Aunties of Vasant Kunj: Book Review

Aunties of Vasant Kunj is a witty, heartfelt tale of three Delhi women navigating love, betrayal, and friendship in a changing urban world.

on Mar 03, 2025

Middle-class Delhi is brought to life in Anuradha Marwah's new novel, Aunties of Vasant Kunj, a sharp and very wise exploration of three women making their way through life, love, and friendship in a rapidly evolving urban world. With humor, warmth, and a hint of nostalgia, Marwah creates a story that is as funny as it is profound.

The narrative is about three very different women—Shailaja, Mrs. Gandhi, and Dini—each grappling with their own issues while united by their common neighborhood in Vasant Kunj. Shailaja, a melancholic Delhi University professor deserted by her husband, tries to find meaning in her life while teaching romance to young students. Mrs. Gandhi, the ever-genial host, takes comfort in bottomless mugs of tea and local chit-chat, while the volcanic Dini is content in her utopian feminine universe. The two personalities don't mix, but in comedy and unexpectedness, circumstances bring them into each other's lives when both experience turmoil—a cheating spouse, an inappropriate but irresistible affair, or a poisonous work culture.

Against the background of Vasant Kunj, with its closely packed flats, encroached walkways, and constant civic problems, the novel aptly brings alive the middle-class life of Delhi. Marwah's writing is infused with biting observations, raw humor, and a nuanced grasp of the intricacies of women's friendships. As the heroines stumble through betrayal, reinvention, and unlikely friendships, the narrative brings out the strength of women who refuse to be defined by the world.

A delightful mix of social satire and heartfelt storytelling, Aunties of Vasant Kunj is a must-read for those who enjoy sharp, character-driven narratives. Marwah’s ability to balance humor with poignancy makes this book an unputdownable read that will leave readers chuckling and introspecting in equal measure. If you’re looking for a novel that celebrates strong-willed women, unbreakable bonds, and the charm of everyday Delhi life, this one is definitely worth picking up.