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The Swap
There is nothing really wrong with Priya Bakshi and Akash Srivastav s six-year-old marriage ... except that Priya is having an affair. And Akash, too, seems to be on the lookout for sexual adventure. When Tarun, their richer, older, and manipulative friend, tells them about Delhi s couple-swapping parties, Akash wants to jump right in. With some reluctance, Priya agrees to give him company. Soon, Priya and Akash find themselves in a world of swinging couples and sexual abandon, joined by friends who are equally keen to test the waters. But as the clothes come off and the secrets begin to tumble out, it seems that none of them will emerge unscathed. Witty and racy, The Swap is a sparkling social novel about sex, marriage and morality.
- GenresIndia
296 pages, Paperback
Published December 25, 2019
19 people are currently reading
115 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
December 27, 2019
The Swap , this story introduced me to a new form of relationship, Couple Swapping.
Priya is a journalist and is happily married to Akash, everything is fine in their relationship except that, Priya is having an affair that too with Akash's childhood friend, Dileep. As truth always reveals itself this relationship too got revealed. It's from this point, the story takes a deviation from the cliche romantic stories. Instead of breaking the relationship the couples end up in a world of couple swapping.
Although, I found the idea weird that gave me no reason to stop reading further. The credit for this goes to the flow of narration and the author's command over the language. While reading, I was often questioning the morality of the characters. Although, there are many narrations of sex in the book that won't drive the story. The Swap is a bold novel that doesn't end with a moral but boldly questions our perspectives on morality.
Rating 4/5
Priya is a journalist and is happily married to Akash, everything is fine in their relationship except that, Priya is having an affair that too with Akash's childhood friend, Dileep. As truth always reveals itself this relationship too got revealed. It's from this point, the story takes a deviation from the cliche romantic stories. Instead of breaking the relationship the couples end up in a world of couple swapping.
Although, I found the idea weird that gave me no reason to stop reading further. The credit for this goes to the flow of narration and the author's command over the language. While reading, I was often questioning the morality of the characters. Although, there are many narrations of sex in the book that won't drive the story. The Swap is a bold novel that doesn't end with a moral but boldly questions our perspectives on morality.
Rating 4/5
June 3, 2020
I read this one a while back, and couldn't make up my mind about it. Based in the urban part of Delhi, the story revolves around the dull marriage life of Priya and Akash, and how they excite their life by agreeing to join a spouse swapping party, and their sexual endeavour begins.
The book has a lot of drama and a lot of sex. However, the sex scenes are not explicit and don't need any warning.
The book tends to get a little boring at some points. I didn't' connect with the characters because "what the hell is going on"? My the end of it, I was a little taken aback, and my mind was numb. I think the liking/disliking of the book will come down to morality, but let's not go there.
It's a quick fun YA read that you can pick up in the #quarantinelife.
The book has a lot of drama and a lot of sex. However, the sex scenes are not explicit and don't need any warning.
The book tends to get a little boring at some points. I didn't' connect with the characters because "what the hell is going on"? My the end of it, I was a little taken aback, and my mind was numb. I think the liking/disliking of the book will come down to morality, but let's not go there.
It's a quick fun YA read that you can pick up in the #quarantinelife.
December 24, 2019
Have you ever heard about couple's swap & swing parties? Frankly speaking this topic is very new to me. I have never heard about swap parties before. This book is all about these swap parties which provide couples diversion from dullness of their marriage.'The Swap' is a novel about marriage, betrayal, love, sex, morality & revenge.
The story revolves around Priya Bakshi, a journalist and Akash, who is working in multinational firm both married before 6 years. There is nothing really wrong with both of them except that Priya is having an affair. Akash, too, seems to be on the lookout for sexual adventure. Once Tarun, their richer, older, and manipulative friend, tells them about Delhi's couple-swapping parties. Soon, Priya and Akash find themselves in a world of swinging couples & sexual abandon, joined by friends who are equally keen to test the waters. As they join in secrets begin to tumble out, it seems none of them will emerge unscathed.
