Vigil Aunties by Richa S. Mukherjee - Book Review

Name of the book: Vigil Aunties 

Author of the book: Richa Mukherjee

Genre: Literary & Contemporary Fiction

ABOUT THE BOOK

Richa S. Mukherjee’s "Vigil Aunties" offers a delightful plunge into the vibrant, sometimes chaotic world of the Adhunik Vikas Cooperative Housing Society. At the center of this lively tale is sixteen-year-old Philadelphia, Philly Waghmare, whose life is turned upside down by a shocking incident that thrusts her into a secret world she never imagined her mother, Varsha, could be part of.

Philly’s life, once monotonously revolving around SAT prep, takes a thrilling turn when she starts trailing Tarun Adhikari, the influential father of her best friend Naina. Her investigation leads her to discover that her mother heads a clandestine society of women who might be linked to the disappearance of the notorious Ratan Tamancha, a figure of interest to the police.

The plot thickens as Bharatendu Bandopadhyay, an unorthodox investigator, enters the scene, adding layers of suspense and intrigue. Mukherjee masterfully crafts a narrative filled with twists and turns, keeping the reader engaged from start to finish. The game of cat and mouse between the aunties and Bandopadhyay is both gripping and entertaining, raising questions about morality, justice, and the lengths to which one will go to protect loved ones.

One of the standout features of "Vigil Aunties" is it's rich portrayal of middle-class Indian life. Through the perspectives of various characters, Mukherjee dives into the daily struggles and dynamics of middle-class families. Issues such as financial stress, health concerns, body image, and personal identity are explored with sensitivity and authenticity. The use of regional language and the inclusion of local cuisine add an extra layer of realism and charm to the story. Every character in the book was so well-written and described that I felt as if I knew someone like them in my personal life. I must say, I loved all the characters.

However, the narration can be somewhat disorienting at times, particularly in the beginning. The multiple perspectives, while enriching the narrative, occasionally make the storyline feel complicated. There are moments when the story seems to lose its momentum, feeling somewhat mechanical. But Mukherjee skillfully regains the pace just when needed, ensuring the reader remains hooked.

The climax, though predictable, included a few surprising revelations. Ultimately, it was exactly what should have happened; any other outcome would have been disappointing and unsatisfying. Mukherjee manages to address the reader’s doubts and objections, delivering a near-perfect conclusion that resonates well with the themes explored throughout the book.

MY TAKE ON THE BOOK

The comedy, drama, and mystery are all expertly balanced in "Vigil Aunties". It is admirable how Mukherjee can incorporate important societal concerns without coming across as blatantly preachy. This book is more than just a mystery; it's a commentary on the strength and resilience of women, the value of community, and the secret lives that sometimes go unnoticed by those who appear to be normal. Every housewife can relate to this story, and I'm sure many would secretly wish to do something similar, even if not as adventurous or daring. Personally, I would love to be part of such girl gang that finds a purpose in life that is more selfless in nature.

For those seeking an engaging, dramatic, and humor-filled mystery, "Vigil Aunties" is a highly recommended read. Mukherjee’s adept storytelling and relatable characters make this book a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Whether you are a fan of mystery or simply looking for a well-crafted story with depth and humor, "Vigil Aunties" is sure to captivate and entertain.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Richa is an ex-journalist and advertising professional turned award winning writer, poet and blogger, contributing to several online platforms. Her first novel I Didn’t Expect to be Expecting was a humorous take on the rollercoaster ride of pregnancy and her second, Kanpur Khoofiya Pvt Ltd, a comedic thriller was picked up for a screen adaptation. Excess Baggage is her third book and is also headed to the big screen. She has authored anthologies, e-singles and audiobooks.

BOOK DETAILS

Format: Paperback

Price: 325 

Pages: 368

Publisher: Black Ink

Availability: Amazon

This Book is part of Blogchatter's #Book Review Program #TBR Challenge #BookChatter #2024