Alka Joshi and Six Days in Bombay

Bestselling author of The Henna Artist Alka Joshi returns with Six Days in Bombay, a sweeping story of identity and self-discovery inspired by the iconic Indian painter, Amrita Sher-Gil, known as the “Frida Kahlo of India.” Joshi delves into her subject with a riveting presentation that teases filmed scenes from this epic novel.  

Set in 1937, the novel follows Sona, a young Anglo-Indian nurse, as she travels from Bombay to Istanbul, Prague, Florence, Paris, and London to uncover the mystery behind famous painter Mira Novak’s death. Sona falls under suspicion, and the key to proving her innocence may lie in a cryptic note and four paintings Mira left in her care, sending her on a mission to visit the painter’s former friends and lovers across a tumultuous Europe teetering on war. 

Joshi explores the concept of identity while shining a spotlight on Amrita Sher-Gil through the fictional character, Mira Novak. “Paying tribute to her in this novel is also my way of reclaiming my Indian identity,” says Joshi. “I came with my family to the United States from India when I was nine [and] was enchanted. It didn’t take me long to identify as American instead of Indian, but my otherness followed me everywhere. Which was I: American or Indian?” Six Days in Bombay is a gripping, enchanting work of historical fiction that beautifully celebrates human connection. This program is co-sponsored by the India Cultural Center. Elm Street Books will be on site for sales and signing.  

Alka Joshi has a BA from Stanford University and an MFA from California College of Arts. Joshi's debut novel, The Henna Artist, immediately became a NYT bestseller, a Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick, was Longlisted for the Center for Fiction First Novel Prize, and has been translated into 30 languages. The Secret Keeper of Jaipur (2021) and The Perfumist of Paris (2023) completed the Jaipur Trilogy. In 2024, Joshi was selected for the Forbes 50 over 50 List, celebrating women who are shattering age and gender norms across all sectors of the American economy and culture.