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However Far Away
A sweeping family saga about love, loss, and acceptance―set against the backdrop of a Sikh wedding.
On the morning of his nephew’s wedding, Devinder Gill is certain the delicate balance of his life will not be upset. Dev is married to Kuldip, and together they have two young children in Vancouver’s Kitsilano neighbourhood. But Dev also has a secret: an affair with his first love, an Irish Canadian woman named Emily Rice, who recently returned to Canada after nine years abroad. Today, both women will attend the wedding.
As the day progresses through the traditional Sikh marriage rituals, the circumstances that led to this precarious situation are revealed through the alternating perspectives of Devinder, Emily, and Kuldip. Dev fails to recognize the building threats―an unwelcome guest, a wandering daughter, a repentant father―and by day’s end must accept that he does not have the control over his life that he imagined. Will the balance be maintained, or will the fragile house of cards come tumbling down?
A stunning debut by a talented new voice, However Far Away is an unforgettable story about family secrets, painful compromises, and the promises we break to ourselves and others.
On the morning of his nephew’s wedding, Devinder Gill is certain the delicate balance of his life will not be upset. Dev is married to Kuldip, and together they have two young children in Vancouver’s Kitsilano neighbourhood. But Dev also has a secret: an affair with his first love, an Irish Canadian woman named Emily Rice, who recently returned to Canada after nine years abroad. Today, both women will attend the wedding.
As the day progresses through the traditional Sikh marriage rituals, the circumstances that led to this precarious situation are revealed through the alternating perspectives of Devinder, Emily, and Kuldip. Dev fails to recognize the building threats―an unwelcome guest, a wandering daughter, a repentant father―and by day’s end must accept that he does not have the control over his life that he imagined. Will the balance be maintained, or will the fragile house of cards come tumbling down?
A stunning debut by a talented new voice, However Far Away is an unforgettable story about family secrets, painful compromises, and the promises we break to ourselves and others.
368 pages, Paperback
Published August 6, 2024
7 people are currently reading
316 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
November 20, 2024
the book jumps between past and present (the present is the day of the wedding) which had me hooked from the start. however, the ending was very abrupt and it left me longing for more of a resolution. the reader is left to wonder how the rest of their lives unfold after this pivotal wedding day......
i was also excited to read a book with sikh and punjabi representation but the book wasn't particularly relatable in that sense. i felt like i could understand the language and traditions as a sikh person myself, but that was about it. (however, that in itself feels like a big deal when you rarely see sikh and punjabi characters in books and movies!) the extravagant displays of wealth by the sandhu family left me feeling uncomfortable — i would have wanted to learn more about the relationship between dev's parents or kuldip's life before marriage instead of hearing about the family business and important business partners numerous times.
overall, the book had me hooked and i finished it in 2 days! what can i say, i love family drama
i was also excited to read a book with sikh and punjabi representation but the book wasn't particularly relatable in that sense. i felt like i could understand the language and traditions as a sikh person myself, but that was about it. (however, that in itself feels like a big deal when you rarely see sikh and punjabi characters in books and movies!) the extravagant displays of wealth by the sandhu family left me feeling uncomfortable — i would have wanted to learn more about the relationship between dev's parents or kuldip's life before marriage instead of hearing about the family business and important business partners numerous times.
overall, the book had me hooked and i finished it in 2 days! what can i say, i love family drama
January 14, 2025
There's a lot to admire about this book. The writing is strong, and the family relationships are well formed, dynamic and rich in detail. I enjoyed immersing myself in the Sikh culture - familiar yet different than the populations that compile Canada's mosaic. I found, though, myself very disappointed by the vague ending. I feel slightly robbed of a chance to see Devinder finally have to face his double life; confront a long held secret by the man he's come to think of as his father; and accept responsibility for the way he's betrayed his own wife and daughters. What saves the rating is the strength of the writing . Perhaps that was always going to be too much to hope for. Perhaps it's better of the characters who grabbed your sympathy and support in this story triumph in an imagined ending. I know whose side I'm on.
March 24, 2025
First Canada Reads 2025 read and I loved it! I enjoyed the multiple perspectives and varying timelines that told the story. The ending was not as neatly wrapped up as I would have liked (as other reviews have complained), however, it was not that difficult to imagine the ending given the hints earlier on (ie: Emily mentions her intentions and that, combined with Devinder's words to Kuldip on the phone at the end, probably sum it up).
