BOOK TITLE: The Full Moon Bride
ISBN: 0758258844
AUTHOR: Shoban Bhantwal
GENRE: Fiction – Romance/Chic-Lit
NUMBER OF PAGES: 352
FORMAT:Paperback
SERIES / STANDALONE: Standalone
REVIEW BY: Shree Janani
HOW I GOT THIS BOOK: The publishers sent us a review copy. We thank Fingerprint Publishers for the same
SUMMARY :What makes a marriage--love or compatibility? Passion or pragmatism? 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.
REVIEW:
The concept of arranged weddings is a mystery to any young woman of Indian lineage. The idea of spending the rest of the life with some random guy is baffling and at times scary. In fact, many woman dread that “D” day where they are made to parade in front of a group of complete strangers. Though the process of “matching- making” and “bride viewing” has been diluted over the ages, the process is still unnerving enough.
The writer has successfully portray that “unnerving” feeling of an eligible bride. Our protagonist, Siya, a successful environmental lawyer is subjected to endure the process of “bridal viewing”. Along comes our hero Roger aka Rajesh who eventually falls in love with Siya in spite of all her “so called shortcomings” of which Siya has a complex about.
Enter the charismatic “Black” attorney who attracts Siya like a magnet. The story is about how Siya ends up choosing between the two men.
The writer has beautifully portrayed the emotions and complexes of an average Indian girl with a dusky complexion and has more than just a bit of curves. I went about nodding and sympathizing with Siya all the way. There is a fine line between being in love and being attracted .The writer managed to convey that fact to the point.
The writing was simple and conveyed all the emotions of a 20 something girl going through that haunting phase of “Bridal Viewing” to the dot. The writer is obviously well acquainted with the South Indian method of the “bridal viewing”.
The story line had its share of ups and downs. I felt that bachelorette party of Siya’s friend was a bit overdone. The high point of the story for me would be when Roger tells Siya that she just perfect. SIya isn’t exactly the “heroine” type material. She is just like any other woman from down south. Being accepted for what we are is a major boost of confidence. The story conveyed that perfectly.
To sum it up, I enjoyed reading the book in spite of the shortcomings.
VERDICT: Why not?! A practical story. A rarity in this genre.
RATING: 4 on 5
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Shobhan Bantwal is the Indian-American author of THE DOWRY BRIDE, her debut novel set in India and slated for release by Kensington Books in September 2007. It is the first of a two-book contract with Kensington.
Since 2002, Shobhan's articles and short stories have appeared in a variety of publications like India Abroad, Little India, U.S. 1, Desi Journal, India Currents, Overseas Indian, New Woman India, Kanara Saraswat and Sulekha. Her short stories have won honors and awards in fiction contests sponsored by Writer's Digest, New York Stories and New Woman magazines.
Her award winning stories are accessible through her web site: www.shobhanbantwal.com
Since 2002, Shobhan's articles and short stories have appeared in a variety of publications like India Abroad, Little India, U.S. 1, Desi Journal, India Currents, Overseas Indian, New Woman India, Kanara Saraswat and Sulekha. Her short stories have won honors and awards in fiction contests sponsored by Writer's Digest, New York Stories and New Woman magazines.
Her award winning stories are accessible through her web site: www.shobhanbantwal.com
EDITIONS AVAILABLE: Paperback
BOOK LINKS: http://www.amazon.in/gp/product/0758258844/ref=x_gr_w_bb?ie=UTF8&tag=goodreads_in-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0758258844&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2
Note : This review was first
posted in Readers'
Muse