By the early nineties, India’s economy had taken its first faltering steps toward liberalization and globalization’s reach had found and touched significant swathes of its society. The decades-long post-independence era of Nehru and Gandhi was finally and firmly over, and Bombay had become Mumbai. Bombay in the Age of Disco is a personal and historically powerful memoir which weaves together the experiences and aspirations of a young girl and a city on the cusp of transformation. Tinaz Pavri captures Bombay’s pre-global guise as the city moves inexorably toward the dizzying sea-change that comes after she leaves its shores. This book is a moving, lovingly-etched remembrance of a city and its people that molded the author into the person she became, nurtured her dreams, taught her its wisdom and held her friends, family, and community. It gives us an insight into the life of Bombay’s Parsis, Persian-descended refugees who became wound into the fabric of the city’s life over centuries. Pavri’s memoir is a keenly-observed, affecting, and often humorous account of India’s changing social structure, economy, and politics over the last several decades, giving voice to the last of its pre-global generation. Readers will be as enthralled by Pavri’s family, friends, and community as they will be by the city’s momentous challenges and regenerating charm.

Tinaz Pavri was born in Mumbai, India, and came to the U.S. to pursue her graduate studies. She is a professor of political science at Spelman College, where she also directs the Asian studies program. Her areas of expertise include global security, conflict resolution, and international political economy. She lives in Atlanta with her family.

“Pavri’s memoir immediately brings back wonderful sweet memories of growing up “Parsi” in Bombay“

Ms. Pavri’s memoir immediately brings back wonderful sweet memories of growing up “Parsi” in Bombay. By page 8, it stirred up long lost (in my mind) locations in Bombay. I admire her honesty and tenacity in sharing her childhood, so similar to mine – surrounded by relatives and family. You can get so lonely in America without that love and support! But at the same time, Ms. Pavri intertwines the politics of ever changing Bombay/Mumbai!

–Amazon, Sue

“Five Stars“
A wonderfully descriptive and engaging memoir.

–Amazon, BooksForYou