May 14, 2024
Pal's novel around a large Sikh wedding in Canada is full of secrets, family, and promises. It's the day of Devinder's nephew's big wedding and he hopes the two halves of his life will continue to stay apart. Dev's wife and two children will obviously be there. However, Emily, his first love with whom he's been having an affair, will also be there as she's the nephew's art teacher. But there's a plan in place and Dev is determined to stick to it. But can he?
I loved this. Until it abruptly ended with no real conclusion and then I was annoyed. I still think it's worth reading, but don't go in expecting answers. You won't get them. Also, this cover is terrible.
Release Date: 8/6/2024
I loved this. Until it abruptly ended with no real conclusion and then I was annoyed. I still think it's worth reading, but don't go in expecting answers. You won't get them. Also, this cover is terrible.
Release Date: 8/6/2024
Read
June 9, 2025A beautifully painted picture of a Sikh family in Vancouver, in a story which, like life, has happiness and sadness. There is happiness in this book because the events whirl around a wedding, the new generation of Ranjit and Rina who are having a love marriage. They are surrounded by the love and joy of their family. I really enjoyed how this novel tenderly portrayed the values guiding this Sikh family, in their unconditional love for their close-knit family and friends, their gentle kindness and support for each other through thick and thin, and their devotion to community service, the care they take to observe Sikh traditions throughout the wedding. Their elder patriarch and matriarch, Monty and Deepa, demonstrate the characteristic courage of immigrants the world over that start in a new world with nothing and reach prosperity through opportunity and sheer diligence. I loved how they opened their heart and home entirely to their adoptive son, Devinder. I also enjoyed the portrayals of multiculturalism in Vancouver, how this Sikh family has observed kindness to others, and how so many other people in Vancouver from all walks of life and backgrounds displayed kindness, generosity, and empathy in little ways, in small situations scattered throughout the book.
However, of course, in this book there is also sadness. There is the central sadness of Devinder's story, as the lead character of the book. He and Emily, an Irish immigrant who migrated from the Troubles, had a love that lasted a lifetime that couldn't be realized due to each person's conception of duty. I say conception of duty, not duty itself, because it wasn't their own cultures or families who kept them apart. Rather, the separations were self-imposed (Devinder because he knowingly chose to take on his adoptive family's debts in India, Emily because she chose to take care of her mom in Ireland). In the end, however, as the new Mission Impossible movie's tagline says, 'our lives are the sum of our choices'. Devinder and Emily chose fatefully to be apart. A decade later, would they choose to reunite, lurking in hidden shadows, and to radiate the sadness of their fate outward to affect others like Devinder's wife Kuldip? Sometimes, when choices are made, there is no going back, and choices set events in motion that can lead to regretful secrets, such as in this quietly moving novel.
However, of course, in this book there is also sadness. There is the central sadness of Devinder's story, as the lead character of the book. He and Emily, an Irish immigrant who migrated from the Troubles, had a love that lasted a lifetime that couldn't be realized due to each person's conception of duty. I say conception of duty, not duty itself, because it wasn't their own cultures or families who kept them apart. Rather, the separations were self-imposed (Devinder because he knowingly chose to take on his adoptive family's debts in India, Emily because she chose to take care of her mom in Ireland). In the end, however, as the new Mission Impossible movie's tagline says, 'our lives are the sum of our choices'. Devinder and Emily chose fatefully to be apart. A decade later, would they choose to reunite, lurking in hidden shadows, and to radiate the sadness of their fate outward to affect others like Devinder's wife Kuldip? Sometimes, when choices are made, there is no going back, and choices set events in motion that can lead to regretful secrets, such as in this quietly moving novel.
August 20, 2025
This book was a delight to read … mostly! The story is centred around Devinder - his adoption into a well-to-do Sikh family in Vancouver, his long on-again-off-again love affair with Emily, his arranged marriage to Kuldip - culminating in Dev’s nephew’s elaborate wedding. The story is told from different perspectives and jumps back and forth in time, which is mostly well done, but sometimes rather jarring. Pal’s writing is lovely! The descriptions of the Kitsilano neighbourhood, the expectations and rules in an extended Punjabi Sikh family, and main character development are very well done. The ending, however, is ridiculously abrupt. The reader is left to figure it out themselves, I guess. Maybe Pal will write a second book to tie together these loose pieces!
January 28, 2025
was pleasantly surprised by this book! i really enjoyed the structure of “acts” versus “chapters”, and you pick up on the constant flip of perspectives quite easily.
the author does a great job of balancing each of the three main characters — devinder, emily (his first love/ex), and kuldip (his wife) — over what feels like a lifetime, all coming to a head at his nephew’s wedding. i felt deeply for each and every one. damn! that’s drama fr
the author does a great job of balancing each of the three main characters — devinder, emily (his first love/ex), and kuldip (his wife) — over what feels like a lifetime, all coming to a head at his nephew’s wedding. i felt deeply for each and every one. damn! that’s drama fr
March 18, 2025
A glimpse into a Sikh family through wedding day details.
For me it was an introduction into Sikh customs, and I found the description of the turban dressing particularly illustrative. The jumping narrative both with time and narrator took a bit to get used to, but lent itself to the frenetic nature of the day.
The ending was too abrupt and learning that the title was to be Settle removed a star.
For me it was an introduction into Sikh customs, and I found the description of the turban dressing particularly illustrative. The jumping narrative both with time and narrator took a bit to get used to, but lent itself to the frenetic nature of the day.
The ending was too abrupt and learning that the title was to be Settle removed a star.
January 19, 2025
first Canada reads long list read 🙂↕️
January 24, 2025
Beautifully written. Makes me feel nostalgic for my university days in Vancouver.
July 17, 2025
Vancouver BC is certainly a character here as it features prominently, often in detail, throughout the story. It's a story of Devinder Gill's life with wife, two kids and a mistress. but more than anything, it is a story about Sikh/Punjabi culture and traditions, primarily surrounding dating and marriage. It has lots of time jumps, which sometimes are clever, like when Dev thinks back to a time with his friend, and the next paragraph takes us to that time and place. But sometimes the time jumps are just jarring. And speaking of jarring, the final 20% from the wedding, which was anticipated to be perfect and was anything but, to the very ending, was baffling and jarring to say the least. It would have been nice to get some sort of closure on anything.
March 5, 2025
Another book off the CBC Canada Reads longlist.
The one was a bit of a slower read for me. I found some parts of it really interesting, like learning about Sikh wedding traditions, and I was curious about the characters, but in the end it didn’t really hit in the way I think it could have. I think this is in part because of how many partial narrative arcs were happening that were never really fully fleshed out — Emily’s dad is missing in Ireland but we only briefly hear about that; Iqbal’s at odds with his family (maybe to do with his mother’s illness?) but that was only hinted at before a big moment of conflict; and the end felt really unfinished. I think I would have been more invested if these side stories were more fully realized, or left out entirely with the focus being on Dev/Emily/Kuldip.
The one was a bit of a slower read for me. I found some parts of it really interesting, like learning about Sikh wedding traditions, and I was curious about the characters, but in the end it didn’t really hit in the way I think it could have. I think this is in part because of how many partial narrative arcs were happening that were never really fully fleshed out — Emily’s dad is missing in Ireland but we only briefly hear about that; Iqbal’s at odds with his family (maybe to do with his mother’s illness?) but that was only hinted at before a big moment of conflict; and the end felt really unfinished. I think I would have been more invested if these side stories were more fully realized, or left out entirely with the focus being on Dev/Emily/Kuldip.
March 11, 2025
Synopsis:
On the morning of his nephew’s wedding, Devinder Gill is certain the delicate balance of his life will not be upset. Dev is married to Kuldip, and together they have two young children in Vancouver’s Kitsilano neighbourhood. But Dev also has a secret: an affair with his first love, an Irish Canadian woman named Emily Rice. Today, both women will attend the wedding. As the day progresses through the traditional Sikh marriage rituals, circumstances are revealed through alternating perspectives of Devinder, Emily, and Kuldip. Dev fails to recognize the building threats―an unwelcome guest, a wandering daughter, a repentant father―and by day’s end must accept that he does not have the control over his life that he imagined.
Review:
I loved this book and can see why it made it on to the Canada Reads Long List this year. It is so rare to read books with Sikh / Punjabi (my background) characters so it felt like a breath of fresh air. The nuances of our culture were shared artfully, without being stereotypical at all. The family dynamics were complex but relatable and understandable, and I appreciated the varying perspectives that gave a complete picture of the story. The ending is left open, so it's good to know that going in so you can set your expectations accordingly. Highly recommend for a peek into the Sikh/Canadian experience!
Thank you House of Anansi for sending a copy of this #ownvoices read with me!
