection that should not be missed. A must read for anyone wishing to experience Mumbai like never before.
January 6, 2026
”You are no more significant than a flower that, in its lifetime, spreads fragrance, and adds beauty to the world, and then trans-forms into a form of energy that makes a place livable.”
- The Sound of Silence, Yogesh Maitreya (A story in The Only City edited by Anindita Ghose)
My memories of Bombay are limited to exploring its dark underbelly through S. Hussain Zaidi's works, the upper strata of social hierarchy through Riva Razdan's, book - Arzu and the yesteryear film sets depicted in Sadat Hasan Manto's works.
’The Only City’ is an ode to Bombay, a city by the sea that never sleeps. Through distinct formidable voices in literature the readers get to see different aspects of the city that were hidden by the dimming lights. May it be through the lens of two humans wandering in search of a place they could call home or a person of the queer community discovering his sensual side in a 2x2 compartment, every writer had their version of Bombay pulsating within them. The cover which is thoughtfully designed featuring a flower delicately mirrors the vulnerabilities and quiet resilience of Bombay. Just like how the flower spreads its fragrance, these tales too make their presence felt.
”How shall I speak of your glory? You're steel, you're soft:
Your flowers, falling, leave wounds on my heart.”
The writing is evocative but it doesn't hold back while describing the dark/quiet alleys, the waves washing the Bandstand, it's dystopian nature and the hazy lights of dance bars. Bombay of the contributing authors might be in stark contrast with each other, but the soul of the city ties it back like a glue holding them together.
- The Sound of Silence, Yogesh Maitreya (A story in The Only City edited by Anindita Ghose)
My memories of Bombay are limited to exploring its dark underbelly through S. Hussain Zaidi's works, the upper strata of social hierarchy through Riva Razdan's, book - Arzu and the yesteryear film sets depicted in Sadat Hasan Manto's works.
’The Only City’ is an ode to Bombay, a city by the sea that never sleeps. Through distinct formidable voices in literature the readers get to see different aspects of the city that were hidden by the dimming lights. May it be through the lens of two humans wandering in search of a place they could call home or a person of the queer community discovering his sensual side in a 2x2 compartment, every writer had their version of Bombay pulsating within them. The cover which is thoughtfully designed featuring a flower delicately mirrors the vulnerabilities and quiet resilience of Bombay. Just like how the flower spreads its fragrance, these tales too make their presence felt.
”How shall I speak of your glory? You're steel, you're soft:
Your flowers, falling, leave wounds on my heart.”
The writing is evocative but it doesn't hold back while describing the dark/quiet alleys, the waves washing the Bandstand, it's dystopian nature and the hazy lights of dance bars. Bombay of the contributing authors might be in stark contrast with each other, but the soul of the city ties it back like a glue holding them together.
January 9, 2026
The Only Cityis a collection of 18 new pieces of short fiction of Bombay.This busy city is like a character itself full of dreams, struggles, noise, and surprises. The book shows different people living there-poor street kids, hardworking migrants, couples in love or fighting, artists, dancers, and dreamers chasing a better life. Each story gives a quick look into their world, mixing happy moments, sadness, humor, and tough realities.
Author, features writers such as Prayaag Akbar, Manu Joseph ,Shanta Gokhale, Ranjit Hoskote, Jeet Thayil and many more, all of whom come together to celebrate a city and their anthology helps people suddenly realize important truths.
Bombay changes people. Some rise from nothing to fancy homes, eating avocados and feeling "normal" among rich neighbors. Others, like a Dalit man, find the city's loud chaos too much and want to escape. Street boys near train stations learn not to trust big promises. Marriages hang by a thread, with no easy fixes. The sea pops up often, like a reminder of old memories or deep feelings. Love, family fights, hope for money or fame all play out in crowded trains, old buildings, and shiny new spots.
No single tale drags on, they're short and real, like peeks through a window into Mumbai's heart.This book is a love note to Mumbai's tough spirit. It's great for quick reads that stick with you, showing how one city holds so many lives. Perfect for book lovers who like Indian stories with grit and heart.
