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3.59 AVERAGE
3.59 AVERAGE
I had to read a romance novel for the Book Riot Read Harder challenge. If I had to read one, this was really quite good. I liked all the characters, the plot was a page-turner, and I'm a sucker for a big bossy family. It was also interesting to get a glimpse into another culture. I'm still not a fan of the genre, but this was an overall pleasant read.
Mili is a young Indian girl, married at the age of four she has spent her entire life preparing to be the best wife in the world. She hasn't seen her husband since the ceremony but that is irrelevant. The only problem is, her 'husband' is blissfully unaware, he believed the sham marriage was annulled when they were still children and he has married and he and his wife are expecting a child.
When Mili writes to him reminding him of his responsibilities he is horrified. A brush with death persuades him that this must be resolved for the sake of his unborn child. Because of his injuries he despatches his half-brother Samir to meet Mili and persuade her to sign the annulment papers.
The plot, in this wider respect, is very similar to many historical romances - the falling in love with the wrong brother trope - but it is the execution which transforms this novel. Both Mili and Samir (and indeed the other characters) are an intriguing mix of both modern and traditional. Whilst Mili's aim is to be the very best wife in the whole world, she is also an intellectual who has won a scholarship to study women's studies in the US. Samir is a big-shot model turned director yet he can cook a mean dhal.
I just loved this book. The characters were likeable and interesting, the language evocative and the food descriptions delicious.
When Mili writes to him reminding him of his responsibilities he is horrified. A brush with death persuades him that this must be resolved for the sake of his unborn child. Because of his injuries he despatches his half-brother Samir to meet Mili and persuade her to sign the annulment papers.
The plot, in this wider respect, is very similar to many historical romances - the falling in love with the wrong brother trope - but it is the execution which transforms this novel. Both Mili and Samir (and indeed the other characters) are an intriguing mix of both modern and traditional. Whilst Mili's aim is to be the very best wife in the whole world, she is also an intellectual who has won a scholarship to study women's studies in the US. Samir is a big-shot model turned director yet he can cook a mean dhal.
I just loved this book. The characters were likeable and interesting, the language evocative and the food descriptions delicious.
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I really liked this book and it made me feel a lot
A Bollywood movie in book form. A first encounter that goes awry, two people from different worlds who shouldn’t but can’t help falling in love, a lost relative, and a villain - it all culminates in one absorbing and colourful story of overcoming odds, betrayal and finding true love.
I’m reading the Bollywood books out of order (I read A Change of Heart and then A Distant Heart previously) but it doesn’t matter where you pick up in the series because they’re all terrific!
I’m reading the Bollywood books out of order (I read A Change of Heart and then A Distant Heart previously) but it doesn’t matter where you pick up in the series because they’re all terrific!
Some of the usual romance tropes are given a new twist with East Indian characters and original tidbits by this popular author. Not brilliant but enjoyable for those who enjoy contemporary romance with complications, some medium-steamy scenes, characters who are likeable and complex, some serious issues (child abuse, changing roles for women, mix of traditional and modern sensibilities), and plenty of cultural detail (regional cultural differences, mix of traditional and modern lifestyles within families and even within individuals!)
While I did enjoy the humour a lot of the time and enjoyed this peek into Indian cultures from different regions, overall it didn't really do it for me. The playboy tamed by the innocent virginal woman trope in general does not appeal to me at all and I don't think the author sold this pair in particular well either. Plus the way the author dealt with a few aspects (the sex scene, a woman lying about domestic violence, and actually the main male character Samir) felt not very feminist.
I also felt conflicted about the audiobook format: the voice actor was great at the dialogue (the Indian accents and the expressiveness) but her voice during the narration was weirdly flat.
Unfortunately in terms of my romance reading project, this book confirms my negative previous assumptions about the genre. I know that's not true after reading a few books now, but I'm sure glad I didn't try this one first!
I also felt conflicted about the audiobook format: the voice actor was great at the dialogue (the Indian accents and the expressiveness) but her voice during the narration was weirdly flat.
Unfortunately in terms of my romance reading project, this book confirms my negative previous assumptions about the genre. I know that's not true after reading a few books now, but I'm sure glad I didn't try this one first!
4.5 stars for A Bollywood Affair because I was utterly obsessed with it for the 3 days it took me to get through the 9 audio discs. I go through printed books quickly, but I just use audio books to fill the time in my car while I run errands, or while I'm weeding the garden. But with this story, I found myself time and again popping out the disc and bringing it in the house because I couldn't stop listening.
What I loved: I have never been that entranced by Indian culture, but this book made me fall in love with it. The crazy-tight families, the over-the-top spicy foods, the colorful clothing, the drama queen Bollywood films... This book made it all seem so warm and enjoyable. The Indian accents on the audiobook were fantastic, so charming! Mili was such an adorable heroine, and the chemistry between her and Samir was absolutely believable. I REALLY wanted them to be together!
What I didn't love: Big strike for the language. The author was obviously trying to show that before Samir met Mili he was a worldly unfulfilled playboy, and one of the vehicles for this characterization was profanity (especially an affinity for the F-word). Thankfully, the more time he spent with her, the less he swore, but it was especially bothersome on an audiobook! My other big complaint also involves Samir: based on the man he is shown to be by the end of the story, how did he ever get so far off track as to be the heartless womanizer he supposedly is at the beginning? it just isn't believable that someone with the heart of gold that is revealed in the end would ever behave so badly.
Still, it's been a long time since I just plain enjoyed a book this much!
What I loved: I have never been that entranced by Indian culture, but this book made me fall in love with it. The crazy-tight families, the over-the-top spicy foods, the colorful clothing, the drama queen Bollywood films... This book made it all seem so warm and enjoyable. The Indian accents on the audiobook were fantastic, so charming! Mili was such an adorable heroine, and the chemistry between her and Samir was absolutely believable. I REALLY wanted them to be together!
What I didn't love: Big strike for the language. The author was obviously trying to show that before Samir met Mili he was a worldly unfulfilled playboy, and one of the vehicles for this characterization was profanity (especially an affinity for the F-word). Thankfully, the more time he spent with her, the less he swore, but it was especially bothersome on an audiobook! My other big complaint also involves Samir: based on the man he is shown to be by the end of the story, how did he ever get so far off track as to be the heartless womanizer he supposedly is at the beginning? it just isn't believable that someone with the heart of gold that is revealed in the end would ever behave so badly.
Still, it's been a long time since I just plain enjoyed a book this much!
The set up was already a little far-fetched but I lost it when basic first aid was ignored
emotional
lighthearted
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes