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bookphenomena_micky 's review for:

A Bollywood Affair by Sonali Dev
4.0

This is my first read/audio by Sonali Dev and I can say it was a good first experience. Set between America and India in the context of Hindu culture, arranged marriage and empowered women it made for an interesting mix. I can’t speak to the realism of the book in contemporary culture but it was definitely entertaining with just the right mixture of plot complexity, relationships and romance. The romance was a slowish burn over a shortish time if that makes sense.

There’s a secret in this book and I wanted to knock Samir over the head with it multiple times because I knew disaster was afoot. Millie was a meek but also a strong woman who I really took to immediately. The emotional connection between these two grew beautifully and it wasn’t compelling to read.

Narration: Priya Ayyar was just perfection for bringing these characters to life, with background narrative in an American accent and Millie and Samir with authentic accents to my ears. I hope she narrates some more of Sonali Dev’s books.

This book felt like a fresh palate cleanser and after reading some similar books, this was just what I needed.