Shyamchi Aai is an autobiography of Sane Guruji, who belonged to a Hindu family in the Konkan region of rural Maharashtra during British Raj. Sane Guruji (now an adult), fondly called Shyam during his childhood, narrates his memories to a group of children in a nightly sitting.

Chapters in the book are named ratra, ("night" in Marathi). They are named first night, second night, and so on. Every passing 5, the story takes you into the family setting in rural Konkan and its seaside landscapes with adjoining ranges of Sahyadri.

As the title suggests the central character is Shyam's mother and describes the influence she has on Shyam's life. It involves sticking to one's ideals even though one lives in abject poverty.

The narration is flamboyant and involves readers in the setting smoothly. As the story progresses, Shyam's debt-ridden family deteriorates. The communication between father and son, mother and son, and siblings is exemplary. It shows that if love is present in a person's life, the person can be content.