Paro: Dreams of Passion

by Namita Gokhale

Paro is a heroic temptress, alluring and rapacious, the stuff of legend. Wandering through the world of privilege and Scotch whiskey that the rich inhabit, she is observed constantly by the acid Priya, eternal voyeur and diarist, who identifies strongly with the heroine of her favorite novel, Rebecca, and vicariously follows the melodrama of Paro's life. Priya herself is in love with her boss, the irresistible BR, sewing-machine magnate and 'the Housewife's Friend'. Pato, inevitably, marries him, to Priya's fury. But BR is merely one among a whole string of admirers; Paro has seduced many. Eventually, as in all moral tales, Paro succumbs to life and circumstances, but not before the reader has been wildly entertained by social comedy without parallel in Indian writing. This is a reprint of the original published in 1984.

Genres: Indian Literature, Fiction, India

Paperback

First published June 9, 2011

Reviews

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, another confession by me - I am just a mere male impressed by feminine pulchritude (that means beauty, for those who claim they loathe 'big words').The first time I read this book many years ago I was very much impressed with the hardcover copy, especially the photo of the then young lovely author at the back. And the blurb praised the book and the attractive Indian author to high heavens. I just had to read the book! I soon realised that the author wrote very well, sarcastically and jauntily to boot. Well the book was stated to be a satire of sorts. But as I read on I felt in the mould of the west African that I was (am!) that this was a very "cheeky" woman indeed - well, the narrator at least! What else can one call a woman who mocks others especially her husband, referring to his stinking breath, and even his flatulence when he is making love to her (but back to the hubbie a bit later on). The narrator, patently well read, even mocks classical literature (eg 'And dear reader I married him')....It is interesting that this work portrays middle class, privileged life a few decades ago - yet such is the world we live in right now, that it appears odd that there were no smartphones then, never mind the tantalising world of social media that enthralls our existence now. There is a lot of melodrama, not only on the part of the 'celebrated' Paro - even her demise is quite melodramatic- but the same is ubiquitous. Strange how all this could unfold in a society quite sedate and serene. Yes, I certainly felt a lot of sympathy for Priya's husband, Suresh. He is entitled to expect more from his wife; after all, he liked, admired, loved her...otherwise why else would he marry her, take care of her, work hard, make sacrifices etc? But our narrator hardly even likes him and keeps on making fun of him in her write-ups or diaries, whilst admiring the shameless, wily Paro. And Priya even admits to her husband, who is shocked at the contents of her writings, that he means little to her. One can imagine the pain and agony the poor lawyer would endure, which is of course glossed over. The winner takes it all?

[Seema Ravi krishna · Rating 1 out of 5]

And the point is?

Well it is a pointless, fast paced trashy read. One pathetic excuse of a woman's rant against her arch nemesis who is equally cluless and useless. This book might have been be as lame back in the 80's as it is now unless one gets cheap thrills from the page 3 paparazzi.

[Namitha Varma · Rating 4 out of 5]

A friend of mine gave this book to me saying that he thought of me while reading it. I am not sure if it was just the author's name that brought me to his mind, or one of the characters. To imagine I am Paro is flattering, overwhelming - but I would like to identify myself with the narrator Priya.

The protagonist Paro is a loud, dramatic and lascivious woman who sustains herself and rises up the social ladder on her sexuality and commanding presence. Priya, who is Paro's friend and enemy, as well as her ex-husband's lover, tells us the story in a detached tone. Even as she herself is part of the story, she manages to stand aside, and be almost unblemished. In her social ascent after marriage to Delhi lawyer Suresh, her story and Paro's become intertwined and almost inseparable.

Paro is an interesting and thought-provoking narration that covers a myriad of topics. Paro is about convoluted relationships, intrigues, sexuality, erudition, drama in life, and self-realisation. It is about sex politics, vicariousness and gender politics in the so-called upper class in India. Above all, Paro is about a woman who dares to do well for herself using her most obvious and most powerful weapon - her body.

[Abhaga · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quick read. Well crafted, fluent precise language, well done dramatic scenes, a story well told. But I didn't see the point. Nothing in the story really touched any chords.

[Shreya Vaid · Rating 4 out of 5]

So this week was a bit troublesome for me, given that everything was super slow at work and home. And to make it a bit exciting, I decided to eat Chicken Do Pyaza from a joint in front of my office. It ultimately made me land into a ditch of my own puke and loads of dehydration, but then I have risen wise and little recovered from my bed this morning, bringing to you review of this cult classic novel from the eighties, Paro by Namita Gokhale.

The story of Paro is set in Delhi and Mumbai of the eighties. Even though we feel that both the cities are famous for their power and money driven economies respectively, I feel that both the cities have a lot in common. The rapacious and calculating unmarried socialities stalking prospective providers in parties, businessmen with one eye on commercial contracts and the other on the scrumptious bosom of their young secretary, the long-haired Kurta clad Marxist drinking red wine and living in the comfort of his rich parents. These are some of the things that make Delhi and Mumbai as one, whether it is 1980's or 2018!

And in between this glam and glitter, Namita Gokhale shares story of Paro. A heroic temptress who glides like an exotic bird of prey through rich societies of Delhi and Mumbai. She lives life recklessly, caring about nothing and no one. From getting married into a rich business family to her divorce, and then taking lovers who could be her son's age, Paro has done it all. But nobody yet understands what she really wants? The safe arms of a man around her, or the money and sheer power that can make her unstoppable?

Observing her from a distance is Priya, a middle-class girl from Mumbai married into posh Delhi circles. As much she tries to understand Paro and her daily drama, the more she falls into the trap of her enchanting beauty and skills using which she has half the city's power list bending down to her. What happens when Paro and her secret admirer Priya come together?

It’s been long since I read a woman character so strong and fiery in nature! And somehow, I come across such women time to time, thanks to the vicious social circle we have to keep appearances in. Paro left me spellbound and dazed and I don’t have enough words to define her ❤️
But yes, even though the book is a cult classic, it’s not everybody’s cup of tea, given Paro’s behavior that can make some readers go “Haye Rabba” 😄
But for me, Oh I simply loved it. The storyline will keep you hooked till the end, and Paro's endless drama of a constant need for a shoulder to cry on and powerful men who can keep her wallet full will make you laugh and distraught at the same time. The book could've definitely been shorter, trimming at least 50 pages or so but then the overall work is pretty awesome.

If you are ever in the mood of a cult classic featuring a strong and sassy woman, Paro by Namita Gokhale is something that you should definitely pick up!

[Richa Bhattarai · Rating 3 out of 5]

30 years ago, Namita Gokhale introduced the world to Paro - wild, impulsive, and far ahead of her times. And in 2011, she resurrected Paro's best friend/arch nemesis Priya in another novel.
I found both of them interesting, easy yet thought-provoking reads, but was left dissatisfied. Now, I really admire Ms. Gokhale's writing. I think she should be read and discussed a lot, lot more. The comfortable way she tosses words around, creates scenes and plays with descriptions, outstanding. Her 'Things to Leave Behind' is poetry within a novel.

But these two novels... It was as if they set out to satirize the entire world around them, and ended up being caricatures of themselves. They are classic, biting satires on the page 3 world, politics, journalism, movies, and life in general. They contain every character possible - wanton woman, philandering husband, old flame, pseudo-ideological politician, gay son, a fake Naxalite, gold-diggers and sadistic people. It's got a semi-unpredictable, sometimes-riveting, often meandering storyline. There is very able handling of emotional, sexual, social tangles. Exciting promises, but somewhat unsatisfactory execution.

The most exciting part is Paro. Sensual,seductive, unapologetic Paro, who teaches us to live life uninhibited. She's portrayed so well. And yet, like 99.9 percent of stories, she's made to suffer and pay her dues just because she dares to be her own person, a 'bad girl.' I hated that. Had so hoped this would be different. Again, I understand this is satire, but am still not convinced.

However, books by women about women, especially South Asian, are my weakness. Will recommend for the diversity and boldness, flippant yet thoughtful storytelling. Also the marvellous way we can experience writing style changing over decades.

[Alka · Rating 2 out of 5]

worthless piece of writing...or maybe I read it at a wrong time period...story of some socialite.

[Pallavi · Rating 1 out of 5]

I did not really liked the book. I did not understand what the author wanted to write and what she wanted to convey to her readers

[Judy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't quite know what to make of this. If it were written by an American, I'd call it quick-read trashy, but I don't know how it fits within the Indian culture of 1984.

[Neha Gupta · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is what it is... just what it is... sleazy, scandalous and titilating in the most corrupt way...

Read more
http://storywala.blogspot.com/2017/11...

[विकास 'अंजान' · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5/5

[Venkat Iyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another wonderful work from an Indian author. Written in 1984 and set in the late sixties to the early eighties, it is still amazingly modern, readable and relatable.

It starts off written like a Ruth Rendell, with complex sentences that convey too much detail, making it a very slow read. A word is a sentence, a line is a paragraph. You can't breeze through this book. Very erudite English in the beginning, which would grip anyone who grew up on the classics. It gets lighter as you go along, both in style and content.

The characters are one dimensional but the prose is not. The narrator is standing remote and giving an ironic commentary. The reader, author and narrator are all standing apart from the unfolding events which come thick and fast. The reader never starts to relate to the cold and emotionless narrator - never does the author try to enlist sympathy for Priya. Despite that, Priya is a stand out unique character. The cynicism, humor and sarcasm is ever so subtle that it blends the serious and non serious into engrossing interest for the reader. Very skilfully done. Shades of self deprecatory humour notwithstanding.

Paro is described in exquisite external detail, without ever offering any serious insight into her. In fact, every character is dealt just so, memorably empty. Reminded me of Gabriel Garcia Marquez and Salman Rushdie, who's writing styles must have surely influenced the author.

After the initial third, the book gets progressively flippant. Those familiar with Bombay and Delhi of the 70s and 80s will find a lot of relatable detail.

Around two thirds of the way into the book, the style changes. It gets just a bit personal and opens a tiny window into the vulnerabilities of the author herself. But that window closes very soon, as if the author realised it was open and slams it shut.

The level of sarcasm inevitably increases as we progress, with the author running out of things to say or story to convey, but that only makes it all the more enjoyable, because it's done artfully and the humour compensates. Certainly the funny quotient keeps increasing throughout the book to make up for a meandering and meaningless storyline.

It has a rushed and hurried ending though, as if the author got tired of the characters, had nothing more to say, and wanted to disengage abruptly. Frankly, the reader has also got tired of Paro and Priya. And so the book ends only out of such compulsions, for there never was a story to tell.

This is a book for a connoisseur of writing skills, because the author demonstrates a mastery of the written word which is unusual in a first novel. It's a pleasure to read, just because it's so well written, shades of Crome Yellow. Well worth the read and impressive enough to leave the reader wanting more by the author.

[BookStarred · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading it, felt like a fast moving movie. It had gripped me from the start and every move was unexpected. It has a complex plot that still feels modern even though it was written years ago.

Turn a page and there's a shock every now and then. So much happens in this book. The complexity, confusion and mix of lives of people resembled our actual lives. The style of writing is faced paced and narrative. When i just started feeling sympathetic towards a character, something bleak happened, like it does in our usual real lives. And this only attracted me to the plot even more. I wasn't just reading it, I was studying it.
Would I recommend it ?
Yes, if you want to read something different, fast, short (it's only 100 pgs) and don't mind gossips and stories around affairs, love, adulthood, marriages and fleeting relationships.

[Idea Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun, quick and trashy read. I dove into it in between heavier tomes like River of Smoke and The High Priestess Never Marries. Paro's antics were just the distraction I needed to develop a thicker skin to how books can affect me.

Paro is the quintessential femme fatale as she wrecking ball's her way through the lives of numerous lovers and their partners and families. One of them is Priya, the narrator, who is in devoted love with her boss. Paro enters her life as the ice queen wife of this very man minutes after he has seduced his way through the office typing pool. Thereafter she continues to loom large in Priya's life.

Priya seems obsessed with Paro as some women inevitably are by the rareities that are sexually unapologetic. That very characteristic imbues Paro with a kind of animal magnetism as well as shielding her from the violations that Indian moral policing lays on women. Men seem overwhelmed by her predations and many succumb. That said, it's easier to see from a 2025 eye just how unsympathetic these supposedly overwhelmed men are.

