Have fun, Think a lot, feel free; Review of The house that BJ built by Anuja Chauhan

Book Name            :    The House That BJ Built

Author                    :    Anuja Chauhan
Publisher                :    Westland
Number of Pages   :    410

Publishing Year     :    2015
Edition                    :    Paperback

Rating : 4.0

Blurb

But what to do about her four pushy aunts who are insisting she sell? One is bald and stingy, one is jobless and manless, one needs the money to 'save the nation' and one is stepmother to Bonus childhood crush-brilliant young Bollywood director Samar Vir Singh, who promised BJ upon his deathbed that he would get the house sold, divvy the money equally and end all the bickering within the family.
The first word baby Bonu ever spoke was 'Balls' and indeed, she is ballsy, bullshit-intolerant, brave and beautiful. But is she strong enough to weather emotional blackmail by the spadefull? Not to mention shady builders, wily politicians, spies, lies and the knee-buckling hotness of Samars intense eyes? Sharply observed and pulse-quickeningly romantic, this is Anuja Chauhan writing at her sparkling best!

I'll make my sisters squirm like well-salted earthworms. I won't sell. Even my jutti wont sell. And if I die na, then even my gosht won't sell! The late Binodini Thakur had been very clear that she would never agree to sell her hissa in her Bauji's big old house on Hailey Road. And her daughter Bonu, is determined to honor her mothers wishes.

Plot

Bonu meets Samar after three years. She realizes that she still breeds the deep felt attraction to her step-cousin that she had towards him. Samar is also attracted to the unique brat of a girl but he pulls himself back since he is already in a relation. In order to avoid unnecessary fights between his Dauhgters, BJ decides to sell the house. But soon after the decision is taken, an unfortunate incident happens. Samar takes the responsibility to sell the house but Bonu is hell bent to protest the sale. Soon other external factors joins hands against the Thakurs to prevent them from selling the house. Bonu decides to keep aside the domestic grudges and help Samar.

As a side track, which later becomes the main track, we can see Samar's career as a director going through a difficult phase where Bonu's business is also at stake. Will they succeed? Will they confess their love? What will happen to the house that BJ built?

Characters

Bonu Singh  - Female Protagonist, BJ's Grand daughter.

Samar Vir Singh  - Male Protagonist, BJ's Grandson.

Anjini, Chandralekha, Debjani, Eshwari  - BJ's daughters

Ashok Narayan Thakur, Bhudevi and Gulab Narayan  - BJ's brother and family.

Laxmi Narayan Thakur  - BJ

The cast is really vast with characters like Zeeshan Singh, Susan Adams, Tring Brothers, Mustaq, Cougar, Doulat Master, Parveen, the Shekhawats, and more and more

My Review

The House That BJ Built is the sequel of the bestselling novel Those Pricey Thakur Girls by Anuja Chauhan. The sequel is more about Bonu Singh (daughter of Late Binodini Singh) and Samar Vir Singh (stepson of Anjini Singh). The wavering feeling of the step cousins for each other, the problems they face, the solution they imply all are rendered seamlessly. 

Highlights

 The character build up of Bonu and Samar is so perfect that we can envisage them. Every minute details are taken care of impeccably. Even if the cast is huge, all characters are given due importance. Not even once did I feel why did she bring in this character. 

Some instances like Sonu and Samar in the house of the Shekhawat's is rendered palpably. With her writing style she succeeded in giving a 3D projection of the story.

Readers can get a glimpse of the first book so that those who haven't read the prequel would not be stumped. 

The book cannot be just classified as a chick lit. It has other dimensions as well. Struggle of Bonu,  her illegal but rightful business, exploitation of the Trings by Mustaq, the viral video of Samar and Zeeshan, the cat fight between sisters are all reflections of sleazy reality around us. The cover image is good. Overall the book is worth the money spent.

Drawbacks

Overuse of Hindi words can be seen all through the book. It is fine if concentration is purely on an Indian reader-base but if taken in an international front, a glossary would have done the purpose.

The bitchiness between the sisters became over the top at some areas. 

One Liner

A Fun read, with a serious thought provoking note.

Avail the book from AMAZON & FLIPKART

About the author

Anuja Chauhan is an Indian author and advertiser. She worked in the advertising agency, JWT India, for over 17 years. She has written 3 novels, The Zoya Factor (2008), Battle For Bittora (October 2010) and Those Pricey Thakur Girls (January 2013). All three books are romances.

Reviewed for the publisher

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book as a complimentary copy from the Author in exchange for a honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.