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A warm and witty story about a 75-year-old retiree discovering smartphones, social media and voice assistants, while finding that curiosity and learning have no age limit

Kamala Mahadevan’s Mobile Thatha: The Adventures of a Techno Explorer is a delightful celebration of curiosity, family bonds and the ability to adapt, regardless of age. Set in the fictional village of Thenkudi, the book follows Madhu Thatha, a 75-year-old retired government officer who receives a smartphone from his grandchildren. What begins as a simple gift soon transforms into a series of humorous, touching and insightful adventures as Thatha embraces the digital world with childlike enthusiasm.

The charm of the book lies in its gentle storytelling. Mahadevan avoids melodrama, instead weaving together interconnected slice-of-life episodes that are both entertaining and meaningful. Whether Thatha is grappling with messaging apps, social media or voice assistants, his technological missteps generate laughter without ever becoming caricature. More importantly, they reveal an enduring truth: that the desire to learn and stay relevant does not diminish with age.

A major strength of the novel is the relationship between Madhu Thatha and his wife, Ambujam Paati. Their affectionate banter, occasional disagreements and unwavering companionship provide the emotional anchor of the narrative. Paati’s practical outlook balances Thatha’s infectious enthusiasm, making them an endearing elderly couple in the Indian fiction landscape. Their interactions feel authentic and remind readers that long marriages are sustained by humour, patience and mutual respect. We know we would love to read more about them.

Mahadevan also deserves credit for presenting technology in a balanced manner. The smartphone is neither glorified nor demonised — it’s just another tool that can connect generations, solve everyday problems, and occasionally create comic confusion. Through this perspective, the book subtly bridges the gap between tradition and modernity.