They say, “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” but trust me, this one is an exception. The cover itself feels like a quiet whisper — inviting, intense, and mysterious enough to make you want to grab it instantly. And yes, I did. Because how could I resist Rahul Pandita’s first novel, Our Friends in Good Houses, launched recently in Delhi?
The book tells the story of Neel, a journalist drawn to war zones — places torn by conflict yet strangely peaceful for him, because that’s where his own inner chaos seems to dissolve. Away from those battlefields, though, he’s just a man searching — for belonging, for a home, for a sense of stillness. From the dusty lanes of Delhi to distant lands in America, Neel’s journey becomes one of longing and reflection, love and loss. It’s about how sometimes, the home we’re looking for isn’t in a house, a city, or even another person — it’s somewhere within.
Published by HarperCollins, the book isn’t just about geography; it’s about emotional terrain. It’s delicate yet daring — much like Rahul’s writing style itself.
I still remember working with Rahul sir almost 20 years ago. Back then, I knew him as a serious journalist — sharp, fearless, and incredibly committed. Reporting from conflict zones, he had this rare ability to see humanity in chaos. Seeing him now step into the world of fiction feels surreal — like watching a war reporter trade the sound of gunfire for the quiet rhythm of a novelist’s heart.
And yet, his warmth, honesty, and depth remain the same. I’m genuinely curious to discover how that same clarity of thought translates into his fiction. Rahul sir has always been someone who writes what others are afraid to even whisper — and I have no doubt this book will be no different.
Can’t wait to dive in.
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