Book Review: ‘The Lost Flamingoes of Bombay’ by Siddharth Dhanvant Shanghvi

Book Title: The Lost Flamingoes of Bombay
Author: Siddharth Dhanvant Shanghvi
Publisher: HarperCollins
Number of Pages: 496
ISBN: 978-9356998681
Date Published: Sept. 5, 2024
Price: INR 323

Book Review

In “The Lost Flamingoes of Bombay,” talented photographer Karan Seth embarks on a journey to uncover Bombay’s hidden treasures. But when he gets sucked into a world of politics, crime, and sex, his journey takes an unexpected turn. Demoralized by the situation he finds himself in, Karan leaves Bombay and heads to England. But when he comes back, the city is calling him back, just like the flamingos that come and go through Sewri. This insightful book explores the complexities of contemporary urban life, the importance of friendship, and the nature of love. This is Siddharth Dhanvant Shanghvi’s second book.

The story is centered on an engrossing cast of individuals. Zaira, a stunning Bollywood actress, and Samar, a once-famous pianist living in seclusion with his American boyfriend, join Karan. Their fascinating lives collide and explore many aspects of love, from friendship to intense relationships. Accompanying them is Rhea, a married lady who gave up her aspirations for her craft to support her spouse. As they work through their challenges, each character reveals the complexity of interpersonal connections and the decisions that shape them.

The title, “The Lost Flamingoes of Bombay,” is an excellent metaphor for the city’s magnetic pull. The flamingos that swarm to Sewri’s mudflats symbolize how Bombay captures the hearts of people who have witnessed its bright disarray. Despite its flaws, the city enchants its inhabitants, bringing them back time and again. This theme runs throughout the novel, highlighting the powerful pull of love, ambition, and the desire to belong.

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Tragic occurrences deepen the plot and culminate in a murder that is reminiscent of actual events. This surprise ups the drama, but at times it comes across as heightened, which makes it hard to empathize with the characters’ experiences. The way that Minister Prasad, the antagonist, and political corruption are portrayed has a cartoonish quality that could take away from the story’s authenticity. The book offers moving observations on love, loneliness, and the effects of city living on interpersonal relationships despite these narrative difficulties.

Finally, “The Lost Flamingoes of Bombay” provides a thought-provoking examination of its protagonists’ emotional landscapes. While some story points may fall flat for mature writing, the book is filled with thoughts that will stay with you long after you finish reading it. Karan’s return to Bombay serves as a reminder of the city’s eternal energy, making this novel a must-read for anybody who enjoys nuanced storytelling interwoven with the complexity of love and life.

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