“An absolute joy to read.
Through her close encounters with the bovine kind, Narayan shows how Indian traditions are incorporated into her contemporary way of life.”—Library Journal, starred review.
“Sincere and laugh-out-loud funny . . .
Narayan’s rich and evocative writing transports readers to the busy streets of Bangalore and a fully formed picture of modern India.”—Kirkus Reviews
“Filled with the vivid colors, sights, and sounds
of a vibrant and ancient culture, Narayan’s in-depth treatment of cow mythology is a beautiful ode to her motherland.”—Booklist
Milk Lady on Youtube
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Reviews and Articles
Book Review of Milk Lady
Narayan’s portrayal of Sarala reminded me that I know people like them too; and that their interactions with us make our lives all the more worthwhile and well-lived.
Thanks, Washington Review of Books
A witty recollection of one woman’s unusual journey into the world of cows.
Audio recordings of Milk Lady
Thank you Algonquin for sending me these CDs of my book. Read by Soneela Nankani
The Milk Lady in Paperback
This beautiful cover is of my book, The Milk Lady of Bangalore, which is about cows and why they are important in Hindu-Indian culture. The French edition is also out and called, La Laitiere de Bangalore.
Milk Lady in Bustle’s list
Two women set off on a journey to find the perfect head of cattle.
Need to read all these books…save one
The book is charming and funny, but also a perfect window into the many contrasts of modern Indian society.
Tory Burch chooses my book!
The Milk Lady of Bangalore is a joy — and the charm only augments when you learn it’s a true story. Journalist Shoba Narayan (New York Times, Condé Nast Traveler, Wall Street Journal) returns to India with her family after nearly two decades in the U.S.
Thank you San Francisco Chronicle….
The Milk Lady of Bangalore, by Shoba Narayan: A delightful glimpse at the idiosyncrasies of life in modern India. After 20 years living in New York City, the author and her husband return to India so their two children will grow up knowing their extended family and culture.
Free Press Journal reviews my book.
A window to the universal connection between cows and humans
Saathee Magazine reviews Milk Lady
The book is a travelogue through a world so common in India, yet its struggles and ethos unknown to most. She writes with the keen reporting of a journalist combining fluid prose and storytelling, stitched with first-hand research.
New York Times: Reviews My Book
The New York Times reviews The Milk Lady of Bangalore.
Milk lady on Instagram
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Testimonials
Udderly delightful. A herd of often funny and always fascinating bovine adventures . . . There’s plenty of heart and soul in this book as Narayan takes readers on a unique tour of her Indian neighborhood, where there’s never a dull moment.”
Bookpage
“Sincere and laugh-out-loud funny . . . Narayan’s rich and evocative writing transports readers to the busy streets of Bangalore and a fully formed picture of modern India.”
Kirkus Reviews
Joyful…. Although readers may find [Narayan’s] analysis of Indian society illuminating and enjoy her breakdown of what makes a white, red, gold or smoke-colored cow worth appreciating, the real reason you’ll love this book is the author herself: a woman so curious, funny and self-deprecating that she is able to show us—delightfully—how the past informs our future.”
Kerri Arsenault, Oprah.com
Lovely, light-hearted…. a journey through cultural mores and female friendship, as well as a look at the spiritual and historical part that cows play in India; an easy read that you can’t help but love.”
Refinery29
An absolute joy to read!
Through her close encounters with the bovine kind, Narayan shows how Indian traditions are incorporated into her contemporary way of life.”
A delight
“Anyone with the slightest interest in India or cows will find Narayan’s memoir, with its myriad insights, a delight.”
A Unique View
When a personal memoir like this one comes along, and it eschews high drama for gentle humor, dives deep into socio-cultural history, and presents slices of contemporary life as constant sources of everyday wonder, it’s a refreshing welcome . . . Narayan’s integrity of intention shines through so clearly and beautifully that it’s all too easy to take this journey with her.”
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