A review by williamc
The Startup Wife by Tahmima Anam

emotional inspiring reflective tense 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? Yes

3.75

 Falling somewhere between a lighter, more approachable novel and a steady eye on gender politics in the workplace, The Startup Wife is full of insights on relationships and the role of ceremony in personal identity to tie this work concretely to the body of Anam's other novels. These insights are what give the story its gradually increasing gravity as it rolls toward a collision between the startup narrator Asha Ray created and her new marriage to is messianic front face. Having read and greatly enjoyed Anam's other novels that tell of the rise and generational impact of Bangladeshi liberation, The Startup Wife felt both fresh and well-grounded within this new universe of characters -- the startups are clever, and the novel's cast always feels true. It is exciting to follow an author as they explore voices and stories, and this title is sure to gain Anam fans eager to reach back to explore her other works.

Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC of this novel.