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The Wrong Way Home
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.
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.
324 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 2, 2025
7 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
January 2, 2026
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.
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.
December 27, 2025
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.
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.
January 12, 2026
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.
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.
December 19, 2025
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. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
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. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
December 19, 2025
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.
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.
December 12, 2025
-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.
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.
January 15, 2026
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!
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!
December 19, 2025
🍀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.
🍀 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.
December 23, 2025
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.
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.
December 23, 2025
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.
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.
December 30, 2025
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.
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.
December 19, 2025
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.
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.
December 22, 2025
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...
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...
December 31, 2025
🅱🅾🅾🅺 🆁🅴🆅🅸🅴🆆
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
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
December 22, 2025
“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.
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.
February 5, 2026
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!
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!
February 20, 2026
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.
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.
December 20, 2025
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.
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.
January 4, 2026
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.
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.
December 30, 2025
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.
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.
December 30, 2025
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✨
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✨
January 5, 2026
I really appreciated how The Wrong Way Home treats divorce and midlife not as a crisis but instead, looks at it incisively and empathetically as a lived, ongoing reality. This is contemporary Indian fiction at its most emotionally honest, quietly sharp, observant, and deeply human.
While, you might call this book a novel about reinvention, but it is so much more than that. At its heart, this is a novel not just about self-discovery and identity, but also about female friendship, modern marriage, and the strange liberation that accompanies life coming apart. The protagonist’s journey is relatable and believable, rooted firmly in the textures of Mumbai life and modern Indian storytelling.
Shunali Shroff’s writing has a refreshing dry wit and social satire that never overwhelms the emotional core of the novel. The relationships are complicated, sometimes uncomfortable, always realistic. I especially liked that the book doesn’t rush toward resolution; it allows its characters to sit with uncertainty, which makes the emotional payoff far more satisfying.
This is women’s fiction that trusts its readers, and is perfect for book clubs and for anyone interested in South Asian fiction that reflects real lives, real choices, and real consequences.
While, you might call this book a novel about reinvention, but it is so much more than that. At its heart, this is a novel not just about self-discovery and identity, but also about female friendship, modern marriage, and the strange liberation that accompanies life coming apart. The protagonist’s journey is relatable and believable, rooted firmly in the textures of Mumbai life and modern Indian storytelling.
Shunali Shroff’s writing has a refreshing dry wit and social satire that never overwhelms the emotional core of the novel. The relationships are complicated, sometimes uncomfortable, always realistic. I especially liked that the book doesn’t rush toward resolution; it allows its characters to sit with uncertainty, which makes the emotional payoff far more satisfying.
This is women’s fiction that trusts its readers, and is perfect for book clubs and for anyone interested in South Asian fiction that reflects real lives, real choices, and real consequences.
December 20, 2025
"The Wrong Way Home" is an engrossing story about ambition, reinvention, and the quest for relevance in a world obsessed with appearances. Nayantara’s journey is raw, relatable, and deep , she is flawed, driven, and learning to navigate life on her own terms after betrayal and loss. The book captures the tension between personal desire and societal expectation with remarkable honesty.
What stands out is the way the author balances the glamour and grit of Mumbai with the quiet reflection of Landour. Through Nayan’s PR work, readers witness the fragility behind fame, power, and influence, while her personal choices bring emotional depth and moral complexity to the story. The love triangle adds layers without overshadowing her growth, showing how ambition, vulnerability, and love often collide in unexpected ways.
The writing is engaging, the pacing smooth, and the characters vivid. This is a book about reclaiming agency, redefining success, and discovering what truly matters beyond applause and attention. It resonates with anyone who has faced reinvention, heartbreak, or the pressure to prove their worth.
December 22, 2025
I picked up "The Wrong Way Home" thinking like it's a rom com but as i started reading it turns out to be a heart wrenching read with a lot of humor element...It's a book that doesn't rush you, it sits with you like you are grabbing coffee and spilling the tea on this book...
It's super relateable story about Nayan, a 40 year old , who just gone through brutal divorce from her celebrity Ex husband. The Ex does waste no time in remarrying young influencer leaving Nayan, feeling totally broke ,sidelined and invisible in that shinny, cutthroat world of Mumbai's elite socialites and how she cope up with the situation you have to pick up the book....
Autor's writing style is light and easy to read, like talking to a friend. She uses short witty words ,women issues and rich Indian life feel like real. It's funny and light, like a sweet drink, even on social topics like divorce....
People in the book seems like real friends you know. her words mix laughs, feelings and small lessons on fixing life problems. Reading the book is like sneaky fun that points at fake social life but stays with you warm and close...
It's super relateable story about Nayan, a 40 year old , who just gone through brutal divorce from her celebrity Ex husband. The Ex does waste no time in remarrying young influencer leaving Nayan, feeling totally broke ,sidelined and invisible in that shinny, cutthroat world of Mumbai's elite socialites and how she cope up with the situation you have to pick up the book....
Autor's writing style is light and easy to read, like talking to a friend. She uses short witty words ,women issues and rich Indian life feel like real. It's funny and light, like a sweet drink, even on social topics like divorce....
People in the book seems like real friends you know. her words mix laughs, feelings and small lessons on fixing life problems. Reading the book is like sneaky fun that points at fake social life but stays with you warm and close...
December 25, 2025
I went into The Wrong Way Home expecting an entertaining story, but it turned out to be far more layered and relatable than I imagined. Nayantara felt instantly real to me. Her fears, insecurities, ambition, and quiet desperation mirror what so many women experience but rarely admit out loud. Watching her rebuild her life and career after a brutal emotional and social fall was both uncomfortable and empowering.
What I loved most was how sharply the book captures Mumbai’s obsession with image, relevance, and validation. The PR world, the celebrity clients, and the influencer culture all felt frighteningly familiar. The emotional tug-of-war between stability and temptation added depth without turning melodramatic.
The writing balances humour with heartbreak beautifully. I laughed, paused, and reflected often. This is a story about ambition, aging, love, and self-worth, and it stays with you long after you turn the last page.
What I loved most was how sharply the book captures Mumbai’s obsession with image, relevance, and validation. The PR world, the celebrity clients, and the influencer culture all felt frighteningly familiar. The emotional tug-of-war between stability and temptation added depth without turning melodramatic.
The writing balances humour with heartbreak beautifully. I laughed, paused, and reflected often. This is a story about ambition, aging, love, and self-worth, and it stays with you long after you turn the last page.
February 12, 2026
A well-written, comfort read with a breezy unfolding of the narrative which manages to keep you hooked.
I finished this book wrapped in snow wonderlands of Shangarh and Manali, and no better companion could have been wished for. As a woman nearing 40 and still single, there was much I guffawed about, but much more I resonated with.
What is this book about? It is a sharp, witty look at modern life, love and reinvention through the eyes of Nayantara, a 40-something PR expert who’s suddenly single, sidelined and scrambling to rebuild her life in a world obsessed with appearances. What starts as satire of Mumbai’s elite and influencer culture quickly becomes a deeply human story about acceptance, self-worth and finding your own path when the script you wrote for yourself falls apart. It is about revisiting values in the face of imminent success, and truly, figuring out how much is enough.
Part social commentary, part messy fun!
I finished this book wrapped in snow wonderlands of Shangarh and Manali, and no better companion could have been wished for. As a woman nearing 40 and still single, there was much I guffawed about, but much more I resonated with.
What is this book about? It is a sharp, witty look at modern life, love and reinvention through the eyes of Nayantara, a 40-something PR expert who’s suddenly single, sidelined and scrambling to rebuild her life in a world obsessed with appearances. What starts as satire of Mumbai’s elite and influencer culture quickly becomes a deeply human story about acceptance, self-worth and finding your own path when the script you wrote for yourself falls apart. It is about revisiting values in the face of imminent success, and truly, figuring out how much is enough.
Part social commentary, part messy fun!
January 3, 2026
It was one of the most entertaining read for me in the last year 2025.
Nayantara recently got divorced feel "discarded" when she got to know her ex husband already married again and her all friends from "elite society" throw her out like a garbage.
Even her work life as PR was a mess, constantly dealing with public images, celebrities and solving controversies.
Amid all chaos she met vikram while visiting her mother someone who was exactly opposite of her, and after some time she met Arjun someone like her and after that it's rollercoaster ride
without spoiling, it's chaotic, mess, fun, witty, romantic with spice and entertaining.
i love how author use nayanatara's chracter to make reader like me related to her even though I have no similarities with her.
the execution of arjun and Vikram's chracter make me hooked to the book.
overall full entertaining !
Nayantara recently got divorced feel "discarded" when she got to know her ex husband already married again and her all friends from "elite society" throw her out like a garbage.
Even her work life as PR was a mess, constantly dealing with public images, celebrities and solving controversies.
Amid all chaos she met vikram while visiting her mother someone who was exactly opposite of her, and after some time she met Arjun someone like her and after that it's rollercoaster ride
without spoiling, it's chaotic, mess, fun, witty, romantic with spice and entertaining.
i love how author use nayanatara's chracter to make reader like me related to her even though I have no similarities with her.
the execution of arjun and Vikram's chracter make me hooked to the book.
overall full entertaining !
February 15, 2026
Shunali Khullar Shroff's The Wrong Way Home boasts elegant and fluid writing, her prose is a genuine highlight and engaging enough for young adults.That said, the plot feels frustratingly predictable, unfolding in ways that rarely surprise, while meandering without commitment. It beats around the bush endlessly, leaving readers with no clear resolution or satisfying endpoint, which made the entire narrative feel oddly pointless by the close.Worse, the main character comes across as painfully shallow, lacking any real depth or meaningful growth. We follow her arc hoping for substance, but it never materializes, turning what could have been a compelling story into a missed opportunity.
If you're drawn to Shroff's style, it's worth a skim for the language alone. But for plot-driven readers, this one might leave you wanting more direction.
If you're drawn to Shroff's style, it's worth a skim for the language alone. But for plot-driven readers, this one might leave you wanting more direction.
January 21, 2026
This was an easy, time-pass read for me. The writing style is smooth and engaging, and you can tell the author has a good command over language. That said, the story does start feeling a bit monotonous after a point — there were moments where I just wanted to skim or skip ahead.
While the emotions and ideas are well-written, some themes feel repetitive, which slows the pace. It’s not a bad book at all, just one that works best when you’re looking for something light and undemanding rather than deeply gripping.
Verdict: Good writing, decent story, slightly repetitive. Nice for a casual read, but don’t expect it to fully hook you till the end. 3/5
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December 27, 2025
Here in the book the divorce is shown under a new light . Here the 40 year old Nayantara is our protagonist and the story starts from where her husband after divorce marries a young influencer
Nayantara tries to rebuild her relevance and presence
Throughout her journey she meets men who are contradictory to her nature and don't shape to be in a relationship
A book to understand womenhood their psychology and how they functions when it comes to ambition love and dilemma to be valid in this world
An eye opener read where many women of 40s women struggles with same issue
Nayantara tries to rebuild her relevance and presence
Throughout her journey she meets men who are contradictory to her nature and don't shape to be in a relationship
A book to understand womenhood their psychology and how they functions when it comes to ambition love and dilemma to be valid in this world
An eye opener read where many women of 40s women struggles with same issue
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews