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Speedpost
Speed Post by Shobha De
394 pages, Paperback
First published February 5, 1999
24 people are currently reading
295 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
December 23, 2014
The book Speedpost was gifted to me on my 17th or 18th birthday by my friend's mother. I read it that time. But now I rediscovered this book in my shelf and I had no memory about the content of the book. I longed to read it again. I longed to feel the motherly affection again.
This time I am 27 years old.
The book has letters written by a mother, Shobha de, to he daughters. Currently Shobha de is in her 60's, the same age probably my mother would have been if she was alive. I lost her when I was 7 years old.
Speedpost, the book is interesting read. Letters by an urban mother letters to her children. There were times I related with Shobha De's children. Other times it was amusing. I wondered why would a mother would write open letters to her children. I mean if she would have given them personally, what could have been the difference. Then I could have not peeked into life of her, children. I would have not been attracted to Radhika. I wish I could travel to Happy country, Bhutan, and among other things.
This book definitely attempts to fill the space of absence of mother in my life. It takes me closer to experience of mother-child relationship. I found shobha de to be very conventional mother and who talked about usual worries of mother. It is an autobiographical too, I meant not only about children but mostly about herself. I found it filled with urban desires and urban lifestyle. I had difficulty in relating to it sometimes, and found it superficial.
I felt engaged to parts when she gave up some of her plans and assignments to stay with her children. I thought it was very touching and self sacrificing. It could be perplexing for many, this doubt.
She compared many times with other families and she always believed she had better understanding and dealt better with her children than others, ofcourse it did seem like a motherly nature or human one, to not see faults in one. This book is positioned at a comfort level and when it sees the difficulties of life or problems of world, it does not go deep. Her views on politics or religion did not affect me anyway. I thought it was exaggerated a bit.
I do find it interesting to read about her life and her children. When I find some stuff online about them, I do find it attractive and something I might want to know more about. It is because I have entered their lives.
The book has around 100 letters. Each letter 2 to 3 pages. This is one of the books, I found easy to read. This book is special in its idea and knowing the lives of people. I would like to read more of Non fiction. It makes me happy to read and learn about lives.
This time I am 27 years old.
The book has letters written by a mother, Shobha de, to he daughters. Currently Shobha de is in her 60's, the same age probably my mother would have been if she was alive. I lost her when I was 7 years old.
Speedpost, the book is interesting read. Letters by an urban mother letters to her children. There were times I related with Shobha De's children. Other times it was amusing. I wondered why would a mother would write open letters to her children. I mean if she would have given them personally, what could have been the difference. Then I could have not peeked into life of her, children. I would have not been attracted to Radhika. I wish I could travel to Happy country, Bhutan, and among other things.
This book definitely attempts to fill the space of absence of mother in my life. It takes me closer to experience of mother-child relationship. I found shobha de to be very conventional mother and who talked about usual worries of mother. It is an autobiographical too, I meant not only about children but mostly about herself. I found it filled with urban desires and urban lifestyle. I had difficulty in relating to it sometimes, and found it superficial.
I felt engaged to parts when she gave up some of her plans and assignments to stay with her children. I thought it was very touching and self sacrificing. It could be perplexing for many, this doubt.
She compared many times with other families and she always believed she had better understanding and dealt better with her children than others, ofcourse it did seem like a motherly nature or human one, to not see faults in one. This book is positioned at a comfort level and when it sees the difficulties of life or problems of world, it does not go deep. Her views on politics or religion did not affect me anyway. I thought it was exaggerated a bit.
I do find it interesting to read about her life and her children. When I find some stuff online about them, I do find it attractive and something I might want to know more about. It is because I have entered their lives.
The book has around 100 letters. Each letter 2 to 3 pages. This is one of the books, I found easy to read. This book is special in its idea and knowing the lives of people. I would like to read more of Non fiction. It makes me happy to read and learn about lives.
January 3, 2014
I am a regular reader of the writer's column in TOI and hence have a brief acquaintance with her vast pool of vocab. Considering that these letters are written informally and to family members, a little repetition of anecdotes is expected. This book does more than just getting the reader involve in their lives. It conveys a message through many of the letters, to the world. Some important lessons of parenting are reflected too. Its a goodread for readers who like Indian authors and novels involving a bit of a drama. The author has portrayed herself to be a competent mother by admitting her faults and revealing her care for her children simultaneously.
February 3, 2012
A collection of letters from a mother to her six children. The letters are funny, thoughtful and at times touching. It was unnerving to see many of the things that so troubled and bothered my fourteen year old self set down, in plain sight, discussed, laughed at, and made easier by, of all people, a *gasp* parent. I cherished this book very much when I was fourteen, it made me laugh and think. These letters definitely deserve a wider audience.
