A great light but also devastating debut novel. Presents a strong character study of a South Asian complex millennial woman using online dating apps, having problems with their boss and patents as she fibds her way through life after college. Witty, funny, and real, with deeper undertones of a complex relationship with food with roots in generational trauma and resultant PTSD.

Ghost Chilli by Nikkitha Bakshani is a relatable and engaging read about the complexities of modern life and relationships. The story follows Muskan, who seems to have it all—a cool job in the city, great friends, and no shortage of first dates. Yet, something feels off, especially with her three-year "situationship" and the unresolved question of why her family suddenly moved to America.

Bakshani’s writing is warm and funny, perfectly capturing the quirks and struggles of contemporary life. Muskan’s journey feels real and thought-provoking, as she tries to balance her outward persona with her inner confusion. The book does a great job highlighting how people often struggle to communicate their true feelings and desires.

The humor in the book keeps things light even when dealing with heavier themes like identity and isolation. Muskan’s interactions with her friends and colleagues are spot-on, making the characters come to life. The dialogue is sharp and realistic, adding to the immersive feel of the story.

One of the standout elements is the exploration of cultural identity and the immigrant experience. The mystery about Muskan’s family's sudden move adds an intriguing layer to the story. Bakshani handles these themes with care, making Muskan’s journey resonate deeply.

The book isn't perfect—some parts feel a bit rushed, and a few secondary characters could use more development. But these are minor issues in an otherwise compelling story.

Overall, Ghost Chilli is a great debut that will connect with anyone who's ever felt the weight of unspoken words and the search for belonging. Bakshani blends humor, heart, and sharp observations into a story that's both entertaining and meaningful. It's a reminder that finding honest relationships and understanding oneself is a journey worth taking.

I liked the premise of the book, it had me interested enough to pick it up.
However, I didn’t really connect with the story. I thought that I may find it harder to relate to Muskan being neither American or Indian, but the problems/ issues/ situations she faces in the book are pretty universal.
So I’d hoped that that would be enough to carry it through.
Unfortunately, I just didn’t connect with either the story itself or any of the characters in the book.
I appreciate I may not be the target audience here, so I’m sure it’ll resonate with others, just not me on this occasion.
Tanks for the opportunity to read it.

I loved the honesty whilst reading this book, to see Muksan explore her culture, background and life choices was very cathartic.

At first glance, Muskan is a young woman who seems to have a few things going for her. Or at least, most of her challenges would likely fall under the rubric of a term she deeply loathes, namely "first world problems".

But there are any number of things Muskan doesn't understand: why she increasingly seems like the odd one out in her quartet of friends; why she is wasting her time on her dead-end "situationship" with Noah; why her relationship with her mother is so fraught; why she can't seem to get beyond the first date with the guys she likes; and why her family moved from India to America so suddenly when she was 10.

This is the somewhat angsty story of an Indian-American woman who is struggling to find her place in the world. It didn't really work that well for me, but I'm guessing it may well appeal to the target demographic depicted in the story.