It's like a love letter to the city's tough, hungry spirit. If you're into Indian literature or quick reads that feel real, grab it,you'll smell the street food and hear the trains.
Author, features writers such as Prayaag Akbar, Manu Joseph ,Shanta Gokhale, Ranjit Hoskote, Jeet Thayil and many more, all of whom come together to celebrate a city and their anthology helps people suddenly realize important truths.
Bombay changes people. Some rise from nothing to fancy homes, eating avocados and feeling "normal" among rich neighbors. Others, like a Dalit man, find the city's loud chaos too much and want to escape. Street boys near train stations learn not to trust big promises. Marriages hang by a thread, with no easy fixes. The sea pops up often, like a reminder of old memories or deep feelings. Love, family fights, hope for money or fame all play out in crowded trains, old buildings, and shiny new spots.
No single tale drags on, they're short and real, like peeks through a window into Mumbai's heart.This book is a love note to Mumbai's tough spirit. It's great for quick reads that stick with you, showing how one city holds so many lives. Perfect for book lovers who like Indian stories with grit and heart.
It's like a love letter to the city's tough, hungry spirit. If you're into Indian literature or quick reads that feel real, grab it,you'll smell the street food and hear the trains.
January 6, 2026
Mumbai is a living paradox, a restless rhythm, a place where dreams and despair coexist, which we have always known as more than just a city. The Only City: Bombay in Eighteen Stories, edited by Anindita Ghose, captures this essence through an anthology of voices altogether forming a mosaic of city life.
Across eighteen stories, we meet migrants, artists, lovers, hustlers, and everyday dreamers. Every narrative gives you a glimpse into Mumbai’s multilayer identity, where the sea becomes both geography and metaphor—appearing in train compartments, glasses of Old Monk, and memories of longing. This recurring motif gels the anthology together, reminding us that Mumbai is fluid, unpredictable, and human.
What makes the collection compelling is its diversity. Some stories dazzle with lyricism, others ground us in gritty realism, but all contribute to a portrait that feels true and alive. The emotional range is striking ambition, heartbreak, resilience, and humor all find their place here. Every story tells you a different way of life in the land of Mumbai.
Of course, as with any anthology, certain stories resonate More strongly than others. Yet the unevenness is part of the charm, reflecting the city’s own contradictions. For readers unfamiliar with Mumbai, some minute cultural details may slip by, but the universal themes of belonging, struggle, and hope remain accessible.
Across eighteen stories, we meet migrants, artists, lovers, hustlers, and everyday dreamers. Every narrative gives you a glimpse into Mumbai’s multilayer identity, where the sea becomes both geography and metaphor—appearing in train compartments, glasses of Old Monk, and memories of longing. This recurring motif gels the anthology together, reminding us that Mumbai is fluid, unpredictable, and human.
What makes the collection compelling is its diversity. Some stories dazzle with lyricism, others ground us in gritty realism, but all contribute to a portrait that feels true and alive. The emotional range is striking ambition, heartbreak, resilience, and humor all find their place here. Every story tells you a different way of life in the land of Mumbai.
Of course, as with any anthology, certain stories resonate More strongly than others. Yet the unevenness is part of the charm, reflecting the city’s own contradictions. For readers unfamiliar with Mumbai, some minute cultural details may slip by, but the universal themes of belonging, struggle, and hope remain accessible.
December 28, 2025
The Only City is a deeply evocative anthology that captures Bombay in all its complexity restless, tender, overwhelming, and deeply human. Edited by Anindita Ghose, the book brings together eighteen stories that do not try to define the city but instead allow it to reveal itself through the lives of its people.
What stands out is how the stories move away from familiar, romanticised images of Mumbai. These are not glossy portraits of dreams alone, but intimate glimpses into loneliness, desire, ambition, survival, and fleeting moments of connection. The characters feel real and vulnerable, shaped by the city just as much as they shape their own paths within it.
Bombay emerges as more than a setting; it becomes a living presence sometimes generous, often indifferent, yet always pulsating with energy. The sea, the crowds, the constant movement, and the quiet pauses in between are woven beautifully into the narratives, creating a strong emotional undercurrent throughout the book.
The Only City is a thoughtful, layered read that will appeal to anyone who loves literary fiction and stories that linger long after the last page. It is a reminder that Bombay is not just a place,it is an experience.
What stands out is how the stories move away from familiar, romanticised images of Mumbai. These are not glossy portraits of dreams alone, but intimate glimpses into loneliness, desire, ambition, survival, and fleeting moments of connection. The characters feel real and vulnerable, shaped by the city just as much as they shape their own paths within it.
Bombay emerges as more than a setting; it becomes a living presence sometimes generous, often indifferent, yet always pulsating with energy. The sea, the crowds, the constant movement, and the quiet pauses in between are woven beautifully into the narratives, creating a strong emotional undercurrent throughout the book.
The Only City is a thoughtful, layered read that will appeal to anyone who loves literary fiction and stories that linger long after the last page. It is a reminder that Bombay is not just a place,it is an experience.
January 17, 2026
𝐐𝐮𝐨𝐭𝐞:
"For the fools who leave.
But more for the fools who return."
𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐈 𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬?
I enjoy reading short stories, especially when I want to come out of a reading slump. This collection seemed interesting and perfectly suited for that mood.
𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧:
I liked the book cover. It is simple and soothing, yet it reflects the theme very well. The title is straightforward and meaningful. The book also includes black and white pictures, which are not only aesthetically pleasing but also relevant to the stories.
𝐎𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧:
✓ The book consists of eighteen different stories written by eighteen different authors, all connected to the City which Never Sleeps. It works like an anthology that voices multiple perspectives of the same city.
✓ The stories are deeply human in nature, realistic and emotionally relatable.
✓ These narratives explore struggles, desires, priorities and a wide range of emotions. The writing feels raw, reflective and honest.
✓ Each story feels distinct, yet collectively they create a strong sense of place and belonging.
✓ I now understand why this book is getting such praises. And, I'm glad that I decided to pick it up.
✓ If you enjoy short story based shows or anthologies, or simply like story collections that can be read at your own pace, this is a must read.
"For the fools who leave.
But more for the fools who return."
𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐈 𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬?
I enjoy reading short stories, especially when I want to come out of a reading slump. This collection seemed interesting and perfectly suited for that mood.
𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧:
I liked the book cover. It is simple and soothing, yet it reflects the theme very well. The title is straightforward and meaningful. The book also includes black and white pictures, which are not only aesthetically pleasing but also relevant to the stories.
𝐎𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧:
✓ The book consists of eighteen different stories written by eighteen different authors, all connected to the City which Never Sleeps. It works like an anthology that voices multiple perspectives of the same city.
✓ The stories are deeply human in nature, realistic and emotionally relatable.
✓ These narratives explore struggles, desires, priorities and a wide range of emotions. The writing feels raw, reflective and honest.
✓ Each story feels distinct, yet collectively they create a strong sense of place and belonging.
✓ I now understand why this book is getting such praises. And, I'm glad that I decided to pick it up.
✓ If you enjoy short story based shows or anthologies, or simply like story collections that can be read at your own pace, this is a must read.
December 14, 2025
This is a really stange book - on many counts. First, many of the stories could have been set in any city in the world - there is nothing Bombay in them. Second, many of the ones which are about Bombay seem to disparage it. And finally, and most importantly, these stories manage to make a wholly remarkable city (and I am not necessarily saying that in a postive sense) sound completely unremarkable.
All this said, if one were to take Bombay out of the equation completely, and just think of this as a collection of stories from young-ish, contemporary Indian authors, then it passes muster. There are a few stories that are rather interesting - like Silver Clouds (Bhaskar), Your Meat in My Hands (Thayil), and Snakeskin (Swarup).
Net-net, if you pick it up as a generic collection of stories, with some loose Bombay connection, and you should be fine.
All this said, if one were to take Bombay out of the equation completely, and just think of this as a collection of stories from young-ish, contemporary Indian authors, then it passes muster. There are a few stories that are rather interesting - like Silver Clouds (Bhaskar), Your Meat in My Hands (Thayil), and Snakeskin (Swarup).
Net-net, if you pick it up as a generic collection of stories, with some loose Bombay connection, and you should be fine.
December 15, 2025
"The Only City" is a collection of eighteen short stories set in Bombay, each written by a different voice but tied together by the spirit of the city itself.
This book felt like walking through Bombay without rushing stopping at small lanes, listening to unknown lives, feeling stories breathe around you. Every story shows a different side of the city, yet together they feel like one living, beating heart.
What I loved most is how personal the stories feel. They are not dramatic for the sake of it they are real, raw, and deeply human. Dreams, struggles, love, loneliness , everything exists here, just like it does in the city itself.
This book doesn’t romanticize Bombay blindly, nor does it make it harsh. It simply shows it as it is. And that honesty stayed with me even after I closed the book.
This book felt like walking through Bombay without rushing stopping at small lanes, listening to unknown lives, feeling stories breathe around you. Every story shows a different side of the city, yet together they feel like one living, beating heart.
What I loved most is how personal the stories feel. They are not dramatic for the sake of it they are real, raw, and deeply human. Dreams, struggles, love, loneliness , everything exists here, just like it does in the city itself.
This book doesn’t romanticize Bombay blindly, nor does it make it harsh. It simply shows it as it is. And that honesty stayed with me even after I closed the book.
December 1, 2025
Anindita Ghose’s "The Only City: Bombay in Eighteen Stories" is a tribute to Bombay, showcasing eighteen contemporary voices that encapsulate the city's complexities and vibrancy. The anthology features diverse characters, including street children and artists, blending romance, humour, and grit to reflect Bombay's dynamic spirit. Ghose's editorial vision unites these narratives, presenting an intimate picture of the city’s resilience and contradictions. Enhanced by photographs, the stories provide a sensory experience, inviting readers to explore Bombay as both a place and an emotion, making the collection an evocative tribute to its enduring allure.
January 2, 2026
The Only City: Bombay in Eighteen Stories is a book that doesn’t try to explain Bombay. It simply lets the city exist in its loud, tender, unfair, intimate, and overwhelming way.
What struck me most while reading this anthology is how Bombay is not treated as a backdrop but as a living presence that shapes people’s choices, silences, desires, and survival instincts. Each story feels like a different doorway into the city, and no two doorways lead to the same Bombay.
The strength of this collection lies in its multiplicity. There is no single narrative of struggle or success, no fixed idea of who belongs and who doesn’t. Instead, the stories move through class, gender, sexuality, migration, loneliness, love, and moral ambiguity. Some stories feel tender and reflective, others sharp and unsettling. A few linger long after you’ve finished reading.
As a reader, I found myself constantly introspecting. Bombay here is neither romanticized nor villainized. It is simply honest. And it makes the reading a different experience here. What I appreciated most is that The Only City resists nostalgia. The feeling of traveling with the city and its people.
Overall the book is a collecetion of stories and converstaion which let us reflect, pause and question.
What struck me most while reading this anthology is how Bombay is not treated as a backdrop but as a living presence that shapes people’s choices, silences, desires, and survival instincts. Each story feels like a different doorway into the city, and no two doorways lead to the same Bombay.
The strength of this collection lies in its multiplicity. There is no single narrative of struggle or success, no fixed idea of who belongs and who doesn’t. Instead, the stories move through class, gender, sexuality, migration, loneliness, love, and moral ambiguity. Some stories feel tender and reflective, others sharp and unsettling. A few linger long after you’ve finished reading.
As a reader, I found myself constantly introspecting. Bombay here is neither romanticized nor villainized. It is simply honest. And it makes the reading a different experience here. What I appreciated most is that The Only City resists nostalgia. The feeling of traveling with the city and its people.
Overall the book is a collecetion of stories and converstaion which let us reflect, pause and question.
January 1, 2026
These people do know that Bombay extends beyond sobo right?
January 8, 2026
This book felt like a love letter to Mumbai. This anthology of 18 stories feels like walking through the city's streets, stopping at small lanes, and listening to unknown lives. You're immersed in the city's heartbeat that is noisy, crowded, confusing, and magical.
The book gives space to diverse voices, making you feel like you're sitting in a Mumbai local, watching people in their own worlds. From Andheri bars to Dadar trains, every character carries a spark of the city. Mumbai's moods shine through as romantic, heavy, messy, and beautiful.
The stories are raw, real, and deeply human. They don't romanticize Mumbai instead they show it as it is. The honesty stayed with me even after I closed the book. You'll feel like you're experiencing the city through others' eyes, making it a uniquely intimate read.
Readers who want to understand Mumbai beyond the skyline and stereotypes will have fun reading this. If you've ever loved, survived, or left the city, this book feels like a comforting reminder. And fans of literary fiction and city stories will especially love this anthology.
This book is a beautiful, poignant exploration of a city that'll stay with you. With its diverse voices and honest portrayal.
Overall, it is a must-read for anyone who loves cities, stories, and the human experience. It's a reminder that Mumbai, like any city, is a mosaic of lives, dreams, and moments.
The book gives space to diverse voices, making you feel like you're sitting in a Mumbai local, watching people in their own worlds. From Andheri bars to Dadar trains, every character carries a spark of the city. Mumbai's moods shine through as romantic, heavy, messy, and beautiful.
The stories are raw, real, and deeply human. They don't romanticize Mumbai instead they show it as it is. The honesty stayed with me even after I closed the book. You'll feel like you're experiencing the city through others' eyes, making it a uniquely intimate read.
Readers who want to understand Mumbai beyond the skyline and stereotypes will have fun reading this. If you've ever loved, survived, or left the city, this book feels like a comforting reminder. And fans of literary fiction and city stories will especially love this anthology.
This book is a beautiful, poignant exploration of a city that'll stay with you. With its diverse voices and honest portrayal.
Overall, it is a must-read for anyone who loves cities, stories, and the human experience. It's a reminder that Mumbai, like any city, is a mosaic of lives, dreams, and moments.
January 8, 2026
THE ONLY CITY - ANINDITA GHOSE
Mumbai formerly known as Bombay is known as the city of dreams and for me a proud place that I call as Home.
Apart from Bombay being synonymous with Bollywood it is also home to India's largest slum and also the financial capital of our country.
Every corner of the city is filled with stories you will find while travelling in a crowded Mumbai Local to the newly built high rises which has amenities a galore.
The only city is one such book which is a collection of 18 stories from the best names in Indian fiction like Amrita Mahale, Shanta Gokhale, Manu Joseph and many more.
Each story brings a different essence of Mumbai alive making it a very captivating read.
This book will appeal to anyone who has had some experience with Mumbai in their life bringing back memories of a city which is unlike any other in the world.
Mumbai formerly known as Bombay is known as the city of dreams and for me a proud place that I call as Home.
Apart from Bombay being synonymous with Bollywood it is also home to India's largest slum and also the financial capital of our country.
Every corner of the city is filled with stories you will find while travelling in a crowded Mumbai Local to the newly built high rises which has amenities a galore.
The only city is one such book which is a collection of 18 stories from the best names in Indian fiction like Amrita Mahale, Shanta Gokhale, Manu Joseph and many more.
Each story brings a different essence of Mumbai alive making it a very captivating read.
This book will appeal to anyone who has had some experience with Mumbai in their life bringing back memories of a city which is unlike any other in the world.
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