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A review by maladaptivebookdreaming
Dating Dr. Dil by Nisha Sharma
funny
lighthearted
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
Dating Dr. Dil is a recommended read for anyone looking for a cute Desi romance filled with comedic laughs and Taylor Swift references. I’m typically not a fan of fake dating tropes but I found the way the author wrote about it in this novel to be less stereotypical and more nuanced with a lot of cultural significance at play. The main characters had great chemistry and I loved how it was established earlier in how the MMC truly cared about the FMC and respected her. The book offers a beautiful and humorous insight into desi culture and I love love love when BIPOC authors utilize food when displaying characters culture within their work. In contrast, the author does a great job at diving into the struggle the MCs face within their American desi culture specifically regarding familial obligations, patriarchal mindsets of the older generation, and the effects of colonialism on South Asian families. Overall, was a great read and I look forward to reading more from Nisha!
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Because it’s only fair for me to explain my 1 star subtraction. I truly could not overlook that the MMC referred to his penis as “Charlie”. This honestly threw me off every time he said it and made the sex scenes lose momentum in my opinion. Also in a way it felt…out of character for him??
Also, even knowing the cultural significance behind the main characters lack of boundaries with her family, I am still annoyed by her lack of confrontation after the constant belittling, dismissal of her feelings, and frankly overall shittiness in their behavior to her. I am happy the MMC stood up for her but I feel like it should of been her to do it. The author talked a lot about unlearning behaviors and getting out of imposed mindsets but I felt there was a lack of DOING that made me feel a little underwhelmed. I wanted to see Kareena confront her father’s unequal treatment apparent between sisters. I wanted her to confront Bindu on her entitled behavior. The ending felt a little rushed and wrapped up and too forgiving after the catalyst at her sister’s engagement party.
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Also, even knowing the cultural significance behind the main characters lack of boundaries with her family, I am still annoyed by her lack of confrontation after the constant belittling, dismissal of her feelings, and frankly overall shittiness in their behavior to her. I am happy the MMC stood up for her but I feel like it should of been her to do it. The author talked a lot about unlearning behaviors and getting out of imposed mindsets but I felt there was a lack of DOING that made me feel a little underwhelmed. I wanted to see Kareena confront her father’s unequal treatment apparent between sisters. I wanted her to confront Bindu on her entitled behavior. The ending felt a little rushed and wrapped up and too forgiving after the catalyst at her sister’s engagement party.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent and Grief
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders