Chaos in a Coupe Book Review: A Heartwarming Travel Memoir About India, Trains, and Dogs

Understanding India has often been linked to travelling across its length and breadth. Reading Chaos in a Coupe reshaped that idea for me. This book suggests that to truly understand India, you must travel by train, and if possible, do it with your furry companions by your side.

Written by Divya Dugar, Chaos in a Coupe is a non-fiction travel memoir that documents her journeys across India with her husband, her child, and their three rescued street dogs, Tigress, MarcoPolo, and Pari. What unfolds is not just a record of destinations but a deeply personal account of companionship, chaos, preparation, and love.

A Travel Memoir That Feels Like a Conversation

One of the strongest aspects of Chaos in a Coupe is its tone. The book does not read like a conventional travelogue. Instead, it feels like catching up with a friend who is narrating stories from her recent adventures. There is warmth in the storytelling, honesty in the experiences, and an ease that makes the reader feel involved rather than distant.

The narrative moves naturally between excitement, anxiety, humour, and reflection. From planning pet-friendly train journeys to navigating unexpected situations, the book captures the realities of travelling with animals in India in a way that feels authentic and relatable.

Dogs as Companions, Not Side Characters

Tigress, Marco Polo, and Pari are not treated as background elements. Each dog has a distinct personality that comes through clearly in the writing. As a reader, you begin to recognise their habits, temperaments, and emotional responses. This makes the journey feel shared, not just observed.

The book beautifully highlights the bond between pet parents and their dogs. It reflects the constant concern, the protective instinct, and the quiet joy that comes from having animals as companions. The author captures how dogs communicate love without words, relying on presence, trust, and emotional awareness.

Capturing the Reality of Travel With Pets in India

Beyond storytelling, Chaos in a Coupe offers insight into the logistics of travelling with dogs on Indian trains. The preparation before each journey, the chaos during travel, and the emotional aftermath are all given equal importance. This balance makes the book especially valuable for readers who are pet parents considering travel, as well as those curious about pet-friendly travel in India.

The pacing of the book is smooth and consistent. It does not rush through experiences, nor does it dwell excessively on any single moment. Each chapter functions almost like a short story, offering a snapshot of a specific journey or phase.

Writing Style and Visual Elements

The writing style is simple, calming, and engaging, making this a breezy read despite its emotional depth. It is the kind of book that can be read in short sittings while still leaving a lasting impression.

The photographs included in the book add another layer of intimacy. One particularly memorable image shows the author reading while one of her dogs sits quietly beside her. It reflects the essence of the book: shared lives, silent understanding, and everyday moments that define companionship.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Read Chaos in a Coupe?

When I closed Chaos in a Coupe, I was left with a heartwarming feeling filled with love and a quiet smile. While reading, I felt like a reader listening to a friend, learning about India through trains, dogs, and lived experiences.

This book is highly recommended for:

• Dog lovers and pet parents

• Readers who enjoy comforting, real-life travel stories

• Anyone curious about travelling across India by train

• Readers looking for emotionally warm, easy-to-read non-fictio