Thank you netgalley for giving me this opportunity to read this book.
The story takes place in India and London, England in 1938 just before the start of WWII.
Divya is a young woman living in India. She gets a job as a nanny to an English couple with two young boys.
Turmoil is brewing in India and the English couple decide to go home to England and take Divya with them.
On the ship to England Divya meets up with Raghu lascar who works on the ship and treats her with respect.
Once in England Divya is faced with prejudice because of the colour of her skin.
Divya is attacked and kindly nuns have taken her in. The nuns give Divya an address of where she might find lodging. On her way to West India Dock Road she is accosted.
Divya does find lodging on West India Dock Road which has a mix of ethnicity.
Divya is also an extremely good cook and make something out of nothing.
Thank you again netgalley.
These are my own opinions.

A story about a brave and strong female character. It was hard to imagine being alone and so far from home. The author described the characters and pre-WWII so well.

When her parents tragically die in a flood, Divya is left all alone. The other villagers consider her unlucky which makes it difficult for her to find work anywhere. She finally finds work as a nanny for a British family and has hopes for her future. When the family decides to move back to England, they take Divya along for help on the journey, with a promise to pay for her return passage to India. Once there, however, they let Divya go with only a little money and no way back home. Abandoned and alone in this foreign country, Divya doesn't know where to go. She is treated like a pariah because of her skin color and nobody will help her or hire her. Just as she's ready to give up, she is saved by some nuns who advise her to go to West India Dock Road. This area of the city is vastly different, with people of all ethnicities. She is finally hopeful for her future.

I always look forward to books by this author, her historical fiction stories transport you to a different time. This is supposedly the beginning of a series based on this area of London. While I still love the writing style of author, I didn't find the story itself to be very gripping. We pretty much follow Divya's journey and see how she adjusts to her new life. Nothing truly exciting really happens for most of the story. There is a bit of a romantic angle with two possible suitors and hints of WW2 looming. It wasn't until about 75 percent into the book that I found interesting conflict. The racial tensions get really bad and Divya realizes that people can easily turn their backs on their neighbors, she once again feels like an outsider.
Overall this was a nice story and I was happy to see Divya overcome struggles and make a life for herself. I look forward to the other books in this series.
Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Traveling from India to London, readers will be swept away by Divya's story. After her parent's death, Divya is cast out of her home and seeks shelter as in a high-society home as an Ayah. Due to her ancestry, she's treated like a second-class servant and upon arriving in London, forced to leave in her employment after they hire a white nanny.

Reneging on their agreement to pay for her passage back to India, they cruelly garnish her wages and turn her out on the streets. Determined to succeed and with the help from the kindness of strangers, her mother's recipes serve up a second chance.

Readers will find themselves championing Divya's fight and that society will finally support her dreams. Fans of D'Silva's previous novels will recognize her historical fiction prose and charismatic characters. Thank you to #NetGalley and the publisher for the early edition of #NewArrivalsonWestIndiaDockRoad in exchange for an honest review.

I had trouble settling into the story but once Divya was London bound, that's what bridged the connection. From that point on, I finished the novel in a single sitting.

I warmed to Divya right from the beginning and was invested in her story. I was delighted she was able to meet such kind people such as Raghu, Jack and Charity and glad they made life a little easier for her. It was interesting to read about this area of London and see the community from a different perspective. Divya has a tough ride and even love is not smooth with two men wanting to be her partner. A great book and I look forward to more where I hope we find out more about Divya, but also the other characters on the street.

I'm reviewing this via NetGalley, as part of a tour with Rachel's Random Resources.

Taking place shortly before the onset of WWII, the story follows Divya Ram, a woman from Bombay. Following the deaths of her parents, Divya sets out to make her own way in the world. She is employed as a nanny by the Ellis family, which she enjoys, only to find herself harshly dismissed later on. Though she is cruelly shunned by many, Divya finds a home at West India Dock Road in East End London, with her newfound friends Charity, Jack and Raghu.

Even at the start, I enjoyed how the author created an atmosphere and brought the story to life on the pages, describing colours, flavours and scents. I enjoyed Divya as a protagonist; she was an intelligent, caring and patient person, with a passion and enthusiasm for cooking. Her love of food and cooking became a big part of her journey. Though her journey wasn't an easy one, I wanted her to succeed, and in the latter part of the book, I found myself surprisingly emotional. This was a heartwarming story of love, courage and friendship, and it sparked joy to read it.

Thank you to NetGalley, Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books, and to the author, for the opportunity to read and review this.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

My heart broke for Divya instantly when she was cast aside by her employers as soon as she reached a country that she didn’t know, she literally had nothing.

I was shocked they would do that but I had a feeling what was about to happen as I read more.

Divya is made of strong stuff though and with the help of some salt of the earth locals who befriend her, she starts to find her feet but prejudices because of who she is start to rear their ugly head, I found that aspect of the story hard to read at times, it broke my heart.

It was a powerful read that i found hard to put down, I’d happily read more of this series as it’s a fresh take on the Historical Saga Genre.

The beginning of New Arrivals on West India Dock Road by Renita D’Silva drew me in. I liked Divya and felt for her. She went through some trying times. We get to meet a variety of characters as Divya journeys from India to England. The West India Dock Road was an interesting area of London. There were people from many different countries living there. I loved Charity and her brothers. They added humor and heart to the story. I did not enjoy reading about the racism. It is a shame that people can be so cruel to someone from another country because they look or sound different. The dishes that Divya cooked sounded delicious (they will have your mouth watering). The author provides vivid descriptions of the food, homes, people, and more. There are two people who care for Divya, but only one catches her heart. I enjoyed New Arrivals on West India Dock Road, and I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

New Arrivals on West India Dock Road by Renita D´Silva is a story of resilience and survival in a hostile world. Divya is just about to enter my collection of brave women characters, decided to fight for her life at any honorable price. But Divya is not only fighting for her survival, she is also making a difference in the her community, through her delicious cooking and her well-spirited attitude. After the stories about the enchanted menu she prepared every day, I just wanted to have a warm curry with a spicy dessert and a cup of tea. I am no stranger to Renita D´Silva writing, and I am always captivated by her wordings, embracing the reader with the smells and colours of another world. From the very beginning, we are about to enter an ambiance that we are strongly convened through the strength of words. The ambiance of the East End at the brink of the WWII resonated with similar stories and personal accounts I´ve been shared. The language plays an important role in building an authentic ambiance.
As an immigrant for most part of my adult life, I felt the character´s challenges and hardships, due to her different appearance. However, I felt comfort and encouragement in her achievements, despite the everyday racism. From the naive girl who just arrived in London to the adult gazing the skies, there is a dramatic transformation that took place in between, and not because she had an easy life.

I found the main character, Divya very easy to engage with. Her abandonment in a foreign land by her employers would have been terrifying for her but I had to admire her spirit and strength of character.

The author created an atmospheric setting for her book, and she wrote in such a way that vivdly portrayed London's East End very well. She does not shy away from the bigotry and racism that minorities would have faced at that time.

It is a heartfelt novel which takes Divya from a desolate place to one filled with hope and optimism.

I am excited that this is the first in a planned series of books as I would very much like to read more.

WoW. . . . . . New Arrivals on West India Dock Road by Renita D'Silva was another brilliant book by this author and brilliant news the first book in a new "Welcome to West India Dock Road" This book is a strong historical fiction novel set in India and in London’s East End, we follow the story off Divya Ram a young girl who is orphaned and then hounded out of her own home which was considered bad luck. Divya finally gets luck on her side when she gets a job as a nursery maid to some children from a wealthy British family and when they finally return to England she will go with them, and with the promise of a return ticket to India when they find a permanent nanny. But once they arrive back in England, Divya was cruelly abandoned, and with no means to return home. She was afraid and alone, and now faces prejudice and rejection. . . . . . . until she finds her way to an Irish-run boarding house on West India Dock Road and meets Jack, Charity and a host of unexpected friends.

Divya is a very good cook, and preparing meals for the other immigrants, homesick for the food they were raised on, gives her a new sense of hope and purpose. In time, she opens a thriving curry house, beloved by the local communities.

But, as war in Europe looms, Divya’s fragile sense of belonging – through her business, her friendships and budding romance with sailor Raghu – comes under threat.

WoW This book is so good and so cleverly written that will draw you in from the beginning till the very end.

Divya is a great character, strong and resilient and loyal to her friends, I loved her and looking forward reading the next book within this new series.

I highly recommend this book.

4.5 Stars

New Arrivals on West India Dock Road is a compelling and poignant story of new beginnings and community.

Divya’s parents die unexpectedly and she’s struggling to make it on her own in India. It’s more difficult since she is perceived as the cause of bad luck in her culture. She becomes an ayah (nanny) and travels to England with her employers who have promised her a return ticket. They do not follow through and now she is stranded in a strange city and culture. Through acts of kindness, she ends up at a boarding house in London’s East End. Divya is an excellent cook and prepares meals for the boarders and others in the community. Her reputation as a fine cook spreads through the community and this gives her renewed hope and a dream of opening her own curry house.

The author’s vivid descriptions of the people, the businesses, and the nationalities of London’s East End are delightful and add to this atmospheric story. Food is a central focus and you might want to “Door Dash” a few favorite Indian dishes to enhance your reading or book club experience.

Divya is a remarkable young woman who survives and thrives in a new country and culture. We cheer for her from page one. Her determination and bravery drive the action.

Thoughtful themes include grief, new beginnings, community, friendship, immigrants, entrepreneurship, cooking competition, diversity, prejudice, and intolerance.

Content Consideration: prejudice, hate crimes

Fans of diverse reads and books about cooking and cooking competitions will enjoy New Arrivals on West India Dock Road. Book clubs will want to indulge in some Indian cuisine.

Thanks #NetGalley @BoldwoodBooks for a complimentary eARC of #NewArrivalsOnWestIndiaDockRoad upon my request. All opinions are my own.

For more reviews visit my blog www.readingladies.com where this review was first published.

The story covers genres from history to a family saga told from one individuals perspective. Divya orphaned suddenly at seventeen, finds herself an outcast in her own village. Through very troubling circumstances she finds herself as a nanny to two young charges on a ship to England. Cheated of her fare home to India, she fortunately finds herself with nuns who send her to a home run by a compassionate girl who helps Divya to stand on her own feet.

More than Divya carving a niche for herself is the story of grit and determination not to give up against all odds of racism, language, lack of skills and a myriad disadvantages. Divya manages to establish herself as a cafe owner dishing out her own specialities. She builds up a loyal clientele including two men who fall in love with her.

The story was descriptive of life in the docks and of the people who inhabit it. Tough breed of people from every walk of life and every country who grew to call England home and who have made it the melting pot it is today. Set in the early 20th century and at the beginning of the WWII this story detailed how ordinary Britons faced hardship and loss.

This historical novel is the start of a new series, and my first read by this author.
I felt the content was well researched and the subject of prejudice and how society treats those who are different was presented well.
The characters were ones I was able to care about and I would enjoy seeing what comes next for them.

3.5 stars
I found some parts of this story really enjoyable but there were other parts that I skimmed over. The main character is Divya Ram, an Indian woman who found herself alone in London. It tells of the people she met, some were very kind and helpful but others were very racist. I like some description but not when it is just a list of items or food that was eaten. Also several things were repeated throughout the book. It was good to see Diyva grow in confidence throughout the book. There is violence (not graphic) and danger in the book and it seems as though this is the first in a series as one issue is not fully resolved. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

It's the first book in a new series about a young Indian woman who loses her family in a tragic incident. Forced out of her community due to superstition, she finds work with an English couple, looking after their children and goes with them when they return to England. When her employers fail to honour their promise to pay for her passage back to India, she finds herself homeless and alone. Finding the community on West India Dock Road is serendipitous for Divya, and she finds acceptance until things go wrong. It's an evocative story detailing the differences between Divya's life in India and England. She faces differing prejudices in both places. Divya experiences luck at both ends of the spectrum and begins to make a life in the East End with the help of her found family and the diverse community. Their cohesiveness develops from the wider prejudice they all experience, but it is fragile, and when the tragedy rocks the road, Divya's new life crumbles. I like the female protagonists who are courageous and compassionate. Detailed characterisation, culture and ethos in India and England draw the reader into the story. Although it is heartbreaking in parts, it's an engaging beginning to this new series.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

This story is set just before the start of WW2 and is about Divya who is hounded out of her village in India when her parents die suddenly in floods going to visit the matchmaker to find a husband for her.Divya then travels to England with Mr and Mrs Ellis as nanny too their two children. Divya is told that they will pay for her passage back to India when they have found an nanny for the childen once in England.This doesn’t happen and she is sent away from the house with little money and no where to live . Divya meets Jack Devline and is taken to lodging on the West India Dock Road run by Charity. Charity find it hard work running the boarding house and looking after her infirm parents.Divya starts to help Charity by making all the meals as Divya loves cooking and things start to look up for Divya.Can Divya earn enough money to pay for her passage back home to India before the start of war in 1939. Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood.

This powerful historical saga starts in India where Divya lost her parents in an accident, and she lost her village too. She travels to England as an ayah for a white couple who soon abandon her. Nuns help Divya find her way to the East End of London, where there’s a multi-ethnic cast of characters. Life has it’s ups and downs as Divya finds her place amongst the locals with a degree of success. It’s a tough life of hard work. The story ends just as the Second World War is starting. I thoroughly enjoyed this emotive read. Recommend.

Wow, I just finished an amazing historical fiction book. New Arrivals on West India Dock Road was such a good book. I loved it.

This story starts in India in 1037. We follow a young girl, Divya, who is employed by an English couple as a nanny for their two young boys. When the family moves back to England, Divya moves back with the family with the promise that they would pay for her return journey. But when they arrive, they abandon her. But a little luck is on Diva's side when she ends up in a boarding house and becomes the cook.

This is a descriptively written story. The characters are well-portrayed. The story covers racism and gang warfare. The racism that the black people had to suffer was harrowing. Divya has a couple of love interests. The pace is steady. What a great start to a new series, I will definitely be looking out for the next book.

Published 13th February 2025

I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #RenitaDSilva for my ARC of #NewArrivalsOnWestIndiaDockRoad in exchange for an honest review.