Book focuses on extra-marital affairs, swap-and-swing parties etc. In this book, Priya's psychological state is described beautifully. The author's writing style & her command over the language is very brilliant. This is a fast read, you can finish it one day. Definitely recommend but only for adults.
The story revolves around Priya Bakshi, a journalist and Akash, who is working in multinational firm both married before 6 years. There is nothing really wrong with both of them except that Priya is having an affair. Akash, too, seems to be on the lookout for sexual adventure. Once Tarun, their richer, older, and manipulative friend, tells them about Delhi's couple-swapping parties. Soon, Priya and Akash find themselves in a world of swinging couples & sexual abandon, joined by friends who are equally keen to test the waters. As they join in secrets begin to tumble out, it seems none of them will emerge unscathed.
Book focuses on extra-marital affairs, swap-and-swing parties etc. In this book, Priya's psychological state is described beautifully. The author's writing style & her command over the language is very brilliant. This is a fast read, you can finish it one day. Definitely recommend but only for adults.
December 30, 2019
This book follows a story that involves couple swapping. Priya and Aakash are married and they have a group of friends who are invited to their place for get together and this idea of couple swapping is shared with all of them by a friend who knows something about Priya and one of their group friend.
How this swapping effects them. Their are extra marital affairs also in this story. This book also had a different angle of Priya helping a trafficked child. That was the part which I liked the most. How she helps the child to be free again. The narration and flow of the story is good. The characters are well developed.
But the end of the book was not what I was expecting. I needed the end to have something more to it. But nonetheless I was really into the story. This is a bold topic that the author has selected because not many of authors have attempted this sooo for this attempt author needs applause.
3.5 ⭐
How this swapping effects them. Their are extra marital affairs also in this story. This book also had a different angle of Priya helping a trafficked child. That was the part which I liked the most. How she helps the child to be free again. The narration and flow of the story is good. The characters are well developed.
But the end of the book was not what I was expecting. I needed the end to have something more to it. But nonetheless I was really into the story. This is a bold topic that the author has selected because not many of authors have attempted this sooo for this attempt author needs applause.
3.5 ⭐
May 11, 2021
An interesting read about spouse swapping and its impact on the couples. Wanted a breezy light read between heavier reads and this served that purpose.
December 28, 2019
‘The Swap’ treads a careful line while uncovering the private lives of the urban middle class, exploring their marriages through swap parties and their guilty pleasures in doing so, intricately weaving an emotional subtext. Obviously, it is a taboo to talk about ‘spouse swapping’ in the commonplace parlance. Yet, its existence as a hearsay reality is intriguing. The characters in this book begin on the same assumption and explore themselves as ‘swinging couples’.
One quality that comes out straight is the sharp writing and the lucid language. The chapters flow in the perfect direction and at such a great pace that it makes for a perfect evening read.
One quality that comes out straight is the sharp writing and the lucid language. The chapters flow in the perfect direction and at such a great pace that it makes for a perfect evening read.
December 23, 2019
Full review on my blog:
https://blog.medhaapps.com/2019/12/bo...
As the blurb states, this story is the author’s interpretation of a bold topic like couple swapping. While such a topic sounds juicy on the surface, this book is not just about the physical intimacy between the involved couples. Extra marital affairs come with their own share of guilt and the struggle of those involved to maintain secrecy. Couple swapping is therefore a different premise with consent coming from the other partner. The story explores the psyche of such couples, the situations hence leading to it.
The USP of this book is definitely the risky topic it touches, so to declare at the outset, it is for readers who are not going to judge the story or the characters, for their values or morality. The characters are obviously flawed and interestingly none of them come from dysfunctional families, no obvious reason to trace back their current decisions. The first half of the book has an amazing pace, building upto the actual swap party. While few parts of the second half feel slower, the author throws a twist at regular intervals making the reader wait for the climax, without leaving much hints even till the pre-climax. For a debut, this novel is mind blowing on multiple fronts.
The story feels majorly narrated from Priya’s perspective and I would have liked to get some thoughts of Akash also which was majorly lacking in the entire book. Pick this one to read a racy, bold attempt on contemporary relationships and their makings.
My rating:
4.5/5
https://blog.medhaapps.com/2019/12/bo...
As the blurb states, this story is the author’s interpretation of a bold topic like couple swapping. While such a topic sounds juicy on the surface, this book is not just about the physical intimacy between the involved couples. Extra marital affairs come with their own share of guilt and the struggle of those involved to maintain secrecy. Couple swapping is therefore a different premise with consent coming from the other partner. The story explores the psyche of such couples, the situations hence leading to it.
The USP of this book is definitely the risky topic it touches, so to declare at the outset, it is for readers who are not going to judge the story or the characters, for their values or morality. The characters are obviously flawed and interestingly none of them come from dysfunctional families, no obvious reason to trace back their current decisions. The first half of the book has an amazing pace, building upto the actual swap party. While few parts of the second half feel slower, the author throws a twist at regular intervals making the reader wait for the climax, without leaving much hints even till the pre-climax. For a debut, this novel is mind blowing on multiple fronts.
The story feels majorly narrated from Priya’s perspective and I would have liked to get some thoughts of Akash also which was majorly lacking in the entire book. Pick this one to read a racy, bold attempt on contemporary relationships and their makings.
My rating:
4.5/5
December 30, 2019
As the title and blurb suggests, the book is about couple swapping. A very risky and bold topic but definitely very well written.
In today's times, people jump in and out of relationships without thinking much, even marriages have easy exists. Physical compatibility has become more important than other aspects. Cheating, extramarital affairs, polygamous marriages have become very common these days.
One topic that is rarely spoken of is swapping. When I think of this word, the first thing that comes to my mind is Bollywood. This book tries to portray how swapping has become an easy alternative for couples these days.
The book is much more than just physical aspect of this concept, it also explores the emotions and impacts of lack of intimacy between couples, extramarital affairs and swapping.
The characters are flawed and real. The narrations are gripping and the pace of the story is fast,it does get a bit slow towards the second half.
As a reader the book provokes us to reflect on our relationships and accept the characters with an open mind.
Relationships change with time, so it's very important to nurture each aspect of it (physical, emotional, Spiritual) to keep it healthy and happy and evolve with it.
Definitely recommended!
In today's times, people jump in and out of relationships without thinking much, even marriages have easy exists. Physical compatibility has become more important than other aspects. Cheating, extramarital affairs, polygamous marriages have become very common these days.
One topic that is rarely spoken of is swapping. When I think of this word, the first thing that comes to my mind is Bollywood. This book tries to portray how swapping has become an easy alternative for couples these days.
The book is much more than just physical aspect of this concept, it also explores the emotions and impacts of lack of intimacy between couples, extramarital affairs and swapping.
The characters are flawed and real. The narrations are gripping and the pace of the story is fast,it does get a bit slow towards the second half.
As a reader the book provokes us to reflect on our relationships and accept the characters with an open mind.
Relationships change with time, so it's very important to nurture each aspect of it (physical, emotional, Spiritual) to keep it healthy and happy and evolve with it.
Definitely recommended!
December 27, 2019
“Sharp and racy, The Swap is a sparkling novel about sex, marriage and morality.” reads the blurb which needs to be analysed before reaching on a conclusion on this book.
Shuma Raha, a journalist by profession provides a sneak peek into swap parties in Delhi which is claimed to be ‘rampant’. The book relies on the shoulders of Priya who tries to wade through a phase, testing her sanity and morality. She is married and is indulging in an affair. She and her husband are part of a circle of friends who come together over parties. Out of the blue falls this idea of swap party, and it seems that everybody is interested, except Priya. Anyways, the party happens. Though everyone’s opinions are not known, there are some who have enjoyed it. But what follows for Priya is mental agony and turmoil instead of the spice which was intended. Priya worries that what ensues would threaten her marriage, but events take a turn ending up in a situation wherein nothing seems to be wrong with any of their lives; except Priya. Where will this situation take Priya to, summarises the ending of the book.
