Sonal Singh On Sonal's Table
Every housing society has its share of nosy aunties, but Richa’s nosy aunties don’t just gossip; they serve justice in their hilarious, heartwarming, and slightly dangerous world. It’s a universe of middle-aged women who swap knitting needles for vigilante missions, showing us that superheroes don’t always wear capes. Sometimes they wear sarees.
What begins as a cozy mystery cantered on Philly, a teenager, quickly takes a sharper turn as she suspects her mild-mannered mother and her kitty-party friends are hiding a rather explosive secret—the disappearance of a local creep. As Philly digs deeper, she discovers that these women, often dismissed as background characters in their own households, have been quietly running a parallel justice system to help the police catch sexual predators. And just when you think you’ve got the story pegged, a few neat twists shake things up.
The book shines brightest in its voice. That’s sharp, witty, and dripping with sarcasm. It’s unapologetically feminine. There’s drama, suspense, humour, and even a dash of swoon. The multiple perspectives presented by Richa make for a lively, layered narrative. The aunties bumble, snoop, and squabble their way into LOL chaos, whether it’s botching an investigation at the workplace or cooking up distraction plans over pakodas.
Beyond the slapstick, though, lies a thoughtful core. The story doesn’t shy away from tough issues like sexual abuse, women’s invisibility after a certain age, the suffocating expectations of middle-class families. However, Richa delivers the themes with a satirical lightness that still packs a punch instead of weighing the story down. The humour makes the social commentary hit home without ever being preachy.
The characters are a win. Even side characters are well-etched. The housing society itself becomes a character, brimming with committee meetings, neighbourly squabbles, and that irresistible “everyone’s-in-everyone’s-business” charm that instantly transports you back to childhood afternoons in similar societies.
What stays with you, long after the last page, is the celebration of female friendships and resilience. These aunties remind us that being underestimated is sometimes the perfect camouflage, and that laughter, solidarity, and a touch of mischief can be revolutionary.
I found the book fresh, funny, and surprisingly layered, in signature Richa style.
Vigil-Aunties is a cozy mystery with teeth. It’s equal parts satire, social commentary, and pure entertainment. If you love neighbourhood drama, witty writing, and stories that blend humour with heart, this one’s a must-pick.