On the morning of his nephew’s wedding, Devinder Gill is certain the delicate balance of his life will not be upset. Dev is married to Kuldip, and together they have two young children in Vancouver’s Kitsilano neighbourhood. But Dev also has a secret: an affair with his first love, an Irish Canadian woman named Emily Rice. Today, both women will attend the wedding. As the day progresses through the traditional Sikh marriage rituals, circumstances are revealed through alternating perspectives of Devinder, Emily, and Kuldip. Dev fails to recognize the building threats―an unwelcome guest, a wandering daughter, a repentant father―and by day’s end must accept that he does not have the control over his life that he imagined.
Review:
I loved this book and can see why it made it on to the Canada Reads Long List this year. It is so rare to read books with Sikh / Punjabi (my background) characters so it felt like a breath of fresh air. The nuances of our culture were shared artfully, without being stereotypical at all. The family dynamics were complex but relatable and understandable, and I appreciated the varying perspectives that gave a complete picture of the story. The ending is left open, so it's good to know that going in so you can set your expectations accordingly. Highly recommend for a peek into the Sikh/Canadian experience!
Thank you House of Anansi for sending a copy of this #ownvoices read with me!
September 26, 2024
4.5☆
|| HOWEVER FAR AWAY ||
#gifted @houseofanansi
However Far Away is a debut novel that I found beautifully done. I couldn't put it down! It was very sweeping, a family saga that explores love and loss, secrets and decisions, after effects, acceptance and the fragility of life. The writing was wonderful, it was theatrical and beautiful, and fit the setting and storyline so well.
For more of my book content check out instagram.com/bookalong
|| HOWEVER FAR AWAY ||
#gifted @houseofanansi
However Far Away is a debut novel that I found beautifully done. I couldn't put it down! It was very sweeping, a family saga that explores love and loss, secrets and decisions, after effects, acceptance and the fragility of life. The writing was wonderful, it was theatrical and beautiful, and fit the setting and storyline so well.
For more of my book content check out instagram.com/bookalong
February 25, 2025
3.5. Didn't get the ending :(
December 23, 2025
Of course I loved this novel, set in Vancouver, fully exploring the views of the water, the tankers, the mountains and even parts of downtown. It's a complicated book, three points of view and not chronological, an exploration of culture, expectations, guilt and duty.
Devinder is the main character, orphaned as a school boy, adapted by a wealthy family that feels guilt for their actually innocent part in the death of Devinder's parents. They treat him well, making him feel welcomed and deeply loved, but he can never get over the sensation that he owes them more than he can give. He is a well developed and believable character.
Although he calls his adoptive parents auntie and uncle, they call him son. A slight problem is that the uncle is bigger than life, determined to be the kind of Sikh patriarch who towers over Vancouver, and everything in his orbit must be "perfect". His behavior is so imposing that I was a little frightened he might murder someone who got in the way of his perfection.
Dev understands that his romance with an Irish immigrant would never fit into the expectations that Uncle Monti and Auntie Deepa have established. He meets Emily when they are university students, and they fall in love. But though he dares to mention her to his "brothers", he cannot mention her nor introduce her to Uncle and Auntie. So he strings her along for years, eventually marrying the young woman Uncle and Auntie have chosen for him.
Dev's and Emily's relationship is on and off again for decades, up till the setting of this novel. Dev is given more duties than his brother, who is the father of Dev's nephew, the young man about to be married. Somehow, he is made to feel responsible for the absurdly grandiose wedding going off "perfectly", something to be remembered and talked about for years to come.
The degree to which this happens could be comical, but in this novel it's tragic.
The other two main characters are Emily and Kuldip. Emily keeps hoping that Dev will eventually marry her, and when that doesn't happen, she fantasizes about living in his home, mother of their own children. She settles for what she can have, but with misgivings. Kuldip knows full well what Dev is up to, but bears it as her duty. She too is an orphan, and knows how lucky she is to have landed among an affluent and kind family, and she deeply loves Dev and their two daughters.
What most intrigued me are the miniscule details of an elaborate and grand Sikh wedding. They are both beautiful and stifling. We can see how Dev is being strangled by traditions that have lasted for centuries, and must be repeated to the exact fold and crease of a length of cloth.
The author is a published poet, and this is his first novel. I read somewhere that this novel took him 19 years to write, and that he had difficulties in making it cohesive. He certainly managed to find his framework. For me, it's compelling, spell binding even. The suspense kept me up at night!
Devinder is the main character, orphaned as a school boy, adapted by a wealthy family that feels guilt for their actually innocent part in the death of Devinder's parents. They treat him well, making him feel welcomed and deeply loved, but he can never get over the sensation that he owes them more than he can give. He is a well developed and believable character.
