The Wrong Way Home

by Shunali Khullar Shroff

At forty, Nayantara is blindsided by her celebrity ex-husband's second marriage to a hot, young influencer on the heels of a divorce that leaves her broke, single and discarded by the society she once thrived in.
Desperate to prove she's still relevant, Nayan sets out to rebuild her PR business chasing power, money and visibility with a hunger she didn't know she possessed. Among the clients she sets out to restitute are an aging movie star terrified of irrelevance, a politician in urgent need of image rescue, and a socialite with small-town roots trying to reinvent herself as a cultural tastemaker.
In the middle of this, Nayan is pulled between two men. One offers steadiness and clarity. The other is charm, glitter and temptation. Buffeted by the contradictions of ambition and love, right and wrong, Mumbai's relentless hustle and Landour's quieter pull, she must decide what really matters in a world obsessed with appearances.

Genres: Fiction

324 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 2, 2025

Reviews

[Swati · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book turned out to be far more thoughtful and layered than I expected. What starts as a story about a public divorce and a woman trying to rebuild her life slowly becomes a deeper exploration of ambition, relevance, and the fear of being left behind socially, professionally, and emotionally.

Nayantara’s fall is written with uncomfortable honesty. She is not instantly brave or inspiring but shaken, defensive, and driven by fear as much as determination. Her need to rebuild her PR career feels rooted in survival rather than ego, which makes her journey engaging even when her choices are questionable.

The clients she takes on are one of the novel’s strengths, each reflecting anxieties around image, aging, and staying visible. Through them, the book offers sharp observations on how public perception is created and protected.

Her bond with Vikram feels far more authentic than her relationship with Arjun, which comes across as an attempt to prove she has moved on. I also loved her friendship with Rishi for how genuine and grounding it felt.

While some emotional arcs could have gone deeper, the writing is perceptive and the themes feel timely. Overall, this is a reflective novel about starting over when the world assumes your best years are behind you.

[bookswithchaipai · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are some books that feel like they’ve been written just for you , and this one was it for me. As a 40+ single woman navigating the chaos and charm of Bandra life, I found pieces of myself reflected in Shunali’s latest protagonist more than once.

Nayan, the lead character, is in her 40s, divorced, and coming to terms with the news of her ex-husband’s remarriage. While he moves on with his life, she’s still figuring out how to make hers work -juggling a demanding PR career, unsolicited matchmaking attempts from friends, and the familiar whispers that often surround single women her age.

My favourite part? Nayan running her PR agency like a boss. I loved how she worked her magic with celebrity accounts and pulled herself out of tricky situations with wit and grit. Familiar Bandra haunts, like La Loca Maria, made the book even more special. I could picture every scene so vividly, it felt like watching life unfold on the streets I know so well.

Her love interests were a delight to read about, too, adding sparks of excitement and vulnerability to her journey. And her mother -the fierce environmental activist-was an absolute queen, standing by her daughter’s side, quietly orchestrating things from the shadows in her own charming way.

This book reminded me that no marriage is perfect, the grass isn’t always greener on the other side, and sometimes destiny has its own plans , all you can do is sit back and enjoy the ride.

But what truly stayed with me was the sharp, satirical take on being a single woman in her 40s with a shrinking dating pool. Nayan’s witty quips and chaotic charm reminded me of the *Shopaholic* series -a woman who may not always have it together, but still manages to rule her world one hilarious day at a time.

[Abhisikta Basu · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Wrong Way Home tells the story of 40-year-old Nayantara, a woman trying to rebuild her life after a divorce and rediscover her sense of worth. While rebuilding her PR business, she also finds herself being pulled between two men. Juggling between her relentless work in Mumbai and her hometown in Landour, she tries to navigate what really matters in a world that is obsessed with appearances.

The book is such a powerful reminder about self-worth and starting over. I found the story pretty relatable, especially Nayantara's journey. There were moments when I knew she was making a choice that might hurt her later, and yet I understood why she was doing it. The emotional conflict felt very real. Also, I loved Nayantara's relationship with her best friend Rishi, and how they were each other's support system.

One line from the book that stayed with me was when Nayantara's mother says, "Don't settle for less out of neediness. And above all, have faith in yourself."

The book beautifully explores identity, ambition, and the courage it takes to choose yourself. I also absolutely loved the writing style, it is incredibly engaging!

If you enjoy stories about strong female journeys, this one is definitely worth picking up.

[Natasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary
On the first anniversary of her divorce, 40 year old Nayantara’s social media feed exploded with the news of her ex-husband’s marriage to a young influencer. The divorce had been hard on her- she’d walked away without an alimony, been shunned by mutual friends who chose to align themselves with her ex-husband, and found her PR business foundering because the divorce closed her off from certain circles. Her confidence which was at an all-time low was further dented when she found herself referred to as “his ex-wife is in PR”, instead of as “the glamorous head of a boutique PR firm” which is how she thought of herself. When she lost an important client because she was busy doomscrolling instead of attending an event, and was asked to vacate her apartment because the housing society decides to revoke the tenancy of unmarried women, she realised she had to turn things around.
She takes on some questionable clients, and allows herself to get emotionally involved with a suave and rich man- anything to convey to her ex-husband that she is over him! But will her conscience allow her to keep those clients, and should she ignore all the red flags her romantic interest sets off? More importantly, will she learn to stop wanting to impress her ex-husband, in the hope of making him regret leaving her?

The book is full of well etched characters.
There is also Vikram, a Silicon Valley techie who chose to return to home with his daughter to set up schools in inaccessible Himalayan villages. He is thoughtful and kind, and Nayantara’s mother adores him, but do the bright lights of Mumbai blind her to his obvious interest in her.
Rohit is the best friend every young (or not so young) woman can want. He understands her needs, knows exactly which wine to pair with every crying session, is kind and compassionate, yet, never shies away from telling her exactly what he believes. It is Rohit who makes her realise that she should stop caring about what her ex-husband thinks and start living for herself, thereby setting her off on the journey towards recovery.
Nayantara’s mother is a force of nature. An environmental activist, she was too busy saving the world to be a doting mother to her child, but it is her common sense and compassion which is the cushion that her adult daughter desperately craves.

