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Paper Moon
BOOKS. BOMBAY. ROMANCE. When her estranged father passes away, Fiza, fresh out of college, discovers that he has left her a tidy sum in the hope that she will open a bookshop... Overnight, Fiza's placid life is thrown into a whirl of decor decisions and book-buying sprees, unconventional staff and colourful patrons, small pleasures and little heartbreaks, as the store - Paper Moon - begins to take shape in a charming, old Bandra mansion. To top it all, she is being wooed by Iqbal, a mysterious customer who frequents the shop, and Dhruv, her ex-boyfriend, her feelings for whom are still confused. Can Fiza take charge of her life, reconcile with the past, and reach for everything that is hers?
312 pages, Paperback
Published September 22, 2020
25 people are currently reading
950 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews
January 13, 2020
Not-so-secretly, I want to be like Fiza Khalid and own a bookstore in Bandra and take long, moonlit walks along Carter Road. I want to climb inside this fictional universe and live there.
January 27, 2020
This is a charming story about love, family, loss, books and Bombay. As also about hope and growth and the complexities of relationships…
Set in Bombay's quaint Bandra West suburb, this book is very contemporary and easy to relate to, and was especially nostalgic for me. I could picture exactly where Paper Moon was, and literally moved around with Fiza through Bandra's iconic Hill and Chapel Roads, Bandstand, Totos, the restaurants and bakeries, the churches, the shops, everything!
I enjoyed the writing style; it brought through Fiza’s unique voice very clearly. The language is simple but not slight, and the reading is effortless. While I made quick progress, I also had a feeling of being un-hurried. There was something very placid about the narrative, which was nice!
The book is also very atmospheric, I was able to visualise Fiza's house, the book store and the other spaces we travel to; smell the food, taste those pork sausages and hear the crunchy fried onions. Can totally tell that the writer is a foodie :)
If you’re looking for something that isn’t intense but comes with a story that will make you think and feel for the characters, then this is a good one to pick up - perfect for a plane ride or a weekend getaway. The plot line is also completely different from anything I’ve ever read before, and I enjoyed delving into the story and the many threads of its characters’ lives.
Set in Bombay's quaint Bandra West suburb, this book is very contemporary and easy to relate to, and was especially nostalgic for me. I could picture exactly where Paper Moon was, and literally moved around with Fiza through Bandra's iconic Hill and Chapel Roads, Bandstand, Totos, the restaurants and bakeries, the churches, the shops, everything!
I enjoyed the writing style; it brought through Fiza’s unique voice very clearly. The language is simple but not slight, and the reading is effortless. While I made quick progress, I also had a feeling of being un-hurried. There was something very placid about the narrative, which was nice!
The book is also very atmospheric, I was able to visualise Fiza's house, the book store and the other spaces we travel to; smell the food, taste those pork sausages and hear the crunchy fried onions. Can totally tell that the writer is a foodie :)
If you’re looking for something that isn’t intense but comes with a story that will make you think and feel for the characters, then this is a good one to pick up - perfect for a plane ride or a weekend getaway. The plot line is also completely different from anything I’ve ever read before, and I enjoyed delving into the story and the many threads of its characters’ lives.
April 17, 2021
A book that started out well but soon lost its charms!
May 8, 2021
‘‘Nothing. Something. Everything. We woke up one day –on different days.- and realized we’re each other’s past. ’’
There are books that you don’t like to end, the kind of books that are so simple that it gives you a sense of peace reading them. ‘Paper Moon’ is one such warm read. A book, I won’t forget. The magic of the words hit differently. A pleasure and a reader’s delight. Munir executes fineness. She narrates the situation with details that made me in awe of her writing. I haven’t really read Jhumpa Lahiri’s work, but whatever I gained through her brilliant works, I won’t be wrong if I compared Munir’s writings with the living literary legend.
The details precisely show the real scenario of books and bookshop. The characters are represented in wonders. These characters spark a new real meaning to the book. Fiza’s story has a lot of excitement and experience from her life.
‘PaperMoon’, is in parts inspired by the author’s personal life experience. Perhaps, this adds wholesomeness and unconditional warmth to the book. ‘PaperMoon’ is like an endless journey on the road, where you get to see and acknowledge different people, their perspectives. Munir’s fluidity and simplicity steals the show. It vibes for a perfect 90s feel good- books, romance, Jazz music, references about classics and Bombay posh vibrancy that would really urge you to explore the city through these blessed pages.
There’s a restlessness and subtle attachment you get when you’re with this book. This book is a grounded stunner. Fiza’s journey is a beautiful transition- from handling disturbed family relationships maturely to becoming an owner of a bookshop from scratch, this protagonist has won my heart with her independent, charming personality.
At these uncertain and worrisome times, ‘PaperMoon’ comes to a rescue to take us back to the 2000s and flood with happy feelings. Munir is highly successful in what she wanted to portray with this proud creation. This book is an art of sheer brilliance and honest dedication.