The Swap tries to be sparkling by producing small flashes of sanity, amidst all the sex and mental turmoil. And one among these flashes is the excellent language in the narration. The novel is sharp, maintaining a thin edge in its narration, but not exactly racy. The book stands up to the word that it is about sex by making it the backbone. Every page of the book has the smell of it even if it isn’t mentioned. The book justifies that is about marriage by testing the reader’s definition of marriage and testing it in new scenarios. And when a book talks about sex, infidelity and marriage, morality cannot be left behind. In fact, if sex is the body of this book, then morality is the mind.
It would be no surprise if the reader finds the mind numb after completing the book. The book will test the morality of the reader to give a honest feedback on the story. But, though sex occupies most of the narrative, it is the mental agony which leaves a lasting impression in the reader. The parallel thread of saving a street boy does not create the impact the author intended; to project a tiny ray of hope for Priya. However, as 'Business Standard' puts it, the most admirable quality of the book is the writer’s command over the language and the flow of the narration.
Overall, this book was not a great read in spite of the excellent narration and can be easily skipped.
Shuma Raha, a journalist by profession provides a sneak peek into swap parties in Delhi which is claimed to be ‘rampant’. The book relies on the shoulders of Priya who tries to wade through a phase, testing her sanity and morality. She is married and is indulging in an affair. She and her husband are part of a circle of friends who come together over parties. Out of the blue falls this idea of swap party, and it seems that everybody is interested, except Priya. Anyways, the party happens. Though everyone’s opinions are not known, there are some who have enjoyed it. But what follows for Priya is mental agony and turmoil instead of the spice which was intended. Priya worries that what ensues would threaten her marriage, but events take a turn ending up in a situation wherein nothing seems to be wrong with any of their lives; except Priya. Where will this situation take Priya to, summarises the ending of the book.
The Swap tries to be sparkling by producing small flashes of sanity, amidst all the sex and mental turmoil. And one among these flashes is the excellent language in the narration. The novel is sharp, maintaining a thin edge in its narration, but not exactly racy. The book stands up to the word that it is about sex by making it the backbone. Every page of the book has the smell of it even if it isn’t mentioned. The book justifies that is about marriage by testing the reader’s definition of marriage and testing it in new scenarios. And when a book talks about sex, infidelity and marriage, morality cannot be left behind. In fact, if sex is the body of this book, then morality is the mind.
It would be no surprise if the reader finds the mind numb after completing the book. The book will test the morality of the reader to give a honest feedback on the story. But, though sex occupies most of the narrative, it is the mental agony which leaves a lasting impression in the reader. The parallel thread of saving a street boy does not create the impact the author intended; to project a tiny ray of hope for Priya. However, as 'Business Standard' puts it, the most admirable quality of the book is the writer’s command over the language and the flow of the narration.
Overall, this book was not a great read in spite of the excellent narration and can be easily skipped.
December 30, 2019
In today's Era, we see people getting in and out of a relationship like changing an outfit. Marriages were considered to be a sacred union of two souls, but today divorce is an easy exit. But if you look further, there is an alternative - Couple Swapping!
This book - The Swap by Shuma Raha is a narrative set on that premise, which ponders deep into the emotions and situations of the couples involved. With each passing day, a happily married couple - Priya & Akash seem to be going apart from each other while putting on a happy family show to the world. Priya, the lead protagonist has an affair with Akash's childhood friend Dileep. All is well, till their rich common friend Tarun introduces them with the concept of Couple Swapping and it's benefits. Akash feels this might save their relationship, while Anuradha wants to try it out for standing out among her friends. Dileep agrees to her, but does Priya really want to do it?
