Book review: Ghachar Ghochar

Do you know how we all hear great things about some books and when we get our hands on them, they completely disappoint us and make us question our tastes? Well, that did not happen with Ghachar Ghochar.

I heard so many good things about this one and then (surprisingly?) I found it was all that and more. And I am more than happy to recommend a translated work from my part of the world. So here we go.

About the book

Ghachar Ghochar

Book Name: Ghachar Ghochar

Author: Vivek Shanbhag

Genre: Fiction – Drama, Literary, Translated work

Characters: The unnamed narrator, Anita, Malati, Appa, Amma and Chikappa

Setting: Karnataka, India

The plot

Ghachar Ghochar begins with the young narrator sitting at the Coffee House mulling over his life. He is particularly fond of a witty waiter Vincent with whom he shares the happenings of his household. His family consists of his older parents, elder sister Malati, his paternal Uncle and his newly wedded wife Anita.

Do you know how we all hear great things about a book and when we get our hands on it, it disappoints us and makes us question our taste? Well, that did not happen with #GhacharGhochar #AsianLiterature #IndianLit Click To Tweet

Their living situation, though a common practice among Asians, is more out of convenience and habit rather than out of love. But they were not always like this. Until a few years ago the family was close knitted. Though not affluent they shared the smallest joys with each other and genuinely enjoyed each other’s company. 

When the father of the narrator (Appa) loses his employment, his uncle (Chikappa) had to start his own business venture to support of the family. This lead an ascent in their economic status which changes the family dynamics. Each member makes their choices, but how often they turn out to be right? 

My initial thoughts

Ghachar Ghochar means entangled and the title fits perfectly to the story. Aren’t we all tangled with the chaotic mess that our loved ones are? Even though the book is set in India, I am sure the plot will be relatable across the world.

I loved the characters that were real and raw. The unnamed narrator could be anyone among us and that is what makes Ghachar Ghochar personal and beautiful. If you love open ended plots, you are in for a treat!

Things that worked for me

  • I loved that every character has a grayer shade.
  • I think the simple narration and elegant writing style won me. 
  • The translator did a great job to retain the author’s style of writing.

Things that didn’t work for me

  • As much as I loved reading Ghachar Ghochar, I thought it was too short (is that even a negative thing?)
  • Ghachar Ghochar is not a plot oriented novella, so if you expect a lot of twists and turns you might be disappointed.

Bottom-line

Ghachar Ghochar definitely is one of the top picks on my Asian reads ever. I am gonna look out for more translated works in the future. 

Pin me!

Ghachar Ghochar

Let us chat

Do you like translated works? How often do they satisfy you? Which is your favorite translated reads? Let us talk.

20 Comments

  1. vidya

    Oh I picked this from the library sometime back but returned it before I ever got to read it; having grown up in the state that this story is from – Karnataka, this book caught my attention. I definitely will look for it again and read it..

    Reply
    • Gayathri

      You should definitely read this, you will like it.

      Reply
    • Gayathri

      Thank you!

      Reply
  2. Kathy West

    That is a very interesting cover

    Reply
    • Gayathri

      I agree!

      Reply
  3. Allie Bock

    Great review. I haven’t tried any translated works. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Gayathri

      Thank you!

      Reply
  4. Nicole

    Oh this book sounds interesting! I like books that push me outside my usual comfort zone 🙂

    Reply
    • Gayathri

      I hope you will give it a try!

      Reply
  5. Tasha

    I love it when a book lives up to the hype. Great review.

    Reply
    • Gayathri

      But that seldom happens, so when it happens it is great!

      Reply
  6. Kymber Hawke

    Your reviews are always so good. I have so many books on my tbr, but this one has to be added to it.

    Reply
    • Gayathri

      Thank you for your kind words!

      Reply
  7. Pratip

    This book has been on my TBR list for a very long time and is getting all dusty in my bookshelf. Now, that you have recommended I am going to read this book as soon as I finish reading Shantaram 😀

    Reply
    • Gayathri

      YOU HAVE TO READ IT! I am sure you will like it

      Reply
      • Pratip

        I sure will read this book at the earliest 🙂

        Reply
        • Gayathri

          Let me know how it goes!

          Reply
  8. Jinjer

    I really like the way you do your reviews. The structure of them with the different sections…About, Plot, Worked, Didn’t, etc. All book reviews should be set up like this!!!!!

    This Ghachar book sounds really good to me so I went to put it on Goodreads and I already have it marked as TBR. I see the library has 5 ebooks available to maybe I will read it as soon as I finish my current read (Mars Room).

    Reply
    • Gayathri

      Thank you for your kind words. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. I will be looking out for your thoughts on it!

      Reply

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Gayathri

Gayathri

Gayathri has been reviewing books since 2010. When she is not reading books or creating online content, she works as a writer and a digital marketer. Head over to meet me!