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“An absorbing tale of contrasts. . . . Cherian tells the story with quiet strength.” —San Francisco Chronicle
Handsome anesthesiologist Neel is sure he can resist his family’s pleas that he marry a “good” Indian girl. With a girlfriend and a career back in San Francisco, the last thing Neel needs is an arranged marriage. But that’s precisely what he gets. His bride, Leila, a thirty-year-old teacher, comes with her own complications. They struggle to reconcile their own desires with others’ expectations in this story of two people, two countries, and two ways of life that may be more compatible than they seem.
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Posted March 31, 2010
This book was on my wish list for months and past it over a few times....why, why, why??? This is a beautiful story, well written and I could not let go of it. It is romantic and lovely. This is the kind of story that everyone should read.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.FloridaGirlJB
Posted August 22, 2009
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I found the story well paced and so absorbing I read it straight through over a weekend. The characters were believable most of the time (the doctor's mistress was a bit over the top). I was able to keep up with the protagonists's way of thinking. What I enjoyed as much as the plot was the look inside a culture that I would otherwise have no way of experiencing and knowing. It removed some of my biases, but may have inadvertently reinforced others. The author did an excellent job with this book. It was a pleasant surprise to discover it just by browsing in the bookstore.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Page54
Posted August 14, 2009
This was a fascinating book, well written and easy to read. I hope to see a sequel with Leila and Neel, but anything by this author will do.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.This book was a very intriguing read. It took 10-20 pages to get into the story, but once I did, I did not want to put the book down. I could have finished the night before, but I held off wanting to save the ending for when I could enjoy it. And I didn't want the story to end. Also good for people who like reading about different cultures.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted September 2, 2008
Leila is the woman every woman would want to be. Passionate loving and true to herself - not without the realistic emotions. Loved this book and I hope that the author will bring Leila to life agan in a sequel
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted February 6, 2012
The sample leads you into thinking it will get better, but it really doesnt. The pace and descriptions are the same throughout the book. You wont get too much and will definately be disappointed with the ending. Dont waste your money. If you really want to read, i will lend/share it.
First, it was a story that kept you wanting to read more. Although, there were times i skipped parts that didnt seem too interesting, especially the times when the charcters would go back to their past.
Second, some characters and events that took place got lost. It leaves a lot of questions. What happened to her friend, rekha? Her job, her stories, her sisters marriage? Their marriage still needed some more romance and such. It seemed to formal and just hit the surface.
Last, i felt the end was abrupt and unfinshed. It seemed the author might have gotten tired and bored of the story and didnt want to go on further.
I thought since it was given four stars that it would be a great read. I have read so much better, the sultans harem, the twentieth wife, the red tent, which have so much more deep insights and descriptions.
If you want to get a glimpse of some of the culture and traditions of India and the struggles some foriegners face when living in another country, then this book might give you just that.
However, i felt this book left more to desire. It lacked in a few places.Its not worth the one nighter, and it could easily have been a short story than a novel.
RIshma
Posted May 19, 2011
Great book loved it!!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Nice
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Posted March 12, 2011
this book was awesome!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Don't know if I have words to describe this book more than to say I loved it and will surely read it again and again and highly recommend it to others happily. The author is truly talented in introducing us to and almost making Leila and Suneel a part of our very own family. How intriguing to read about the difference in cultures and personalities only to discover that it really is only just a difference in location because the characters we all know and love are alive and thriving in this book. In some little ways we have all been Leila, Suneel, poor ridiculous/dangerous Caroline and bits of so many other characters in the book. It's really a book about women, love and finding onces place in the world isn't a location but the place in our own hearts. Must read. Absolutly loved this book.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.TDM
Posted April 16, 2010
I couldn't put it down.
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.This book got my attention the first page and I couldn't put it down. I even liked the ending. It is well written and the charachters are developed. I really liked Leila's character. I'm an avid reader and this one is a favorite!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted December 19, 2009
not a bad read, but not for everybody. predictable plot and at times a little dry, but still entertaining and worth finishing.
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Posted December 5, 2009
This book is good to learn about another culture and their traditions. I like books like this. It helps to understand other people better.
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Posted November 22, 2009
The book was an interesting read, though somewhat predictable and far-fetched.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Stephaniemeghan
Posted October 18, 2009
This was a great love story for people that don't like love stories. I read the book in two day. Overall very enlightening and informative. A great read.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted September 28, 2009
I Also Recommend:
Okay for first time readers of life in India as it unfolds.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.dckmbell
Posted September 5, 2009
Straight forward easy read.
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Zeljka
Posted December 29, 2008
The story was so engaging and thought-provoking. As a non-Indian married to an Indian man, I was familiar with the idea of an arranged marriage and emotions and preparations that accompany it. The characters, their emotions, thoughts and actions were described in a way that everyone, regardless of their level of familiarity with Indian culture and its layers, was able to relate to the mother, daughter, wife in this intriguing story. I loved the book and will share it with my family members, those Indian and those not so Indian :-)
~Zeljka
Anonymous
Posted September 22, 2008
I have read it in 3 days.It was very easy to read.This book allowed me to get to know indian culture better.This book was fun to read.I loved it!
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Overview
“An absorbing tale of contrasts. . . . Cherian tells the story with quiet strength.” —San Francisco Chronicle
Handsome anesthesiologist Neel is sure he can resist his family’s pleas that he marry a “good” Indian girl. With a girlfriend and a career back in San Francisco, the last thing Neel needs is an arranged marriage. But that’s precisely what he gets. His bride, Leila, a thirty-year-old teacher, comes with her own complications. They struggle to reconcile their own desires with others’ expectations in this story of two people, two countries, and two ways of life that may be more compatible than they seem.