I've had it with your attitude, Siya. Go ahead, get on your high horse and stay there. I refuse to beg anymore. Goodbye.” What makes a marriage? Love or compatibility? Passion or pragmatism? Shobhan Bantwal's compelling new novel explores the fascinating subject of arranged marriage, as a young Indian-American woman navigates the gulf between desire and tradition. To Siya Giri, arranged marriages have always seemed absurd. But while her career as an environmental lawyer has flourished, she remains a virgin, living with her parents in suburban New Jersey. However, she now wants to get married and for that she is finally ready to do the unthinkable! Siya's first few bridal-viewings are as awkward as she anticipated. But then she's introduced to Roger Vadepalli and things seem to change. or do they? Self-possessed, intelligent and charming, Roger is clearly interested in marriage and seems eager to clinch the deal, but Siya, who is attracted to him in spite of her mistrust, is also drawn into a flirtation with Lou, a widowed colleague who is far from her family's idea of an acceptable husband. In choosing between two very different men, Siya must reconcile her burgeoning independence and her conservative background. And she must decide what matters most to her not just in a husband, but also in a family, a culture and a life. |