But the real star of the book is Nayantara. Though she comes across as lacking confidence in herself, and is constantly evaluating herself through the eyes of her ex-husband, it is clear that she is brilliant in her profession. She is thrown into a desperate situation more than once and each time is able to avert a disaster because of her quick thinking, her contacts and her intuitive understanding of PR.

Told with wit and humour, this is a deeply feminist book
On the face of it, ‘The Wrong Way Home’ is a book about the swish set of Mumbai, but below the gloss, it is a gritty book on the reality of being a single woman in the city. The book is about how the city treats single women and the presumptions made about them. It is about how difficult it is to be a female divorcee- of how men treat you as prey and women as potential predators. The author talks about how hard it is for middle aged women to enter the dating pool, and of the compromises many women make to preserve their public personas.
As we accompany Nayantara on her journey towards healing, we perhaps anticipate the choices she will finally make- but what sets this book apart from many others is that these choices are not explicitly stated. This is a deeply feminist book, but one where the message is buried under humour, and an engaging storyline. If you like Liane Moriarty and Nora Ephron, you will love this book.

Author's Note: I received a review copy from the publisher. The views are my own.

[Shaloo Walia · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Wrong Way Home by Shunali Khullar Shroff is an engaging, witty, and thoughtfully written novel about second chances, self-worth, and starting over when life doesn’t go as planned.

At forty, Nayantara’s world comes crashing everything when her celebrity ex-husband marries a much younger influencer soon after their divorce, leaving her broke, single, and quietly discarded by the elite social circle she once belonged to. Reeling from the loss of status and security, Nayan is desperate to prove that she still matters. Her solution: rebuilding her struggling PR business.

While the novel does include a romantic dilemma between two very different men, the true heart of the story lies in Nayan’s professional journey. Watching her revive her PR agency was the most engaging part of the book for me. Her client roster is a wonderfully messy mix of insecurities and image crises. The way Nayan handles their egos, anxieties, and scandals is commendable.

The book is humorous and satirical, but it also lands some sharp punches, especially in its portrayal of social media.

I really loved Nayantara as a character. She begins the novel steeped in self-pity, but what makes her journey compelling is her conscious decision to take control of her life. The best part of the book is how Shroff transforms pity into power.

Shroff’s writing is superb—light, easy, and often hilarious—yet it never shies away from the hard realities of being a woman in a materialistic world.

The Wrong Way Home is an easy, entertaining read, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

[a_geminireader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some books don’t just tell a story , they hold space for you. They sit with you in your quiet moments and gently remind you that you’re not alone in feeling the way you do.

This book felt exactly like that. Nayantara’s journey is not only about divorce or rebuilding life at forty; it’s about the invisible fears we rarely say out loud , the fear of becoming irrelevant, the longing to be seen and desired again, and the exhaustion of constantly proving your worth to the world. Her self-doubt, emotional spirals, and moments of quiet courage feel achingly real, making it impossible not to root for her.

What makes this story truly special is the warmth and humour threaded through its rawness. Even in moments of heartbreak, the writing never feels heavy or bleak. Instead, it reminds you that laughter and vulnerability can coexist, and that healing often arrives in small, imperfect steps. The supporting characters add depth and comfort, creating a world that feels familiar, flawed, and deeply human.

At its core, this is a story about choosing yourself not dramatically, but honestly. About understanding that starting over isn’t a sign of failure, but of self-respect and bravery. If you’ve ever felt stuck between who you were and who you’re becoming, this book will feel like a gentle companion, offering reassurance, empathy, and hope long after the last page.

[Rahul Vishnoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

-Effortlessly Funny & Relentlessly Entertaining-
Review of 'The Wrong Way Home' by Shunali Khullar Shroff

Quote Alert
"𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲, 𝐈'𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐈'𝐝 𝐛𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞, 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐲, 𝐬𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐟𝐢𝐥𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭, 𝐭𝐨𝐨 𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐠𝐥𝐨𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐉𝐚𝐲 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐞. 𝐈 𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐢𝐦 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐲, 𝐚 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐚𝐧 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐤 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐨𝐧. 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐝, 𝐡𝐞'𝐬 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐡𝐥𝐲 𝐥𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐦 𝐚 𝐰𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚 𝐰𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐢𝐳𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐲 𝐰𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭. 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐈'𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐮𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐲 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐚𝐱 𝐝𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭, 𝐡𝐞'𝐬 𝐝𝐨𝐮𝐛𝐭𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐥𝐲 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐢𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐯𝐢𝐠𝐨𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐲𝐦𝐨𝐨𝐧."


Why would you be interested in the life of a forty something divorced woman who's struggling with self doubt, almost on the verge of giving up to find love and is striving to make ends meet? Who's stalking her ex and his current online but jumps behind dusty busbougainvillea when she sees her offline. Because that's the stuff entertaining stories are made of. Take just the right amount of self doubt and self pity, and slather them generously in a solid veneer of humour and wit. Then sprinkle it with a potential love interest. Want more masala? Ok let's make it a triangle then.

So what is it about? Nayantara is divorced but on the first anniversary of their divorce , her ex husband marries a young influencer. She can't help spiral into a tide of hopelessness. Everything seems to be going wrong for her. Her work life, her personal life: all are shot to hell. But she picks herself up, supported by her friend Rishi and her mother who, living in Landour, is hell bent on getting a match for her. Soon, as she grappels to put her life back on track, she finds two suitors. Who will she go with? How will her life turn out to be? Well, I am not going to tell you everything here. Pick up the book and find out more.