There are books that you don’t like to end, the kind of books that are so simple that it gives you a sense of peace reading them. ‘Paper Moon’ is one such warm read. A book, I won’t forget. The magic of the words hit differently. A pleasure and a reader’s delight. Munir executes fineness. She narrates the situation with details that made me in awe of her writing. I haven’t really read Jhumpa Lahiri’s work, but whatever I gained through her brilliant works, I won’t be wrong if I compared Munir’s writings with the living literary legend.
The details precisely show the real scenario of books and bookshop. The characters are represented in wonders. These characters spark a new real meaning to the book. Fiza’s story has a lot of excitement and experience from her life.
‘PaperMoon’, is in parts inspired by the author’s personal life experience. Perhaps, this adds wholesomeness and unconditional warmth to the book. ‘PaperMoon’ is like an endless journey on the road, where you get to see and acknowledge different people, their perspectives. Munir’s fluidity and simplicity steals the show. It vibes for a perfect 90s feel good- books, romance, Jazz music, references about classics and Bombay posh vibrancy that would really urge you to explore the city through these blessed pages.
There’s a restlessness and subtle attachment you get when you’re with this book. This book is a grounded stunner. Fiza’s journey is a beautiful transition- from handling disturbed family relationships maturely to becoming an owner of a bookshop from scratch, this protagonist has won my heart with her independent, charming personality.
At these uncertain and worrisome times, ‘PaperMoon’ comes to a rescue to take us back to the 2000s and flood with happy feelings. Munir is highly successful in what she wanted to portray with this proud creation. This book is an art of sheer brilliance and honest dedication.
September 4, 2021
A contemporary story about opening a bookstore that's also a love-letter to the city of Bombay. Add to that some light romance, family issues, a dash of pop-culture refs, lots of name-dropping Indian food (which constantly makes you drool) and you get this beautiful novel called Paper Moon.
It's not a very exciting or emotional read despite it having all the ingredients for a hard-hitting story, but I think that's one of the reasons why I liked it. The overall casual-ness of it. (Is that a word?)
It reminds me of when you're sitting at some high-up point on a hill station; enjoying a good view with a cool breeze blowing across your face. Or lounging in a cozy corner of your room facing the window, sipping a cup of tea while you see and smell the rain lashing down outside. Serene. Calm. That's what reading Paper Moon is like. It's a very relaxing experience.
If you ask me, this is the perfect book to take when going on a vacation. Just don't ever read it on an empty stomach, trust me. Also, look at that cover!!! It's absolutely gorgeous and i'm not getting over it anytime soon.
(4 happy stars)
It's not a very exciting or emotional read despite it having all the ingredients for a hard-hitting story, but I think that's one of the reasons why I liked it. The overall casual-ness of it. (Is that a word?)
It reminds me of when you're sitting at some high-up point on a hill station; enjoying a good view with a cool breeze blowing across your face. Or lounging in a cozy corner of your room facing the window, sipping a cup of tea while you see and smell the rain lashing down outside. Serene. Calm. That's what reading Paper Moon is like. It's a very relaxing experience.
If you ask me, this is the perfect book to take when going on a vacation. Just don't ever read it on an empty stomach, trust me. Also, look at that cover!!! It's absolutely gorgeous and i'm not getting over it anytime soon.
(4 happy stars)
August 10, 2020
I had to dnf this book after dragging somehow till the 70% mark on my Kindle. I had opened this hoping to find a book about books and bookstore. Instead, this was a too much like bollywood romance where the bookshop was just a prop. I mean, the bookshop could have been easily swapped with the florist next to it and not much would have changes. It is all too filmy and i don't care two hoots for any character. The plot was like a film and honestly, i would have preferred to watch a romcom than read this. Perhaps it also didn't help that i am not into romance books and this book was a cause of mistaken expectations as i had hoped a book about a bookstore and its people. My best novel about books remains The Librarian by Kavitha Rao.
August 22, 2020
A book that talks about a Bookshop set in the heart of Bombay. Now, that’s a first! The read is as charming as is the book illustration and its title, Paper Moon.
I loved reading about Fiza and her journey of setting the bookshop, and the little things that have been captured in the book. Sometimes it felt like I could read and gauge what's on the author's mind from the pages. Something felt off about the protagonist's relationship with others, that the emotions were repressed and fast-forwarded.
The open ending may be uncharacteristic but I liked how real and raw it was. Otherwise, a great debut!
I would like to thank @harpercollinsin for sending me a copy of the book.
I loved reading about Fiza and her journey of setting the bookshop, and the little things that have been captured in the book. Sometimes it felt like I could read and gauge what's on the author's mind from the pages. Something felt off about the protagonist's relationship with others, that the emotions were repressed and fast-forwarded.
The open ending may be uncharacteristic but I liked how real and raw it was. Otherwise, a great debut!
I would like to thank @harpercollinsin for sending me a copy of the book.
March 24, 2020
Paper Moon is a beautifully crafted story about books, love, wandering into unexpected things and the nooks and crannies of families that are often unspoken about. I read this one on the recommendation of a dear friend's blog 'Words and Worlds' during a really strange and uncertain time and I'm so grateful as it pulled me out of a reading slump. Words flow into each other when Rehana Munir takes you through Fiza's life and soon enough, you're invested in everything that's happening to and around her.
Almost every book lover has fantasised about creating a bookstore, a space where lovers of words sit in their own nooks, yet are bonded by the fragrance of pages - old and new alike. So it's an understatement to say that Rehana Munir left me wondering what it would be like to walk into Fiza's world. However, what I also loved, apart from all the book magic and wandering dreams was the way intricacies and complications of families were dealt with. It was refreshing to see the writer navigated it while creating spaces for newer definitions of families in the process, ones that may have become a lot more familiar to many of us over the last decade. Another favourite is the way the story creates spaces for greys to exist amidst all the black and whites of our daily lives. In books it's often easier to lean towards definites and certainties so it was pleasantly surprising to see the way Rehana Munir not only created a space for the grey, but also crafted characters that found ways to navigate it.
If you're a book lover, you'll love this one. If not, you'll probably still love it because it's wonderfully written and imagined.
Almost every book lover has fantasised about creating a bookstore, a space where lovers of words sit in their own nooks, yet are bonded by the fragrance of pages - old and new alike. So it's an understatement to say that Rehana Munir left me wondering what it would be like to walk into Fiza's world. However, what I also loved, apart from all the book magic and wandering dreams was the way intricacies and complications of families were dealt with. It was refreshing to see the writer navigated it while creating spaces for newer definitions of families in the process, ones that may have become a lot more familiar to many of us over the last decade. Another favourite is the way the story creates spaces for greys to exist amidst all the black and whites of our daily lives. In books it's often easier to lean towards definites and certainties so it was pleasantly surprising to see the way Rehana Munir not only created a space for the grey, but also crafted characters that found ways to navigate it.
If you're a book lover, you'll love this one. If not, you'll probably still love it because it's wonderfully written and imagined.
September 28, 2022
Paper Moon is probably the literary dream of every reader. A bookshop. This is exactly the book you go to when you need a break from the heavier reads.
Fiza's transformation felt liberating.From being a clueless graduate to becoming a literary proprietress ; Dealing with her complicated family history and making peace with it...Her journey through it all was stunning. Quite the dream. I loved every part about the bookshop-the renting, the setting up, appointing employees, opening a cafe, conducting exhibitions, including a home delivery option. That part felt too dreamy to be real. I also adored the relationships she had with her employees which sets a good example for any entrepreneur. The London part was also really well imagined.
I hated the usage of hindi dialogues and words without the courtesy of translating them beside. I don't know where this assumption that, every single person that could read English could also read hindi, come from.
Fiza's transformation felt liberating.From being a clueless graduate to becoming a literary proprietress ; Dealing with her complicated family history and making peace with it...Her journey through it all was stunning. Quite the dream. I loved every part about the bookshop-the renting, the setting up, appointing employees, opening a cafe, conducting exhibitions, including a home delivery option. That part felt too dreamy to be real. I also adored the relationships she had with her employees which sets a good example for any entrepreneur. The London part was also really well imagined.
I hated the usage of hindi dialogues and words without the courtesy of translating them beside. I don't know where this assumption that, every single person that could read English could also read hindi, come from.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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December 27, 2021this book read like a love letter to bombay and i am all for it ✨
March 4, 2021
lovely, breezy, perfect for a book lover. really enjoyed it
3.5 stars
3.5 stars
June 19, 2020
You know there are books that you don't want to finish because they are so beautiful? That's exactly what 'Paper Moon' was for me. It's that one feel good book that I'll be returning to again and again. Initially it felt like reading Murakami, then it escalated to the feeling of reading Ruskin Bond and finally it felt like reading a mix of it all and a lot more. That's Rehana Munir's magic. I clearly am in the awe of what I have read. The little details when she goes to pick up books for the bookstore, the subtle hints at important topics such as religious taboos, riots, class difference, faith and more and the beautifully woven characters makes the book very real and as the author says "A lot of Fiza's initial excitement and bewilderment at running a bookshop comes from my own experience." Not just Fiza but every character seems very real. ♥️
.
.
'Paper Moon' is somewhat inspired by the author's own experiences and that makes the book beautiful. What adds to that is the simplicity and fresh breath of air in her writing. Adrak Chai, Jazz, Old Monk, books, romance (the unconventional kind), Bombay and references to classics are add ons. Frances, a character which is modelled on the author's own professor, Eunice De Souza reminded me of my favorite professors from graduate and post graduate years. Being a literature student, I related to her so much more. 🍁
.
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Rehana Munir's baby (it really felt that kind of care has been given) striked a chord with me. It's a book that will stay with me for a very long time and I will return to it. You know this book gave me a vague idea that maybe I too should can open up a bookstore. Weird, right? But it did. I think what Munir set out to achieve with this one, she has. I wish we get to read more of such books and she decides to showcase her brilliance more in the coming years. 💕
.
.
'Paper Moon' is somewhat inspired by the author's own experiences and that makes the book beautiful. What adds to that is the simplicity and fresh breath of air in her writing. Adrak Chai, Jazz, Old Monk, books, romance (the unconventional kind), Bombay and references to classics are add ons. Frances, a character which is modelled on the author's own professor, Eunice De Souza reminded me of my favorite professors from graduate and post graduate years. Being a literature student, I related to her so much more. 🍁
.
.
Rehana Munir's baby (it really felt that kind of care has been given) striked a chord with me. It's a book that will stay with me for a very long time and I will return to it. You know this book gave me a vague idea that maybe I too should can open up a bookstore. Weird, right? But it did. I think what Munir set out to achieve with this one, she has. I wish we get to read more of such books and she decides to showcase her brilliance more in the coming years. 💕
March 19, 2021
I read this in a day and it's quite breezy and light, relatable if you are a fan of city fiction/Bombay in general.
It was a pretty easy read but I could not sympathize with the the protagonist at all. Everything just seemed to be really convenient, opportunities falling into her lap, and her biggest problem seemed to be choosing between several good things happening all at once. Also she is difficult to relate with because her life is dripping in privilege and I didn't see the point of trying to turn those things into struggles.
While I don't demean anybody's personal trauma or lived experience, I personally thought that the story could have used some real conflict rather than just being one conveniently solved first-world problem after another. The romance angles seemed really filmy and unrealistic and after a point the story stops being about books altogether, we are just in Fiza's mildly messy fairytale of a life.
I recommend this if you're looking for a fun, feel-good read to pass the time but I don't think you can expect any character development or layered plotline.
It was a pretty easy read but I could not sympathize with the the protagonist at all. Everything just seemed to be really convenient, opportunities falling into her lap, and her biggest problem seemed to be choosing between several good things happening all at once. Also she is difficult to relate with because her life is dripping in privilege and I didn't see the point of trying to turn those things into struggles.
While I don't demean anybody's personal trauma or lived experience, I personally thought that the story could have used some real conflict rather than just being one conveniently solved first-world problem after another. The romance angles seemed really filmy and unrealistic and after a point the story stops being about books altogether, we are just in Fiza's mildly messy fairytale of a life.
I recommend this if you're looking for a fun, feel-good read to pass the time but I don't think you can expect any character development or layered plotline.
February 5, 2020
Honestly I picked up this book very suddenly just by looking for some interesting name ..but while I was reading the story amazed me ..just wow!! It has some similarities with me ..and the overall storyline is quite poignant & I loved the authors narrative power she indeed did a great work in her first work ..I loved the book ..& now came to story its the story of Fiza a mesmerising girl and how he single handedly made her father's dream true what her father willed to her she take care of it ..
August 27, 2020
Entrepreneurial, romantic, optimistic and feminist.
‘Paper Moon’ penned down by the debutant novelist Rehana Munir, is a wonderful representation of her love for Bombay, her bookstore and literature.
The year is 2001 and Fiza Khalid, a student of English Literature and is currently pursuing MA in the depressing Kalina campus of Bombay University.
Fiza is a Bandra girl and lives with her mother, a single parent, an ex-Jazz Artist and now and RJ.
One day, she gets an unexpected call that changes her life forever. Her estranged father who abandoned them a few months after her birth, is dead, and he’s left her an inheritance and a dream to fulfil, to set up a bookstore.
The story follows her for the next couple of years as she embarks on an entrepreneurial journey of setting up the bookstore while dealing with personal dilemmas in her family and love life.
The romantic angles to the story provided through Dhruv, her ex and Iqbal, a charming mysterious artist for whom she yearns, are warm undertones to the otherwise fast paced story.
I like the realistic portrayal of all the hurdles she faces while operating the store, and deals with unexpected surprises from her estranged fathers past.
The book shows her transition from a clueless student into a strong independent woman, living the full potential of her life.
The book takes you on a magical journey in Mumbai, London and even Scotland!
The story is very grounded yet has fairy tale touch to it.
I won’t divulge more of the story because this book is a total page turner and if I delve into any more details, I might giveaway spoilers!
Also, I totally wish I could go along with Fiza to the book warehouses, where she first goes to handpick books for her bookstore! Omg! I could literally smell the pages and ink and I had butterflies in my stomach!
Also, to all the people who have already read and loved this book, are you Team Dhruv or Team Iqbal?
Pick this book up if you’re looking for a fast paced book with a strong female protagonist, this is the book for you!
Also, this book is every readers and romantics paradise, make sure you pick it up!
December 16, 2019
As a book loving, Bandra living, Bombay lover with one heart always in London and a head full of romance, I feel Paper Moon is something I manifested from somewhere deep inside of me. But I deeply suspect that Rehana Munir’s ease of writing is what makes Paper Moon the wistful cloud carpet ride it is. ;) She could probably write a sci-fi adventure set in Mars next and I am sure I will feel a deep connection to every character and every craggy shadow.
Can’t wait for more from the author. And for more about Noor who has moved into my head in a cigarette haze of Jazz.
Can’t wait for more from the author. And for more about Noor who has moved into my head in a cigarette haze of Jazz.
February 5, 2020
Dear Rehana Munir, I was pleased to go through your great and beautiful novel "PAPER MOON". Simple English and wonderful descriptions of Bombay and London.
I have gone through the works of Chetan Bhagat and Salman Rusdie. But your writing is much more real and charmng. Congratulations and looking forward to your new arrivals.
Affectionately,
P C BANSAL, Advocate
Aged 82 years
M : 98110 85956
New Delhi
I have gone through the works of Chetan Bhagat and Salman Rusdie. But your writing is much more real and charmng. Congratulations and looking forward to your new arrivals.
Affectionately,
P C BANSAL, Advocate
Aged 82 years
M : 98110 85956
New Delhi
July 30, 2021
I have so many problems with this book. But out of kindness for this being a debut novel, I will refrain from outpouring a rant here.
December 11, 2022
The book is an ode to Mumbai and every reader's dream come true. It's surreal when it starts, building a premise of very interesting and complex storyline, but the protagonist, Fiza, fails to connect with the reader.
I'm not rooting for her, beitheam I rooting for any character. The plot starts out interesting and dreamy, but soon is just one step on a ladder after another that can be easily climbed without any effort/struggle from Fiza.
It lacks emotional depth to build on problems that would make the book rich. This also lead to not feeling any connection to whatever was happening in the story. The reader was just a passer-by just here to glimpse into someone's life instead of actually being a part of it (something that makes me enjoy the books I read).
The character arc did not show any progress and the conflict resolution was too easy to be believable.
Give it a read if you're extremely nostalgic about 2000's Bombay, but you can skip this one if you're looking for something more.
I'm not rooting for her, beitheam I rooting for any character. The plot starts out interesting and dreamy, but soon is just one step on a ladder after another that can be easily climbed without any effort/struggle from Fiza.
It lacks emotional depth to build on problems that would make the book rich. This also lead to not feeling any connection to whatever was happening in the story. The reader was just a passer-by just here to glimpse into someone's life instead of actually being a part of it (something that makes me enjoy the books I read).
The character arc did not show any progress and the conflict resolution was too easy to be believable.
Give it a read if you're extremely nostalgic about 2000's Bombay, but you can skip this one if you're looking for something more.
January 15, 2020
In the penultimate chapters of this breezy read, Fiza Khalid, our protagonist, stumbles upon a commemorative quote by her favorite author Muriel Spark in the quaint streets of Edinburgh. She remarks, referring to ‘The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie’—"I was blown away. Creating such worlds with such…economy.”
Much like Fiza, the reader feels “blown away” by debut novelist Rehana Munir’s penchant for transforming the mundane into the extraordinary while exercising admirable restraint and ease. Set in 1990s Bombay, this book takes us through the bylanes of the city, revealing hidden gastronomic delights and dreaming hearts at every street corner—it is readily apparent that it is not a fantasy but a lived-in reality for the author. The vibrance of Bombay takes over in almost every chapter while the horrors of the Gujrat riots and the World Trade Center bombing seem distant yet palpable realities.
In the era of ubiquitous tumult and earnest ambitions, our freshly graduated protagonist finds that a substantial inheritance has been bequeathed to her by her estranged father for the express purpose of opening a bookshop in Bombay. Initially hesitant, the protagonist adjusts to the entrepreneurial twist of fate rather seamlessly. The chapters where Fiza meets the book distributors, decorates the bookshop, interacts with customers, expands her business and, yes, even acknowledges the importance of Excel sheets are the moments when the book comes to life for me. The level-headedness and empathy that Fiza personifies while setting up her bookshop are endearing in the least and heartwarming at the best.
The promising premise soon turns into a battleground where Dhruv, the dependable ex, and Iqbal, the mysterious suitor with a conflicted past of his own, must wage war to decide the fate of Fiza’s heart. Both romantic relationships—with Dhruv and Iqbal—go through ebbs and flows; the unsustained pace of the romance might have failed to keep me invested in a lesser novel, but the author showcases how romantic love does not have to be the center to a modern woman’s universe but can rather be minor glitches in her success story. Credit where credit’s due, the prose flows beautifully, elegantly even. I enjoyed how the interfaith relationships were depicted matter-of-factly without a hullabaloo being raised over it and the portrayal of the mother–daughter dynamic, which is real and heartfelt in its messiness.
Blanche in ‘A Streetcar named Desire’ (a love ballad in which inspired the title of this book) says, “Don’t you love those long rainy afternoons in New Orleans when an hour isn’t just an hour—but a piece of eternity dropped into your hands—and who knows what to do with it.” In the end, this is the feeling that ‘Paper Moon’ leaves you with—nostalgia interspersed with longing for a dream yet unachieved and a song just within your imagination’s reach.
Much like Fiza, the reader feels “blown away” by debut novelist Rehana Munir’s penchant for transforming the mundane into the extraordinary while exercising admirable restraint and ease. Set in 1990s Bombay, this book takes us through the bylanes of the city, revealing hidden gastronomic delights and dreaming hearts at every street corner—it is readily apparent that it is not a fantasy but a lived-in reality for the author. The vibrance of Bombay takes over in almost every chapter while the horrors of the Gujrat riots and the World Trade Center bombing seem distant yet palpable realities.
In the era of ubiquitous tumult and earnest ambitions, our freshly graduated protagonist finds that a substantial inheritance has been bequeathed to her by her estranged father for the express purpose of opening a bookshop in Bombay. Initially hesitant, the protagonist adjusts to the entrepreneurial twist of fate rather seamlessly. The chapters where Fiza meets the book distributors, decorates the bookshop, interacts with customers, expands her business and, yes, even acknowledges the importance of Excel sheets are the moments when the book comes to life for me. The level-headedness and empathy that Fiza personifies while setting up her bookshop are endearing in the least and heartwarming at the best.
The promising premise soon turns into a battleground where Dhruv, the dependable ex, and Iqbal, the mysterious suitor with a conflicted past of his own, must wage war to decide the fate of Fiza’s heart. Both romantic relationships—with Dhruv and Iqbal—go through ebbs and flows; the unsustained pace of the romance might have failed to keep me invested in a lesser novel, but the author showcases how romantic love does not have to be the center to a modern woman’s universe but can rather be minor glitches in her success story. Credit where credit’s due, the prose flows beautifully, elegantly even. I enjoyed how the interfaith relationships were depicted matter-of-factly without a hullabaloo being raised over it and the portrayal of the mother–daughter dynamic, which is real and heartfelt in its messiness.
Blanche in ‘A Streetcar named Desire’ (a love ballad in which inspired the title of this book) says, “Don’t you love those long rainy afternoons in New Orleans when an hour isn’t just an hour—but a piece of eternity dropped into your hands—and who knows what to do with it.” In the end, this is the feeling that ‘Paper Moon’ leaves you with—nostalgia interspersed with longing for a dream yet unachieved and a song just within your imagination’s reach.
December 15, 2020
2.5
The concept and the basic storyboard was really promising, and I was anticipating a nice comfy read. However, I did not like most (or any, perhaps?) of the other aspects of the novel apart from the concept. I did not find the execution to be particularly good, the book couldn't decide it's voice at places - the third person voice focused on Fiza and her thoughts and emotions were jarringly interspersed with direct observations on what the other characters were feeling.
It just read extremely blandly, the book didn't excite me the way I would've thought a book about a recently-graduated woman opening her own bookstore would. And I suspect there was a loose end about Armaan Khan that wasn't tied up?
All in all, I think if a good romcom director picks this for an adaptation, the movie will turn out infinitely better than the book is.
The cover art is amazing, though, and the ending was a pleasant surprise which I can totally get behind.
The concept and the basic storyboard was really promising, and I was anticipating a nice comfy read. However, I did not like most (or any, perhaps?) of the other aspects of the novel apart from the concept. I did not find the execution to be particularly good, the book couldn't decide it's voice at places - the third person voice focused on Fiza and her thoughts and emotions were jarringly interspersed with direct observations on what the other characters were feeling.
It just read extremely blandly, the book didn't excite me the way I would've thought a book about a recently-graduated woman opening her own bookstore would. And I suspect there was a loose end about Armaan Khan that wasn't tied up?
All in all, I think if a good romcom director picks this for an adaptation, the movie will turn out infinitely better than the book is.
The cover art is amazing, though, and the ending was a pleasant surprise which I can totally get behind.
March 25, 2022
After reading serious fiction and non-fiction books back to back, I have almost forgotten that how reading is also comforting, pleasurable and enjoyable.
Paper Moon by Rehana Munir, is just the kind of book you need to curl up in bed, not exactly in an escapist mode but definitely in an indulgent manner. This is far from the clichéd romances.
It is filled with quaint charm and sweet nostalgia, reeking of a coming-of-age story about figuring out life, finding your own voice and mending the ways of world to your side.
There is such beauty in its effortless writing that just do not want to attempt at establishing anything bigger than what it promises which is Bombay, Books and Romance. All at its best.
I have been reluctant to accept the beauty of the sprawling and stunning city that Bombay is. But this book makes me wanna befriend it, if not fall in love with it altogether.
Paper Moon by Rehana Munir, is just the kind of book you need to curl up in bed, not exactly in an escapist mode but definitely in an indulgent manner. This is far from the clichéd romances.
It is filled with quaint charm and sweet nostalgia, reeking of a coming-of-age story about figuring out life, finding your own voice and mending the ways of world to your side.
There is such beauty in its effortless writing that just do not want to attempt at establishing anything bigger than what it promises which is Bombay, Books and Romance. All at its best.
I have been reluctant to accept the beauty of the sprawling and stunning city that Bombay is. But this book makes me wanna befriend it, if not fall in love with it altogether.
June 26, 2023
Not my regular genre. Thought it was kinda chicklit-y initially. It pleasantly turned out to be slightly deeper and then it finished possibly faster than I expected.
Enjoyed all the references to Bandra. I think if you're a Bbay person, you'll enjoy this light read.
Enjoyed all the references to Bandra. I think if you're a Bbay person, you'll enjoy this light read.
June 1, 2022
Some books make a special place in your heart. This was one of them for me. It felt like I was living my dream. Bookstore & London are my favourite
July 7, 2025
This was such a ponderous, burdensome book to plod through. But plod through it I did because I love books, I love bookshops and I love Bombay/Mumbai. With this, I hope I’ve paid off all my reading dues to these three loves.
So what went wrong?
Too much narration and not enough dialogue, for one. Whatever dialogue was there felt flippant, clever in insincere ways and left me cold - like ad taglines.
Then there was all the massive liberties being taken with the timelines. The 2000s had a lot of major things happening at distinct times. It is very jarring to have them all mashed together like 2001 is indistinguishable from 2007. Google did not exist in the same year as the 9/11 attacks. Texting cost a lot, had to be done on T9 keypads and read off 1 x 1.5 inch monochrome screens so mobilephones (because they were still being called that) were not our best friends in 2002. Chetan Bhagat didn’t spur a slew of Indian campus novels for the cheesy of taste till the late 2000s, a fact that I would expect an Indian bookseller to know.
Then there were the liberties taken with the Mumbaiker mindset. Very early on this book rubbed me the wrong way when it described Kalina University (which is how most Mumbaikers know it) as “a letdown, with dreary-government style buildings dotting an unkempt forest.” That’s the ugly, hyper-privileged viewpoint of someone who thinks this city should be gated at Worli and the filth beyond should be kept out. This seeps into every description of the city, including of Bandra thereafter. It won’t be visible to anyone who hasn’t lived through the history of this city but it jarred me at every turn.
It even showed up in the painfully boring chapters in London, the oohing and aahing over this gora land and its supposedly magnificent history lurking in every street (a dead giveaway of the kind of Indian who hates being Indian).
And then there were the characters, oh boy. The magical lower classes range from a student who steals (but only to buy her mother spectacles and she’ll pay it all back, promise) to the coconut seller who happily sleeps on the pavement and will give his life to the bookshop but not dare eat a meal with its owner. The two love interests are so alike in their entitlement and toxic masculinity that they might well be stand-ins for the barely concealed superstar from the neighborhood who reads art books and gets into driving accidents and dramatic breakups.
The main character Fiza herself is a bland, unlikeable foil for the caricatures around her (Miss Havisham style failed artist-jilted wife mom, annoyingly camp gay designer friend, gossipy aunty, magazine perfect frenemy friend).
I’m so exhausted at the end of this book. Mumbai, you do me cruel.
So what went wrong?
Too much narration and not enough dialogue, for one. Whatever dialogue was there felt flippant, clever in insincere ways and left me cold - like ad taglines.
Then there was all the massive liberties being taken with the timelines. The 2000s had a lot of major things happening at distinct times. It is very jarring to have them all mashed together like 2001 is indistinguishable from 2007. Google did not exist in the same year as the 9/11 attacks. Texting cost a lot, had to be done on T9 keypads and read off 1 x 1.5 inch monochrome screens so mobilephones (because they were still being called that) were not our best friends in 2002. Chetan Bhagat didn’t spur a slew of Indian campus novels for the cheesy of taste till the late 2000s, a fact that I would expect an Indian bookseller to know.
Then there were the liberties taken with the Mumbaiker mindset. Very early on this book rubbed me the wrong way when it described Kalina University (which is how most Mumbaikers know it) as “a letdown, with dreary-government style buildings dotting an unkempt forest.” That’s the ugly, hyper-privileged viewpoint of someone who thinks this city should be gated at Worli and the filth beyond should be kept out. This seeps into every description of the city, including of Bandra thereafter. It won’t be visible to anyone who hasn’t lived through the history of this city but it jarred me at every turn.
It even showed up in the painfully boring chapters in London, the oohing and aahing over this gora land and its supposedly magnificent history lurking in every street (a dead giveaway of the kind of Indian who hates being Indian).
And then there were the characters, oh boy. The magical lower classes range from a student who steals (but only to buy her mother spectacles and she’ll pay it all back, promise) to the coconut seller who happily sleeps on the pavement and will give his life to the bookshop but not dare eat a meal with its owner. The two love interests are so alike in their entitlement and toxic masculinity that they might well be stand-ins for the barely concealed superstar from the neighborhood who reads art books and gets into driving accidents and dramatic breakups.
The main character Fiza herself is a bland, unlikeable foil for the caricatures around her (Miss Havisham style failed artist-jilted wife mom, annoyingly camp gay designer friend, gossipy aunty, magazine perfect frenemy friend).
I’m so exhausted at the end of this book. Mumbai, you do me cruel.
July 18, 2020
As the blurb says ‘BOOKS. BOMBAY. ROMANCE. ‘ and it delivered exactly that!
Fiza Khalid has just completed her bachelors and has stepped into masters when her life is turned around. Her estranged father has died and left her a sum of money in the hopes that she will open a bookshop in Bombay someday. She is not obliged to do so. She can leave the money if she wants or take it and have a vacation. But the literary soul in her finds this as an opportunity and hence what was essentially her fathers dream becomes her reality. This Paper Moon takes it shape.
While it all happens, there’s her mother Noor and the other family of her father. She lost someone who was never there for her, but because of him she found herself in the middle of a new loving family.
And then there’s matters of heart - her ex who keeps reappearing but she is confused. And a mysterious man about whom she doesn’t know much but is charmed by him.
