Official Review: Goodbye Bombay by Gry Finsnes

Post by **bookowlie** » 25 Mar 2016, 09:22

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Goodbye Bombay" by Gry Finsnes.]

3 out of 4 stars

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Goodbye Bombay by Gry Finsnes is a historical romance novel about a woman’s memories of living in 1980’s Bombay, India and the illicit romance she had while there. While holding a hospital vigil for her adopted son, Christine Ashford tells her friend Phoebe about her experiences acclimating to the foreign city. She lived there with her husband Stephen and young daughter in the early 1980’s due to her husband’s career. Unhappy in her marriage, she fell instantly in love with an Indian man, Zarin, which led to a series of choices and repercussions.

Much of the book reads like a memoir and includes an interesting look at Indian culture in the 1980’s. I found the main character’s adjustment to a wildly different lifestyle fascinating. At first glance, it might seem luxurious to have servants and a driver, but the general conditions of the area are subpar. There is a stark disconnect between Christine attending cocktail parties at opulent hotels and the way most of the locals live in substandard conditions. Her affair adds depth to the storyline of a woman adjusting to life in a foreign county, with no help from her self-absorbed husband.

As can be expected with intricate details about a country’s setting and lifestyle, the story is slow paced. The author’s writing has a nice rhythm that borders on poetic. However, the plot gets bogged down at times from an excess of description about minor details and insignificant scenes.

The slow-burning romance is heartfelt, but is a little disjointed within a cluttered storyline about living abroad. After the pair confess their feelings for one another, the affair moves a little too fast; this was a bit jarring given the previous pace of the relationship and, of course, the fact that Christine is still married. A few of the plot points (no spoilers) seemed unrealistic and I figured out a key plot twist early on in the story. Still, there were a few surprises that I didn’t anticipate.

The characters are well drawn, even though I found it difficult to care for them. Christine is realistically written as a Norwegian-raised lawyer who gave up her career in England due to Stephen’s job transfer. She is clearly discontented living in Bombay, as her husband is inattentive and has a wandering eye. While he is no prize in the husband sweepstakes, Christine is not likeable either. She is self-centered, impulsive, and lacks empathy for the poor locals.

Having Christine reminisce with Phoebe over a series of meals is an effective plot device, as I felt like I was right there chatting with them. However, it was odd, given the fact that her son was in the hospital in critical condition. I was astounded that the women would spend so much time away from the hospital, chatting about Christine’s long-ago experiences in another country. It would have made more sense for her to discuss her son’s childhood or other aspects of his life. Most mothers would be at the hospital non-stop instead of hanging out at home drinking wine and discussing India and a love affair.

Goodbye Bombay deserves a rating of 3 out of 4 stars. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy historical romance novels set in an exotic locale. I certainly learned a lot about a place I knew little about.

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Goodbye Bombay
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gali · Post by **gali** » 25 Mar 2016, 14:21

Great review! I am glad you enjoyed the book overall.

bluemel4 · Post by **bluemel4** » 25 Mar 2016, 14:32

Great review! It was fair and balanced. I love that even though the characters aren't that lovable the setting and cultural education make up for it.

Post by **bookowlie** » 25 Mar 2016, 18:33

Thanks Gali and Bluemel! Although the characters weren't likeable, I still enjoyed the plot. I actually liked that the author didn't take the easy way and make the woman too sympathetic. It would have been too stereotypical to have her be the complete victim of an inattentive husband. Christine, the main character, had her flaws which gave more layers to the character.

Gry · Post by **Gry** » 26 Mar 2016, 10:34

Thank you for the review and the comments, I particularly like the remark that the writing had a nice rhythm that borders on poetic!
I know Christine seems a little cynical, and I made her like that on purpose of course. But the fact is that if you live in a country like that you cannot survive if you don't accept that there is little you can do about the poor, not as one person alone. You can help a few, which she does with her servants, and give money to larger organizations. It is not really a good idea to give money to the beggars on the street, they are organized and make children work for them. Sorry that you think the beginning is slow. The main purpose of the novel was actually to describe what the country looked like to a foreigner in 1980.

chytach18- · Post by **chytach18-** » 26 Mar 2016, 11:46

Great review! I also am a bit confused why the mother would spend so much time with her friend when her son is in hospital. It doesn't add any good to her character. Unless it was written on purpose.

CrescentMoon · Post by **CrescentMoon** » 26 Mar 2016, 12:35

This sounds like an interesting book. I like reading stories where I can get lost in a foreign land and culture and this sounds like it would be that. Great review!

Post by **bookowlie** » 26 Mar 2016, 12:49

Gry wrote:Thank you for the review and the comments, I particularly like the remark that the writing had a nice rhythm that borders on poetic!
I know Christine seems a little cynical, and I made her like that on purpose of course. But the fact is that if you live in a country like that you cannot survive if you don't accept that there is little you can do about the poor, not as one person alone. You can help a few, which she does with her servants, and give money to larger organizations. It is not really a good idea to give money to the beggars on the street, they are organized and make children work for them. Sorry that you think the beginning is slow. The main purpose of the novel was actually to describe what the country looked like to a foreigner in 1980.

Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment and clarify the reasons for some of Christine's actions. I did think that you made the character cynical on purpose, but I thought it was due to her personality and upbringing. I particularly enjoyed the parts about a foreigner adjusting to life in another country - I love to read books where I can learn something about another state or country. I love your writing style and look forward to reading your next book!

-- 26 Mar 2016, 13:54 --

chytach18- wrote:Great review! I also am a bit confused why the mother would spend so much time with her friend when her son is in hospital. It doesn't add any good to her character. Unless it was written on purpose.

Thanks Chytach! I had mixed feelings about this aspect of the story. As I mentioned in my review, having the main character relate her memories to her friend was a very effective plot device. Also, the friend encouraged her to talk about her long-ago experiences in India as a way to get her mind of her son's condition. Although a few of their conversations took place by Christine's son Tony's bedside, most of the conversations were over a series of meals at home. It was one of the things that made it hard for me to relate to her character.

-- 26 Mar 2016, 14:28 --

CrescentMoon wrote:This sounds like an interesting book. I like reading stories where I can get lost in a foreign land and culture and this sounds like it would be that. Great review!

Thanks CrescentMoon! I also love these types of books. Whether the story is non-fiction or fiction, I can immerse myself in another state or country.

LivreAmour217 · Post by **LivreAmour217** » 26 Mar 2016, 15:18

Wonderful review! It sounds like a truly unique book, but I can tell that Christine would really get on my nerves!

Post by **bookowlie** » 26 Mar 2016, 16:15

LivreAmour217 wrote:Wonderful review! It sounds like a truly unique book, but I can tell that Christine would really get on my nerves!

Thanks for your kind words.

Christine was still an interesting, thought-provoking character. The author did a great job of creating someone memorable.

PashaRu · Post by **PashaRu** » 26 Mar 2016, 20:09

Okay, I'm sure I'll never read this book - not up my alley at all - but thanks for an honest and well-written review. The narrative structure seems somewhat interesting, though. Too bad the principals are not that likable.

Post by **bookowlie** » 26 Mar 2016, 20:35

Thanks Pasha. The historical aspects about living in India in the early 1980's are vividly written and quite interesting.

kimmyschemy06 · Post by **kimmyschemy06** » 18 Apr 2016, 08:01

The only book I read about India was Far Pavilions by M.M. Kaye and I enjoyed it a lot. This book sounds like another book that features Indian culture. Too bad, though, about the flaws. Great review.

Post by **bookowlie** » 18 Apr 2016, 09:35

kimmyschemy06 wrote:The only book I read about India was Far Pavilions by M.M. Kaye and I enjoyed it a lot. This book sounds like another book that features Indian culture. Too bad, though, about the flaws. Great review.

Thanks Kimmyschemy. Despite the issues I mentioned, I enjoyed the book. The descriptions of the setting and the contrast between the expatriates and the poor locals was so vivid that I feel like I was there.