November 26, 2015
A good read indead !
Could connect to a lot of her letters.. Nice work. Enjoyed reading it.
Could connect to a lot of her letters.. Nice work. Enjoyed reading it.
December 7, 2021
I read this the year it came out and was such an emotional read for me at the age of 20. Wonderful book!
January 29, 2019
Great book or letters from a mother to her children , which consists of all flavours, drama, emotions, practicality and her all kinds of experiences. From a daughter's perspective, it was heart warming to read all that. People not interested or not wanting to read about other's feelings or these emotions will feel the book as bore one.
January 6, 2023
The book carries a series of letters written to her children about ethics,morals,culture some personal incidences etc.however the book touches heart of only upper class because some things are not at all related to the middle class families.
It's more of an insight or frankly a peeking into their personal life's.
It's more of an insight or frankly a peeking into their personal life's.
August 10, 2025
Read it when I was in high school and probably couldn’t understand the depth of the letters. Now when I re-read it as an adult, the funny complexities and requests a mother makes to her children quite resonates well with one’s everyday life. Funny how Shobhaa De figured out that early. It’s really a good book.
June 28, 2019
After reading.. I'm going to my childhood memories...
August 2, 2020
A book of revelation of the inner feelings of a mother. Must read for parents. It will definitely change your perception about your parenting and family life.
November 1, 2021
Loved it
April 13, 2022
आपल्या मुलांसाठी लिहिलेली मनमोकळी पत्रं..., जीवनाच्या सगळ्या बाजूंना अनाहूतपणे स्पर्श करणारी,शिकवणारी, मायेने आपलेसे करणारी.♥️
Read
April 21, 2022Kinda autobiography with a touch of politics. But a nice torch for parenting 101.
January 8, 2024
When I reached the book halfway through, I could not understand the purpose of my reading. However when I completed it, I knew it. The little joys are the biggest to cherish and family stays for forever.
A series of letters written to her children, Shobha De has clearly left an impression of what family is all about.
A series of letters written to her children, Shobha De has clearly left an impression of what family is all about.
October 8, 2025
"A Must-Read That Connects on Many Levels"
Speedpost by Shobhaa De is truly a must-read. It resonates deeply and connects with you on multiple levels.
First, as you read, you're constantly reminded of your own mother—how she might have felt during the various stages of your growing up. It gently prompts reflection on her love, sacrifices, and silent strength.
Second, if you're a parent, it takes you back through every stage of your child’s growth—the joys, the challenges, and the tender moments you may have forgotten.
Even if you’re not a parent, the book offers a touching glimpse into that journey, allowing you to imagine and empathize with it.
And third, the depiction of 90s Mumbai feels strikingly familiar—like a reflection of my own life in a small town during the 2000s and 2010s. The nostalgia it evokes is both powerful and comforting.
----- Review based on first read 5/5 stars -----
Speedpost by Shobhaa De is truly a must-read. It resonates deeply and connects with you on multiple levels.
First, as you read, you're constantly reminded of your own mother—how she might have felt during the various stages of your growing up. It gently prompts reflection on her love, sacrifices, and silent strength.
Second, if you're a parent, it takes you back through every stage of your child’s growth—the joys, the challenges, and the tender moments you may have forgotten.
Even if you’re not a parent, the book offers a touching glimpse into that journey, allowing you to imagine and empathize with it.
And third, the depiction of 90s Mumbai feels strikingly familiar—like a reflection of my own life in a small town during the 2000s and 2010s. The nostalgia it evokes is both powerful and comforting.
----- Review based on first read 5/5 stars -----
March 26, 2017
Just finished reading Speedpost by Shobha De'. Really a master piece. every mother, would be mother, not just mothers, but every book lovers would definitely appreciate it. Really mothers are the true world for their children. They surely knows how their child will happy in which object, in what circumstances or not. As she writes, God must be a mother...........Through series of letters she is successfully tryng to convey her children the most secret and hidden jewels of life, rather to the whole world. marvellous, just go for i.
November 17, 2014
This was my first book that was written by an Indian author and I like the way she writes. You can learn lot about parenting from these letters, some letters can make you laugh and some are very thoughtful. A must read for every mother.
Currently reading
October 28, 2008I bought long back... yet to complete..
May 12, 2011
Awful preaching.
June 6, 2012
Loved d book !!! Must read for moms
May 20, 2014
A must for every Indian mother whose children are entering the teenage.
Want to read
May 9, 2013I have read some part of it that was translated in marathi. i wish i could read it as early as possible
April 23, 2012
pacy, interesting, and insightful!
October 20, 2012
wokay book
July 16, 2017
Loved this book! Can relate to it very much!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews