Marriage Unarranged

What a lovely story and one I enjoyed very much.

This is a romance and an exploration of life in families where parents are striving to maintain cultural traditions, as the younger generation adapt and engage in the environment they were born into. For Aashi’s parents and those of her fiancee Ravi, the drama that unfolds is unthinkable, but love and a realisation that losing face in the community is not the end of the world, opens the door to a new beginning.

With the support of her brothers Sunny and Bali, her friend Kiran and a fellow traveller Arjun, Aashi finds the strength to move on.

The central part of the story is set in India where the five friends set out to discover their roots without the guiding hand of parents on previous visits, and for Arjun for the first time. Simple pleasures such as watching a Bollywood movie in an authentic Indian cinema with all the trimmings and exploring the colourful markets. Then taking the train to Amritsar to celebrate the harvest festival of Vaisakha along with thousands of pilgrims, and on a more emotive visit to pay their respects at Jallianwala Bagh garden the site of the infamous Amritsar massacre.

A the end of the two week trip which has been a mixture of business and pleasure, and with a deeper sense of family and tradition, love is also in the air. As the group leave India and return to Britain, it is clear that life will be different for them all.

The author has created characters that are engaging and memorable. The story is told from each of their perspectives and this enables the reader an opportunity to get to know them better and to witness their growing awareness of their strengths and how their futures will unfold.

The novel is well written and flows with a wonderful sense of humour. Bhathal also offers the reader an opportunity to participate in the multi-cultural world we live in, a privilege and a reminder of how our lives are the richer for it. Highly recommended.

Aashi is getting married! She envisions herself dressed in different bridal outfits, and she feels like a princess… until she turns up at Ravi’s house. The door is answered by Nishi, a drop-dead gorgeous co-worker of Ravi who leaves abruptly with Aashi’s arrival.

Aashi is a lovely young woman, the kind any man would be thrilled to marry. She’s a bit naïve, but still gives Ravi, the man of her dreams, the benefit of the doubt… until she discovers the empty condom box. His betrayal is a stab to her heart. She’s got nothing left except to explain to her parents and family the depth of Ravi’s betrayal.

Aashi battles the humiliation of a broken engagement by embarking on a new adventure to India accompanied by her brothers and best friend, Kiran. When the mysterious Arjun shows up, Aashi discovers a certain attraction that just won’t go away. Where will their relationship lead?

“Marriage Unarranged,” is a Hindi love story like no other. I found myself emersed in the culture of India, learning new Punjabi names for friends and family, including religious and cultural traditions. Did I forget to mention the food? How about the clothes? I was swept away by it all!

However, this book isn’t only about a young woman’s passage into adulthood. The author broaches many cultural taboos: broken engagements, children born out of wedlock, and homosexuality, all explored with kindness and acceptance.

Aashi’s parents (Harjit, her mother and Mohinder-ji, her father) only want what is best for their children. Are they equipped to go against cultural norms, all for the love of their family?

“Marriage Unarranged,” played out in my mind like a movie on the big screen. I smelled the incense, prayed at the Gurdwara with Aashi, caught the sparkle from the bangle bracelets for sale in the market; and I fell in love with the characters. I can’t wait to find out where the author takes us next!

If you follow my reviews, you know I rarely give a 5* but this book has earned it.
Aashi has burrowed into my heart with her excellent, demure grace.

Where do I begin? The end!
Oh, that Ravi!!! (*boo hiss*)

Aashi’s family are wonderful. I adore her daddy-ji – such a lovely teddy bear of a man.
Mummy-ji is quite traditional but no less lovely.
And her brothers? Nobody could want better – overprotective with love.
And, as if that wasn’t enough, Kiran, her best friend, is wonderful if not slightly kamli.
– a wonderful Sikh family.

One of the beauties of this book is that includes Indian wording, specifically, Punjabi. But it’s done in such a way that you easily understand. And there’s a glossary of terms at the back should you get confused.

Aashi & co. travel to India, and I felt like I was right there with them!
I could almost smell and taste everything the author described.
I was even inspired to brew up some masala chai myself!!
Warning – this book might make you hungry. If you’re inspired to make any of the stuff mentioned, there’s plenty of recipes online – do it!

I almost got the holiday blues when the story landed back in the UK!

So, we have some wonderful characters with amazing settings.
The plot takes you along nicely too. I was rooting for Aashi all the way.
And the writing style is fab.
It’s also refreshing to read a book featuring Indian culture. I smiled at the phrase “chickpea curry lit” – yep!
Have you seen that cover? It’s just brilliant!
BUT, as good as all that is, it’s not what makes this book special. And, you should already be one-click buying by now.
But it is the message which really pushes this novel up my admiration ladder. It is so brave.

Marriage Unarranged seeks to explain, quite gently but firmly, that broken engagements should not leave the girl shamed/tainted. I think possibly more often than not, it’s the boy who is culpable but who gets away unscathed.
And massive kudos for subtly addressing gay relationships too. Yes, in some cultures, this is still an issue.

Honestly, if you’re a chicklit/romance fan, you won’t be disappointed!