What do you think?
Rate this book
Bombay Swastika
"Think what it meant being a Jew in Nazi Germany. Then, read up on what happened to homosexuals. Simply adding the two together doesn’t do justice. For Jewish homosexuals, the persecution needs to be compounded—like the Seth’s interest—to get at what lay in store. Reasonably good at math, Siegfried Steiger knew he was in for the compounded fucking of his life. Bombay Swastika swings from a Nazi Berlin gearing up for its Final Solution, to 1964 Bombay, where Ernst Steiger, a German Jew, accidentally finds himself caught up in the murder of a young tribal, killed amidst allegations of something being stolen from a secure, American compound. With the monsoons laying siege on the city, the reader accompanies Ernst past Bombay’s refugee camps and haunted whorehouses; food shortages, textbook mafias, communist protests against American PL 480 Food Aid, and peculiar happenings at India’s nuclear facility; where Dr. Homi J. Bhabha, the nation’s atomic mastermind, gets drawn into a conspiracy hatched in his absence.
This one-of-a-kind thriller unfolds through the eyes of a motley cast— Salim Ali, the South Indian, Muslim engineer and committed Marxist; Bhairavi, the enigmatic and sensual refugee girl; Sethji, the dowry messiah; Tsering Tufan—Homi Bhabha’s Smiling Buddha—dying from radiation exposure; and Andhi Ma, the blind mendicant who sees what we can’t. Bombay Swastika is an exploration of the dark world of absolute truths."
This one-of-a-kind thriller unfolds through the eyes of a motley cast— Salim Ali, the South Indian, Muslim engineer and committed Marxist; Bhairavi, the enigmatic and sensual refugee girl; Sethji, the dowry messiah; Tsering Tufan—Homi Bhabha’s Smiling Buddha—dying from radiation exposure; and Andhi Ma, the blind mendicant who sees what we can’t. Bombay Swastika is an exploration of the dark world of absolute truths."
- GenresThriller
478 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 28, 2017
9 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
October 26, 2017
The author lists ten authors in the acknowledgments section that opens Bombay Swastika. Chuck Palahniuk isn't among them. But it was Chuck who I was thinking of the most while reading the early parts of Bombay Swastika. It wasn't just the "if you see a snake and a.... kill the..." refrain in the first two chapters, but also his desire to be the enfant terrible of Indian writing. His attempts towards fulfilling that desire are wonderful most of the time, but I found the reliance on stereotypes disappointing. Bombay Swastika is a strong debut - it is rare for an author to have this well-formed a voice this early in his career. In a lesser author I can understand a reliance on stereotypes as a shortcut for character development - here it feels careless, if not a tad bit lazy. His joy at being able to offend his early readers at a writer's group only adds to the impression - that said, he is only going to get more creative at this offending business, I am sure.
In addition to the voice, what makes Bombay Swastika a delight to read is the copious amounts of research that has gone into it. A strong sense of time & place can be felt across most of the novel - even when the Indianisms are a bit of a hit-and-miss. (As Osho would have said: One of the most interesting words in the Hindi language today is the word ‘bhench*d’. It is one magical word: just by its sound it can describe pain, pleasure, hate and love. In language it falls into many grammatical categories...)
The homosexual Sardar-"Chinee" pair trying to pull off a daring heist sets this novel to a fantastic start - in fact, your reaction to this preface will mirror your reaction to the novel - it encapsulates the author's style perfectly, all its strengths and weaknesses are here. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. Though the dichotomy of relying on stereotypes while telling a story in which discrimination is at the center was a mild distraction.
The novel gets better once the offenses are out of the way. The action is wonderfully done, and each character is crafted to stand out from the rest in sharp relief. Our love for Mao but the hate for Chinese after '62 is beautifully captured.
"A comrade yelled, 'Europe's first, next America's dead, China leads, the East is Red!' Fighting back, India's world-famous Lata Mangeshkar trilled over factory loudspeakers reminding the nation, as always, to shed a tear for those martyred in China's wake during the War of '62"
And it just keeps getting better. Violent deaths, slowly creeping deaths, nuclear crisis on the horizon, stolen secrets and Tamilian don - possibly based on a mix Vardha bhai and Mastan (i really want to know which). The historical details are carved very well into the story - a very organic part of the narrative, not an info-dump like some famous authors prefer. Plus the darkly humorous dialogues are a delight to read while capturing the mood of the nation the novel needs.
I like how the canvas of the story only hints at the larger game - till the story demands a larger canvas. A strong debut, worth a read.
PS: There is a dream sequence where the hero of the piece interacts with an "andhi maa" about tantra and death. That sequence alone is worth the time spent reading this book. I would love to read the author's new works.and see where he goes from here. Hopefully things get more magical.
In addition to the voice, what makes Bombay Swastika a delight to read is the copious amounts of research that has gone into it. A strong sense of time & place can be felt across most of the novel - even when the Indianisms are a bit of a hit-and-miss. (As Osho would have said: One of the most interesting words in the Hindi language today is the word ‘bhench*d’. It is one magical word: just by its sound it can describe pain, pleasure, hate and love. In language it falls into many grammatical categories...)
The homosexual Sardar-"Chinee" pair trying to pull off a daring heist sets this novel to a fantastic start - in fact, your reaction to this preface will mirror your reaction to the novel - it encapsulates the author's style perfectly, all its strengths and weaknesses are here. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. Though the dichotomy of relying on stereotypes while telling a story in which discrimination is at the center was a mild distraction.
The novel gets better once the offenses are out of the way. The action is wonderfully done, and each character is crafted to stand out from the rest in sharp relief. Our love for Mao but the hate for Chinese after '62 is beautifully captured.
