This is a long pending review of Jane's hilarious debut novel. I came to know Jane (via her blog) through the marathon bloggers' group on FB. Sadly, I did not get a chance to meet her (or the other bloggers), during her book launch. Gulabi hails from village called Gayab, but is high on ambition and spirit. Her mummyji wants get her married off at the next possible chance but she aspires to meet her Bollywood hearthrob Sharook and does not care for the uneducated youth in her village.
She comes to Mumbai in search of her knight in shining armour, also known as Bemba (loved the term-it stands for BE MBA, a criteria that her man must pass) and ends up playing a detective to unravel the deadly mystery of a lost head that lands up accidentally in her rental home.
Gulabi's mastery over the Queen's English makes you doubt your own. Her antics land her in the most incredulous situations and yet it makes you want to play along, feeling for Gulabi in her trials and travails and having in you splits over the funny incidents.
I really liked the unique plot and the way it has been treated. The lingo grows on you (I'm guessing, it is difficult to maintain the flow of such a language throughout and Jane does a neat job!). It's a book you'll like if you prefer/don't mind light reading. Gulabi as a character will not fail to endear you since despite her flaws she has her heart in the right place and is also a strong-willed independent woman who knows what she wants and will not rest until she gets it.
ETA: Details of the book are available on Flipkart here.
