Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

A.K. Karla’s The Fortune-Teller of Delhi is a mesmerizing blend of mysticism, destiny, and the complexities of human ambition. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Delhi, this novel weaves folklore, fate, and modern dilemmas into a deeply immersive narrative.

At the heart of the novel is Arjun, a man whose uncanny ability to glimpse the future makes him both revered and feared. His gift, however, is no mere blessing—it’s a burden that entangles him in webs of expectation, deception, and the delicate dance between fate and free will. As his predictions begin to shape powerful destinies, Arjun must confront an age-old question: Does knowing the future give you control over it, or does it trap you in its inevitability?

Karla crafts a world where superstition and reality blur, exploring the psychological and societal weight of prophecy. The setting—Delhi’s bustling streets and quiet corners—adds richness to the narrative, grounding the mystical elements in a tangible, deeply cultural space.

Arjun’s journey is as much internal as external. While his talents bring him notoriety, they also expose the fragility of human nature—desperation, greed, and belief intertwine in unsettling ways. The novel doesn’t just explore his power; it examines the motives of those who seek it, weaving a tapestry of desire, deception, and the search for meaning.

Karla’s supporting characters—politicians, scholars, and common folk alike—are painted with striking nuance, each holding a piece of the city’s pulse. Their interactions with Arjun create moments of unexpected tension and introspection, forcing both him and the reader to wrestle with the consequences of foresight.

Compelling and thought-provoking, The Fortune-Teller of Delhi is a meditation on choice, destiny, and the power of belief. Karla’s writing is immersive, pulling readers into the heat and heartbeat of Delhi while delivering a narrative that lingers long after the final page.

For those who love literary fiction with touches of mysticism and philosophical intrigue, this novel is an unforgettable read. I loved it!

The Fortune-Teller of Delhi by A.K. Karla’s tells the story of a mysterious fortune-teller and the people he encounters as he sits at the edge of a busy market. Set in Delhi, the story intertwines the lives of the various people that cross paths with the fortune-teller and the quiet influence he has on them.

Karla’s evocative writing pulls us into the heart of Delhi and the lives of multiple characters whose stories are woven throughout and are interlinked in small but significant ways. Manju and Rajinder are a couple trying to define what happiness means to them; Ranga is a celebrated matchmaker contemplating retirement; his wife Anita who yearns to take a leap of faith; and Jahan, a seller of transformative potions who is paralysed by his own fear of change. Each story is interlaced with the others, creating a glorious tapestry of human emotion, longing, and introspection.

I must admit, I liked this book a lot more than I expected to. Whilst I normally default to my preferred genre of thrillers, I do really enjoy literary fiction, and this does that so well. It’s a gentle story that explores themes of emotional resonance, change, free will, and community. It’s reflective in tone and values atmosphere over action, but it’s full of colour, magic, tension, hope, beauty, and the characters come alive, as does the backdrop of Delhi.

Whilst slower paced than what I’m normally used to, the different characters we come across and the ways in which their lives are changed through the small moments in life kept the pages being eagerly turned. A beautiful read.

Thank you NetGalley and Troubador Publishing for this eCopy to review

The Fortune-Teller Of Delhi by A. K. Karla is a charming and thought-provoking novel that weaves together the lives of several characters in a bustling Delhi marketplace. The story centres around the enigmatic fortune-teller who has been a fixture in the market for decades, offering wisdom and guidance to those who seek it.

The plot follows a diverse cast of characters, including Manju and Rajinder, who are regulars at the market and often discuss their future happiness under the watchful eye of Sagar, the proprietor of the best coffee and cake shop in Delhi. Newcomer Jahan, who sells mysterious potions, is also a key figure, grappling with his own fears of change while helping others transform their lives.

One of the most compelling aspects of the novel is its exploration the power of belief. The fortune-teller's insights and the characters' responses to them drive much of the narrative, raising questions about how much control we truly have over our own lives. The interactions between the characters are rich and layered, with each person bringing their own hopes, dreams, and insecurities to the table.

Karla's writing is both lyrical and evocative, painting a vivid picture of the Delhi marketplace and its vibrant community. The descriptions of the sights, sounds, and smells of the market are so detailed that you can almost feel yourself walking through the bustling streets.

The Fortune-Teller Of Delhi is a beautifully written novel that offers a unique glimpse into the lives of its characters and the magic that can be found in everyday moments. Fans of literary fiction and those interested in stories about fate and self-discovery will find much to enjoy in this book.

I really enjoyed reading “The Fortune-Teller of Delhi” by A.K. Karla. I love stories set in India and I was immediately transported to Delhi of fifty years ago (although, I really don’t know about that first hand—other than my short trip in 2003). The characters and setting came alive, and I wish I could be walking through the marketplace where the fortune teller was sitting.

However, I did feel confused by number of characters with unfamiliar names that appeared and who was who. It would have been extremely useful if the author had provided a cast of characters for the front of the book. Also, about halfway through the book I started wondering if this was the sequel to another story because of all the references to things that had happened in the past. Nonetheless, I enjoyed this well-written story and would definitely read more by this author.

Many thanks to Net Galley and the Publisher for an ARC of this book. My opinions are my own.