"A comrade yelled, 'Europe's first, next America's dead, China leads, the East is Red!' Fighting back, India's world-famous Lata Mangeshkar trilled over factory loudspeakers reminding the nation, as always, to shed a tear for those martyred in China's wake during the War of '62"
And it just keeps getting better. Violent deaths, slowly creeping deaths, nuclear crisis on the horizon, stolen secrets and Tamilian don - possibly based on a mix Vardha bhai and Mastan (i really want to know which). The historical details are carved very well into the story - a very organic part of the narrative, not an info-dump like some famous authors prefer. Plus the darkly humorous dialogues are a delight to read while capturing the mood of the nation the novel needs.
I like how the canvas of the story only hints at the larger game - till the story demands a larger canvas. A strong debut, worth a read.
PS: There is a dream sequence where the hero of the piece interacts with an "andhi maa" about tantra and death. That sequence alone is worth the time spent reading this book. I would love to read the author's new works.and see where he goes from here. Hopefully things get more magical.
January 18, 2018
One reads a book when it’s the right time for you to read it, I’m told. But to stumble into reading two books that could be termed as siblings is pretty uncanny. Both the books came to me almost from thin air. The first one, introduced to me at a LitFest and another one idling in my bookshelf for God knows how long.
Two well researched books set in very different times. Only when a story is based on historical facts, can one find similarities is the larger point I’m trying to make. Two independent writers, from different continents couldn’t possibly think up a similar story unless the facts they want to convey are there for all to interpret.
Bombay Swastika is about a German Jew living in Bombay post independence who falls in love with a girl from the Sindhi refugee camp. It has over a dozen characters all having their own sub-narratives within historical events that unfolded in the 1960’s India. The other, The Impressionist is set in pre-Independence India, in the State of Fatehpur and how the Nawab and Prince mollycoddle the Queen’s representatives just so they are free to have their charmed lives. One book begins with a crime scene in the compound of a fertilizer company amid burning sulphur and the ‘Ruksana’ section ends with the English Major being killed in the phosphorus light during a shikar with the Prince and Nawab of Fatehpur.
The later begins with the story of Pran Nath who through a twist of fate is forced to become Ruksana and gains couple of other identities during the course of this 5 section tome.
The scenes describing this transformation are gory and perhaps true. Bombay Swastika’s caddie cum Princess Kirti could very well be Pran reincarnated. Pretty Bobby, Porcelain Doll, Princess, bear striking resemblances to each other, which one can discern only if you’ve read the book one after the other, like I did.
The plots of both are somewhat intertwined with The Impressionist taking off from where Bombay Swastika ended with Ernst, the German Jew, and Bhairavi the Sindhi girl, getting together. The Impressionist begins with how Pran Nath is conceived by an adventurous young Indian girl having an illicit relationship with an Englishman weeks before she is married off to a well to do Jamindar. Pran is a light skinned boy with European features who is spoilt silly by his father and the household. Bhairavi of Bombay Swastika is a dark skinned girl born to ‘fair’ Sindhi parents whose mother is suspected of having a fling with a truck driver! However, Hari Kunzru’s Impressionist came out in 2002 and Braham Singh’s Bombay Swastika launched four months back in 2017!
Bombay Swastika dives deep into the Indian nuclear establishment while Impressionist wades laboriously into the arrangement between the Englishmen and the Nawab where he, all but hands over his State to the British. In the former the AEET is suspected of buying junk pipes to process plutonium and in Fatehpur the ruling class sell their soul to the immigrants without so much as thinking of their unsuspecting subjects.
Both books have a fair deal of characters of the other sexes — the hijras, eunuchs, homosexuals. Some elements of Khwaja-sara, Chief Hijra of Fatehpur and The Transversite of Karim Court bear uncanny resemblance though set in different times. The Indian police and bureaucracy who are hard to please and who do what is beneficial to them in Bombay Swastika could find their genesis in English Resident Officials of Fatehpur!! Same behavior just different race and colour.
There’s the half breed in one and half baked in another; the clueless natives versus wannabe Anglo Indians. The main protagonists in both are flawed, often not of their own making and traverse from Germany to India or from Fatehpur to Bombay to Africa with a different identity. Both, Ernst Spiegel of Bombay Swastika and Pran Nath try to escape prosecution of sorts, one from the Nazis and the others from a conservative Indian society and decide to live away from their native lands.
I wonder if both the authors writing these historical fiction novels were trying to make similar points about our country almost a century apart. It would be interesting to hear Braham and Hari talk to each other about these two stories and how similar or different the premises are.
Two well researched books set in very different times. Only when a story is based on historical facts, can one find similarities is the larger point I’m trying to make. Two independent writers, from different continents couldn’t possibly think up a similar story unless the facts they want to convey are there for all to interpret.
Bombay Swastika is about a German Jew living in Bombay post independence who falls in love with a girl from the Sindhi refugee camp. It has over a dozen characters all having their own sub-narratives within historical events that unfolded in the 1960’s India. The other, The Impressionist is set in pre-Independence India, in the State of Fatehpur and how the Nawab and Prince mollycoddle the Queen’s representatives just so they are free to have their charmed lives. One book begins with a crime scene in the compound of a fertilizer company amid burning sulphur and the ‘Ruksana’ section ends with the English Major being killed in the phosphorus light during a shikar with the Prince and Nawab of Fatehpur.
The later begins with the story of Pran Nath who through a twist of fate is forced to become Ruksana and gains couple of other identities during the course of this 5 section tome.
The scenes describing this transformation are gory and perhaps true. Bombay Swastika’s caddie cum Princess Kirti could very well be Pran reincarnated. Pretty Bobby, Porcelain Doll, Princess, bear striking resemblances to each other, which one can discern only if you’ve read the book one after the other, like I did.
