The Windfall

A Novel

By: Diksha Basu

Narrated by: Soneela Nankani

“Charming . . . What Kevin Kwan did for rich-people problems, Diksha Basu does for trying-to-be-rich-people problems.”—People

NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY ESQUIRE • A PEOPLE PICK • A TIME PICK

The Jhas are moving up. For the past thirty years, their lives have been defined by cramped spaces and gossipy neighbors. But when Mr. Jha comes into an enormous sum of money—the result of an unexpectedly successful internet venture—he moves his reluctant wife from their housing complex in East Delhi to the super-rich side of town, ultimately forcing them, and their son, to reckon with who they are and what really matters to them. Hilarious and wise, The Windfall illuminates with warmth and heart the precariousness of social status, the fragility of pride, and, above all, the human drive to build and share a home. Even the rich, it turns out, need to belong somewhere.

Praise for The Windfall

“A delightful comedy of errors.”—NPR, Weekend Edition

“Ultra-charming.”—Vogue

“I almost fell out of bed laughing.”—Kevin Kwan, author of Crazy Rich Asians

“A fun and heartfelt comedy of manners.”—Rolling Stone

“Though money doesn’t necessarily buy the Jhas happiness, it delivers readers plenty of laughs and more.”—Esquire

“Endearing, astute.”—Christian Science Monitor

really sweet and unexpected

I really enjoyed all of the characters. It's interesting to see how the nouveau-riche choose what is important and what isn't. Especially when a family is bridging many aspects of their life. It's nice to have nice things but it's better to have people you love around you. I'm glad that this story could be told from multiple viewpoints in the family. Especially the grad student. Men have feelings too you know.

Great Read

If you actually listen to the story being told. You will hear how a family struggled to remain true to themselves when they were given a "windfall". It was not actually a windfall, but a blessing due to years of hard work. This story showed us how competitive we can become. It shows two sons, one who cared what his family thought and one who could care less. Two mothers, one caught up in non-reality and the other trying to hold on to her reality. And to Fathers/husbands, competing to show how successful they are while ultimately note realizing how they are affecting their families. It was an amazing read. And this is coming from an African American woman. I was quirky and funny and I really enjoyed it.

You will fall in love with the characters

Funny, heartfelt and, as someone who doesn’t know much about life in Delhi, culturally interesting. The narration is perfect. Highly recommended if you are looking for a light, funny but substantial read.

Fun and easy listen

This is a domestic comedy taking place in India and the U.S. The book explores themes such as what community really means, high parental hopes for the next generation to be successful and the pressure that brings, and how money and status can change us. There are many laugh out loud moments, and the characters are all likable in their own ways. The father, Anil, is my favorite. In some ways he seems overly naive, yet his positive and curious outlook on life make him lovable if not a little maddening at times.

Parts of the story are weak, and the ending a little too pat, however the author had me rooting for her characters happiness.

The narrator is great, giving each character a distinct voice and personality, and she switches effortlessly between them. I recommend this for people who enjoy family dramas and those who like to immerse themselves into a different culture.

Unlikable characters

The message of money doesn't buy happiness was demonstrated throughout by unlikable characters who were only slightly redeemed in the end.