This book throws a light on how relationships and emotions can be modified and altered. Swapping seems to consume more than what it gives to those involved. The book depicts the feelings of the characters while actually asking the readers not to look at them from a moral angle. The Swap talks about the society where everything is more than what it seems. It connects people for their need but splitting them apart, making holes in their heart and leaving us - the readers to introspect and value our relationships.
The writer has managed to continuously capture the readers with his strong narrative, the language of the book is impeccable and has a few twists leaving the readers inquisitive. For a debutante, the writer has managed to nail it, leaving the readers to debate on this bold topic. The book is definitely for adults and I shall strongly recommend this book for all those who like the 'Romance/Relationships' genre.
Rating: 5 /5
This book - The Swap by Shuma Raha is a narrative set on that premise, which ponders deep into the emotions and situations of the couples involved. With each passing day, a happily married couple - Priya & Akash seem to be going apart from each other while putting on a happy family show to the world. Priya, the lead protagonist has an affair with Akash's childhood friend Dileep. All is well, till their rich common friend Tarun introduces them with the concept of Couple Swapping and it's benefits. Akash feels this might save their relationship, while Anuradha wants to try it out for standing out among her friends. Dileep agrees to her, but does Priya really want to do it?
This book throws a light on how relationships and emotions can be modified and altered. Swapping seems to consume more than what it gives to those involved. The book depicts the feelings of the characters while actually asking the readers not to look at them from a moral angle. The Swap talks about the society where everything is more than what it seems. It connects people for their need but splitting them apart, making holes in their heart and leaving us - the readers to introspect and value our relationships.
The writer has managed to continuously capture the readers with his strong narrative, the language of the book is impeccable and has a few twists leaving the readers inquisitive. For a debutante, the writer has managed to nail it, leaving the readers to debate on this bold topic. The book is definitely for adults and I shall strongly recommend this book for all those who like the 'Romance/Relationships' genre.
Rating: 5 /5
January 4, 2020
Sex, marriage and morality. These three words are used to help keep a tight leash on impropriety existing in society. Morally and traditionally, marriage is the society’s approval to have sex. Yet, in today’s day and age, where the definitions of relationships are constantly changing, sex is used in different ways to revive a marriage, and the morality of such situations, is more often than not, left unconsidered.
Shuma Raha, in her novel, “The Swap”, explores this delicate relationship between sex, marriage and morality, by providing a glimpse into the world of couple-swapping and swing parties. The story, while told from the perspective of different characters, is primarily based on one couple, Priya and Akash, who along with some of their friends, dive into this new world. This brings out a different side of the couple, exposing their hypocrisy and forcing them to come to terms with the truth of their decaying marriage.
One of the strongest points of the novel is the narrative structure and writing style. The use of simple language and short chapters allow the reader to flow through the story smoothly while keeping the reader’s attention engaged. Furthermore, the author's insight into the psychological state of the characters, particularly Priya, helps the readers understand the characters better. However, the novel, like its characters, is not without its flaws. While the first half, building towards the swing parties, is fast paced, the second half tends to drag on, forcing the reader to wait, sometimes unnecessarily for the climax. Furthermore, despite its twists and turns, the narrative after a certain point gives in to predictability, causing the novel to lose its charm.
Overall, “The Swap” is a quick, one-time read that provides a fresh look into an otherwise taboo topic.
Shuma Raha, in her novel, “The Swap”, explores this delicate relationship between sex, marriage and morality, by providing a glimpse into the world of couple-swapping and swing parties. The story, while told from the perspective of different characters, is primarily based on one couple, Priya and Akash, who along with some of their friends, dive into this new world. This brings out a different side of the couple, exposing their hypocrisy and forcing them to come to terms with the truth of their decaying marriage.
One of the strongest points of the novel is the narrative structure and writing style. The use of simple language and short chapters allow the reader to flow through the story smoothly while keeping the reader’s attention engaged. Furthermore, the author's insight into the psychological state of the characters, particularly Priya, helps the readers understand the characters better. However, the novel, like its characters, is not without its flaws. While the first half, building towards the swing parties, is fast paced, the second half tends to drag on, forcing the reader to wait, sometimes unnecessarily for the climax. Furthermore, despite its twists and turns, the narrative after a certain point gives in to predictability, causing the novel to lose its charm.
Overall, “The Swap” is a quick, one-time read that provides a fresh look into an otherwise taboo topic.
Read
January 29, 2020There are professions which have been tagged with the word 'swapping'. The sole reason to make a choice about this book was the title to begin with. I take a metro to work and the plot of the book kept me glued to till the end. The plot covers the posh individuals and couples of Delhi, with Priya Bakshi and Akash Srivastava in the lead role. When the plot/party began, I was assuming the plot to bring in the swap concept, but then it began with the usual concept of an extra-marital affair. With the description of the parties and the standard of living, it wasn't difficult to predict the amalgamation of extra-marital affair and swapping coming into play. Every character has its own persona in the plot, where Dileep is portrayed as a Lawyer, and Tarun Paul as a socialite. The characters such as Anuradha, Kulsum, have been adding flavor to the plot as the story progresses. The writer has used simple language and references in the book which makes the reading smooth for the readers. I have been giving a thought about the scene where Akash begins to read about "polyamory". The scene was pretty much conflicting in my mind, as I couldn't actually come to peace whether this kind of concept exists today or not. I appreciate how the story progresses bringing out climax for each one. I was tad bit disappointed by the end, where I was confused about the continuation of swap parties or discontinuation of relationships.
January 7, 2020
Relationships - the most vulnerable yet an important part of our lives since time immemorial. They mean different things to different people. With changing times, relationships have evolved and they have also gone down the drain for many people, especially when it comes to marriage!
This book talks about relationships, marriages in particular. What if you want to give up on the marriage? What if you can swap the person you're in relationship with? Read the book..
With a strong narrative and equally strong characters, this book is for people who are not judgemental & are open to relating with the feelings of the characters involved in the story. The writing style is quite impressive & the story kept me hooked. It covers bold & debatable topics which stay in the mind for long. Would definitely recommend it to people who are into romance & relationship genre. I'd rate this ones a 4.2/5*
This book talks about relationships, marriages in particular. What if you want to give up on the marriage? What if you can swap the person you're in relationship with? Read the book..
With a strong narrative and equally strong characters, this book is for people who are not judgemental & are open to relating with the feelings of the characters involved in the story. The writing style is quite impressive & the story kept me hooked. It covers bold & debatable topics which stay in the mind for long. Would definitely recommend it to people who are into romance & relationship genre. I'd rate this ones a 4.2/5*
January 10, 2020
Lately I have read quite a few articles on couples swapping on the internet and in magazines. When I came across this book and read the blurb, I definitely was interested in reading this book.
This is a story about a modern couple, Priya and Akash. They have been married for six years. Priya gets into an extra marital affair with Akash's friend, Dileep. The couple also attends a swing party in order to " spice up their relationship". On the other hand, Dileep's wife comes to know about Priya and Dileep. In order to teach her husband a lesson,she starts an affair with Akash. When the truth unfolds, the two couples agree for a couple Swap!
While reading the book, a lot of questions came to my mind. Is it ethical ? How can you let yourself or your partner do something like this?
But did I get bored while reading? No, not at all. The writing style of the author is very crisp. The story is interesting and make la you want to know what will happen next. Overall an interesting read.
This is a story about a modern couple, Priya and Akash. They have been married for six years. Priya gets into an extra marital affair with Akash's friend, Dileep. The couple also attends a swing party in order to " spice up their relationship". On the other hand, Dileep's wife comes to know about Priya and Dileep. In order to teach her husband a lesson,she starts an affair with Akash. When the truth unfolds, the two couples agree for a couple Swap!
While reading the book, a lot of questions came to my mind. Is it ethical ? How can you let yourself or your partner do something like this?
But did I get bored while reading? No, not at all. The writing style of the author is very crisp. The story is interesting and make la you want to know what will happen next. Overall an interesting read.