The plots of both are somewhat intertwined with The Impressionist taking off from where Bombay Swastika ended with Ernst, the German Jew, and Bhairavi the Sindhi girl, getting together. The Impressionist begins with how Pran Nath is conceived by an adventurous young Indian girl having an illicit relationship with an Englishman weeks before she is married off to a well to do Jamindar. Pran is a light skinned boy with European features who is spoilt silly by his father and the household. Bhairavi of Bombay Swastika is a dark skinned girl born to ‘fair’ Sindhi parents whose mother is suspected of having a fling with a truck driver! However, Hari Kunzru’s Impressionist came out in 2002 and Braham Singh’s Bombay Swastika launched four months back in 2017!
Bombay Swastika dives deep into the Indian nuclear establishment while Impressionist wades laboriously into the arrangement between the Englishmen and the Nawab where he, all but hands over his State to the British. In the former the AEET is suspected of buying junk pipes to process plutonium and in Fatehpur the ruling class sell their soul to the immigrants without so much as thinking of their unsuspecting subjects.
Both books have a fair deal of characters of the other sexes — the hijras, eunuchs, homosexuals. Some elements of Khwaja-sara, Chief Hijra of Fatehpur and The Transversite of Karim Court bear uncanny resemblance though set in different times. The Indian police and bureaucracy who are hard to please and who do what is beneficial to them in Bombay Swastika could find their genesis in English Resident Officials of Fatehpur!! Same behavior just different race and colour.
There’s the half breed in one and half baked in another; the clueless natives versus wannabe Anglo Indians. The main protagonists in both are flawed, often not of their own making and traverse from Germany to India or from Fatehpur to Bombay to Africa with a different identity. Both, Ernst Spiegel of Bombay Swastika and Pran Nath try to escape prosecution of sorts, one from the Nazis and the others from a conservative Indian society and decide to live away from their native lands.
I wonder if both the authors writing these historical fiction novels were trying to make similar points about our country almost a century apart. It would be interesting to hear Braham and Hari talk to each other about these two stories and how similar or different the premises are.
December 26, 2017
Braham Singh's Bombay Swastika is an crime thriller with an engaging storyline. After reading this book I must say the immense research of the author is really impressive which takes us back to that time (1964 Mumbai, India ).
Bombay Swastika is an outright thriller right from the start, It seems like a real life story which brings up many issues and aspects of relevance in our country that are so familiar even today.Also it is inspired from true events and provides you glimpses into Historical contexts which also seems real.
Protagonist of the story, A German Jew in India, accidentally gets entangled in a mesh of theft and murder of a young tribal . The chain of events around and involving protagonist are intriguing, that leaves the reader desire to read on till the end.A German Jew in India And a Mallu Muslim engineer and a Sindhi Refugee girl are the main characters of the story.
I dont want to uncover the beautiful story of this masterpiece. It's a strong debut. Go and grab it and trust me guys u will never disappoint.
Language and Narration-
The perfect narration and humorous writing style in many places keep the readers hooked up till the end. Author has a very strong sense of language. The language took a bit of getting used to but after a while it becames easy and more enjoyable.
Book Cover and Title-
Cover of the book looks beautiful with a woman in a red cloth, wearing a swastika locket dangling down to her back. The Title “Bombay Swastika” is interesting, catchy and relevant to the plot of the book.
Positive Points -
1) Writing style
2) Plot of the story
3) Characterization
4) immense research
Negative Points -
1) Tough Language (profane language).
2) Dramatic Ending
3) Book length
Ratings :
Cover: 4/5
Title: 4.7/5
Blurb: 4.5/5
Presentation :4.5/5
Stories and plots:4.5/5
Final rating - 5/5
One and all, I would say "Bombay Swastika" is a thriller ride. Thoroughly enjoyed reading the book. I would personally recommend this book to those who loves thriller themed book ; Intact I would recommend this book to all the book lovers. No one will get bored reading this book.
Wishing the author even greater success in future projects. I look forward to read more from you. Thank you.
~ Yogiraj Gaigole Patil
Bombay Swastika is an outright thriller right from the start, It seems like a real life story which brings up many issues and aspects of relevance in our country that are so familiar even today.Also it is inspired from true events and provides you glimpses into Historical contexts which also seems real.
Protagonist of the story, A German Jew in India, accidentally gets entangled in a mesh of theft and murder of a young tribal . The chain of events around and involving protagonist are intriguing, that leaves the reader desire to read on till the end.A German Jew in India And a Mallu Muslim engineer and a Sindhi Refugee girl are the main characters of the story.
I dont want to uncover the beautiful story of this masterpiece. It's a strong debut. Go and grab it and trust me guys u will never disappoint.
Language and Narration-
The perfect narration and humorous writing style in many places keep the readers hooked up till the end. Author has a very strong sense of language. The language took a bit of getting used to but after a while it becames easy and more enjoyable.
Book Cover and Title-
Cover of the book looks beautiful with a woman in a red cloth, wearing a swastika locket dangling down to her back. The Title “Bombay Swastika” is interesting, catchy and relevant to the plot of the book.
Positive Points -
1) Writing style
2) Plot of the story
3) Characterization
4) immense research
Negative Points -
1) Tough Language (profane language).
2) Dramatic Ending
3) Book length
Ratings :
Cover: 4/5
Title: 4.7/5
Blurb: 4.5/5
Presentation :4.5/5
Stories and plots:4.5/5
Final rating - 5/5
One and all, I would say "Bombay Swastika" is a thriller ride. Thoroughly enjoyed reading the book. I would personally recommend this book to those who loves thriller themed book ; Intact I would recommend this book to all the book lovers. No one will get bored reading this book.
Wishing the author even greater success in future projects. I look forward to read more from you. Thank you.
~ Yogiraj Gaigole Patil
December 26, 2017
India and Germany, two nations that had practically nothing in common. Braham singh has linked the two nations with Swastika symbol through the real life story of Ernst Steiger. Ernst, whose father bid adieu to his life by slitting his wrists and mother succumbed to cancer. Ernst however did not let himself fall prey to the injustices life had subjected him to. The plot begins with the murder of a Sikh driver who allegedly stole something for which police chased him and shot him on his head. Next day his charred body is revived from the fertiliser factory. His helper boy meets a pathetic end amidst the strike, slogans and hubbub between the Marxists and local Marathas. Ernst is dragged into the scenario since he was present at the murder site of Arjun.
The story could not be elaborated further since it might serve as a spoiler. One after the other happenings makes the reader engaged but story-line is not the highlight of the book. What served as the icing on the cake is the character crafts. Each character is unique, fresh and portrayed in such manner that the reader would be forced to match them with someone they know eventhough the story takes place in another era. Salim, Arjun, Sethji, Tufan, Andhi ma- Every character is given the due space along with Ernst. His parents and wife who doesn’t come directly in the picture are given their space as well. Author has impeccably interwoven the history an fiction. The Himalayan Blunder ( Indo-China war), Dr. Homi J Baba, Mohammed Ali Jinnah etc are dragged into the fiction without skewing the facts.
Before commencing the reading spree I would like to give an invective alert for the readers, which could be visible if you get to read the blurb, which in turn could be reasonable considering the kind of topic dealt with but after a point, it goes overboard. The first half of the book is interesting and fast paced but towards the second half, the pattern of narration becomes monotonous but the suspense behind the stolen bag keep the readers going. With a little rework for maintaining the focus on the plot the book could be in another level. Nevertheless author has covered it up with the narration but for the expletives.
The story could not be elaborated further since it might serve as a spoiler. One after the other happenings makes the reader engaged but story-line is not the highlight of the book. What served as the icing on the cake is the character crafts. Each character is unique, fresh and portrayed in such manner that the reader would be forced to match them with someone they know eventhough the story takes place in another era. Salim, Arjun, Sethji, Tufan, Andhi ma- Every character is given the due space along with Ernst. His parents and wife who doesn’t come directly in the picture are given their space as well. Author has impeccably interwoven the history an fiction. The Himalayan Blunder ( Indo-China war), Dr. Homi J Baba, Mohammed Ali Jinnah etc are dragged into the fiction without skewing the facts.
Before commencing the reading spree I would like to give an invective alert for the readers, which could be visible if you get to read the blurb, which in turn could be reasonable considering the kind of topic dealt with but after a point, it goes overboard. The first half of the book is interesting and fast paced but towards the second half, the pattern of narration becomes monotonous but the suspense behind the stolen bag keep the readers going. With a little rework for maintaining the focus on the plot the book could be in another level. Nevertheless author has covered it up with the narration but for the expletives.
December 21, 2017
Bombay Swastika
-Braham Singh
A magnificent tale which throws light on the happenings during the Nazi Berlin time period of 1960s Bombay. Though the genre being crime, the plot gives much importance to the historical facts of the days, which will enlighten you. The thrill of the crime towards the end of the tale, scores the credit.
The plot goes around Ernst Steiger, a German Jew – refugee in India. The story opens with a Sikh driver, stealing something treasurable for American Compound. The thing passes on from one person to the another, so are their deaths. To add pain to his already painful death, the people who die are close acquaintance of Ernst. What is there in the gunny bag is an unrevealed mystery for both Ernst and the readers, until the end.
Though we have many characters, important roles stay with Salim Ali, Bhairavi, Sethji, Tufan and few more. The characters are distinctive and blends well with the plot. As mentioned, the plot concentrates more on the life of diverse people, protests, mafias, nuclear facilities and so on.
The language is sublime, an international outcome from an Indian Author. With more of the life of each characters, the narration holds a picturesque effect. Impossible to read in a go; so take your time, get into the research made, analyse the plot and enjoy the read.
-Braham Singh
A magnificent tale which throws light on the happenings during the Nazi Berlin time period of 1960s Bombay. Though the genre being crime, the plot gives much importance to the historical facts of the days, which will enlighten you. The thrill of the crime towards the end of the tale, scores the credit.
The plot goes around Ernst Steiger, a German Jew – refugee in India. The story opens with a Sikh driver, stealing something treasurable for American Compound. The thing passes on from one person to the another, so are their deaths. To add pain to his already painful death, the people who die are close acquaintance of Ernst. What is there in the gunny bag is an unrevealed mystery for both Ernst and the readers, until the end.
Though we have many characters, important roles stay with Salim Ali, Bhairavi, Sethji, Tufan and few more. The characters are distinctive and blends well with the plot. As mentioned, the plot concentrates more on the life of diverse people, protests, mafias, nuclear facilities and so on.
The language is sublime, an international outcome from an Indian Author. With more of the life of each characters, the narration holds a picturesque effect. Impossible to read in a go; so take your time, get into the research made, analyse the plot and enjoy the read.
November 20, 2017
I cannot imagine being able to write a book like Bombay Swastika.
Hyper real, gritty and occasionally metaphysical, the book is rich is historical context and the storyline rarely flags. This is non-linear cinematic storytelling with characters that have stayed with me beyond the last page. I enjoy books and films with memorable minor characters, the ones you see only in your peripheral vision but they inform and enrich the narrative in unexpected ways. Willie, Johnny Walker, Parvatibai, Chhote Bhai, each one is crafted whole, not just cardboard cut-outs around whom the main characters act out their lines.
Braham has a unique insider/outsider pov and it can seem unsettling, and he does say upfront, Indians have become very good at taking offence, or words to that effect. If you are so inclined, there is plenty to get offended about in Bombay Swastika - there is a lot of profanity, some fixation on women’s body parts and the daily ablutions of people who are forced to live a large part of their lives on the streets. There are also wry observations on the way a lot of India operates, the prejudice, casteism, politics of colour, gender, religion, and of course, running through it all, the play of money.
In my fairly insulated life, this world rarely plays out in a direct or adverse way, but there are things that happen in this book, things that happen to people that compel me to think deeply about that reality. Much like the way White Tiger did, when I read it a few years ago.
What ultimately makes Bombay Swastika work for me though are his central characters, Ernst, the flawed, complex, tragic hero who is possibly all of us and Salim Ali, a fearless, impractical, moral compass of a man who we may not always have the courage to be. In them, I found people I could understand, and people whose stories I will not easily forget. Then there is Bhairavi, but I think she needs to be discovered directly within the pages of the book, or however she may choose to appear :)
I’d love to discuss it with anyone else who’s had a chance to read it.
Hyper real, gritty and occasionally metaphysical, the book is rich is historical context and the storyline rarely flags. This is non-linear cinematic storytelling with characters that have stayed with me beyond the last page. I enjoy books and films with memorable minor characters, the ones you see only in your peripheral vision but they inform and enrich the narrative in unexpected ways. Willie, Johnny Walker, Parvatibai, Chhote Bhai, each one is crafted whole, not just cardboard cut-outs around whom the main characters act out their lines.
Braham has a unique insider/outsider pov and it can seem unsettling, and he does say upfront, Indians have become very good at taking offence, or words to that effect. If you are so inclined, there is plenty to get offended about in Bombay Swastika - there is a lot of profanity, some fixation on women’s body parts and the daily ablutions of people who are forced to live a large part of their lives on the streets. There are also wry observations on the way a lot of India operates, the prejudice, casteism, politics of colour, gender, religion, and of course, running through it all, the play of money.
In my fairly insulated life, this world rarely plays out in a direct or adverse way, but there are things that happen in this book, things that happen to people that compel me to think deeply about that reality. Much like the way White Tiger did, when I read it a few years ago.
What ultimately makes Bombay Swastika work for me though are his central characters, Ernst, the flawed, complex, tragic hero who is possibly all of us and Salim Ali, a fearless, impractical, moral compass of a man who we may not always have the courage to be. In them, I found people I could understand, and people whose stories I will not easily forget. Then there is Bhairavi, but I think she needs to be discovered directly within the pages of the book, or however she may choose to appear :)
I’d love to discuss it with anyone else who’s had a chance to read it.
Read
November 20, 2017Bombay Swastika by Braham Singh is a thriller set in past (mid 20th century). The foremost attractive thing about this book is the enormous amount of research efforts that have been put to set up the plot and details.
I am not so much into murder mysteries and thriller novels, but Braham's debut book was a pleasurable read. The writing style is connecting and fresh. There's not much scope for editing, and such things have been taken care of!
Braham is a debut writer, but his writing intellect seemed to be experienced enough to hold you glued.
Writing a book with so much research involved is certainly not an easy task.
The negative part is so many characters (though they're managed decently), and so lengthy word count (400 pages). If it'd have been shorter, the thrill part could be better. Though, the wit in the dialogues keeps the pace interesting.
For the thrill-lovers, this book surely would be a treat!
A book you should definitely try!
I write more reviews at- DipanshuRawal.com
I am not so much into murder mysteries and thriller novels, but Braham's debut book was a pleasurable read. The writing style is connecting and fresh. There's not much scope for editing, and such things have been taken care of!
Braham is a debut writer, but his writing intellect seemed to be experienced enough to hold you glued.
Writing a book with so much research involved is certainly not an easy task.
The negative part is so many characters (though they're managed decently), and so lengthy word count (400 pages). If it'd have been shorter, the thrill part could be better. Though, the wit in the dialogues keeps the pace interesting.
For the thrill-lovers, this book surely would be a treat!
A book you should definitely try!
I write more reviews at- DipanshuRawal.com
December 15, 2017
This one-of-a-kind thriller unfolds through the eyes of a motley cast-Salim Ali, the South Indian, Muslim engineer and committed Marxist; Bhairavi, the enigmatic and sensual refugee girl; Sethji, the dowry messiah; Tsering Tufan-Homi Bhabha’s Smiling Buddha-dying from radiation exposure; and Andhi Ma, the blind mendicant who sees what we can’t.
Bombay Swastika is an exploration of the dark world of absolute truths.
Review-
Based on India, during the days of Nazi Berlin, the book, Bombay Swastika reflects the plight of the diverse kinds of people living in it.
A German Jew in India, a Mallu Muslim engineer and a Sindhi Refugee girl, make up the main characters , all skillfully picked to narrate a tale different than the stereotypes.
Most of the pre-independence era books that I had read, were mostly based on the atrocities hurled by the outsider sahebs on the brown skinned. Bombay Swastika doesn’t talk about the conventional stories, it takes all the odd ones out and speaks about them.
A gora who is struggling with his finances and desires. A communist who even being a part of the country, is considered an outlaw, owing to his religious status. A young assistant, ready to seek help to avenge the death of her childhood friend. A story that one would have probably not imagined.
The book starts with a love story, a story of love between two males in the pre-independent India. With homosexuality as the front flash, the book takes a bold step when it tell the story of the Sardar and the Chinee. While most people might turn their eyeballs, I believe , the book tests the limits to which a reader can extend his/her thoughts.
A plot, intriguing enough to make you turn the page as eventually it becomes a need to know what’s inside the gunny bag.
The cover is eye catching, having a significant relevance to the title and the plot.
The author Braham Singh, writes about a serious issue and still, manages to make it funny enough for the reader to chuckle. A perfectly balanced tablespoon of humor, added to each page, is what makes Braham Singh’s writing one of a kind.
This kind of expression has not been registered in any of the existing Indian authors and Braham Singh has surely made his mark, right from his debut.
Also Read- Review Pen: The Three Psychos by Yash Pawaskar
Ratings-
Cover- 4 stars
Title- 4 stars
Blurb- 4 stars
Plot- 4 stars
Writing and Presentation- 4 stars
Overall- 4 out of 5 Stars
The description of events is one of the positive points of the book, but the book usually gets carried away with it and that confuses the reader.
The book might not be appreciated by the conservative masses, because of the frankness of language and exploration of a few topics.
Interviewed By- Banaja Prakashini
Bombay Swastika is an exploration of the dark world of absolute truths.
