52 pages • 1 hour read
The Widows of Malabar Hill
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Book Brief
432
Novel • Fiction
Bombay, India • 1920s
2018
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In The Widows of Malabar Hill, readers follow Perveen Mistry, Bombay's first female solicitor in the 1920s, as she navigates legal and societal challenges. Tasked with safeguarding the inheritance of three Muslim widows secluded in purdah, Perveen uncovers deceit and hidden tensions, combining a murder mystery with insights into colonial India and women's legal rights.
Mysterious
Adventurous
Suspenseful
Informative
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
36,802 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Widows of Malabar Hill by Sujata Massey is praised for its rich historical setting in 1920s Bombay and strong, intelligent protagonist, Perveen Mistry, who is inspired by India's first female lawyer. The mystery is compelling, though some find the pacing slow at times. Massey effectively weaves cultural and social issues into the narrative, enhancing its depth.
Who Should Read The Widows of Malabar Hill?
A reader who enjoys The Widows of Malabar Hill by Sujata Massey typically appreciates historical mysteries with strong female protagonists. Fans of The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith or Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear would likely find this book engaging for its richly detailed setting and social issues.
36,802 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
432
Novel • Fiction
Bombay, India • 1920s
2018
Adult
18+ years
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