June 22, 2023
Beautifull written with every minor details to set the scenario by the author ,The story starts with a typical scenes but It makes you read high up like a roller coster ride, as the new reader I found the the main course of the story was every time at the end of the chapter the last two lines which reader can experience right from the first Chapter , Akash and Priya plays a typical office working guys but something is missing in their cooled down bed Temperature ,to make it rise one takes a step as a choice but do not accepts the reality of being what the character think itself . The story has a beautiful unexpected ending which will make you think why so but at the end everything happens for a reason , Thank You #ShumaRaha for making us aware of this human psychological side
December 29, 2019
The Swap!
This story revolves around a couple Priya and Akash who once upon a time were madly in love with each other. As time passed, the kind of intimacy in their relationship changed. The wife had a fling with one of their common friend.
With sudden announcement of couple swap & swing, brings in a new excitement between their friend circle. Suddenly Akash and Priya decides to step in.
Read further, to see the fun, excitement, intimacy and unravelling of truth.
Writing style is pretty good. The cover and title is pretty good. Overall it was a good read for me.
This story revolves around a couple Priya and Akash who once upon a time were madly in love with each other. As time passed, the kind of intimacy in their relationship changed. The wife had a fling with one of their common friend.
With sudden announcement of couple swap & swing, brings in a new excitement between their friend circle. Suddenly Akash and Priya decides to step in.
Read further, to see the fun, excitement, intimacy and unravelling of truth.
Writing style is pretty good. The cover and title is pretty good. Overall it was a good read for me.
July 24, 2020
first of all, the language is very good for a casual fiction! the storyline is obviously bold, but it fits my philosophy of ‘if it’s fiction after all, swing it!’
the book is not a mere taboo excitement thing, it does try to stir some complex emotions before the ending hits! just when you think it’s headed for a showdown the closing feels like an abrupt one like almost an afterthought! I personally feel more imagination should have been put to bring it to a better end.
PS: definitely recommend it though!
the book is not a mere taboo excitement thing, it does try to stir some complex emotions before the ending hits! just when you think it’s headed for a showdown the closing feels like an abrupt one like almost an afterthought! I personally feel more imagination should have been put to bring it to a better end.
PS: definitely recommend it though!
July 26, 2025
A very good story telling, can't really say that this is the author's first book. the story was very interesting, had it's twists and turns and character detailing was spot on for the context of the story. I somehow felt that the book could have knotted a few open ends, perhaps there's a sequel to this.
This is a taboo topic and the author handles this very delicately, while there's no outright scene depiction, it's a book for the adults. the story also reveals the complexity of such a relationship and it's multi layered consequences. The focus on many facets of this topic is a win for me.
This is a taboo topic and the author handles this very delicately, while there's no outright scene depiction, it's a book for the adults. the story also reveals the complexity of such a relationship and it's multi layered consequences. The focus on many facets of this topic is a win for me.
December 29, 2019
A Cut Above!
Having seen this book cover across various social media platforms, there was a sense of curiosity which only increased on reading the blurb. Couple-swapping? Seriously? While this topic can evoke a sense of unlikeable wonder on the truth of it, there was never a dull moment while reading this awesomely superb debut! Must read, you just can't put it down from the word Go! Must must read..
Having seen this book cover across various social media platforms, there was a sense of curiosity which only increased on reading the blurb. Couple-swapping? Seriously? While this topic can evoke a sense of unlikeable wonder on the truth of it, there was never a dull moment while reading this awesomely superb debut! Must read, you just can't put it down from the word Go! Must must read..
January 5, 2020
With 'The Swap', Shuma tries to limelight the concept of couple swapping that is gaining popularity as a means to get out of the so called marriage boredom and associated mindset among couples. The author's command over the language and spicy narrative makes the book an un-put-downable read. The protagonist's dilemma, state of mind and emotions with respect to couple swapping is very well described in the book. A short one day read, but asks for some sense of maturity to understand it.