Review-
Based on India, during the days of Nazi Berlin, the book, Bombay Swastika reflects the plight of the diverse kinds of people living in it.
A German Jew in India, a Mallu Muslim engineer and a Sindhi Refugee girl, make up the main characters , all skillfully picked to narrate a tale different than the stereotypes.
Most of the pre-independence era books that I had read, were mostly based on the atrocities hurled by the outsider sahebs on the brown skinned. Bombay Swastika doesn’t talk about the conventional stories, it takes all the odd ones out and speaks about them.
A gora who is struggling with his finances and desires. A communist who even being a part of the country, is considered an outlaw, owing to his religious status. A young assistant, ready to seek help to avenge the death of her childhood friend. A story that one would have probably not imagined.
The book starts with a love story, a story of love between two males in the pre-independent India. With homosexuality as the front flash, the book takes a bold step when it tell the story of the Sardar and the Chinee. While most people might turn their eyeballs, I believe , the book tests the limits to which a reader can extend his/her thoughts.
A plot, intriguing enough to make you turn the page as eventually it becomes a need to know what’s inside the gunny bag.
The cover is eye catching, having a significant relevance to the title and the plot.
The author Braham Singh, writes about a serious issue and still, manages to make it funny enough for the reader to chuckle. A perfectly balanced tablespoon of humor, added to each page, is what makes Braham Singh’s writing one of a kind.
This kind of expression has not been registered in any of the existing Indian authors and Braham Singh has surely made his mark, right from his debut.
Also Read- Review Pen: The Three Psychos by Yash Pawaskar
Ratings-
Cover- 4 stars
Title- 4 stars
Blurb- 4 stars
Plot- 4 stars
Writing and Presentation- 4 stars
Overall- 4 out of 5 Stars
The description of events is one of the positive points of the book, but the book usually gets carried away with it and that confuses the reader.
The book might not be appreciated by the conservative masses, because of the frankness of language and exploration of a few topics.
Interviewed By- Banaja Prakashini
October 22, 2017
"Their two banshee wails came together to wax before dying off into the distance." - Braham Singh
TITLE:
The word 'Swastika', a symbol of spirituality, was twisted into a symbol of hatred by the Nazis as they used it to inculcate widespread rallies across Germany. The author here, used the titled to represent the connection of the Black Swastika in the form of Ernst, a Jew, who lands up in Bombay.
Besides the literal meaning, what is amazing about the title is how sophisticated and catchy it sounds while also managing to remain relevant to the plot of the book.
Title Rating - 5 / 5
COVER:
Upon first glance, the cover is nearly ordinary. However, it is only on looking closer that it becomes evident how striking the imagery really is. A woman wrapped in a red cloth, with a swastika locket dangling behind her down to her back. To me, it depicted strangulation by a weirdly contorted symbol of well-being.
Fabulous.
Cover Rating - 4.5 / 5
PLOT:
"Truth be told, he still didn't know what to make of his father's life or his mother's death.." - Braham Singh
There is no doubt that this book is an outright thriller right from the start. Without having the elements of an action, the adventurous approach to the plot made it seem all the more fast-paced while realistically setting us towards a gripping experience. It isn't just a story, it's a movie in words. Bombay has been portrayed in very high detail though set around the 1960s and this provides an insight into India from the past.
"As with most buildings, bulbs were optional and the corridors cast long shadows." - Braham Singh
The author has a very strong sense of language and it was nearly impossible to find any errors within the book. That being said, the diction and the vocabulary seemed a little too overpowering at times, making it a little difficult to stick to the scene. In some places, however, this seemed necessary. The author did a fantastic job in connecting loose ends and finishing off the story on a sweet note.
"A beauty of sorts crept into the night and a feeble moon looked down at India." - Braham Singh
There is such keen characterization in the novel that one almost misses to focus of the story. Each character has been etched with such depth and glory that it easily dominates the plot. This, in fact, is a good thing because it ensures that the novel sticks with you for long afterward the reading is done.
Overall, it is a highly engaging and an enjoyable read.
Plot Rating - 4 / 5
I LOVED...
The writing style
The Characters
The plot
I WANTED...
A less dramatic ending
Less profanity
Overall Rating: 4.5 / 5
Verdict: Definitely Worth Every Penny!
*4.5/5 rounded up
TITLE:
The word 'Swastika', a symbol of spirituality, was twisted into a symbol of hatred by the Nazis as they used it to inculcate widespread rallies across Germany. The author here, used the titled to represent the connection of the Black Swastika in the form of Ernst, a Jew, who lands up in Bombay.
Besides the literal meaning, what is amazing about the title is how sophisticated and catchy it sounds while also managing to remain relevant to the plot of the book.
Title Rating - 5 / 5
COVER:
Upon first glance, the cover is nearly ordinary. However, it is only on looking closer that it becomes evident how striking the imagery really is. A woman wrapped in a red cloth, with a swastika locket dangling behind her down to her back. To me, it depicted strangulation by a weirdly contorted symbol of well-being.
Fabulous.
Cover Rating - 4.5 / 5
PLOT:
"Truth be told, he still didn't know what to make of his father's life or his mother's death.." - Braham Singh
There is no doubt that this book is an outright thriller right from the start. Without having the elements of an action, the adventurous approach to the plot made it seem all the more fast-paced while realistically setting us towards a gripping experience. It isn't just a story, it's a movie in words. Bombay has been portrayed in very high detail though set around the 1960s and this provides an insight into India from the past.
"As with most buildings, bulbs were optional and the corridors cast long shadows." - Braham Singh
The author has a very strong sense of language and it was nearly impossible to find any errors within the book. That being said, the diction and the vocabulary seemed a little too overpowering at times, making it a little difficult to stick to the scene. In some places, however, this seemed necessary. The author did a fantastic job in connecting loose ends and finishing off the story on a sweet note.
"A beauty of sorts crept into the night and a feeble moon looked down at India." - Braham Singh
There is such keen characterization in the novel that one almost misses to focus of the story. Each character has been etched with such depth and glory that it easily dominates the plot. This, in fact, is a good thing because it ensures that the novel sticks with you for long afterward the reading is done.
Overall, it is a highly engaging and an enjoyable read.
Plot Rating - 4 / 5
I LOVED...
The writing style
The Characters
The plot
I WANTED...
A less dramatic ending
Less profanity
Overall Rating: 4.5 / 5
Verdict: Definitely Worth Every Penny!
*4.5/5 rounded up
November 8, 2017
Exactly one month. That is the amount of time it took to finish the book. Why? Read on.
The book is a complex thriller with facts and details from the 1960s Bombay surrounding quite a few interesting characters. Meet Ernst, the Jew who found refuge in India (running away from Nazi Germany of course), Salim Ali - a communist Keralite Muslim, Bhairavi - the buck-toothed Goddess, Andhi Ma - the blind lady with insight and so on (too many characters to name).
What I liked about this book:
The details and insight on 1960s Bombay. Beautiful, factual, interesting. I feel that more efforts were put in understanding the era rather than the plot (the plot takes a backseat in such cases).
The movie-like description. The whole book played out like a movie in my brain and honestly, this book is made for the big screen.
What I didn't like:
The plot takes a backseat. The reason it took me a month to finish this book is because there was no focus on the plot. The real thrill only starts after page 300 and by that time it is too late to start the plot.
Bombay Swastika should be called put under Historical Fiction and not thriller.
(Thrillers generally keep you hooked - thanks to the plot)
Too many characters. I wish the author could manage writing multiple characters like Mario Puzo - so much simpler, much better.
Overall:
I happened to like this book a lot but I wish there were less details and more of a definite storyline penned. Also, this is a very overwhelming and a heavy book.
Good debut, for sure.
The book is a complex thriller with facts and details from the 1960s Bombay surrounding quite a few interesting characters. Meet Ernst, the Jew who found refuge in India (running away from Nazi Germany of course), Salim Ali - a communist Keralite Muslim, Bhairavi - the buck-toothed Goddess, Andhi Ma - the blind lady with insight and so on (too many characters to name).
What I liked about this book:
The details and insight on 1960s Bombay. Beautiful, factual, interesting. I feel that more efforts were put in understanding the era rather than the plot (the plot takes a backseat in such cases).
The movie-like description. The whole book played out like a movie in my brain and honestly, this book is made for the big screen.
What I didn't like:
The plot takes a backseat. The reason it took me a month to finish this book is because there was no focus on the plot. The real thrill only starts after page 300 and by that time it is too late to start the plot.
Bombay Swastika should be called put under Historical Fiction and not thriller.
(Thrillers generally keep you hooked - thanks to the plot)
Too many characters. I wish the author could manage writing multiple characters like Mario Puzo - so much simpler, much better.
Overall:
I happened to like this book a lot but I wish there were less details and more of a definite storyline penned. Also, this is a very overwhelming and a heavy book.
Good debut, for sure.
December 17, 2017
The story is written in a very detailed manner. It shows how much research was done for it to take shape. Though at times the details seem to distract the thrill holding you. The characters are also well crafted and all their unfolding towards the ending is like the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle fitting up! On the whole, a wonderful debut book and a thriller that keeps you engrossed all along!
November 9, 2025
I never thought I'd find myself relating to a 50-something-year-old Jewish man in 1960s Bombay, but this book did it. I don't think I've felt so moved by a piece of fiction since a long time.
April 19, 2021
I really wanted to like this book. It's well researched. It's historical fiction. It has a cast of characters so eclectic that you want to know what happens to them. And it has a dark comic tone that tells the readers not to take anything too seriously. In short it's whacky. It's irreverent. It's unusual. Indeed the first couple of chapters are captivating. But then something happens. The dark-comic tone first starts getting repetitive and then jarring (one single metaphor of a blob of turd pops up again and again for example). It's almost like the author kicks off with a blast, tells his readers to expect the unexpected and delivers for a while and then seems to get bored of his high jinks and wanders off. Pity really because here was a truly original voice.
April 12, 2018
Bombay dreams
This book is beautiful in its ugliness. Truthful in its lies. It will show you a face of India you wish you hadn't seen. I got drawn into the story of Ernst and Salim Ali and couldn't wait to see what happened next. Ernst is an unlikely saviour. I also loved the strong female characters. Bhairavi, Parvati and Andhi Maa. Great first book all in all. Waiting to read the authors next.
This book is beautiful in its ugliness. Truthful in its lies. It will show you a face of India you wish you hadn't seen. I got drawn into the story of Ernst and Salim Ali and couldn't wait to see what happened next. Ernst is an unlikely saviour. I also loved the strong female characters. Bhairavi, Parvati and Andhi Maa. Great first book all in all. Waiting to read the authors next.
December 18, 2017
Wonder detail has been put into plotting 1964 Mumbai, and India, which I found informative. Bombay then, was a melting pot of cultural uncertainty, characterised by the surviving fragments of British rule, poverty, instability and strong emotions. All this whilst India was grappling with the remnants of war with China. Historical references thrown in keep the interest of the reader and reveal the intense research behind the novel. The whole book played out like a thriller movie in my mind. The historical details are carved very well in the story.
Really a impressive debut novel.
This novel is like no others. Braham Singhhas done a wonderful job. I think every single one should read this.
Really a impressive debut novel.
This novel is like no others. Braham Singhhas done a wonderful job. I think every single one should read this.
December 18, 2017
A Bunch of characters is there and it makes difficult to memorize I remember blind lady Bhairavi, Refuge Jews, Ernst and south Muslim Salim Ali.