It's a rare gift to be a storyteller. And even rarer is the one where the quill is blessed with an ability to pull smiles across the cheeks. Shunali writes with a giddy abandon. You can't help but smile throughout. This one made me laugh out loud:
"So this is who my mother wants me to date. Imagine the papers reporting,'Jay Sarabhai and wife seen having dinner at Cap Eden Roc near Cannes with Quentin Tarantino, and his ex-wife spotted buying vegetables from a wholesale market with a yeti!'"
And this:
"I was told divorced women in their forties are considered a great catch! 'Don't worry, Nayantara,' I've heard people tell me. "This is the right age to start all over; women at forty are way more desirable than younger girls? Where, I want to know. Must be on the North Pole because, sir, in the world that I inhabit, middle-aged men seem to want to marry only teenagers."


But I must warn you. This trip is going to be bloody. Not papercuts but you might sustain some superficial gashes from the razor sharp wit of Shunali Khullar Shroff. Since the story is about divorced woman, the author leaves sharp observations and comments on the societal opinion as well as patriarchal mindset. She takes no prisoners and strikes at everyone:
"I get it. That's a polite way of saying now that you're divorced, please don't be a slut and bring men up here and have hot sex with them. How do I tell this woman that at this point in my life I'm as far away from having hot sex with men as Pluto is from the sun. I mean Pluto isn't even considered a planet anymore; they're now referring to it as an object in the Kuiper belt. That's how far removed I am from having any 'hot' escapades with men. It's like I've drifted off into a whole different cosmic realm of singlehood."

The protagonist takes potshot at herself too. Have a look:
"Now I understand why women my age start showing cleavage to attract men. It is an undeniable truth, isn't it, that women's hearts never quite catch up with their ageing bodies, and therein lies the predicament. One day I will be sixty and then nobody except men with walking sticks and teeth that smile at you from inside glass bowls at night will look at me. If you think about it, it is cruel that one's old age is three times longer than ones youth."

The author takes time setting up the plot. Instead of jumping straight into the story, she takes time to set up the characters and then goes to weave the story tightly around these characters that will matter as the story progresses. Have a look at the one liners that define the characters as well as make you laugh out loud:
"Ma is like an older, more genuine version of Gwyneth Paltrow, minus the penchant for hawking candles that supposedly smell like one's nether regions."
A conversation between Nayantara's friend Rishi and her mother is quite well written. The author has put ample spotlight on the side characters too.

These nuances and detailing of the characters however don't affect the pace of the story. She keeps her characters crisp without letting the layering affect the story. By setting the story in different towns, she keeps the story on its toes. Had a great time reading it.

It's a delight to read and author's work who's at the top of her game. Khullar Shroff's prose is sharp and smooth at the same time. Like a quill searing through butter.

[Sayanti Dutta (Dey) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shunali Khullar Shroff’s The Wrong Way Home is a sharp and engaging contemporary fiction novel that examines divorce, social reputation, and female reinvention in urban India. Set largely in Mumbai’s elite social circles, the story follows forty year old Nayantara, a PR professional whose life unravels after her high profile divorce from a celebrity husband.

The novel opens with a humiliating turning point. Nayantara discovers that her ex husband has remarried a much younger social media influencer. The news spreads quickly online and forces her to confront a painful reality. She has lost not only a marriage but also the social status, professional connections, and financial stability that once defined her life. This moment sets the tone for a narrative that focuses on rebuilding identity after public failure.

One of the strongest aspects of the book is its portrayal of the public relations industry. Nayantara’s attempt to revive her struggling PR firm becomes the central narrative thread. Her clients range from aging film stars desperate to stay relevant to politicians seeking image rehabilitation and socialites attempting to manufacture influence. Through these storylines, the novel explores media manipulation, reputation management, celebrity culture, and the obsession with social media visibility. The professional dilemmas Nayantara faces provide both satire and insight into how carefully curated public narratives shape modern fame.

The characterization of Nayantara is realistic and complex. She is not written as an immediately empowered heroine. Instead she begins the story insecure, reactive, and deeply affected by her ex husband’s opinion of her. Her early decisions are often driven by wounded pride and a need to prove that she still matters. This emotional vulnerability makes her arc believable. As the story progresses, her professional competence, strategic thinking, and resilience begin to re emerge.

The supporting cast adds significant depth to the narrative. Rishi, her loyal friend, offers emotional clarity and direct advice when she begins to lose perspective. Her mother, an environmental activist, represents a different model of independence and strength. The romantic subplot between Arjun and Vikram introduces contrasting visions of life. Arjun embodies glamour, ambition, and the seductive pull of elite social status. Vikram represents stability, empathy, and a quieter approach to fulfillment. These contrasting relationships mirror Nayantara’s internal conflict between validation and authenticity.

Another compelling element of the novel is its commentary on the social treatment of divorced women in metropolitan India. The book highlights how marital status can overshadow professional achievements. Nayantara is frequently identified as someone’s former spouse rather than as the head of her own PR firm. Housing restrictions, social judgment, and dating stigma all reflect the gendered scrutiny faced by single women in their forties. Shroff presents these issues with humor and satire without weakening their seriousness.

The narrative style is accessible and fast paced. The dialogue feels natural and contemporary, and the humor prevents the emotional themes from becoming overly heavy. The author balances social commentary with entertaining storytelling, making the book suitable for readers who enjoy character driven urban fiction.
While the romantic tension adds momentum to the plot, the real strength of the novel lies in Nayantara’s professional and emotional reconstruction. Her journey gradually shifts from proving her worth to others toward reclaiming self respect and personal agency.

Overall, The Wrong Way Home is an intelligent and entertaining novel about divorce, ambition, and social perception. It offers a nuanced look at female independence, the pressure of public image, and the challenge of rebuilding life after personal and social upheaval. Readers who enjoy contemporary women’s fiction, urban Indian settings, and stories about career reinvention will find this book both engaging and relevant.

[♡ Diyasha ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐖𝐑𝐎𝐍𝐆 𝐖𝐀𝐘 𝐇𝐎𝐌𝐄
𝐒𝐇𝐔𝐍𝐀𝐈𝐋 𝐊𝐇𝐔𝐋𝐋𝐀𝐑 𝐒𝐇𝐑𝐎𝐅𝐅

𝐈𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐲. 𝐑𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧. 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐨𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐮𝐫𝐛𝐚𝐧 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞.

✨ 𝐈𝐬 𝐢𝐭 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫? 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐰𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧, 𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐭 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐧𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐟𝐥𝐚𝐰𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞?

✨ At the heart of the story is Nayantara or Nayan, a forty something woman whose life unravels when her celebrity ex husband marries a much younger social media influencer - is it all we have? Nope. It shattered her confidence and social standing. The ending of her marriage leaves her in emotional disdain, in financial fear and she feels like she has been removed from that known social circle that once inhabited.

✨ Driven by a mix of wounded pride and the desire to prove she is still relevant, Nayan decides to revive her failing public relations business - this ambitious professional comeback becomes the central engine of the narrative. Her client roster becomes a microcosm of Mumbai's elite and their insecurities. 

• An aging movie star desperate not to fade into irrelevance.
• A politician in urgent need of an image turnaround.
• A small town socialite yearning to be seen as a cultural tastemaker.

✨ Each client presents unique challenges and exposes Nayan to the contradictory world of performing success vs living it. Through these professional entanglements, this plot satirizes how modern Indian society obsesses over appearances, status and the artificial optics of life - especially on social media!

✨ Parallel to all these, Nayan's personal life becomes increasingly complicated. She finds herself pulled between two men who represent very different futures - one brings steadiness and depth and genuine connection or maybe we can call it an emotionally rich person! The other one dazzles with glitter, charm and promises of glamour! This romantic tension mirrors Nayan's internal struggle between ambition and emotional fulfillment and underscores how complex reinvention can be when old wounds and new desires collide. 

✨ Beyond any career tension, this narrative also touches on family dynamics - Nayan's relationship with her mother, which adds emotional layers about expectation, generational values and belonging. Nayan's journey is an inspiration about how starting over is not just about success but about redefining your self-worth.

✨ Appearances, reputation and curated lives on social media often overshadow authenticity. Balancing career  and ambition with these much emotional needs are a core tension that moves with this plot significantly. How Shroff crafts that narrative which is both witty and poignant is a blessing to know! 

✨ The novel offers a rich portrait of what it means to rebuild life when you feel lost. This suggests the true validation over everything and of course which does not comes from this society!

[Neeti Bhatia · Rating 5 out of 5]

🍀Book - The Wrong Way Home
🍀 Author - Shunali Khullar Shroff

🍀Plot- Six years of married life came to an end, and the divorce left Nayantara heartbroken. Her ex-husband married a beautiful, glamorous influencer who was twenty years younger. People pitied her, and her PR business was on the verge of collapse.

At forty, Nayantara had to endure all of this. It seemed to her as though being a divorcée was a crime. People either consoled her or came up with proposals for her to get married again.

She worried about her mother, thinking she would be upset, but nothing of the sort happened. Her mother was happy that Nayantara had managed to pull herself out of a marriage that had become a burden.

Now, Nayantara wanted to re-establish her PR firm and become successful, so she could bask in the glory of her achievements and show her ex—and the whole world—what she was capable of.

Through hard work, wise decisions, and the support of her family and friends, she worked to make her firm stand out.

On the personal front, however, she found herself attracted to two men—one a Prince Charming–like movie star, and the other a mature man, a father to a daughter, clear in his thoughts and reliable in nature.

Whom will she choose?
Will she be able to prove herself on the professional front too?

🍀Review - The book talks about modern life, the hustle of Mumbai, and the peace of Landour. It is humorous, satirical, and poignant, and it hits you instantly. The character of Nayantara feels incredibly real, and her life is highly relatable. The people who surround her—her family and friends—are perfectly placed by the author.

In fact, I was surprised by how the author chose Mumbai and Landour, two completely contrasting places, to represent two contrasting human mindsets. The impact of social media and the way it penetrates our lives comes across like a punch—you simply can’t escape it.

The best part of the book is how the author turns pity into power. The strongest answer to everyone who points fingers at you is to become successful and powerful in life.

I loved this book so much that I finished it in just two days. I absolutely loved Nayantara—her character has everything: wisdom, charm, practicality, humility, firmness, and a heart filled with love.

[Kiranmayi · Rating 4 out of 5]

On the first anniversary of their divorce, Nayantara is shocked to discover her ex-husband Jay Sarabhai got married to a much younger social media influencer amidst a picturesque European holiday. The divorce not just broke Nayantara emotionally in the past one year but also closed doors to the circles she was once part of, because of Jay’s celebrity status. With some prodding from her best friend Rishi, Nayantara decides to resurrect her PR business which she has neglected in the past year.

Aging movies stars, politicians, small-town socialites, Nayan is ready to accept any sort of client, to revive their failing careers to in turn help revive her business; during this journey Nayan meets Vikram, the Tech nerd from San Francisco who took an early retirement after selling off his business to come back and settle in Landour as Nayan’s mother’s neighbor and did organic farming. Arjun on the other hand embodies what Nayan loves about Mumbai’s elite.

Will Nayan be able to succeed in her second innings in business, will Arjun’s charisma or Vikram’s groundedness attract Nayan forms the rest of the story.

On the exterior, this story feels like a glossy look at the Mumbai elite and their lifestyle, but the author hides strong emotions in sarcasm to drive home the reality of life after divorce, especially for women. The author provides important social commentary on what being divorced at forty looks like for women and how marital status precedes all other achievements.

The author also contrasts well the different characters surrounding Nayan, Rishi, Vikram, Arjun and her mother, each with a different personality and how they influence Nayan’s decisions. Nayan being in PR gives the reader insight into how artificial narratives are created. The story also highlights the fake life shared on social media in current times. The humor is also one of the impressive aspects of the story. There are many places where I could not relate to Nayantara as a character but that also gave me a new perspective about the situations she faces.

The author delivers a perfect blend of humor and message with relatable characters which make this a perfect read for the holiday season.

[readerkd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life is witty, exciting, and sometimes just miserable. It often feels like a chaotic ride, and that’s exactly how Nayan’s life feels in this story. I could feel her irritation and the confusion she was going through, and honestly, at many points I just wanted it to end for her. But like we say, when one door closes, two more open. That is exactly what happens with Nayan, and suddenly she is surrounded by choices and unsure of whom to choose and what she really wants.

The book felt messy and slow in the beginning. There was a lot of crying and emotional weight, which made it slightly difficult to get into at first. But after a few chapters, things started changing quickly. It wasn’t very crisp or clear all the time, but it was written well enough to keep me engaged. At one point, I was genuinely hooked and wanted to know what would happen next. I enjoyed the witty parts, though I wished there were more of them. I guess I always want a little extra sugar in stories like this.

The characters felt right, and so did the situations. It never became too cozy or too dramatic to feel unrealistic. I really loved the madness of Nayan and her mother. Everyone was moody in their own way, and yet Nayan kept trying hard to fix her life and sort things out. It’s a crazy story, but at the same time, it feels very real and oddly adorable.

Her friend Rishi was quite convincing for me. He doesn’t show his emotions much, but that seems to be exactly how he is written. Sagari, on the other hand, was fun and blunt every time she appeared, and I enjoyed her presence a lot. These characters made the story feel fresh and different from the usual.

Overall, this didn’t feel like a typical romcom. It felt more real and relatable, which is why I stayed hooked till the end. I did wish there were a few more pages at the ending, just to sit with the story a little longer. Still, it was a fulfilling read and one I genuinely enjoyed.

[Shweta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wrong Way Home is the kind of novel that brings you out of your comfort zone and asks a question which is normally pushed under the rug. When the life you have built for yourself over the years, takes a drastic turn and stops choosing you back, how can it be brought back? is it even possible to start over?

At forty, Nayantara’s world crashes down silently but completely. A public divorce, an ex-husband who moves on faster and happier, and a society that starts treating her an outcast the moment she’s no longer “desirable enough.” However most crucial part of the book is not our protagonist's heartbreak but her constant attempts to prove that she still matters, that she’s still visible, still powerful.

As she rebuilds her career, the narrative brings out a sharp perspective on relevance and appearances. The clients she takes on, an aging movie star clinging to stardom, a politician scrambling for an image makeover, a socialite reinventing her roots are the reflection of our society and mindset. These characters including Nayantara, are versions of our own fear of missing out, identity crisis and never being enough.

The emotional intensity deepens when she finds herself pulled between two men, one offering a stability and the other all spectacle. The conflict isn’t really about love; it’s about identity
Here author helps us witness Nayan’s inner turmoil instead of romantic dilemma.

What I liked most was the contrast between Mumbai’s relentless hustle and Landour’s quiet pull. It beautifully captures the external noise versus the internal longing, a reminder that sometimes the “wrong way home” isn’t a mistake, but a detour toward truth.

In conclusion, Wrong Way Home is not a story about starting over perfectly but to understand that starting over ulis always messy. It’s about a woman choosing herself in a world obsessed with youth, image, and applause.

[Sonia Bahl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shunali Khullar Shroff writes with a wink and a smile… and acute insight. She takes on uncomfortable, deeply human truths and delivers the emotional hit via a Trojan horse: razor-sharp wit. There’s a brilliant moment of realisation for Nayan, her recently divorced forty-something protagonist, who observes that her ex-husband keeps getting invited to parties, “whereas our close friends started retreating from me like I’d shown up straight from the Wuhan airport with a cough. Rejection by society hurt almost as much as the failure of my marriage.”

The writing is nimble, intelligent, and effortless. There are more punchlines tossed into these pages than a late-night host manages with a full team of writers.

The Wrong Way Home explores what happens when life veers off script for a woman of a certain age: the small humiliations, the quiet rejections, the constant need to recalibrate, to improve. While her ex blithely moves on by marrying a glamorous influencer half his age, Nayan is subjected to well-meaning but condescending advice and set-ups with spectacularly uninspiring men. There is pathos here, but we never wallow in it, because the talented Ms Shroff always earns the laugh. Like when Nayan neatly sums up one such encounter: “I tell her I have no doubt he’d be considered charming in certain countries just as haggis is a delicacy in Scotland. But he’s not for me.”

Sharp without being brittle and funny without being frivolous, The Wrong Way Home is truth-telling wrapped in warmth, and proof that clever, self-deprecating humour can help you see, say, and survive almost anything.

[Vidhya Thakkar · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story follows Nayantara, a successful PR professional who is blindsided by her celebrity ex-husband’s second marriage. Heartbroken and lost, she finds herself trapped in comparison and social media noise, until her best friend Rishi steps in as her grounding force. His words become the turning point that pushes Nayantara to reclaim her career, her ambition, and her sense of purpose. What Nayantara doesn’t realize at that moment is that his words would fix her blurred vision and awaken a strength she didn’t know she possessed.

What makes The Wrong Way Home especially compelling is how layered and thoughtfully structured the plot is. While the central storyline focuses on Nayantara’s personal and professional rebuilding, it never feels one-dimensional. The narrative moves fluidly between her inner turmoil, her external challenges, and the worlds she inhabits. The corporate Mumbai and serene Landour, allowing the story to unfold organically rather than in dramatic bursts. The plot mirrors real life: messy, uncertain, sometimes slow, yet deeply transformative.

The Wrong Way Home is a moving, engaging, and heartfelt read. With its layered plot, vibrant setting, emotionally rich characters, and a tone that remains light, witty, and grounded, it is a story about rebuilding, belonging, and coming home to oneself, sometimes by taking the wrong road first.

read the full review here:

https://vidhyathakkar.com/book-review...

[Bindu Bala · Rating 5 out of 5]

🅱🅾🅾🅺 🆁🅴🆅🅸🅴🆆

𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑾𝒓𝒐𝒏𝒈 𝑾𝒂𝒚 𝑯𝒐𝒎𝒆

ᴀᴜᴛʜᴏʀ: Shunali Khullar Shroff
ꜰᴏʀᴍᴀᴛ: Paperback
ᴘᴀɢᴇꜱ/ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀꜱ: 288 pages
ᴘᴜʙʟɪꜱʜᴇʀ: Bloomsbury India
ɢᴇɴʀᴇ: Contemporary

In a world obsessed with visibility and reinvention, Nayantara finds herself suddenly invisible. Fresh from a divorce that leaves her broke and socially sidelined, she is further shaken when her celebrity ex-husband announces a second marriage to a glamorous young influencer almost immediately. At forty, Nayan is forced to confront not just heartbreak, but irrelevance in the very society she once navigated with ease.

Determined to reclaim her place, she throws herself back into her PR career with a fierce, unfamiliar hunger for power, money, and control. Her path is littered with clients who mirror her own anxieties: an ageing film star terrified of fading into obscurity, a politician desperate for image repair, and a small-town socialite reinventing herself as a cultural authority.

As Mumbai’s ruthless pace propels her forward, Nayan is also tugged toward Landour’s quieter truths, where ambition feels less performative and more honest.
Caught between two men one offering stability and clarity, the other seduction and sparkle Nayan must navigate the uneasy intersections of love and ambition, morality and survival. In choosing what to chase and what to let go, she is forced to decide what truly matters when appearances can be manufactured, but self-worth cannot.

- #readwithbindu
- #reviewwithbindu
#bookwormbindu

[Medha Banerjee · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a book’s first page reads something like “On the first anniversary of my divorce from Jay Sarabhai, I’m on my way to the income tax department early morning when the news breaks. ‘Did you know he was getting married?’ is the first succinct message I get from my friend Anjali, followed by “It’s clearly a marriage of convenience”, from my best friend, Rishi.” you know it’s going to sit with you a while and take you on a journey you have not quite expected going into the book…

At its heart, this is a book about the search for home, but not in the simple sense of a place. It asks harder questions: What does home mean when you feel out of place? How much of ourselves do we build, and how much is built for us by our relationships, our memories, and our losses? Those questions linger because the novel understands that “finding yourself” is rarely a neat or linear process.

It does not just tell a story; it quietly unpacks the complicated shapes of family, belonging, identity, and the things we inherit without choosing them. There is humor here, but it is the kind that comes with a sharp, honest edge. And there is emotion, but never in a way that feels forced.

“Arjun and I did an incredible thing this weekend - nothing!“

It is observant, layered, and quietly piercing. It reminds you that sometimes the most ordinary-looking lives carry the most difficult truths. And sometimes, the journey home is really the journey toward understanding yourself a little better.

A thoughtful, sharp, and emotionally resonant read.

[Rinki · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Starting over doesn’t mean failure—it means courage.”


The Wrong Way Home is a sharp, contemporary novel that masterfully strips away the glossy facade of urban success to expose the profound fractures beneath.

After her divorce, Nayantara's carefully constructed life unravels, leaving her financially strained and reeling from her celebrity ex-husband's remarriage. Rather than succumbing to victimhood, she embarks on a journey of reinvention, rebuilding her PR career and navigating Mumbai's cutthroat world of image, relevance, and power, all while questioning the true cost of success.

The story skillfully delves into the complexities of ambition, aging, divorce, love, and societal expectations, particularly for women who choose to start anew in midlife. With wit and emotional depth, Shroff masterfully captures the paradoxes of modern India, juxtaposing superficiality and substance, visibility and worth, and love and self-esteem.

Why I liked this book:-

- Honest portrayal of divorce and female reinvention
- Strong, flawed, and relatable female protagonist
- Insightful commentary on image, fame, and ambition
- Urban Indian setting that feels real and current

This book offers a captivating blend of satire and emotional depth, making it an ideal choice for readers who appreciate contemporary women-centric fiction grounded in social realism and authentic emotions.

[Black Widow · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nayantara, a Mumbai based woman in her 40s was having the worst week of her life. Her ex-husband Jay gets married to Amrita, a very famous and beautiful influencer who was half their age. Even though it has been a year since they divorced Nayan was not completely over it. She owned a PR firm and she was really good at her job. Her ex Jay, was a film director and even though it was Nayan who made his name famous using her PR skills, she was never appreciated! In fact Jay undermined her so bad that she was no more the confident person she used to be.
So her best friend Rishi, who stood with her through all her phases, asks her to get her shit back and focus on her career and life and that's exactly what Nayantara does.
And while achieving her goal she meets a special guy!

Will he be her end game? Will Nayantara get her life back?

My Note: Thank you Bloomsbury for sending a copy of this book. I got hooked from the very first chapter but it was slow in the beginning and then it got fast paced after a few chapters. Nayantara is a very relatable character. She has a lot of insecurities, self doubts even though she was one heck of a woman and tbh I felt seen. Not all of us have our life figured out. She makes mistakes, regrets it, rectifies it and it was beautiful to watch her go from a crying mess to this self sufficient woman. I loved this book, I hope you guys would enjoy it too!

[Yamini · Rating 4 out of 5]

On the first anniversary of her divorce, Nayantara wakes up to news that her ex-husband has married a much younger social media influencer. The announcement is public, loud, humiliating. A forty-something PR professional in Mumbai, she's juggling celebrity clients, financial anxiety, complicated friendships, and the exhausting pressure to appear unbothered. What lingers isn't the marriage itself, but the afterlife of being a woman no longer part of a couple. Starting again isn't glamorous. It's messy, funny, and occasionally liberating.

This is my second book set in Mumbai and I feel the universe is conspiring! The emotional entanglements, roots of jealousy, and a flicker of fiery ambition made this a very entertaining read. Nayantara's character was quite quirky yet humane. She feels a lot, acts on some of it, and leaves the rest to simple contemplation. The almost love triangle part added edge to the story, keeping things interesting beyond just the divorce narrative.

The book casts light on our ethical codes, societal expectations, and how we actually deal with divorces, not the ideal way but the practical one. The humorous touch here and there diluted the tension of such a serious topic. I loved how I could just get lost in this story and not stress my brain cells. It's the kind of read that entertains while making you think, without feeling heavy or preachy about it.

[Givii .. · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, "The Wrong Way Home" is basically a fun, thoughtful ride through the chaos of starting over at forty. Our main gal, Nayantara, is thrown for a loop when her ex-husband marries a younger influencer and leaves her questioning everything.

One of the things I absolutely loved is the humor. For example, Nayan says, "Rishi is my lifeline. This man, we've been a pair since our twenties, which makes it twenty years now. And before you get your hopes up, Rishi is gay, which is tragic for me because he's probably the only guy who really gets my jokes." It’s a perfect example of the book's witty vibe.

The book also dives into how we hold on to old friendships, even when they’ve got a few scars. There's this line that really hits home: "And yet this friendship was something we both clung to, despite the old bruises it sometimes uncovered. Perhaps because, as we grow older, we need something from the past to remind us of who we were and how far we've come. Maybe this need to remain connected was for our own sake."

And then there's this gem: "Life is a slippery thing, isn't it? Every time I think I've nailed down some personal happiness, it dodges me, only to sneak back in through the revolving door of my career." So true, right?

All in all, this book is a great mix of laughs, real talk, and some heartfelt moments. It’s definitely worth a read if you’ve ever felt a little lost and needed a reminder that starting over can be pretty awesome.

[Khushi Khandelwal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever wondered what happens when a “perfect” life suddenly falls apart, and you’re forced to rebuild from scratch?

The Wrong Way Home by Shunali Khullar Shroff is an engaging and insightful story about rediscovering yourself when life doesn’t go as planned.

The novel follows Nayantara (Nayan), a 40-year-old PR professional whose world is turned upside down after her husband leaves her. What follows is not just heartbreak, but a powerful journey of self-growth.

As Nayan tries to regain control of her life, the story moves between the fast-paced energy of Mumbai and the calm charm of Landour. Through her struggles with career setbacks, shifting friendships, and personal doubts, the author beautifully shows how difficult yet important it is to start over.

What I personally enjoyed most was how real Nayan feels. She isn’t perfect; she makes mistakes, overthinks, and sometimes lets insecurity take over, but that’s exactly what makes her relatable. Her journey feels honest and refreshing, especially in a world where people often pretend to have everything together.

The writing is lively and easy to connect with, filled with subtle humour and thoughtful observations about modern life, social media pressure, and relationships. While the story focuses on an urban, privileged setting, its core message about self-worth and resilience is universal.

Overall, this is a warm, uplifting read that reminds us that even wrong turns can lead to the right destination.

[Priyanka M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some books sit with you and make you feel seen. This book is one of those. This novel did that for me. My life may not have drama, but emotions hit home. I recognized Nayan and her need for validation, people‑pleasing, confidence wrapped in vulnerability, and her fierce desire to start over.

What struck me most is how the story treats divorce not as a tragedy but as an act of courage. Leaving isn’t giving up but it’s choosing honesty over endurance, for yourself and your partner. The author shines a light on the way society whispers sympathy at divorced women instead of respecting the strength it takes to move on. The book celebrates reinvention, resilience, and self‑worth.

The plot follows Nayantara, forty‑something divorcee whose ex‑husband marries an influencer on their first anniversary. Work is mess, love feels hopeless, and she’s stalk‑watching his online life from behind bougainvillea. Enter her mother and her witty friend Rishi, who push her toward two suitors. Who will she choose? You’ll have to read to find out.

The author writing blends humor and heart. The story hops between towns, keeping it lively. If you love life, divorce drama, or laugh then it is for you. This is a riot of relatable moments, witty insight, and a reminder that starting over can be funny.

[Sarmistha · Rating 4 out of 5]

The alluring Kaleidoscope of Nayan's is filled with colour of love, heartbreak, grief, second chances, reinvention, determination and hope.The world of 40yr Nayantara crashes when discovers the news of ex- husband Jay remarrying a beautiful influencer half his age while she is still struggling to come in terms with life after divorce.She is pitied, isolated and judged for her life choices.Nayantara refuses to be the sacrificial lamb, she is a fighter who vows to built her own empire.

The engaging storyline kept me glued to the book till the end.The author skillfully explores the unrealistic expectations of the patriarchal society from a middle aged divorced woman.She exposed the double standards of the society when it comes to treating man and woman facing the same issue.

Nayan's journey of rejuvenating her company, handling her clients, racking her brain to fulfill their demands while keeping sane is something I enjoyed reading.The cool Kalpana, the charming Arjun, the gentleman Vikram and her sanctuary Rishi fills the book with a different kind of energy.

I fell for the way, the story presented bitter realities of life with a pinch of salt.Not for a moment I felt dull while reading this book, all thanks to the healthy dose of humour peppered throughout the reinvention journey of Nayan.

[Kavita Jhala · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are looking for a story that captures the raw, complex, and often humorous reality of being a woman in your 40s, The Wrong Way Home is a must-read. The story follows Nayantara, a PR maverick navigating life between Landour and Mumbai. While she is a powerhouse professionally, the novel beautifully deconstructs how personal life can suddenly force a woman to question her identity, her confidence, and her impact on society.
Why this book stands out:
1. Authentic Characterisation: Nayantara’s relationships—with her mother, her ex, and the other men in her life—are portrayed with a relatable confusion that many women will recognise.
2. Witty Narrative: Shunali Khullar Shroff infuses the story with humour and witticism, ensuring the heavy themes of ageism and sexism never feel "drabby" or boring.
3. Universal Relevance: While it is a "must-read" for women 35 and above, younger readers in their 20s will find it eye-opening regarding how society views and expects women to behave as they age.
4. Cinematic Quality: The "moments and moods" are so well-crafted that this story feels perfect for an OTT TV series adaptation.

This is a beautiful, fast-paced story that you can easily finish in one sitting. It draws incredible parallels to real life, making it a "very strong, relatable" pick for any contemporary reader.

[Booksandsurpass · Rating 4 out of 5]

At forty, Nayantara’s life shatters in the most public way possible. Her celebrity ex-husband remarries a younger influencer, and suddenly she’s broke, single, and erased from the elite circles she once ruled. But instead of fading away, Nayan decides to rebuild — fiercely, unapologetically, ambitiously.

Set between the chaos of Mumbai’s glittering PR world and the quiet pull of Landour, this story takes us through image makeovers, fragile egos, political spin, and the exhausting hunger to stay relevant. From an aging movie star terrified of being forgotten to a politician desperate for damage control, the book sharply exposes how much of society runs on perception.

What I loved most? Nayan. Her wit, her sarcasm, her vulnerability hidden under confidence — she’s the star of the book and a total icon. Her interactions with Vikram were some of my favorite moments — layered, real, and quietly intense.

This book doesn’t feed your fantasies. It gives you a reality check. It reminds you that no marriage is perfect — especially the ones that look flawless from the outside. The life behind riches isn’t always shiny; sometimes it’s lonely, performative, and painfully fragile.

A perfect blend of satire and humor, with sharp observations about ambition, love, and relevance in a world obsessed with appearances.

Smart. Thoughtful. Uncomfortably real. ✨

[Varma Shagun · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The dust hasn't even settled on the grave of our marriage and he's found himself another wife? Do people have no morals?"

I was genuinely intrigued by the blurb when I came across this book. This book has been getting a lot of praise in my immediate reader circle, and I had to check it out.

The story revolves around Nayantara, who is now trying to adjust to the news of her celebrity ex-husband’s second marriage to a young influencer, at the age of 40. As the story unfolds, we see her trying to rebuild her PR business. Grab your copy to know more.

I tend to enjoy reading books that explore strong female characters candidly. I was particularly intrigued by Nayantara's character throughout the story.
The story is quite realistic and incorporates raw human reactions and emotions.

The book has drama, satire, love, desire, and ambition, with the plot being super interesting. I also liked the pacing of the story. I feel it could have been a little faster, but I do not have any complaints at all.
The flow of the language is quite good, and the book is not very complicated or lengthy, making it appropriate for beginners too.

Overall, I feel that I genuinely enjoyed the book, and I would recommend it to everybody out there who enjoys reading books that have glamour, relatable context, and a strong female character.

[Fictionandme · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Wrong Way Home by Shunali Khullar Shroff

This was such a sharp and relatable read 🤍

The story dives into that messy, in-between phase of life where everything looks fine on the outside but feels uncertain within. Nayantara’s story instantly pulls you in - especially the way her ex-husband’s very public remarriage shakes up the life she thought she had carefully rebuilt. It captures that quiet vulnerability of starting over, particularly in a world that constantly demands you to look “put together.”

What I really enjoyed was the contrast between her professional and personal life. By day, she’s managing high-profile reputations with ease, but her own life feels far more fragile and complicated. The writing beautifully explores themes of validation, identity, and self-worth, especially through her interactions and relationships. The backdrop of Mumbai’s glamorous circles and the calm of Landour adds depth, showing two very different worlds she’s navigating.

Overall, this felt like an honest and introspective story about reinvention and learning to stand on your own terms. It’s not about dramatic transformation, but about slowly finding clarity in chaos. If you enjoy character-driven stories about modern relationships, identity, and starting over, this is definitely worth picking up ✨

[Varsha Dubey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes it needs courage to leave your old self behind to built the new you, many a time this journey will offer you self-doubt, certain ache on your heart but slowing it will turn into healing, compassion and self-belive.
Yes, starting again is not easy and it is nowhere related with the feeling that you lacked behind in life it portrays you are courageous enough to live your life happily.

In the story Nayan, a 40-year-old who recently went through a traumatic divorce from her celebrity ex-husband. The Ex wastes no time in remarrying a young influencer, leaving Nayan completely broke, isolated, and invisible in the shinny, ruthless world of Mumbai's top socialites. To find out how she copes with the circumstance, pick up the book.
Nayan story will give readers a certain sense of assurance that even though life many not turn out in the way you planned, the one you chosen yourself might leave you one day for another but you are bigger than this, her building up her life again at fortis shows we can leave behind our insecurity and move forward with grace.
The book is filled with homour that balances the seriousness of the topic very well. I also loved Nayantara and her mom bond. This book is a reminder that vulnerability and healing can co-exist together.

[Tasneem Anjum · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is a perfect blend of wit and wisdom that takes us on a tumultuous journey of self-realisation through the messy lens of Nayantara.

A powerful boss of a PR agency, Nayan is used to a life of luxury, which comes crumbling down after her divorce from an old-money director. Now taking auto rides to the Income Tax Department and struggling to keep her agency afloat, she can’t help but feel bitter at the glorified wedding of her ex to an influencer who is more than half his age.
Until she takes a sabbatical in her Pahadi home, and life pulls her into an unexpected and exciting journey.

Written in an engaging contemporary style, the tale offers a deeper look into the realities of urban elitist society, the façades of media, influencer culture, the need for validation, the real struggles of a divorced, middle-aged woman, and the abundant love that still finds us if we keep our hearts and minds open despite the burdens of the past.

The friendships portrayed, the modern lingo, and the slice-of-life experiences feel deeply personal. With rich humour, the author deftly spins a memorable tale of ambition, reinvention, and empowerment from a feminist perspective.

It's a story that makes you reflect for a long time after the book gets over✨