January 20, 2020
A bold topic handled very well. Shuma Raha is a fabulous writer and a keen observer of people. Loved reading her debut novel!
January 23, 2020
A racy read on a racy subject. That's it. That's the review!
January 30, 2020
This was really exciting
February 6, 2020
Wonderful book... I couldn't keep it down and read it in one go... Good story, well written without unnecessary details.. The ending was so satisfying..
August 30, 2020
Not so gripping story..... and not able to create a good climax ..I m not happy with the plot too
September 5, 2020
Just one word pathetic. No substance. Don’t waste your time.
December 18, 2020
Ok read. Interesting ending.
October 23, 2025
dnf'ed at chapter 19
February 18, 2020
Every once in a while, there comes a book that poses a unique question about the morals we’ve been raised with. Shuma Raha’s debut novel The Swap is of that variety.
Set in present-day (almost) Delhi, the novel follows the life of journalist Priya Bakshi, married for six years at the time of the novel’s events. Happily, or so it seems in the initial few pages until we get to the spoiler revealed in the blurb – she’s having an affair.
Subsequently, it comes to the fore that one couple among Priya and her husband Akash’s circle of friends participates in something commonly referred to as “swinging” or “swapping” (If you are beyond a certain age, Google the term. If not, how did you find my blog?).
The biggest plus point in The Swap is how Raha doesn’t sanitise Priya. For a change, her infidelity is shown as a choice not made out of vindictiveness, but out of putting her own needs at the top. She is a flawed character in more ways than one, which is what makes the book so enjoyable.
I also liked how Raha didn’t use either sex or the lifestyle of swinging as titillation. She uses the latter as a pivot for the plot, and how it kicks off a whole series of events in Priya’s life, but nowhere does it feel sleazy or disgusting, which it could easily have become.
The novel isn’t without problems, of course (I’ve only read two of over three hundred which I’d call flawless – All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque and The Spy Who Came In From The Cold by John le Carré): I groaned at one very important turn of events and was glad when they came to an end, and I also found the climax a little removed from the subtlety of the rest of the novel.
The Swap holds up despite its tumbles and does so rather well. It serves as a provoking, sharp look into the realities of urban, upper-MIG India, and of how much pre-existing moralities shape our lives.
More at Varun Oak-Bhakay's Writer's Block
Set in present-day (almost) Delhi, the novel follows the life of journalist Priya Bakshi, married for six years at the time of the novel’s events. Happily, or so it seems in the initial few pages until we get to the spoiler revealed in the blurb – she’s having an affair.
Subsequently, it comes to the fore that one couple among Priya and her husband Akash’s circle of friends participates in something commonly referred to as “swinging” or “swapping” (If you are beyond a certain age, Google the term. If not, how did you find my blog?).
The biggest plus point in The Swap is how Raha doesn’t sanitise Priya. For a change, her infidelity is shown as a choice not made out of vindictiveness, but out of putting her own needs at the top. She is a flawed character in more ways than one, which is what makes the book so enjoyable.
I also liked how Raha didn’t use either sex or the lifestyle of swinging as titillation. She uses the latter as a pivot for the plot, and how it kicks off a whole series of events in Priya’s life, but nowhere does it feel sleazy or disgusting, which it could easily have become.
The novel isn’t without problems, of course (I’ve only read two of over three hundred which I’d call flawless – All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque and The Spy Who Came In From The Cold by John le Carré): I groaned at one very important turn of events and was glad when they came to an end, and I also found the climax a little removed from the subtlety of the rest of the novel.
The Swap holds up despite its tumbles and does so rather well. It serves as a provoking, sharp look into the realities of urban, upper-MIG India, and of how much pre-existing moralities shape our lives.
More at Varun Oak-Bhakay's Writer's Block
March 29, 2020
The story is quite clichéd and overly dramatic to say the least. It could well be an Ekta Kapoor show with an added tadka of drama and sex, where just one dimension of four people entwined in a polyamorous relationship is portrayed. And thats sex and lust.
You can give it a pass.
You can give it a pass.
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