A Plot is of 60’s, it’s a fiction work but very connecting and it feels like a non- fiction because events are resonating and repulsing with our native nation. It’s a historical fiction, and narration is so captivating that is make an easy and enjoyable read. From the very starting, it is very interesting and engulfing. Highly impressed with authors vocab or it can be editors too very sophisticated language is used. A story is so keenly edited that it doesn’t have any loof or fumbles its an error-free. It took me to the realm of history I learned and enrooted Nazi camps deepest secrets of Mumbai i.e Bombay and I was gripped in turmoil and brawl of industries. A super stunning debut novel.
Haterade of jews, Murder mystery, Twist and turns fascinated me, the last section of the story is full of power pack drama.
Title - Literary I was confused what can be a book about. A title is Bombay, a city name and then Swastik, a spiritual sign what the connection both can have but after going through a story I was amazed by authors creative mind.
Cover – cover is ok for me not very interesting it can bed more catchy Red and black combo is too much now it could have been more creative.
Blurb - I felt blurb was revealing much about the story line.
4/5 star to this I would have given 5/5 but what I didn't like was over explaining of characters. rest this is a super se upar wali novel.
A Plot is of 60’s, it’s a fiction work but very connecting and it feels like a non- fiction because events are resonating and repulsing with our native nation. It’s a historical fiction, and narration is so captivating that is make an easy and enjoyable read. From the very starting, it is very interesting and engulfing. Highly impressed with authors vocab or it can be editors too very sophisticated language is used. A story is so keenly edited that it doesn’t have any loof or fumbles its an error-free. It took me to the realm of history I learned and enrooted Nazi camps deepest secrets of Mumbai i.e Bombay and I was gripped in turmoil and brawl of industries. A super stunning debut novel.
Haterade of jews, Murder mystery, Twist and turns fascinated me, the last section of the story is full of power pack drama.
Title - Literary I was confused what can be a book about. A title is Bombay, a city name and then Swastik, a spiritual sign what the connection both can have but after going through a story I was amazed by authors creative mind.
Cover – cover is ok for me not very interesting it can bed more catchy Red and black combo is too much now it could have been more creative.
Blurb - I felt blurb was revealing much about the story line.
4/5 star to this I would have given 5/5 but what I didn't like was over explaining of characters. rest this is a super se upar wali novel.
December 19, 2017
Spechless with the content of the book. Totally thrilled to read. Great explanation has been put in to 1964 Mumbai, India. "Bombay Swastika" there is no doubt that this book is thriller package. In this book lot's of mysterious characters are found. Loved the characters build up. Best thriller book I have ever read. The author keeps you guessing till the end and then is a completely unexpected solutions.
Excellent read, If you are a lover of thriling read then you probably won't be able to put this book down. I would recommend this book to every thrillers lovers . You are definitely love this type of brillent content.
Excellent read, If you are a lover of thriling read then you probably won't be able to put this book down. I would recommend this book to every thrillers lovers . You are definitely love this type of brillent content.
December 28, 2017
Set in the backdrop of the Nazi Berlin era , Bombay swastika has a lot to offer. Frankly , the cover wasn't so promising , but the book turned out to be far more than what I expected it to be. So do not go by the cover.
The plot took me back to the time period of 1960s were I found myself living the moments. The storyline was , undoubtedly, very engaging and the realness of characters made it interesting. The blurb is also good enough with an amazing title. The pinch of humour in the platter of thrill gave the book altogether a new taste. The best part about the book was the introduction of historical legend Dr. Bhabha.
It took me enough time to complete this book as the book was too descriptive at places. The minute details mentioned in the story made me took time to grasp it . Also the characters were tittle too many for me to understand in one go. The language was something I personally didn't like it because of too much profanity. Also the ending could have been much better .
This was a good thriller pick and If you love history, crime and thrill, then you must definitely pick this book.
Rating -
Cover - 3/5
Title - 4/5
Plot - 4/5
Narration - 4/5
Characters - 4/5
Overall - 4/5
The plot took me back to the time period of 1960s were I found myself living the moments. The storyline was , undoubtedly, very engaging and the realness of characters made it interesting. The blurb is also good enough with an amazing title. The pinch of humour in the platter of thrill gave the book altogether a new taste. The best part about the book was the introduction of historical legend Dr. Bhabha.
It took me enough time to complete this book as the book was too descriptive at places. The minute details mentioned in the story made me took time to grasp it . Also the characters were tittle too many for me to understand in one go. The language was something I personally didn't like it because of too much profanity. Also the ending could have been much better .
This was a good thriller pick and If you love history, crime and thrill, then you must definitely pick this book.
Rating -
Cover - 3/5
Title - 4/5
Plot - 4/5
Narration - 4/5
Characters - 4/5
Overall - 4/5
December 30, 2017
Bombay Swastika was set up in the early years of the 20th century. The book starts with a sequence of murders and it leads to an engaging story plot along with the incidents which connects India and Germany. The author has put in more efforts to build a strong intriguing plot. It’s a crime thriller book and apart from being a thriller it showcased the importance of the Swastika symbol. Also this book gave a great outlook to the then Bombay. ( Detailed explanantion about the book is given in the blurb ).
The intriguing plot of the book showcases the hard work done by the author to etch such a great thriller and to come up with those incidents which prove to be a game changer. Each characters were depicted with utmost care and the editing and narration were at its best which helps the readers to be glued to the book.
The cover could have been better to attract the readers but the author justified the title. The blurb gives a deep insight of what’s hidden in the book.
Overall, an interesting thriller which keeps you on guessing with its unexpected twists and turns
The intriguing plot of the book showcases the hard work done by the author to etch such a great thriller and to come up with those incidents which prove to be a game changer. Each characters were depicted with utmost care and the editing and narration were at its best which helps the readers to be glued to the book.
The cover could have been better to attract the readers but the author justified the title. The blurb gives a deep insight of what’s hidden in the book.
Overall, an interesting thriller which keeps you on guessing with its unexpected twists and turns
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews