A Shimla Affair by Srishti Chaudhary – Book Review | Historical Fiction Set in 1940 Shimla

Set against the misty hills and grandeur of British-era Shimla, A Shimla Affair by Shrishti Chaudhary unfolds a tale of love, rebellion, and impossible choices. The novel transports readers to 1940 British India, where three sisters running a lavish hotel find themselves caught in the crossfire between duty, desire, and freedom. Seamlessly blending romance, politics, and history, the book captures the courage of women who dared to dream beyond the limits imposed on them.

About the Book

At the heart of A Shimla Affair are the Mistry sisters Noor, Afreen, and Nalini who manage the Royal Hotel Shimla, a haven for British high society. Their tranquil lives change forever when an underground revolutionary group enlists their help in a dangerous conspiracy during the hotel’s grand Summer Jubilee Ball.

As the night of the ball approaches, the sisters are drawn into a maze of deceit, betrayal, and patriotic fervour. The youngest, Nalini, dreams of Hollywood and freedom, yet finds herself torn between her affection for Charles Nayler, a kind British officer, and her loyalty to her country.

Through moments of tenderness, heartbreak, and resilience, A Shimla Affair captures how ordinary women became quiet architects of India’s freedom struggle. Every scene from the glittering ballrooms to the tension-filled bazaars of Shimla shines with cinematic detail and emotional intensity.

About the Author

Srishti Chaudhary is a bestselling contemporary Indian author celebrated for her heartfelt and relatable storytelling. Known for novels such as Lallan Sweets and The Good Girl Show, she brings warmth, humour, and authenticity to her narratives. In A Shimla Affair, Chaudhary shifts into historical fiction with striking maturity, portraying complex female characters navigating love, loyalty, and liberation in pre-independence India.

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Review of A Shimla Affair by Srishti Chaudhary

A Shimla Affair is a beautifully crafted blend of history, emotion, and defiance. The writing flows like poetry, capturing the elegance of the Raj era while exposing its inequalities. Each of the three sisters represents a different facet of womanhood like duty, rebellion, and hope—making their journeys deeply relatable.

The novel shines in its portrayal of female agency. The sisters do not merely witness history—they shape it. Their choices, sacrifices, and quiet rebellions mirror the countless unsung women who contributed to India’s independence.

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Chaudhary’s ability to balance romance and revolution is remarkable. Her descriptions of Shimla’s hills, the grand hotel, and the political undercurrents evoke both nostalgia and admiration. The love story between Nalini and Charles adds emotional depth, illustrating how affection can coexist with the turmoil of divided loyalties.

Why Read A Shimla Affair by Srishti Chaudhary

A Shimla Affair stands out because it merges romance, revolution, and resilience into one gripping narrative.
It reminds us that freedom is not just a political act but also deeply personal.

You should read this book if you love:

• Historical fiction rooted in India’s independence era.
• Stories that centre around strong, multi-dimensional women.
• Narratives that explore love across boundaries and the tension between heart and homeland.
• Lush, descriptive prose that paints a vivid picture of 1940s Shimla.

It’s perfect for fans of The Henna Artist or The Nightingale, and for readers who enjoy emotionally layered storytelling with cinematic depth.

You can buy this book from Amazon and Flipkart.

FAQs on A Shimla Affair by Srishti Chaudhary

Q1: Is A Shimla Affair by Srishti Chaudhary PDF available legally?
Currently, there is no official free PDF of A Shimla Affair available. Readers can purchase the paperback or Kindle edition through authorized retailers such as Amazon and Penguin India.

Q2: Is A Shimla Affair PDF free online?
No. Free PDF downloads from unauthorized websites are illegal and unsafe. To support the author, buy the official edition from trusted sources.

Q3: Where can I buy A Shimla Affair by Srishti Chaudhary?
You can purchase it from Amazon, Flipkart, and Penguin Random House India’s official website.

Q4: What genre is A Shimla Affair?
It is a historical fiction and romantic drama, set during pre-independence British India.

Q5: What makes A Shimla Affair unique?
The novel uniquely portrays women as silent revolutionaries, blending political intrigue, emotional depth, and vivid historical atmosphere in a way few Indian novels have.