Khotachiwadi Chronicles
Written with a unique tone and reflecting the essence of stupendous writing, author Charlene Flanagan’s incredibly appealing title, “Khotachiwadi Chronicles – Aunty Perpetual & The Fall Of House Rodrigues” is more than just a novel; it is a love letter to a bygone era, an ode to the close-knit Catholic neighbourhoods of old Bombay and a delightful mix of humour, nostalgia and community intrigue. Set in the 1990s, before the dawn of social media and the smartphones, this novel transports the readers to a simpler and a deeply engaging time, where landline conversations, handwritten notes and over the fence gossip were the essence of the daily life. Besides, the manner in which the author had carried out the task of storytelling in her book is captivating enough to make the readers quench for more with every turn of the page, and this is something that actually makes this title reading worthy!
Author Charlene Flanagan is the former Executive Editor of Mother & Baby, India. Her bylines have appeared in renowned publications such as Femina, Man’s World, and The Free Press Journal, among others. She spends a lot of time reading and prefers thrillers and the macabre, an interest she shares with her sister. She holds a BA in English Literature from the University of Mumbai and currently lives and works in Bombay as a Public Relations consultant. Whereas, this particular title, “Khotachiwadi Chronicles – Aunty Perpetual & The Fall Of House Rodrigues” is published by Evincepub Publishing and is released during the period of January 2025. Also, the book is available in both paperback as well as in e-book format and the readers can find this title on all the top online marketplaces.
The story in this title, “Khotachiwadi Chronicles – Aunty Perpetual & The Fall Of House Rodrigues” presents the vivid descriptions and the deeply rooted cultural references, as author Charlene Flanagan paints a rich and evocative portrait of Khotachiwadi, a historic neighbourhood in South Bombay. But at the heart of this story is an unforgettable character — Aunty Perpetual Fernandes. Nosy, well-meaning and irresistibly larger than life, she is the self-appointed guardian of the neighbourhood morals and a woman who thrives on drama just as much as she believes in upholding tradition. The central character, Aunty Perpetual is a 50-something widow, a busybody with a sharp eye for mischief, scandal and moral waywardness. The story kicks off when she catches Ronnie Rodrigues, the youngest son of the once-revered Rodrigues family, engaging in some suspicious behaviour. What starts as idle gossip soon spirals into a deep and tangled web of secrets, as Aunty Perpetual digs deeper into the Rodrigues family’s affairs, uncovering the truths that threaten to shake the very foundation of the neighbourhood.
On top of that what makes Aunty Perpetual such a compelling character is her genuine belief that she is doing good, even when her meddling sometimes causes more trouble than it solves. She is the quintessential nosy neighbour, yet her heart is firmly in the right place, making her both an agent of chaos and a beacon of tradition in this rapidly changing world. The readers are bound to love her, laugh at her and perhaps even recognise a little bit of her in someone they already know among their known-ones. Interestingly, all these factors make this title, “Khotachiwadi Chronicles” a funny, heartwarming and a beautifully written novel that captures the soul of Bombay’s past while delivering a story full of heart, humour and intrigue!
One of the Notable Strengths of this title is its richly detailed setting. Khotachiwadi, with its narrow lanes, brightly coloured homes and unique cultural tapestry, comes alive in author Charlene Flanagan’s writing. Her descriptive prowess makes the readers feel as if they are walking through the neighbourhood, overhearing the chatter of aunties, breathing in the aroma of home-cooked food and witnessing the everyday joys and dramas of this vibrant community. The book beautifully captures the spirit of the 90s — a time when life was less about technology and more about human connections. It evokes a sense of nostalgia for handwritten letters, shared meals and old-fashioned camaraderie. The novel reminds us of a time when people did not just live next to each other, rather they lived with each other, deeply involved in one another’s lives, for better or for worse.
In addition, the novel’s narrative style is truly engaging and witty, where author Charlene Flanagan masterfully balances the humour and depth. Aunty Perpetual’s antics will leave the readers laughing, but her moments of introspection add a surprising layer of poignancy to the story. The book’s pacing is smooth, and the dialogues are authentic and rich with the local flavour, making it a delightful read from start to finish!
Now, upon reaching the final part of the review, i.e. the Book Verdict, we can conclude that a title like “Khotachiwadi Chronicles – Aunty Perpetual & The Fall Of House Rodrigues” is for sure a reading worthy title. The book deserves a chance by the readers as it is a beautifully crafted, heartwarming novel that brims with charm, wit and nostalgia. With its rich setting, unforgettable characters and a storyline that is as humorous as it is thought-provoking, author Charlene Flanagan has created a literary gem that will appeal to the lovers of contemporary and literary fiction alike. For those who have ever been a part of a close-knit community, have fond memories of the 90s, or simply love a well-told story with strong characters and cultural depth, this book is an absolute MUST READ.
Book: Khotachiwadi Chronicles — Aunty Perpetual & The Fall Of House Rodrigues
Author: Charlene Flanagan
Publisher: Evincepub Publishing (2025)
Total Pages: 220
Reviewed By: Neel Preet
