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ayeshachander's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
melodys_library's review against another edition
3.0
An easy, but lengthy read. I didn’t feel there was much depth to the characters or their relationships with one another. I wanted to hear more about Nandini’s life, and less about Simran.
spaces_and_solaces's review against another edition
2.0
Okay, so I had enough time to sit with my thoughts on this one before I could pen my review. The blurb says it’s a story that explores the relationships between three generations of mothers and daughters who struggle to define themselves as they pursue their dreams.
And I think to some extent the author does stay true to this intention.
Simran is a psychologist, a 2nd generation Indian American who is torn between the two worlds, her mother Nandini, moved to the US after her marriage and had to sacrifice a lot of her dreams to fit the mould of a traditional Indian wife & daughter in law and Nandini’s mother Mimi is learning to navigate life as an old widow with new dreams.
While the author shares the struggles of these 3 women, the story felt trite. I could not relate to a single person here and it felt like people were just whining about the cards they have been dealt with in life. One thing about me, I don’t like to read about characters that complain a lot and do not show any real growth at the end.
It felt like the author sat down with a checklist of every Indian stereotype – be it being obsessed with fair skin, to how girls aren’t allowed to date boys, to being expected to tuck your ambitions away and be a dutiful woman – and took all of these to convert into a story.
I am an Indian, who lives in the US. And I am the exact same caste & religion, as the characters – so this should’ve been a book I could relate to the most. But unfortunately, it felt dry, with no real emotions.
I could see my mother at some point in her life, sharing similar struggles as Nandini, but even then – after a point I just felt like telling Nandini to start communicating better.
Simran was the saving grace of this book & showed real gumption when it came to her life.
But overall, I think this book could’ve been an email.
For those reading this book as an introduction to Indian Culture, please trust me – it’s not all like that. Some do face such experiences, true. But not all.
Maybe this author wrote a book about her own experiences & that’s great. It’s a debut novel, so I’m hoping future works of this author are a little bit more authentic and a little less of masala & stereotypes.
And I think to some extent the author does stay true to this intention.
Simran is a psychologist, a 2nd generation Indian American who is torn between the two worlds, her mother Nandini, moved to the US after her marriage and had to sacrifice a lot of her dreams to fit the mould of a traditional Indian wife & daughter in law and Nandini’s mother Mimi is learning to navigate life as an old widow with new dreams.
While the author shares the struggles of these 3 women, the story felt trite. I could not relate to a single person here and it felt like people were just whining about the cards they have been dealt with in life. One thing about me, I don’t like to read about characters that complain a lot and do not show any real growth at the end.
It felt like the author sat down with a checklist of every Indian stereotype – be it being obsessed with fair skin, to how girls aren’t allowed to date boys, to being expected to tuck your ambitions away and be a dutiful woman – and took all of these to convert into a story.
I am an Indian, who lives in the US. And I am the exact same caste & religion, as the characters – so this should’ve been a book I could relate to the most. But unfortunately, it felt dry, with no real emotions.
I could see my mother at some point in her life, sharing similar struggles as Nandini, but even then – after a point I just felt like telling Nandini to start communicating better.
Simran was the saving grace of this book & showed real gumption when it came to her life.
But overall, I think this book could’ve been an email.
For those reading this book as an introduction to Indian Culture, please trust me – it’s not all like that. Some do face such experiences, true. But not all.
Maybe this author wrote a book about her own experiences & that’s great. It’s a debut novel, so I’m hoping future works of this author are a little bit more authentic and a little less of masala & stereotypes.
shareen17's review against another edition
3.0
An Indian-American woman, her mother who immigrated from India and her grandmother who lives in India reach a point in their lives where they have to decide what kind of lives they want to live. Cultural expectations, as well as the compromises that come with any major decision, make their situations complicated. I liked the book and how it dealt with life's complications, but it was just a little bit too slow-paced for me. Still worth reading though.
shriyaa's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
raksharathnam's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
eshakmusic's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
tansreads's review
the writing style was not it for me and I didn’t immediately feel connected to any of the characters, maybe I’ll come back to it one day
saistewart's review against another edition
3.0
3.5⭐️ The relationships and circumstances in this book were relatable, and steeped in culture that was portrayed realistically. But for all that, the book struggles with an uninspiring prose and careless editing.
anishak4's review against another edition
5.0
Deliciously relatable and enjoyable. Heard the characters saying the same things my family has said. Loved every moment.