Review of Hot Water by Bhavika Govil

This is a short, punchy tale of one family's unravelling. Leela became a mother before she was ready and under circumstances that made her feel powerless and alone. For this, she has always resented her first born in a way that is palpable and hard for him to ignore. Ashu’s presence is always loudest at the worst moments of her life. Yet Mira, her second born and her daughter, changes everything. She is happiness and sunshine embodied, the light of her mother and her brother's life. So when they learn something terrible happened to her when they weren't paying attention, everything crumbles. Each member of this family of three has been harbouring secrets but Leela's lies eventually fracture them completely and the siblings must learn to live in a new way.

Whilst a little slow at first, I fell into a rhythm with Govil's writing that propelled me through. I was deeply invested in the characters and moved by their complex family dynamics. With a Rooney-esque penchant for frustrating communication styles, you'll like this book if you enjoy wanting to shake characters through the pages. Be prepared to unravel along with them.

Published on 06.08.2026 by Jacaranda Books

Reviewed by Abi