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The review of the newly released debut novel Boomtown by Aditya Mukherjee is finally here! I wanted to read this book for namely two themes that I am always interested in- food and entrepreneurship.

About the author: Aditya Mukherjee is a recent graduate of IIM Bangalore and currently working as a strategy consultant in Delhi. He has studied computer science, economics, had a start up and been, very temporarily, a published cartoonist. Boomtown is his first published novel. Read more about him in an exclusive interview given to Books and a lot more.

Boomtown by Aditya Mukherjee is a book about JJ, Roy, Jaaved and Sheetal, young people who get running to start a chain of fusion restaurants. This is a story of these folks and the problems each of them face in accomplishing the same. Much of the book revolves around food and life in the Delhi region.

JJ is eccentric but an endearing character. The credit for successfully starting the venture ought to go to him, as he is the one who recognizes Jaaved’s potential and bring all of them together. The last chapter where he is the sole actor is emotional although very short. I thought it could have been better.

Jaaved never fails to surprise. As the plot develops, you realise that he is not your simple boy from Chandni Chowk. He is rebellious but controlled, a contradiction itself.

Roy is the archetypal Engineer who doesn’t know why he studied engineering, with archetypal parents who believe in white collar jobs and how only professions like engineering, doctor, MBA, etc can bring success and respectability for a person in society.

Sheetal is a brave single mother, who is bored of her job and begs to do something different. She appears confident but in the end, seems quite desperate for some happiness in her life. And starting this venture is exactly what she needs.

Although the plot is quite predictable, it is funny and a light, breezy read that does not fail to entertain. People in the Delhi Metro (that’s when I get the most time to read) stared at me when I would frequently smile or laugh a little bit too loudly, quite frequently, I might add.

This book is full of lovable characters, especially Dara and who walks in and out of the book repeatedly and JJ’s cousin who doesn’t seem to have enough clothes (or doesn’t seem to want to wear them, anyway). Shareef bhai has impeccable comic timing and you can’t help but love Saraiya, Sheetal’s mother. It is aptly named ‘Boomtown’ as it also silently pokes fun at hurried development in a city like Gurgaon. On the whole, it reminds you of how you need to follow your instincts, sometimes. It makes you think of that idea you always had for starting your own business but never quite got around to doing something about it.

Other details about the book:

Note: A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for an honest review.