Well-Behaved Indian Women

We're still in a stage where the fact that a story like this is being told feels unreal. But with every show or book about Indian families, a fuller picture of a community that has so many stories to share comes to light. Just in accomplishing that, Saumya Dave has done a fantastic and commendable job.But this is more than just a story about an Indian family. The characters are so real, dynamic, and multi-dimensional, you want to meet them and know every detail about their stories, even the parts not mentioned in the book. I find myself telling all my friends to read this book so we can discuss which characters we most connected to and which ones we've met in real life. I can see this book translating to a successful movie just because of the richness of the characters, the twists and turns, and the realness of it all. And this was a debut novel?? Just incredible!

I enjoyed reading this book! It is the story of many ambitious and hard working women who came to this country and raised their kids.I could relate it to my life so I am going to recommend it to my daughter.

My heart is so full that there is now a relatable book for my own culture. This book touches on common, sensitive topics in the most subtle- but accurate way. And more importantly, illustrates solutions to those social issues. I think it’s safe to say that most brown girls can identify with Simran as our mothers do with Nandini.

I was interested in the book from the moment I read the sample. I finished the book within a day and really enjoyed reading about the different experience between the first and second generation. I do wish we could've gone a little more in depth about the background stories for the grandmother and the mother though. I also had a hard time following the author with the character transitions in the book, not a deal breaker, just harder to track who each character is talking about. I would recommend this book if you want a glimpse into what it's like to navigate between different traditions and cultures between generations in a new country.

As an Indian-American, I felt so seen. The author is spot on with how I can relate to Simran. This book is captivating and such an easy read. It was so hard putting this book down. The author captured Indian culture perfectly, especially for women in America. Seeing my own family struggle with adapting and communicating and seeing how the characters in the book felt. It was very true to how many of us feel. I was so happy there was a book I can relate to so strongly.

The journey of self-awareness and finding your true identity is something almost every brown girl can relate to. I am no avid reader but this book kept me coming back because of how relatable the themes were. This book is a great read for Indian's raised in America, 10/10 must recommend!

Being a 49 year old Indian American, this book really tugged at my heart. Saumya Dave did a wonderful job of creating characters which any woman could relate to. I think we, as women, tend to be people pleasers primarily because we want to be loved. At the end of the day, isn't that what it's all about? I could relate to bits and pieces which belonged to Simran (taking me back to my college years), Nandini (since I'm a mother of 3 children of which 2 are in college), and Nani (my mom, my grandmother, and one day me). I was so sad the closer I got to the end knowing that my journey with these three characters would subside soon. Hoping for a sequel which unites Neil Desai with Simran.

For a first novel, which this is, (or a tenth novel,) I totally enjoyed to peek into Indian culture, especially from a young woman's perspective..arranged marriages vs dating in today's world. This took place in New Jersey, and briefly in India.Endearing, sophisticated writing where the storyline and characters hold you and keep you captive, in a good way!!