Nothing is as surprising and satisfying at the same time as a different view of something familiar. Something you thought you knew — no, you didn-t know it all," writes Gerson da Cunha in his foreword for Paul Fernandes-s CoastLine: An Amuseum of Mumbai Musings with a quick trip down the coast for good measure.

Paging through the book, which features a running commentary from Fernandes-s co-author Chicku Jayadeva, you realise soon enough why da Cunha says so. A glimpse of Mumbai-s past and present that serves as a charming introduction to its iconic buildings, eateries, modes of transport and ways of life, it is as much a fascinating insight into the city strewn with little surprises for a seasoned resident, who takes pride in knowing it like the back of his hand.