Zen

Zen by Shabnam Minwalla is a brilliant page turner. Zainab Essaji and Zainab Currimji are lovable , endearing, vulnerable and relatable . Shabnam has addressed what are Indias biggest concerns , deftly- exposing bigotry and sadly emphasizing that the concept of the “others” in India is slow propaganda perpetuated by the so called intelligentsia.In recent times, topics like citizenship, diversity , inclusion have never been addressed so fearlessly. And ofcourse Bombay! The most beautiful character in all of Shabnam’s novels. Loved reading about the Yacht Club, bylanes of Colaba and shopping expeditions. More than worth a read- grab your copy now!!!

Zen” by Shabnam Minwalla is a wonderful amalgamation of Young Adult and Contemporary Fiction.With the back drop of Political unrest, Freedom Movement, Patriarchy and Cultural differences plays a Love story. And all these elements were articulately placed.This book could bridge the gap between any generation and the Millennials.The Author has masterfully braided the plot illustrating the complexities of Adolescences, Cultural differences and most importantly Love across generations.The story flows in two timelines simultaneously. Bombay of 1935 and Mumbai of 2019.Here we meet two contrasting yet similar Zainabs.A 19-year-old Zainab Essaji is engaged to be married, but in 1935, the battle for independence and the alluring “K” have her heart. And then Zainab Currimji aka Zen who is more concerned about school, writing music, and Yash, a new boy in her life, than the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), which the youth of India started protesting against in 2019.The Author Shabnam has used a different approach to narrate the story of 1935. In the form of Dairy entries, it gives a clear picture of the era. There are colour coded chapters, lovely vocabulary and yes the political movements like NPR Citizenship Law,CAA etc. 1935 was era when society was prejudiced, sexist and racist. This was effortlessly put forward.Shabnam Minwalla describes the 40's era very beautifully. The fashion, trends, hair styles every detail of Bombay was interesting.The Authors knowledge and research was evident throughout.Now the question remains, Are the two Zainab’s related? Who is the mystery man? Read to find out.

I love this book. It is big and grand but intimate and deeply personal. It is about music and colour and love but also about hate and pettiness and politics. Shabnam captures a large swathe of Mumbai and Indian history in a most compelling manner. I have been gifting it to many people because I believe this is a book every fiction reader should read.There is a playlist on Spotify with the songs from this book and it is fun to listen as one reads.

A teenager, Zainab, is a reluctant activist and a romantic. Juxtaposed is diary pages of her great grandmother Zainab, a reluctant activist and a romantic. Their love stories, the times they are caught up in, the connections, the ghosts, all swirl together in a book that's funny, sweet, unputdownable.

"Zen" by Shabnam Minwalla is a captivating novel that effortlessly weaves together the lives of two women named Zainab, spanning across time in Mumbai, India. Through their stories, the author skillfully explores themes of independence, societal restrictions, and the evolution of India. The book beautifully captures the essence of Mumbai's history and presents a diverse cast of memorable characters. With its blend of grandeur and intimacy, the narrative delves into both love and hate, music and politics, creating a deeply personal and thought-provoking reading experience. I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking a compelling fiction read that offers a glimpse into India's past and present. The accompanying Spotify playlist, featuring the songs from the book, adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the overall experience.

The exquisitely written book "Zen" by Shabnam Minwalla takes readers on an engrossing voyage of self-discovery in the busy city of Mumbai. The book is a captivating experience that has a lasting impression on the reader with its expert blending of mystery, self-reflection, and imaginative storytelling.Zen, a twelve-year-old girl who is passionate and inquisitive and finds herself in the middle of an exciting adventure, is the main character of the novel. Zen experiences a terrible sense of anxiety after learning that her father, a well-known investigator, has inexplicably vanished. Zen sets off on a mission to learn the truth, driven by an unshakeable desire and a firm conviction in her father's talents.This book stands out because the author did a marvelous job of capturing the spirit of the city.Mumbai's bright and busy streets take on a life of their own as the author expertly captures the distinctive sights, sounds, and smells, enveloping readers in the rich tapestry of the city. By generating a sense of intimacy and connection, Minwalla transports her viewers by using evocative descriptions to let them experience the city alongside Zen.Incorporating tension, humor, and reflection with ease, the author's writing is fluid and captivating. Her writing has a smooth flow that makes reading enjoyable from beginning to end. The layers of the mystery are revealed in each chapter, which also explores Zen's development as a person and emotional maturity. Readers are left wanting more.In conclusion, "Zen" is a literary gem that skillfully infuses mystery, introspection, and the liveliness of Mumbai's backdrop. Shabnam Minwalla's ability to capture the essence of her characters and their surroundings elevates this novel to a level of brilliance that will stay with readers long after the final page has been turned.