Book Review: Bloodline Bandra by Godfrey Joseph Pereira

Book Review: Bloodline Bandra by Godfrey  Joseph Pereira

*Publisher: Harpercollins *ISBN: 978-93-5136-442-9 *No of Pages: 248 *Cover: Paperback *Language: English *Genre: Fiction *Price: 350 *Rating: 4/5

My view:

Wow, funny and hilarious novel, the book is divided into three parts, the first one which is the funniest part, which describes the traditional life and language spoken in Pila village near Bandra in Bombay. The history of Bombay and the origin of Pali villagers from first century until Indian Independence are described in very simple way.

The book is about David the protagonist journey to USA and back to India, it uncovers the dark side of Indian living abroad. Besides the gripping story, the author shows the culture and life of East Indians living in Pali Village. The author has shown how we all are connected to over motherland, the places where we came from, the difficult part to move from our bloodline. 

Read this novel to know, why they are called East Indians even though they live in Western part of India. All the characters and their interesting names given by the villagers is very interesting part of the novel. Also interview with the author which is at the end of the book is must read for those who are pursuing their dream to live their life in USA, the author has perfectly portrayed the life of Indians exploited by the Indians in USA.  

Godfrey’s writing style is fresh, unique, gripping, evocating and humorous, it’s a must read book. I highly recommend Bloodline Bandra to everyone. I am eagerly waiting for the Bloodline Bandra’s second part. 

Blurb:

David Cabral is a journalist, and also one of the original pee-pills: an East Indian from Pali Village. The village is a world unto itself, and the villagers such notables as Salt Peter, Freedy Fakir, Bosco Big Stomach, Carla Four Eyes, Lorna Leg Spread, Spunkless Joe and Small Tree Big Fruit. It is a world relatively untroubled by the rapid changes around it, mostly because its inhabitants just ask themselves: ‘My fadder wot going?’
David, spurred by the sight of childhood friends who have made it big abroad, manages to shake off the stupor of his comfortable life and heads to New York for his piece of the American Dream pie. There, he finds himself a slave: unable to scrape together enough money to return to India, nor able to quit because it would render his stay illegal. He also meets and falls in love with Japanese cello student Hatsumi Nakamura - a difficult relationship, because they are both bound by culture and circumstance.
All the while, Pali village beckons David home.

Bloodline Bandra captures with flair and wit the flavourful language of the East Indians, life in the tight-knit community of Pali Village and a way of life that’s dying. It is a riveting tale of love and loss, of home and homelessness, that will linger on long after the book is read and put away.