The backdrop and the setting was so beautiful and cozy! Every bookworms dream - setting up a bookshop with lots of books, some coffee and friends 🧡
The writing is also very simple. And at the end you will be left with the familiar feeling of browsing books in a quaint little bookshop with a warm cup of coffee!
Fiza Khalid has just completed her bachelors and has stepped into masters when her life is turned around. Her estranged father has died and left her a sum of money in the hopes that she will open a bookshop in Bombay someday. She is not obliged to do so. She can leave the money if she wants or take it and have a vacation. But the literary soul in her finds this as an opportunity and hence what was essentially her fathers dream becomes her reality. This Paper Moon takes it shape.
While it all happens, there’s her mother Noor and the other family of her father. She lost someone who was never there for her, but because of him she found herself in the middle of a new loving family.
And then there’s matters of heart - her ex who keeps reappearing but she is confused. And a mysterious man about whom she doesn’t know much but is charmed by him.
The backdrop and the setting was so beautiful and cozy! Every bookworms dream - setting up a bookshop with lots of books, some coffee and friends 🧡
The writing is also very simple. And at the end you will be left with the familiar feeling of browsing books in a quaint little bookshop with a warm cup of coffee!
August 9, 2020
I picked up this book on a whim just by looking at the title and the blurb and I was not disappointed. This is a book about family,love,loss and books. The story follows Fiza, a young woman who is left a tiny fortune to open a bookshop when her father passes away. Opening a bookshop was her father's wish and Fiza sees it through as she encounters several life changing experiences along the way.
The story takes place in Bombay and we feel as though we are taken through the streets of Bombay as the author mentions several iconic places in Bombay. I am not a resident of Bombay and yet I enjoyed reading tiny tidbits and nuances about them. People who live in Bombay can relate on a much greater level.
The story flows smoothly and though the writing is effortless, it does not feel very simple and is a pleasure to read. The book is very atmospheric and I loved the various literary references and jokes sprinkled throughout the book. I did feel that the ending was a bit rushed though.
The author made me feel like having a "Paper Moon" of my own some day. A heart warming read!
The story takes place in Bombay and we feel as though we are taken through the streets of Bombay as the author mentions several iconic places in Bombay. I am not a resident of Bombay and yet I enjoyed reading tiny tidbits and nuances about them. People who live in Bombay can relate on a much greater level.
The story flows smoothly and though the writing is effortless, it does not feel very simple and is a pleasure to read. The book is very atmospheric and I loved the various literary references and jokes sprinkled throughout the book. I did feel that the ending was a bit rushed though.
The author made me feel like having a "Paper Moon" of my own some day. A heart warming read!
July 22, 2021
Paper Moon
If you ever feel low, and want to read a feel good book , you should read Paper Moon by @rehana__munir @harpercollinsin .Although it falls under the chicklit category, it does not follow the typical “ and they end happily ever after “ . Instead it gives you a very refreshing vibe and makes you realise that such books should exist more .
Paper Moon follows Fiza , fresh out of college as she tries to start a bookstore business from the money left to her by her estranged father after he passes away.
As Fiza’s store, Paper Moon begins to take shape, she is wooed by Iqbal, a mysterious customer and Dhruv, her ex boyfriend, who she still had feeling for. The story follows how Fiza takes charge of her life and reconciles with her past .
What I loved most about the book was how Fiza’s character goes with the flow , taking life as it comes and focusing on her career as a bookstores owner. Though initially the book has a slow start , it picks up pace and soon you find yourself on the streets of Bombay along with Fiza.
If you ever feel low, and want to read a feel good book , you should read Paper Moon by @rehana__munir @harpercollinsin .Although it falls under the chicklit category, it does not follow the typical “ and they end happily ever after “ . Instead it gives you a very refreshing vibe and makes you realise that such books should exist more .
Paper Moon follows Fiza , fresh out of college as she tries to start a bookstore business from the money left to her by her estranged father after he passes away.
As Fiza’s store, Paper Moon begins to take shape, she is wooed by Iqbal, a mysterious customer and Dhruv, her ex boyfriend, who she still had feeling for. The story follows how Fiza takes charge of her life and reconciles with her past .
What I loved most about the book was how Fiza’s character goes with the flow , taking life as it comes and focusing on her career as a bookstores owner. Though initially the book has a slow start , it picks up pace and soon you find yourself on the streets of Bombay along with Fiza.
June 21, 2021
I was expecting a humorous book when i picked this up given i used to read Rehana Munir's article in Sunday Brunch regularly but i was surprised with this coming of age story about a college girl. I finished it last afternoon but don't want to leave behind Fiza's world yet. I could identify with the character in so many ways, having been an English literature student, hero worshipping my literature professor, college days in Mumbai, the Irani cafes, being the penurious visitor to book stores in my student days, literary events, the love for music. Setting up a book shop has been my unrealized dream and i could really live it through this beautiful story. Rehana creates the most idyllic world with interesting and witty characters who are a part of Fiza's story. I took it up as a light read but it left me with a plethora of feelings including nostalgia and hope which is what one needs in these times. Really enjoyed her first book and can't wait for her to write another one.
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