Lean Days

The novel is presented partly like a travel diary. Instead of following a conventional hero who has a clear destination, the unnamed protagonist begins his journey precisely because he is unsure about where his life is going.

He wants to write a novel but suffers from a lack of ideas and direction. Travelling becomes his way of looking for something meaningful.

Manish Gaekwad is a journalist and writer based in Mumbai. Lean Days was his first novel. He has worked with publications including Scroll.in and Mid-Day and has also contributed as a freelancer to The Hindu. AAtlantic Books+1

His later work includes The Last Courtesan, a memoir about his mother. His background in journalism is reflected in his interest in people, places and their stories.

The protagonist begins as a young man dissatisfied with his ordinary office job. His daily routine has become boring, and he feels that he should do something creative with his life.

He decides to quit his job because he wants to write a novel. However, he discovers that wanting to be a writer is easier than actually having something to write about.

Instead of remaining stuck, he starts travelling.