Once Upon A Summer by Manjul Bajaj, published by HarperCollins India, is a captivating exploration of love, identity, and the complex interplay of caste, class, and colonialism in early 20th-century India. Set primarily in 1906 Nainital, the summer capital of the United Provinces, the novel weaves a poignant tale of Madeline, a spirited young English girl, and Azeem, her Indian horse groom, whose forbidden romance challenges the rigid boundaries of race and social hierarchy. Spanning 351 pages, Bajaj masterfully blends multiple timelines, geographies, and character arcs to create a rich, immersive narrative that is as thought-provoking as it is emotionally engaging.

A Tale of Love and Defiance

At its core, the novel follows Madeline and Azeem, whose deep love defies the societal constraints of colonial India. Their story, while familiar in its Romeo-and-Juliet-esque premise, is elevated by Bajaj’s nuanced storytelling. The couple’s fearlessness and resolve keep readers invested, with the question of their fate lingering until the final pages. Bajaj’s ability to craft a simple yet compelling romance ensures that their journey feels authentic, even as it navigates the weight of historical and cultural divides.

A Tapestry of Characters and Contexts

What sets Once Upon A Summer apart is its ambitious scope. Bajaj seamlessly shifts between timelines and settings—1906 Nainital, 1895 Rannpur, 1959 New York—without disorienting the reader. These transitions are smooth and purposeful, enriching the narrative with diverse perspectives. The novel’s supporting characters are given equal depth, particularly Mariam, a lower-caste Hindu woman who converts to Christianity and becomes an ayah in Madeline’s household. Mariam’s arc is a standout, offering a lens into the intersections of casteism, classism, and gender. Her transformation from Meera to Mariam, coupled with her aspirations for autonomy—“Gown-clad, convent-educated, fluent in English, on her way to a new job, she wished to hold her own”—highlights the resilience of women navigating oppressive systems.

Through Mariam and others, Bajaj explores the often-overlooked dynamics between Indians and British colonialists. The relationships depicted are intricate, revealing a deeper interdependence than typically portrayed in colonial narratives. This complexity adds a layer of authenticity to the novel, grounding its romantic core in a richly detailed historical context.

Strengths and Highlights

Bajaj’s prose is evocative and accessible, transporting readers across time and place with ease. The vivid descriptions of settings, from the bustling Afzal Manzil to the opulent nawab’s palace, bring colonial India to life. The novel’s pacing is brisk, with its 351 pages feeling neither rushed nor overstretched. Bajaj’s ability to balance multiple storylines while maintaining narrative coherence is a testament to her skill as a storyteller.

The novel also excels in its portrayal of Azeem’s world, particularly through scenes of his childhood and family life. The depiction of Afzal Manzil, alive with the voices of Azeem’s siblings and cousins, is vibrant and nostalgic, capturing the chaos and joy of a large Indian household. These moments provide a warm counterpoint to the novel’s heavier themes, grounding the story in relatable human experiences.

Areas for Improvement

While Once Upon A Summer is a deeply engrossing read, it falters slightly in its portrayal of Madeline. At times, her character veers into caricature, with overly exuberant reactions that feel exaggerated. For instance, her response to receiving first-class tickets—“Thank you, Papa. Thank you, life. Beautiful world, lay out your charms. Mandeline Evans is headed your way”—lacks the nuance seen in other characters. Her motivations, beyond a fascination with her surroundings, can feel underdeveloped, making it harder for readers to fully connect with her emotional journey.

Additionally, while the novel’s ambitious timeline shifts are generally successful, they occasionally demand extra effort from the reader to reorient themselves. A slightly tighter focus on key transitions could have enhanced the overall flow.

Final Thoughts

Once Upon A Summer is a remarkable novel that transcends the simplicity of its central love story to offer a profound commentary on identity, power, and resilience. Bajaj’s ability to weave together diverse characters, timelines, and geographies creates a narrative that is both intimate and expansive. Despite minor flaws in Madeline’s characterization, the novel’s strengths—its rich historical context, compelling secondary characters like Mariam, and seamless storytelling—make it a standout read. It is a book that transports readers into multiple worlds while keeping them anchored to its unforgettable characters.

For those seeking a blend of romance, history, and social insight, Once Upon A Summer is a must-read. It is a testament to Bajaj’s skill in crafting a story that is as thought-provoking as it is heartwarming.