The book is set in Bombay and Delhi of the early 1980s. It bears the flavour of Shobha Dé's salacious glitterati gossip with occasional references thrown in, to the urban class system of those times. Andheri where Priya hails from after all, was a far-flung suburb, not the center of such storylines (possibly) today. That was fun to read about.

[Tripfiction · Rating 4 out of 5]

1970s MUMBAI / DELHI

3.5*



Priya is the 'voyeur and diarist' of the comings and goings of Paro, a striking woman who holds sway wherever she goes. "..being a Beautiful Woman. It's a full time occupation. And much harder work than it seems...".
Wherever she turns up melodrama follows in her wake as she indulges in affairs and short-lived marriages. No man is safe, it would seem, even Priya's husband at times succumbs to Paro's charms.
The author is a skilled storyteller with a tremendously fluid writing style. She captures Paro's flashing allure, her eyes glinting as she makes her moves; she describes the range of emotions that her persona evokes and the polarised responses that follow in her wake.
This candid satire of sexual liberation and social climbing was first published in 1984. Given the time period of 1970s/80s India, when more formal behaviour was the absolute norm - especially for women - this novel proved a game changer, a racy read. Transpose this character into today's culture, of course, - with her bright red hair and nails painted in gold and red stripes - and she would garner little attention.
Paro appears to enjoy the limelight, but even she does not come through life unscathed.
Paro is a kind of precursor to today's influencers and celebrities, and as such her conduct no longer shocks or stands out. It is advisable to read this book with the culture of its time in mind, underlined by the cover design with its nod to the graphics of the era.

[Renuka · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very commonly asked question about this book is....what is the point? I think...the narrator Priya says it very well "it's a book about boredom, vanity, jealousy". It's about people who just go on living their lives mindlessly. Each one of them has a moment of epiphany. A moment they could have turned their life around or saved themselves....but they consciously choose not to.
How terrible it is to spend your life as a mere imitation of another? How terrible it is to never spend your life craving for more, for something else, anything else?

I hated this book coz in a way it's just trashy, not at all like Namita Gokhale of later years....
But I also loved it....coz only Namita Gokhale can tell a story this way where people are not heroes. They are not saving anyone...they can barely save themselves. But they are real people and their story leaves you shocked, repulsed, sad and even angry.

[Anita Govind Bhatia]

Paro is a loud, dramatic and lascivious woman who sustains herself and rises up the social ladder on her sexuality and commanding presence.

Priya, who is Paro's friend and enemy, as well as her ex-husband's lover, tells us the story in a detached tone.
Even as she herself is part of the story, she manages to stand aside, and be almost unblemished.
In her social ascent after marriage to Delhi lawyer Suresh, her story and Paro's become intertwined and almost inseparable.

It's an interesting and thought-provoking narration that covers a myriad of topics....relationships, intrigues, sexuality, erudition, drama in life, and self-realisation.
It is about sex politics, vicariousness and gender politics in the so-called upper class in India.
Above all, Paro is about a woman who dares to do well for herself using her most obvious and most powerful weapon - her body

[Fatguyreading · Rating 4 out of 5]

I must say, this is certainly not my usual type of read, but I think it's important and useful for authors to have the perspectives of readers that aren't exactly their target audience, so I try to read out of my comfort zone as often as possible, and I did enjoyed reading something a bit different.

It's a tale set in the world of the Indian upper-class in the late 70's / early 80 s, in which we follow Paro, a loud, brash, dramatic woman who's making her way up the social ladder, primarily using her sexuality to achieve that. After she marries a Delhi lawyer, her life and her friend/ enemy, Priya, become intertwined.

Want to know more? Be sure to pick your copy up.

It's a story that covers many themes. Sexuality being the main one really, but it also covers relationships and gender, among others.

At only 160 pages, I read this in one sitting.

4 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.

[Pooja · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read as part of the Suitably Booked book club pick for the month.

First published in 1984, this debut novel was groundbreaking for its time. As India slowly emerged from its traditional mindset and began embracing western influences, Paro captured society at a turning point. It boldly explored themes of sensuality and desire, unapologetically bringing these conversations from behind closed doors into the public sphere—something almost unheard of then.

Did I enjoy it? Not particularly—it’s not my usual cup of tea. But I appreciated the chance to read something so different from my usual lineup and to reflect on how much has changed (or hasn’t) since the book’s release.

[Arefa Tehsin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finally got to read this cult modern classic and was blown away by its boldness, oomph and panache. Being a writer myself, I understand the (sometimes almost subconscious) self-censorship that creeps in while writing a book. This was written in 1984, almost a lifetime ago, and is not just a work of fiction, but a work of courage.

The book is fast-paced and gripping, characters well-rounded and the story an unsparing account of the society and human relationships. I am surprised a movie hasn't been made on this book yet.

[Anuradha · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not to applaud the bare minimum but I was happy to see that the author gives a nod to Daphne Du Maurier's Rebecca, which this book seems to have been inspired by. Many of the observations ring true. I could've sworn I know some of these characters. The wannabes, the champagne socialists, salt of the earth types, sleazy uncles. It's not a vapid trashy romance. At least not entirely. What put me off was the protagonist Priya. Just endlessly pathetic, endlessly unhappy.

[Meenu · Rating 1 out of 5]

Worst book I ever read. Cant believe Penguin has re-published it as a Classic! I have never read Gokhale before and I never will again. I would rather avoid her mediocre ideas about women's interiority/liberation.

It is unbelievable that she is a leading figure in the Indian literary festival scene- perhaps a glaring testimony of the vacuity of commercial literary markets, especially in India. A shame.

[AMIR · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had heard about this book a lot but reading it in 2025 I can say that it hasn't aged well..a racy read through the world of 'high society' , it may have caused a sensation when it was published nearly 40 years back but the same won't hold today

[Kathika Narayan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliantly written, entertaining and voyeuristic read! I was sad when the book ended.

[Resh · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bold and fast-paced, but unenjoyable

[Kajree Gautom · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nothing spectacular.

[duskywomaniya · Rating 1 out of 5]

Pointless and plotless. This book brought me out of my reading rut in a paradoxical way where I’m very driven to read more and better books.

[Sayari Debnath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very catty, very sexy. A tremendous read.

[_booksagsm · Rating 3 out of 5]

Namita Gokhale's Paro: Dreams of Passion is acclaimed as her debut novel published in 1984. As a reader,
I have read some of Namita Mam's work - Never Never Land, Lakshmi and anthology works like Treasures of Lakshmi and Finding Radha. Paro dates back to author's debut work and has come as a surprise to me. Paro is a daring & satirical portrayal of high society in 1980s India and I am bit pleasantly shocked on reading Paro. Author has crafted a thought provoking yet entertaining narrative which sheds light on the emptiness & superficiality that accompanies the pursuit of wealth & status.

Paro, our main lead, is a beautiful woman and intelligent who navigates a couple of tumultuous relationships & unfulfilled desires. Her character symbolizes a contradictory person who prizes appearances & social standing over sincerity & substance. Then, there is Priya who is narrating the whole story.

Paro is a powerful critique of the pursuit of hollow dreams. Namita Mam has explored how chasing after external validation - materialism whether in wealth, beauty or status can actually lead to a life devoid of its true meaning & satisfaction. Paro is a blend of humor with start realities and author's narrative makes in both engaging and unsettling. The ending has left me a bit lost because it was really unexpected. The book although written years back is so relevant in a world where relationships are just becoming mockery. The book is for all those readers who are interested in literature that offers both a social critique & a deep exploration of human psyche.

[Aditi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scary and disturbing. Must have caused something of a sensation when it was published in 1984. Paro is this femme fatale man-eater who the narrator watches and envies from the sidelines. Her sexploits are observed and detailed, as are the voyeuristic tendencies of the narrator and Paro's effect on her own married life. Very Freudian at some levels, especially Paro's affairs and the narrator's pregnancy. The sweetest part of the book is the narrator's love story with B.K.

Gokhale refers to Rebecca and the unnamed second wife in the book, and comes back to that reference in a very telling way in the second half of the book, but doesn't do much with it. As a result, the book feels like a diary or a journal of events, and the story needs to be pressed out a little more. A moving book, full of passing details of life in high circles in Delhi, including now familiar stories of drink, desire and death in the big city.