Baumcartner's Bombay - Anita Desai

Set in Germany , Calcutta and  Bombay during the troubled times of World War 2 , the novel tells the pathetic story of Hugo Baumcartner , a victim of the Holocaust , a lone firangi in India . The German is too passive , unambitious and dull - a drastic change from time-honored heroes. Yet one can easily relate to his life , times and tragic end. Thanks to Desai , the Holocaust is painted in minimal colors.

An offbeat , interesting and engaging read though not very perky.