Excess Baggage

by Richa S Mukherjee

Lately, Anviksha Punjabi can't seem to get anything right. She is in the middle of ending her second marriage, is barely keeping any friends, and repeatedly getting into trouble at work. And as if all that weren't enough, she must put up with her gregarious and over-bearing 67-year-old mother as a housemate.

Afraid that if this goes on, she'll finally unravel completely, Anviksha decides that she needs a break - a Bollywood style, solo-trip across Europe kind of break. What she doesn't expect is that her mother, Smita Punjabi, will insist on coming along.

The unlikely duo embarks on a journey complete with nudists, an unwelcome blast from the past, a British dog named Bhindi, and several eligible bachelors, and slowly, what was supposed to be a soul-searching journey for one, turns into a life-altering experience for two.

Genres: Fiction, Indian Literature

308 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 22, 2020

Reviews

[Dr. Appu Sasidharan (Dasfill) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Richa S. Mukherjee tells us the story of Anvishka Punjabi and her quest for happiness in this book. Anvishka is an anthropologist who is on the brink of her second divorce, and everything she does off late is backfiring. She is losing her temper and flipping out in unexpected circumstances where she should have maintained her composure. Her sudden development of incompetence to handle the clients, development of austere personality, and ineptitude to even converse normally with her boss impel her to take a break.

It was unexpected for someone like Anvishka, who was assiduous, diligent, and astute, to face such a predicament. She, at last, decides to go for a solo trip across Europe to assuage the situation and refresh her mind. But things took an unexpected U-turn when she prepared an itinerary when her mother, Smita Punjabi, declared she would also join her Europe trip. So, a solo trip filled with tranquility and mental repose becomes a pandemonium.

This book goes through extremely wild scenarios like the protagonist and her mother accidentally attending a sex show in Europe, visiting the red light district in Amsterdam, dancing carefree with strangers in the center of Trafalgar Square, and much more. The beauty of this novel is that despite all this, the author doesn't go overboard, which makes this book clean and extremely reader-friendly to teenagers or anyone of any age group leading an ascetic or progressive or, in fact, any lifestyle.

There are many vital topics that the author discusses through the central character. She is showing us the behavior of the society towards divorced women across generations. We can see how society was extremely harsh when Smita had to divorce two decades ago and how the community and the attitude of people toward divorced women changed dramatically after 20 years through the character of Anvishka. She also tells us how to remove all the stress associated with life and how a single trip can change our lives.

The way the author fleshes out the character of Smita is quite intriguing. She shows why it is said that we should spread our wings and widen our horizons. Initially, she has a questionable approach towards homosexuals, sex workers, millennials, and white-skinned people. But just a single European trip changes her perspective towards each one of them. Through her transformation, Smita shows us the importance of taking a long trip every once in a while if we can afford it.

The best thing in this book is the beauty of the mother-daughter relationship. We can see their scrimmage multiple times. Almost every time, the fights are solved felicitously through the love between Smita and Anvishka.

What I learned from this book
1) What is the concept of compersion?
I am glad to see every book, whether fiction or non-fiction, acquainting me to many new concepts. The principle of compersion is one such new idea discussed in this book. It is the exact opposite of jealousy and possessiveness.

According to this concept, it is difficult to hate a person whom we have loved deeply even after they cheated us. When your ex starts a healthy relationship or happy marital life with another person, you will be happy or jealous instead of being sad, depressed, or covetous. This is something complicated to achieve. But if you can achieve at least a part of this, you will develop a great personality. Forgiveness and being happy for someone who hurt you are not something that weak people can develop.

"Now let me tell you all about this very interesting concept called Compersion?
A very intelligent man called Luke Brenning proposed a theory, that it is possible for us to feel happy, even good, when someone we love is in another relationship.

So instead of being neurotic and crushed by jealousy, I'm actually happy that my soon to be ex-husband is happy. It's liberating if you ask me!"

2) Has social media made breakups more difficult to endure?
Breakups are always difficult to handle. Your mind will be overburdened with emotions and sadness associated, which might push you down into the rabbit hole and depression in extreme cases. The advent of social media has made things more complicated. If you are still following your ex or have common friends on social media, you will be bombarded with their pictures, affecting your recovery process. The author discusses a similar situation in this book.

"It's the oddest feeling, to want someone and feel nothing for them at the same time. And social media doesn't ever let you forget. You can leave someone physically, but the remnants of your past will always pop up and stay alive on some screen somewhere, pushing you back into that void."

3) What is repetition compulsion?
You might have experienced your tendency to relive the past traumatic experiences. It, in turn, worsens your situation instead of solving it. You even might have wondered why your mind is playing tricks like this with you. Freud had the perfect answer to it. He called this concept repetition compulsion, where you are inclined to relive the past bad experiences. The author tells us why we should end this. It is the same reason why it is said that we should never celebrate the anniversary of disasters we had to endure in our lives.

"Freud called it a repetition compulsion. I've read about it. We are compelled to repeat undesirable past experiences.
And to move ahead, we need to break the chain. Aakash was right, I do force myself impulsively into impossible situations of the heart where the end result becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy"

My favourite three lines from this book

"They were happy standing at a shore, looking at a horizon of possibilities, surrendered to the future and what it might hold."

"You sound like a cross between a military trainer and a Masterchef every time Sindhis are mentioned, replied her daughter."

"Giving with one's mistakes seemed like an infinitely better option than living with a mountain of regret."

What could have been better?
The only negative I can say about this book is that I expected the Europe trip planned by Anvishka to start at least in the first five chapters within 30 pages. But the journey starts only in the 15th chapter after 100 pages. But I think that it was necessary to build the characters to make us understand the situation of the main character and her family to make this book more convincing and enjoyable to read.

Rating
4/5
All these harsh realities of life are dealt with with the help of humor, which clicks at the right places and keeps the readers glued to the book from the start till the end. The freshness of the topic, the ability to deal with serious issues humorously, and the perfect character arcs of the two main characters make this book whimsical, riveting, and exhilarating to read.

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[alterego_bookaholic (Upasana Singh) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating 4.3/5

I loved this turbulent pulsating read which was joyously stirring with a lot of “Oomph”. The use of satire for highlighting some prevalent norms was another feather in the cap for this book.

This is a story about a mother-daughter duo with contrasting personalities. Smita Punjabi’s overbearing personality is almost haunting & suffocating for her daughter Anviksha. In her 30’s when people’s life seemed to be going uphill she was divorced for the second time & was staying with her mother though the latter seemed to make her more frustrated than the divorce😂 Anviksha’s unfiltered opinions without mincing any words was also affecting her professional life. After some soul searching & some gaffes she comes up with an idea for solo travel which becomes not-so-solo as her mother almost emotionally torments her to accommodate her into her plans. What will this journey entail? Is her mother going to make this trip another topsy turvy event or are they going to get a “Zindagi Milegi Na Dobara” closure to their own excess baggages?

There is not a single dull moment in this book. I am floored by the author’s exceptional sense of humour in the narrative where such a delicate bond of mother-daughter duo is represented. Amalgamation of so much that is sensitive and heartening with satire in a fictional plot has left me amazed. Am definitely recommending this fun captivating read to everyone & would love to explore more books by the author.

Blessed are those who have the privilege of their mother’s presence in their lives ❤️ Love them as much as you can as there will be no other 😇

[Avani ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excess Baggage by Richa S Mukherjee is a story about a typical Sindhi mother and her daughter - Anviksha Punjabi and Smita Punjabi. Anviksha, a 30 years old, is an anthropologist who is recently divorced the second time. She doesn't have time for her mother and doesn't know much about what's happening in her life.

She is a fan of Zindagi Na Milegi Doobara, and is looking for some change. She is frustrated with her life and her boss has recommended her to take a long vacation and just go breathe some air. She decides to go on a vacation to London and her mother tags along. The dogs name are Mutton and Bhindi, hahahaha !!!!!

Majority of the story takes place at London and their summer trip is one hell of a summer. The book is hilarious, it went totally from soft giggles to laugh out loud scenes. It was a typical Punjabi / Sindhi family and jokes made by Smita Punjabi. We also see a great bond between Smita Punjabi and Rudra (ex-husband of Anviksha), which was a changing trend we need to see in Indian Society hence forward.

We see Akash, who is a friend in Anviksha's life. I was so glad to see the end between Anviksha and Akash and the things he said in the last chapters were really great. I am so glad author did not write the cliché end for both of these. The book was genuinely a very light hearted yet beautiful mother - daughter relationship.

[Muskan | The Quirky Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a world where books and knowledge are somewhat synonymous, it is a bliss to come across one that makes you laugh till you cry.
This mother-daughter dynamic duo is absolutely amazing! Polar opposites, yet so similar. This book covered a lot of grounds - failed marriages, the distance between parents and their child once the child grows up, partition and Sindhi sentiments relating to that, societal expectations and so on. This book hit hard at each of those aspects and it was a delight to see it do that.
The overall plot is very amusing. Quick at pace, yet pauses at all the necessary moments. The continuous bickering of an independent daughter and her ever cheery mother is hilarious. As more relatives of the family added to the story, it truly was the more the merrier.
Kudos to the author for incorporating so many complexities in one single novel, and succeeding in making it funny while hiding numerous life lessons within it. I definitely recommend this book!

[Deepan Maitra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rich S Mukherjee’s latest release ‘Excess Baggage’ crafts a charming balance between being a reader’s delight, and being a solemn reflection of civilised, communal life. It is fast, quirky, throwing at us humour that seeks a rapt sarcasm from the reader, as well as an inclination to dig out laughter from even the most sombre of events. Richa has painted her book on a canvas that mirrors upon life with its dream-shattering disappointments and rippling causes of fun and frolic. Even with such a sassy and smart writing that demands attention, ‘Excess Baggage’ never ceases to become closely humane, outrageously spontaneous and teaches us principles stringed on relationships at large.

On one side, Anviksha’s personality is that of a classic out-of-the-box thinker, who legitimately messes up personal and professional fronts in the blink of an eye. With two divorces, a fragmented family matrix, jumbled mental peace and haughty days as at office, Anviksha centralises herself in the arena of ‘life gone wrong’, almost enacting a stage play with other dysfunctional actors. Her life makes us think, is this ‘life vs me’ or ‘my life vs the universe’? Or am I merely a side-role in some other heroine’s mega-part? The only relationship that Anviksha can fall back on is with her mother Smita, a woman exuding both stereotypical and modern vibes, living life with stronghold, an eagerness to learn and adapt. The novel picks pace when Anviksha has to take along her mother on a supposedly solo trip to Europe she had dreamily planned of, tagging all the ‘excess baggage’ along in this unique mother-daughter duo travel venture.

If seen closely, the main pillar that supports the story is that of the mother-daughter bond, and their equilibrium with the snazzy ways of the world. It is them finding places amidst panic and peace, and it is them that the author chooses to base all her lessons upon. This single travel adventure with the two most bizarre candidates, gift to us a journey teaching us how to fence with the world, and how to duel with our own selves. It puts to rhythm the ruggedness of men and women, their tangible issues in contrast with what happens on the larger perspective. It shows us that no matter how much we think we are messing up, each of these mess-ups is actually a limitation of perspective, a closing down on broader, more luminous realities. With a narrative that is highly intelligent but beautifully sympathetic, ‘Excess baggage’ finds itself a cosy, warm place in the reader’s hearts.

(Review copy)

[Aza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliantly witty and engaging! I loved the narrative of this one so much. The story was something which we had heard of before but the writing made all the difference in the world. It seems like I have read more books about people travelling (even if fiction) during the past few months than I have ever but each one was different with it’s own charm that I have no regrets.

Anviksha Punjabi is directionless. She doesn’t know what to do after her second marriage failed and left her feeling lost. She wish she knew why she is feeling this way because she certainly doesn’t have any feelings left for her ex. When she watches a movie about friends taking a trip together it gives her an idea to take a break herself. What she expects from the trip- to clear her mind and to find some much needed peace and change. What she doesn’t expect- her mother (Smita Punjabi) to accompany her.

I loved this mother daughter duo and dare I say loved Smita Punjabi even more! She was just how every Desi mother is. She was all wit and charm on this trip capturing the attention of every passerby, making people hers by just a few words and leaving her mark wherever she went. She was sporty and energetic despite her old age. She also tried her best to be an understanding towards her daughter despite her Desi Motherness which didn’t let her see Anviksha’s perspective most of the time. I loved their relationship and even if it was flawed it was real. Anviksha’s character I didn’t completely like but still appreciated how she handled things and her mom especially.

The plot was well constructed and not at all predictable. I was very happy to find out that the description of various places that they visited were minimal and it was more about the experiences they had and the events that occurred. A perfect contemporary for me!

[Dhwani · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5
Anvishka Punjabi is facing her marriage go down the drain, again. She is getting divorced, again. Her work isn't doing too well either. It's time she took a break and have a solo trip to clear her mind and break the chain of monotone! But, guess what? Her mother, Smita Punjabi wants to tag along and no, no amount of arguments are going to prevent her from changing her mind. So, off they go! The book takes us through the journey of this incompatible mother daughter duo and we, readers, as a result of the writing will find ourselves full of chuckles, grins, smirks, guffaws, chortles and surprise.

I would certainly like to praise the author for two ideas articulated very well in the book,
- The constant bickering between the mother and daughter. It has been portrayed quite honestly and it's quite adorable. Anvishka and Smita Punjabi have their disagreements but which mother daughter duo doesn't?! I love this representation throughout the book and it's been well amalgamated with humour.
- The relationship between Anvishka's first ex husband and her mother. They treat each other like actual son and mother. While it's an idea that seems quite adorable, it isn't something that we are used to normally as a society. But, we can begin accepting ex-es and in laws to be humans if the situation permits.

With super lucid language, sweet cover and lots of opportunities to be able to relate to the characters, this one was a fun read for me.

[Mohit · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5*

The biggest credit to this book is the very fact that it is absolutely believable. The story of Anviksha is not one that is all-fiction and fairytale but if looked-at carefully, will find consanguinity to many souls we might have known through the years. In some cases or situations, some of us would have been her. It is not an all-fiction.

A woman, in her thirties, navigating through her own conundrum of relationships, most headed/heading-to failures, yet again agrees at whim, to take her mother to her so(u)lo-trip. A trip that was initially intended to clear her head but turned out to be a kaleidoscope of experiences, that re-drew the contours of her otherwise seemingly amoebic life. Through the lens of the protagonist, her mother and the peripheral objects that become central, author seems to be having a good time, peeling layers after layers of the characters. A kind of soul searching rather it felt.

That said, to me it turned out to be an even better experience of reading, because of the language applied. The author does not fall to the temptation of playing to the gallery by using the language of the captioned generation. In musing or marvel, the language used is so impeccable and vocabulary so rich that it was a pleasure to read this genre in this new light. That itself + the fact that it mentions ZNMD not just once, warrants an additional half-a-star.

It is a quick yet introspective book and would recommend to be read even by new-readers. It is the season of self-assessment and may be also a good season to shed the Excess Baggage many of us carry like an albatross around the neck. What if this book kicks start the long yet necessary journey, within?

What if ... !!!

[Dyuti · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is laced with humour and joy. Excess baggage is aptly paced with an extremely gripping plot. I took an immediate liking to all characters especially Smita Punjabi. I really liked how the book touched upon a myriad of topics both intriguing and sensitive in nature such as immortalising ashes, dog matchmaking, nudism, racism and most importantly the lives and struggles of the Sindhi community; giving its readers something to think about.

Such vivid was the writing that I felt I was experiencing London myself and not through the eyes of the mother-daughter duo. There were pearls of wisdom scattered in between the pages, hidden underneath the humour and the lightness of the plot. Excess baggage felt like a Bollywood movie in words; only much better and satisfactory.

[Komal · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Excess Baggage" is excess fun, excess entertainment, and excess joy.

It is the story of Anvishka Punjabi, a 30 y.o Anthropologist. She and Ross Gellar(from Friends) have more than the big sounding profession in common as Anvishka has already divorced her first husband and is ready to sign off on divorce number two with her partner, Ranvijay Kapoor.

As if her personal life was not dramatic enough, her strong-headed attitude makes her the center of unwanted troubles even in her professional life. To get away from all this mess, she plans to go on a Zindagii Na Milegi Dobaara style Solo trip to London.

However, Smita Punjabi, her 67-year-old cute mother, ( she calls Siri -Siri Putt😂, like how cute!🥰), tags herself along on the trip.

From getting stuck into an elevator to almost getting arrested for possession of Isabgol ( mistaken for drugs), Smita Punjabi makes for an equally interesting character to read about.

They end up meeting someone closely related to them by accident and the journey becomes bigger than what they planned.

Will Anvishka find the love of her life? Or will she realize her mistakes and end up living happily-ever-after (with her mother). To know more grab a copy!

🍁My views:🍁

The way the author has tried to normalize divorce is commendable.. her comment like * I wasn't diagnosed with Bubonic plague, It's just a divorce" is so funny yet necessary.

The ending where the protagonist tries to make sense of her life using Freudian's "repetition compulsion" resonated with me big time.

(We all do this in our lives, a bad event triggers us to get sad and we end up looking for temporary comfort, breaking our hearts again and then repeating the same cycle. )

👉I will highly recommend this story of the swaggy daughter-mother duo, who promises to keep you entertained!

[Anandarupa Chakrabarti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excess Baggage is a wholesome book that comes with an emotional and witty wrap of a very heartfelt storyline. The characters- Anviksha Punjabi & Smita Punjabi would feel your reading experience with maturity and humour. These characters are quirky and witty. Anviksha is a second-time divorcee whose life has practically become haywire. Anviksha is a straightforward woman who talks for herself. Though she tries to normalize her life as much as possible, people knew it better than her that she needed a break.
On the other hand, Smita Punjabi, Anviksha's mother is a typical Sindhi woman jolly, friendly and comfortable with everyone. She's a concerned mother who wants her daughter to have a settled happy life. Smita Punjabi has a fantastic repo with Rudra- Anviksha's first divorced husband that certainly annoys Anviksha. The mid-sixties woman-Smita Punjabi is quite an assertive decision-maker, she is stubborn.  She is just like any other mother, a little more caring and concerned.

To get out of her mundane, depressing life, Anviksha decides to take a solo trip to London, a trip that resembles a Bollywood movie 'Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara'. The only aim of the solo trip was to find herself, recollect her thoughts, introspect and bring her life on track.  But, Smita is adamant and perhaps she accompanies her daughter.

The trip sees a lot of humour and bittersweetness between the mother-daughter duo. the readers meet other characters- Akash, Priti, Peter, Bhindi who are a catalyst to making this book perfect and certainly uplift the storytelling.

This book is well written and we feel every instance is either relatable or cinematically touching. the book that certain quotes and incidences were heavy in their approach and I could find myself in those scenarios.
A must-read book for the lovers of light yet impactful reads. 

[Shubhodiya · Rating 3 out of 5]

The beginning of this year began with me finally getting my hands on the book that had just hit the shelves last December. There is something that attracts a reader to a hot mess of a character, and Anviksha Punjabi is in a deja-vu of hot messes. Signing a divorce for the second time—whilst lusting over the handsome hunk of a husband who seems to have found himself a new, immature arm candy already. While her mother's friends and neighbours seem to express their sorrow over her unhappy state, her time is flanked between correcting their pronunciation (and understanding) of her profession and proving to her boss that she is not unhinged.

On the other hand, Smita Punjabi is an over-bearing, typical Sindhi mom. One defining characteristic about her is that she is independent, has looked after the household financially after her own divorce, and runs a local business of rip-off of designer label clothes. Anviksha is not proud of her mother's business, in fact her relation with her mother is quite bipolar. For one, she does not understand her first husband's amiable attitude towards the mother-daughter duo.

Convinced that she needs a break, she plans to go on a solo trip to rediscover herself—except that her aged mother refuses to let her go alone. With the desi tadka of emotional blackmailing, Smita Punjabi marks herself as the companion for the ride.

The story explores a very unique mother-daughter trope. Richa Mukherjee's writing flows quite naturally, tingling humour and jerking tears in the right places. Moreover, the reconciliations between the mother-daughter is what gives the story its touch. Definitely a heart-warming vacation read, making us readers want to embark on one such journey with our mother ourselves.

[Riya Joseph Kaithavanathara · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Perhaps imperfect equations were the ones that really worked.Through a tumultuous past, peculiarities and complexities, they managed to find their own way and somehow make their pieces fit."

BOOK: Excess Baggage
AUTHOR: #richasmukherjee
GENRE: #fictionnovel
RATING: 🧳🧳🧳🧳🧳

I had an amazing time reading about two beautiful Sindhi woman, mother-daughter duo. One an extrovert business woman, Smita Punjabi and other a 30 year old Anthropologist named Anviksha Punjabi. The novel starts with Anviksha meeting up her lawyer and to-be exhusband Ranvijay with his "so called" friend Pallavi. The book is all about how a woman finds out herself that her happiness is not in other peoples hands. And oh, an Indian mother adds all the masala of to an indian family story. This book is suggested to all, and trust me most of us are like Anviksha and you will be able to find our mumma's in Smita Punjabi.

With the lovely rainly lazy weather in Bangalore and this book, it was all in-place for me and additionally I felt really appreciative about our Indian culture and parenthood (we can say the book had an effect on me, mostly positive😉😍🥰)

🧳The choice of title though pun-intended is brilliant.

🧳I loved the cover, it was simple and conveyed the idea well.

🧳 some sweet, some salty, some tangy and some spicy moments. Lots of witty scenario's.







#excessbaggage
#fiction
#fictionnovel
#richasmukherjee
#love
#travel
#selfdiscovery
#happiness
#trip
#mother
#daughter
#affection
#life
#indian
#indianauthor
#maytbr
#happyreading
#mayreading
#booklover
#reader
#reads
#reading
#may
#mypaperbacks
#paperback
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#bookstagram
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#booksbooksbooks

[Aastha Anand · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excess Baggage what an apt title. Story of Punjabis' who aren't Punjabi but Sindhi. This is the story of Anvishka Punjabi, who's getting divorced for the second time and started living with her mother. Smita Punjabi, Anvishka's mother is a people's person, she can talk to even a stranger like she knows him/ her personally. While the daughter is always irritated, the mother can't seem to get enough of her first son-in-law, Rudra, who's like a son to her. Anvishka is a short tempered person who thinks after she speaks. She doesn't share a good relationship with her mother since her father left and she blames her mother for the same and is always irritated with her.


To take a break from her messy life, she plans to go on a solo-trip getting inspired by ZNMD across Europe but to her surprise or shock I should say her mother forced herself on the trip with her. 


How often do we get to read a book where the author amazingly tells the story with a proper mix of humour, family drama, emotions and relationships. I loved the writing style, it was keeping me hooked to the book. The way every character is being used in the story is wow and each of them have their own baggage from Anvishka to Smita Punjabi, from Preeti to Peter, even Mutton and Bhindi. I have never come across such funny names of dogs and I don't think I will. At times it was a laughter riot for me. This book is a full-on entertainer. With humor Richa ma'am has beautifully taught the readers some life lessons. 

I'm glad I picked this as my first read of 2021.

[Preethi Joseph · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have mentioned this earlier that my mother is the easiest person for me to love and hate at the same time ! Yes you heard that right . We fight a lot we do not certainly agree upon the same things yet when somebody asks me who my best friend is, without second thoughts I say its my mother because she is the only one that understands what no one ever does ! She would find out a small highlighted streak of hair even on a Skype call from miles apart ! In fact it is because of my relationship with her that I have a proven lesson in life that relationships do not have to be perfect to be beautiful ! We are two contrasting characters and so are Smita Punjabi and Anviksha !

This story of this mother daughter combo will really make you feel warm .. It is such a feel good , light hearted read ! Amidst all the heavy topics I read last month this read during times like this (pandemic and working from home ) really cheered me up esp the setting in UK which is so close to my heart. It felt like taking a nostalgic walk down the memory lane to what once was home..I was reminded of the time I watched Queen on a flight back to India and how I then thought that she could have taken a fren or her mother with her and oooohhh the Gods heard it lol !!

Sadly this book got a bit buried under my never ending TBR and am soo late to the party but nevertheless I am glad I finally got to it !

Thanks to @harpercollinsin and @mukherjeericha for sending me this gifted copy .

[The Book Critiques · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second divorce was taking a toll on Anviksha Punjabi's mental health which have an adverse impact on her personal as well as professional life and to give her mind and heart some peace she decided to take a solo trip to Europe but her plan was hijacked by her larger than life mother Smita Punjabi.
Smita forced herself on Anviksha to take her along on the trip, Anviksha left with no other options obliged.
The mother-daughter duo embarks on a journey complete with nudists, am an unwelcome blast from the past, a British dog named Bhindi and several eligible bachelors. Slowly, what was supposed to be a soul searching journey for one turns into a life-altering experience for two.

I just love the character of Smita Punjabi and the way she dealt with her life. Even at the age of 67, she was full of life and of course become easily the favourite of everyone.

Excess Baggage is full of fun, humour, drama, emotions. Use of rights words at the right place made this book more impactful. The author has exemplarily crafted all the characters which seem real.

Overall, this book made me laugh, cry and think about my life and I enjoyed it to the fullest.
If you are looking for a light book, you can pick this one up.

[moonlight_review · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excess baggage
By Richa S. Mukherjee

Excess baggage is full of fun, drama and emotions. The story of the book is based on our protagonist Anviksha Punjabi, she is 30 years old anthropologist. Everything was going smoothly in her life except her marriage. She was twice divorced. She was trying to balance out her life but her mother Smita Punjabi keeps reminding her about past.

She wants a break in her life. So she decided to go for a vacation in London. Her mother also insisted on coming along. Story is totally covered up in forty four chapters.
The plot of the story is intriguing which keeps the reader hooked. I loved the quirky names of the characters, vivid description of the cities traveled gives the readers a visual delight, societal norms, and the perfect blend of the generation gap. The story deals with their dramatic life and their amazing trip to London.

Language was simple to understand. The title is apt for the story!

[Anu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extraordinary, Hilarious, and Enthralling

Impressively well narrated with a fine eye for detail gets you connected to the story. The distinctive characters will steal your heart.

The author’s storytelling has a sense of humor that makes you laugh and exciting twists when you least expect to make the story even more interesting.

I loved the quirky names of the characters, vivid description of the cities traveled gives the readers a visual delight, societal norms, and the perfect blend of the generation gap.

An emotional roller coaster with a pleasant breeze of family love and self-discovery.

[Sudesna Ghosh · Rating 5 out of 5]

VERY entertaining! Fun and adventure with lots of memorable moments.

[Afreen Khalil Inscribed Inklings · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Excess baggage" was a humorous and heart touching tale of a Sindhi mother-daughter duo. From the start of the book, I kept chuckling to myself as the book was written with so many funny anecdotes. The best part of the book was how relatable it was. For any Indian who reads this book, they will be able to connect with one or more characters and see the resemblance between their families.

The writing style was articulate and chatty. The narrative was singular and linear. It was written in third person. The tone of the book was earnest and frank. I personally loved the characters in the book. They were all quirky and interesting. The plot although not unique was thoroughly engaging.

The story revolved around Anviksha and Smita Punjabi. Anviksha was in the process of finalising her 2nd divorce and she was just in her 30's. Smita was a strong, hard-working single mother who just wanted her daughter to be happy and get settled. Through out the book, they are both at loggerheads but underneath all that, we can see the love between them.

Due to Anviksha's crumbling personal life, she decided to go on a solo trip, inspired by the movie"Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara". But lo and behold, Smita wanted to come along with Anviksha to "Protect her". Eventually, they do reach a compromise and fly to Europe. Their journey there was really something special. The author has touched sensitive issues with ease in the book.

Overall, the book was a feel good read. Recommending it to everyone! We all need some positivity and humor in our life.

-Afreen

[Arushi Kulshreshtha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excess Baggage is a story of a mother-daughter duo ready to make you laugh till the end. The language used is easy so don't worry about that and just grab this book asap! This book is perfect to lighten up your mood.

The story starts with Anviksha's second divorce. Things are not going good as expected in her life no matter if it is about her relationship, family or job. So, she decided to take an escape from this tension and plans for a solo trip to Europe. The twist came when Smita Punjabi, her mother insisted her to go along with her by packing a huge luggage and so many other items to carry while travelling. She even had a makeover just to travel for one month in a different land. There are so many hilarious incidents where I bet, you cannot control your laughter and yes, I am not at all going to give any spoiler here. Just grab the book and read it by your own!

This book nicely tells about the mother daughter relationship, about the understanding both partners should have being in a relationship and also about a person, to marry whenever he wants to and with whomever he wants to. This book perfectly tells that even you as an Individual is enough for yourself as you are strong. While reading this book you will know many things about London, Dutch culture, which is a plus point as this book takes you to the beautiful places while reading!

You can easily pick up Richa mam's book without giving a second thought. I picked this book just to give myself a diversion from all those negative thoughts coming in my mind due to current situation.

[Medha Nagur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart touching, immersive, fun and insightful

Richa's books have become a must-read for me. Although I picked this one a little late than intended, I am glad I started my 2021 reading spree with one of her books.

I won't talk much about the title since you will discover as you read that indeed the ladies had excess baggage all their life! And the cover design can't get any better than this.

Excess baggage is humorous and emotional at the same time. It is a book that would beckon you every time you put it down! The characters Anviksha and her mother come to life not only with their humour but also with their emotions. As the plot progresses, the characters start to show their true self through the journey they had begun together. The narration of the book is awesome, and the descriptions of the places they travelled were mind-blowing.

In short, its heart touching, immersive, fun and insightful.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, and I highly recommend the book.

[Anirban · Rating 3 out of 5]

📖
With everything going in the wrong direction in her life, Anviksha Punjabi decides to go on a solo Europe trip trying to get a break. The trip turns 'not so solo' when her mother decides to tag along, and takes their relationship to new dimensions.

📝
The plot is loosely woven and drags in the second half. The mother-daughter relationship was well depicted and was representative of different mindsets due to gap in generation. Plenty of relatable puns were used throughout the book which readers which young Indian readers might enjoy.

Overall, I felt the book is a little hyped. It is mainly the humorous narration that made this "Excess Baggage" worth carrying (or skimming through) at least once.

[Ayushi Agrawal · Rating 4 out of 5]

A light and fun read! Good book to unwind a hectic day with!

[Souvik Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excess Baggage is a refreshing blend of humor, drama, and emotional introspection wrapped in a modern travel narrative. I was immediately drawn into the story when I discovered that it centers around Anviksha Punjabi—a woman grappling with the aftermath of her second divorce—who embarks on a solo trip across Europe in search of self-healing and rediscovery. However, as the plot unfolds, her plans take an unexpected turn when her indomitable mother, Smita Punjabi, insists on joining the journey.

Plot and Structure
I found that the story sets off with a promise of transformation. Anviksha’s desire to escape the emotional clutter of her personal life by exploring new horizons is quickly derailed by her mother's larger-than-life personality. What begins as a planned solo escapade evolves into a shared adventure where both mother and daughter confront their pasts, personal baggage, and the realities of their intergenerational differences. As I read on, I appreciated how the narrative gradually peeled back layers of family history, revealing that both characters carry their own “excess baggage”—a metaphor that resonated deeply with me.

Characterization
One of the novel’s greatest strengths, in my opinion, lies in its vibrant and relatable characters.

Anviksha Punjabi: I found her portrayal as a modern, independent woman both inspiring and relatable. Her inner conflicts and vulnerabilities added a depth to her character that made me truly empathize with her journey.

Smita Punjabi: I couldn’t help but admire Smita, the quintessential Indian mother with a twist. Even at 67, her lively, opinionated, and unabashedly caring nature brought both humor and heart to the narrative. Her insistence on accompanying Anviksha on the trip created a delightful dynamic that kept me thoroughly entertained.

The supporting characters—ranging from quirky travel companions to potential love interests—further enriched the story for me, adding layers of humor and nuance that made the journey even more engaging.

Writing Style and Tone
Richa S. Mukherjee’s writing style really spoke to me. The accessible and engaging prose, marked by its natural humor, made the story both fun and thought-provoking. I enjoyed the crisp dialogue, often laced with wit, which made even mundane situations feel entertaining. The narrative pace was well-calibrated; I appreciated the brisk, light-hearted first half filled with amusing incidents and travel mishaps, which gradually gave way to deeper emotional explorations as past conflicts and long-held resentments emerged.

The humorous tone was not just for entertainment—it also served as a vehicle for exploring heavier themes. I found that the laughter interwoven throughout the narrative made the emotional revelations all the more impactful when they eventually arrived.

Themes and Social Commentary
For me, at its core, Excess Baggage is about the weight of our histories and the complex relationships that shape us. The title itself is a clever nod to the emotional and psychological remnants that we all carry. The book tackles several themes that struck a chord with me:

Family Dynamics: I appreciated the candid look at the evolving mother-daughter relationship in modern India, as exemplified by the interplay between Anviksha and Smita. Their bond, with all its warmth and friction, felt both authentic and relatable.

Self-Discovery: Anviksha’s journey resonated with me as a broader quest for self-acceptance and personal reinvention. Her travel adventure became a powerful metaphor for the inner voyage toward healing.

Societal Expectations: I also admired how the novel commented on societal stereotypes and taboos—especially those concerning divorce, independence, and the traditional roles of women in Indian society—making me reflect on these issues in my own life.

Critical Evaluation
While I found Excess Baggage to be largely successful in blending humor with heartfelt emotion, I must admit that some parts of the narrative felt slightly derivative to me, particularly in their nods to familiar tropes of travel and self-discovery. However, the authenticity of the characters and the warmth of the storytelling more than compensated for these minor shortcomings. For me, the interweaving of personal memoir with cultural commentary provided both entertainment and thoughtful reflection.

Conclusion
Overall, I consider Excess Baggage to be a well-crafted and engaging novel that appeals to anyone looking for a mix of light-hearted humor and sincere emotional exploration. Richa S. Mukherjee has managed to create a narrative that is as relatable as it is entertaining, offering a fresh take on the mother-daughter relationship and the universal quest to reconcile with one’s past. If you’re in the mood for a journey that promises both laughter and introspection, I would definitely recommend giving this book a read.

[noorthebookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5
#readwithharpercollins
#newrelease

PERHAPS IMPERFECT EQUATIONS WERE THE ONES THAT REALLY WORKED.
______
EXCESS BAGGAGE 👜
by
Richa S. Mukherjee.

📖300+ pages.
______
➡This book 📕sure AROUSED CURIOSITY within my family 👪!
The reason being;
✨there was a CONSTANT SMILE plastered on my face..
✨sometimes I was GUFFAWING..
✨sometimes banging my hand on my forehead..
✨& at other moments..lost deep in thought.
______
💙READ 📖 THIS BOOK if you want a LIGHT READ, full of FUN & ENTERTAINMENT, wanna FORGET all your WORRIES & WANT TO LAUGH your heart out & also LEARN FEW LIFE LESSONS in the process.
______
➡There are 2 MAIN LEADS here;
⭕ANVIKSHA, 30 yrs old, an anthropologist, going through her 2nd divorce.
She is always ready to fold into her shell 🐚like a crab 🦀, every time she senses an uncomfortable situation.
⭕SMITA PUNJABI, 67 yrs old, Anviksha's mom.
Known as "@designerdadi".
An independent, loud, vivacious lady.
As Anviksha puts it,
S-strong headed😁
M-manipulative🤣
I-incorrigible😎
T-tyrant🙈
A-Adolf Hitler✌.
Married 💍to Dhiraj Punjabi, a scholar who is always on the go. The couple doesn't live together.

⭕A typical #Sindhi family.
For Anviksha, her father was a painful memory that she always pushed out of her head.
THEY WERE A MOTHER DAUGHTER DUO, WHO COULD NOT UNDERSTAND EACH OTHER & SHARED A HOME BUT WERE STILL STRANGERS..

✨Anviksha wanted to run away from all this, inspired from the 🎥 #zindaginamilegifobara on a solo trip but her mom's persuasion tactics got her a ticket alongwith her daughter.
_____
➡I found Anviksha, to be hot headed, impulsive & someone, who was looking for relationships to fill a void inside her.
She had pain buried deep in her heart,  anger & grudges..
Detachment was what she was gifting herself with this trip & that was of utmost importance.
I could relate to her somewhere.

➡Smita Punjabi's character is one I totally loved!
A person who had all the problems in the world from health issues, to being single, weird rapport with daughter, childhood pain but still SHE HAD LEARNT TO LOVE & LIVE LIFE PERFECTLY.

Believable & interesting characters.
_____
✨ From nudists to dog psychiatrist, anthropologist to adult diapers, excessive food to isabgol, from WWE to tv soaps..there are innumerable elements in the read, which KEEP YOU HOOKED.
💙Anviksha's mother is like an over energetic child, one which you cannot leave alone for a second.

With her mom along, on her solo trip, it's wonderful to experience Anviksha's journey WHERE SHE EVENTUALLY LEARNS TO SHED THE EXCESS BAGGAGE.

The vocabulary is good with quite a few new words.
Vernacular language is peppered here & there.

For me, it was a PERFECT LAUGHTER RIOT.
P. S. There are 2 dogs named, Mutton & Bhindi😅

Spoiler 🚨alert: It has a Happy Ending.
_____
✅Life lesson: HOPE FLOATS ON GRATITUDE.

Other books by the author:
🎈I didn't expect to be expecting
🎈Kanpur Khoofiya Pvt. Ltd.
_____
#noorthebookwormreviews
#excessbaggage

[Sumith Chowdhury]

The bond that a mother and daughter share is a powerful one and women’s relationships with their mothers may just be the most important one in their lives. A mother is someone who is a role model for her daughter and is the one who teaches her how to live her life by setting an example for her by the life that she lives. At the same time, a daughter is a mother’s friend and companion – someone she can count on through good times & bad as her gender partner, & the one who can truly understand her & be there for her emotionally in a way that no man ever can. Not just that, even science has shown that the bond between mothers & daughters is the strongest types of parent-child bonds. While all parent-child bonds are built on love, the bond between mother & daughter is also built on a foundation of empathy as they can empathise more deeply with the other, making it easier for them to understand each other.

Having said that, this book is relentlessly brutal as it extrapolates this crucial aspect of the mother-daughter relationship. The story is about a 30 year old Sindhi woman Anviksha who's bold, sapio, smart, successful & everything else one seeks from life. She has everything except love. Her marriage life is broken. She has been divorced twice. She's a badass person as she isn't scared to speak her heart out about anything. Be it her life, her journey or her closest confidante 'her mother', even though her relationship with her mother Smita Punjabi is strained & far from a blissful one. By allowing us to partake the context & cater a humorous narration which is witty, funny yet honest, the author has weaved the most generous reality in terms of our everyday common lives. I liked how the book has been presented to the readers & it also started on a good note. However, the part where I lost interest was the reference to the movie from Zoya Akhtar Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, the so-called ZNMD as I'm personally not a fan of either of them. What follows suit is a classic diabolical parody written in a very typical dramatic way infused with bollywood culture. It also gets effusive with a good effervescence of Indian mindset.

Writing style is good accompanied by a nice narration. The sense of humour infused into the storytelling & storyline is worth living for. It conveys whatever necessary information that needs to be imparted accordingly. Climax is justified. Pace is good. A good one-time read. It would've been amazing for me, had it not taken inspiration or references from the movie I mentioned above. Nonetheless, worth recommending to all!

[Siddhant Agarwal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excess Baggage is a very different kind of a story that explores an interesting relationship. As Richa notes in the book as well, the mother-daughter relationship is usually not a tumultuous one, and that is what this makes the story quite engaging. The storyline is simple but explores a multitude of topics and has a liberal sprinkling comments on societal taboos and stereotypes. With Anviksha and Smita, we get to see two perspectives on similar situations, more than once. The backstory of the friction unveils slowly, and it was quite interesting to see that each of the characters has their own baggage of the past, and hence the title is very suited. The storytelling is something that has become almost a signature of Richa’s with some moments in the book that’ll make you laugh till the stomach hurts, all the while driving a point home. The first part of the book is quite pacy and is quite fast, the latter part becomes a bit slow and heavy with emotions as things start coming together. The book is quite well researched and there are a few scenes that have actual sources and footnotes. The climax is good and something that made me smile.

Coming to the characters, and the soul of this story. Richa has brought together an unlikely set of characters and some of the craziest ones. Starting with the Punjabis, who are not Punjabis, Anviksha as a character impressed me with the different layers that she possesses and the internal battles she is fighting. It was quite easy to relate to her, and I think she was an interesting representation of the people of that demographic today. Smita, with her overbearing yet protective nature, was the representation of the classic Indian mother who will say what she wants to her kid, but will bite the head off any outsider trying to cast aspersions on her offspring. With packets of home-cooked food being carried, and the emotional blackmail, it was very amusing to see the character come to life. Aakash as a character was interesting, though we see mostly of him through texts, but was an integral part of the story. Peter, Tully Masi, Preeti and the extended family were the icing on the cake and just made the story alive with their antics, and how I can I forget the amusingly named Mutton and Bhindi, two names for pets I have never come across, and probably won’t again.

Overall, Excess Baggage is a story of love, emotions, relationships, and how history which might seem to be some useless excess baggage being tagged along, is something to be cherished, and is something which makes us what we are today.

[Priti Tiwari · Rating 3 out of 5]

Excess Baggage by Richa S. Mukherjee is a book that will implore you to look into your relationships with your parents and delve into the thoughts that they might have because of the generation gap that exists between them and you.

Anvishka Punjabi is a modern, independent, self-made woman who has gone through 2 divorces at the age of 30. She is presently living with her mother, Smita Punjabi, who is gregarious, opinionated, judgmental, and can sometimes be overbearing. Anvishka is going through an emotional overdrive in the wake of her second divorce but she does not readily accept it even though she becomes extra snappy at work that is getting her into trouble. Anvishka is afraid that if she goes on behaving in this way she might crumble down completely and hence decides to take a break by going on a Bollywood style solo trip across Europe. What she didn't plan on was that her mother insisting on going on this trip with her as she wants to take care of her. After emotional drama which is very much pro Indian Mothers, Anvishka agrees to take her mother along this trip.

The unlikely duo thus embarks on a month-long journey to Europe which is filled with various unexpected events, twists, and turns. A journey that was supposed to be a soul searching journey for Anvishka ultimately turns into a life-altering journey for both Mother and Daughter.

The book has many hilarious and heart touching moments. The writing style is simple and lucid. The message delivery through the book is on point. This book is good for both beginners as well as avid readers. The journey that the mother-daughter duo embark on will make you wanna go on a similar journey with your mother or rather parents because it will make you believe that certain bridges can be crossed only when we are outside our comfort zone. Traveling to an unknown new place always has the power to bring people together in an unexpected manner.

The book has many moments which will make you feel that sometimes we get too harsh with our parents. We get too judgmental about the way they behave. We end up expecting them to always act in this perfect manner just because they are our parents. What we need to understand is that our parents are also human beings; they can also do mistakes; they too can have flaws and therefore we should also be forgiving towards them as we expect them to be towards us. A parent-child relationship is a never-ending learning relationship that needs to be handled in a very mature manner after a certain age. This book is like a warm hug that all mother-daughter relationships deserve. It will make you want to have your mother as your best friend as that would be the safest and purest form of relationship that one can have with one mother.

[Anindita Banerjee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review: Excess Baggage, Richa S Mukherjee Mother Daughter relationships has always been a both a cause for cherish and celebration, along with unending and unnerving mood swings. For the later case, the mom goes too far with her cultural education and the daughter tries hard to remain sane in these series of history course repetitions. An emotional tension that goes in this mother daughter dynamics leads one to emotional outburst and this essentially becomes the mother. But, there are some exceptions that has been deftly injected by the author in this too rom-com-fam of a work. We see equal outbursts from both the figures ends, ruptures and a relationship; though thick, becomes the one tied only to a slight small string over most petty issues. Anviksha is a bold woman which we aspire to become but her mother also is headstrong in her own way. The modern day fabrications of a daughter always misunderstanding a mother's way of being the 'headstrong' in a most queer way possible, is what will attract the readers to this novel. And also, want a good dose of belly laughter, jerky and bumpy aeroplane rides and ironic placings of a social satires, then come and pick this particular book up ASAP!I am not much fond of comic novels, don't know why, but this work kept me intact and also changed my believe quotations about how comedy can be written me mixing them with the most morbid issues of our regular life. This work will help people look into perspectives of life in a way that will make them proud to assert more of their freedom. This novel, also has an important message that all Female are way more than the word "strong" and love is not always to be looked in a way that will make lose your heart. At the end, we meet an Anviksha who is relieved, calm and optimistic and a Smith?well the same with only a penchant for exploration around the globe as she never needed any education to change herself!Every page of this book holds raillery that is needed more now in our hectic schedule. A review is not enough for me to share all the praise, love, honour and respect that I hold for this book.