A 2017 Editors' Pick by the New York Times, Entertainment Weekly, TIME, Rolling Stone and Esquire
Anil Kumar Jha has worked hard all his life to provide for his family. But now after thirty years, Anil has sold his company, and off the subsequent windfall has reinstalled his wife Bindu and their wayward son Rupak in Gurgaon, one of Delhi's glossiest neighbourhoods.
But while sudden, fabulous wealth can buy you a lot of things – from designer saris to crystal-encrusted sofas to life-size reproductions of the Sistine Chapel – it certainly can't buy the Jhas happiness. In fact, life is about to get a whole lot more complicated…
About the Author
Diksha Basu is a writer and actor. Originally from New Delhi, she holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Columbia University and now divides her time between New York and Mumbai. Her writing has appeared in the New York Times, Cosmopolitan, Buzzfeed and the BBC.
Industry Reviews
Ultra charming * Vogue *
Uproarious, beady-eyed social comedy with a big heart * Mail on Sunday *
A wicked satirist and social critic ... The stuff of Amartya Sen's worst nightmares and Tom Wolfe's sweetest dreams * New York Times *
Elegantly and humorously exposes the complexities of love and money ... expands our understanding of home, beyond the places where we think we belong * Elle *
A complete joy from start to finish -- Kamila Shamsie
I so loved this novel - laugh-out-loud funny and yet deeply touching. Like a blingy version of A Diary of a Nobody it demonstrates that whatever our nationality or wealth we're all prey to fathomless insecurity -- Deborah Moggach, author of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
The funniest novel to come out of India in years, Diksha Basu's Delhi Riche is a timely snapshot of Delhi families on the way up, down and sideways -- Gary Shteyngart, author of Super Sad True Love Story
Wry and witty with understated pearls of joy in one deliciously observed tale -- Helen Lederer
A comedy of manners for the globalized 21st century, Delhi Riche is equal parts heart and laugh by a writer who is a new star. -- David Ebershoff, author of The Danish Girl
A fun and heartfelt comedy of manners, which looks at the ups and downs of upward mobility, the things you gain and what you leave behind * Rolling Stone *
It's haves and have-mores in this hilarious yet heartfelt novel about an Indian family struggling to acclimate to their newfound wealth, while also competing with their wealthier neighbours * Entertainment Weekly *
A charming satire...What Kevin Kwan did for rich people problems, Diksha Basu does for trying-to-be-rich-people problems * People *
I almost fell out of bed laughing as I read Diksha Basu's sharply observed satire. The Windfall is such a delicious, addictive treat, as I flipped to the last page I found myself already wanting much, much MORE -- Kevin Kwan, author of Crazy Rich Asians and China Rich Girlfriend
A master of the intimate detail, Basu can apparently enter any perspective at will. The novel has a gentleness that belies its furious subject: money -- Karan Mahajan, author of The Association of Small Bombs
With a knowing wink Diksha Basu updates the comedy of manners, giving us a Delhi backdrop and plenty of second acts in 21st century lives - a thoroughly enjoyable read -- Jade Chang, author of The Wangs vs. the World
Wry and witty with understated pearls of joy in one deliciously observed tale -- Helen Lederer, author of Losing It
