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Welcome to my stop on the blog tour celebrating the release of Well-Behaved Indian Women by Saumya Dave! Thank you to Berkley Publishing for the invitation!

About the Book:

From a compelling new voice in women’s fiction comes a mother-daughter story about three generations of women who struggle to define themselves as they pursue their dreams.

Simran Mehta has always felt harshly judged by her mother, Nandini, especially when it comes to her little “writing hobby.” But when a charismatic and highly respected journalist careens into Simran’s life, she begins to question not only her future as a psychologist, but her engagement to her high school sweetheart.

Nandini Mehta has strived to create an easy life for her children in America. From dealing with her husband’s demanding family to the casual racism of her patients, everything Nandini has endured has been for her children’s sake. It isn’t until an old colleague makes her a life-changing offer that Nandini realizes she’s spent so much time focusing on being the Perfect Indian Woman, she’s let herself slip away.

Mimi Kadakia failed her daughter, Nandini, in ways she’ll never be able to fix—or forget. But with her granddaughter, she has the chance to be supportive and offer help when it’s needed. As life begins to pull Nandini and Simran apart, Mimi is determined to be the bridge that keeps them connected, even as she carries her own secret burden.

My Thoughts:

Simran is a writer and psychologist, judged by her mother, Nandini, who feels writing isn’t a “job.” When a journalist comes knocking, it makes Simran question her career and her engagement.

Nandini, Simran’s mother, has done the best she can to provide a good life for her children. She faces racism in the workplace and at home, she is often placating her husband’s difficult family. Her ideal in life has been to be the “Perfect Indian Woman.”

Mimi is the mother of Nandini. She feels like a failure as a mother, but she strives to be a good grandmother to Simran.

Well-Behaved Indian Women is incredibly well-written. It’s a story about how women don’t often follow our dreams, how we strive for certain ideals that culture or society dictate. The characters are complex and lovable. This is very much a character-driven book, and I adored every bit of watching them grow as their relationships were tested. This is such a gem of a book, and I look forward to more from Saumya Dave in the future.

I received a gifted copy. All opinions are my own.

About the Author:

Saumya Dave is a writer, psychiatrist, and mental health advocate. Her debut novel will be released summer 2020, and her essays, articles, and poetry have been featured in The New York Times, ABC News, Refinery 29, and more. She is a practicing therapist, co-founder of the mental health nonprofit thisisforHER, and an Adjunct Professor at Mount Sinai. She lives in New York City with her husband and son. 

Have you read Well-Behaved Indian Women, or is it on your TBR? Happy Reading! ~ Jennifer THR