Written By: Jenna V. & Dek S at Foster City Library
San Mateo County Libraries is thrilled to welcome Alka Joshi, bestselling author of Six Days in Bombay and the Jaipur Trilogy, for an unforgettable evening of storytelling and discussion. Meet Alka Joshi at this special in-person author talk on Tuesday, May 27, at 5:30 PM, at San Carlos Library.
Special Giveaway!
Stop by your local San Mateo County Libraries branch to grab a free copy of Six Days in Bombay—while supplies last! Plus, a limited number of copies will be available at the event for attendees.
Six Days in Bombay – A Story of Art, Mystery and Identity
Alka Joshi’s latest novel brings to life the fascinating and complex legacy of Amrita Sher-Gil, a prodigious artist often called India’s Frida Kahlo. Through the fictional character Mira Novak, Joshi pays tribute to Sher-Gil’s revolutionary spirit, artistic genius and enigmatic life.
Like Kahlo, Amrita Sher-Gil was bold, political, and unapologetically herself—a woman who straddled two cultures: her father, a Sikh aristocrat and scholar, and her mother, a Hungarian Jewish opera singer. Yet, despite her brilliance, she remained unrecognized on the global stage, her untimely death at 28 only adding to her mystery.
Alka Joshi shares:
“It’s important to me that the work of female painters like Amrita Sher-Gil is not forgotten. Paying tribute to her in this novel is also my way of reclaiming my Indian identity.”
A Tale of Art and Intrigue
Set in 1937 Bombay, Six Days in Bombay follows Sona, a young Anglo-Indian nurse, who crosses paths with the enigmatic and half-Indian painter Mira Novak after Mira suffers a devastating miscarriage. Drawn into Mira’s world of adventure, art and reckless passion, Sona forms a deep connection with the artist. But when Mira dies under suspicious circumstances, Sona finds herself entangled in a web of uncertainty.
To prove her innocence, Sona embarks on a journey across a Europe on the brink of war, forcing her to confront her own identity, courage and destiny.
Get to Know Alka Joshi
Alka Joshi’s journey is as compelling as her novels. Born in India and raised in the U.S. since the age of nine, she has spent her life navigating the question: American or Indian?
“The moment I stepped on American soil, I was enchanted. It didn’t take me long to identify as American instead of Indian, but my otherness followed me everywhere.”
Joshi holds a BA from Stanford University and an MFA from California College of the Arts. Her debut novel, The Henna Artist, became a New York Times bestseller, a Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick and has been translated into 30 languages. The Jaipur Trilogy (The Henna Artist, The Secret Keeper of Jaipur and The Perfumist of Paris) captivated readers worldwide.
In 2024, Forbes recognized Joshi on the 50 Over 50 List, celebrating women breaking barriers in literature and beyond. Now, she’s back with Six Days in Bombay, an immersive and unforgettable historical fiction novel.
What Readers Are Saying:
“[A] stirring, thoroughly immersive read filled with an unforgettable cast of characters, transporting settings, an intriguing quest, and a beautiful homage to the enduring bonds that connect us. Riveting, resonant, and richly detailed.” – Chanel Cleeton (The Cuban Heiress, Our Last Days in Barcelona)
“Six Days in Bombay is a sparkling travelogue and a poignant journey of self-discovery all in one.... Alka Joshi is simply the best!” – Kate Quinn (The Alice Network, The Rose Code)
“A compelling and richly textured tale of art, loss, identity, and independence. Six Days in Bombay shines.” – Kristin Harmel (The Paris Daughter)
Don’t Miss This Exclusive Event!
Come meet Alka Joshi, get inspired by her journey, and dive into the world of Six Days in Bombay. Whether you're a long-time fan or discovering her work for the first time, this is a night of literature and conversation you won’t want to miss!
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