Although he calls his adoptive parents auntie and uncle, they call him son. A slight problem is that the uncle is bigger than life, determined to be the kind of Sikh patriarch who towers over Vancouver, and everything in his orbit must be "perfect". His behavior is so imposing that I was a little frightened he might murder someone who got in the way of his perfection.
Dev understands that his romance with an Irish immigrant would never fit into the expectations that Uncle Monti and Auntie Deepa have established. He meets Emily when they are university students, and they fall in love. But though he dares to mention her to his "brothers", he cannot mention her nor introduce her to Uncle and Auntie. So he strings her along for years, eventually marrying the young woman Uncle and Auntie have chosen for him.
Dev's and Emily's relationship is on and off again for decades, up till the setting of this novel. Dev is given more duties than his brother, who is the father of Dev's nephew, the young man about to be married. Somehow, he is made to feel responsible for the absurdly grandiose wedding going off "perfectly", something to be remembered and talked about for years to come.
The degree to which this happens could be comical, but in this novel it's tragic.
The other two main characters are Emily and Kuldip. Emily keeps hoping that Dev will eventually marry her, and when that doesn't happen, she fantasizes about living in his home, mother of their own children. She settles for what she can have, but with misgivings. Kuldip knows full well what Dev is up to, but bears it as her duty. She too is an orphan, and knows how lucky she is to have landed among an affluent and kind family, and she deeply loves Dev and their two daughters.
What most intrigued me are the miniscule details of an elaborate and grand Sikh wedding. They are both beautiful and stifling. We can see how Dev is being strangled by traditions that have lasted for centuries, and must be repeated to the exact fold and crease of a length of cloth.
The author is a published poet, and this is his first novel. I read somewhere that this novel took him 19 years to write, and that he had difficulties in making it cohesive. He certainly managed to find his framework. For me, it's compelling, spell binding even. The suspense kept me up at night!
April 28, 2025
It’s the day of his nephew’s wedding and this has Devinder taking a pause to think about his own life and loves. Married to Kuldip with two daughters, he’s got a good life, but it’s not the perfect marriage. Devinder has a secret, he’s having an affair with his first love, Emily. Now both women will be at the wedding, but will his perfectly structured lies, stay intact. This novel really dove into the webs we weave as humans; the choices we make; the consequences we need to deal with; the regrets we must sit with. The author did such a palpable job of creating that atmosphere because it felt so real. The reader really loved the characters, they were so good and flawed, which made them feel believable. We enjoyed getting to know them, even when they made dumb decisions or were hard-headed; it was all part of the real experience; these characters could be real people. The reader would root for some of the things they did, then get mad at them for the poor choices they made. At the end of it all, the emotions were high and it was such a rollercoaster to read, but we loved it. The writing was great; it sucked the reader in and left them wanting to know where things were going to go. That’s where this reader had a bit of an issue with this novel. This didn’t exactly feel like it had any sort of direction, the plot felt lost and aimless. We weren’t sure where the story was going to go; then once we got to the end, we felt like we had more questions than answers. Everything was left so open-ended. On top of that, the way the author chose to end it on flowery prose, didn’t fit with the rest of the novel, so it felt totally out of place. The reader gets that it was supposed to be graceful and beautiful, but it just left them confused and misplaced. This reader isn’t a fan of such open-ended endings; there was so much left hanging that it felt unfinished. This was also written in a back and forth, past to present, with varying points of view, which took some time to get used to. Overall, this wasn’t a bad novel at all, it just lacked direction and a resolution.
May 22, 2024
***Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review***
The plot of this book revolves around the complicated and emotionally fraught relationships within families, communities, and couples. The main character, Dev, loses his parents in a tragic accident as a boy and ends up living with the Sikh family from whom they rented their home. The family gains wealth and status, which is also accorded to Dev. He repays them by being a dutiful member of the family and is well-loved. Although he has an ongoing on-and-off relationship with Emily, an Irishwoman, he ends up marrying Kuldip as a means of honoring his family. When Emily returns to Canada after being home to care for her mother, they began an affair. The story goes back and forth through time to show the development of various relationships and to explain the divided loyalties. Emily and Kuldip end up both being present at Dev's nephew's wedding and there are other families' drama playing out at the same time. Although it felt a bit busy at times, the story never got chaotic and maintained its rhythm. I particularly liked how the author crafted the ending as it was not at a convenient or neat point. Some might have wanted closure, but in this case, I think leaving it open was the right choice.
The plot of this book revolves around the complicated and emotionally fraught relationships within families, communities, and couples. The main character, Dev, loses his parents in a tragic accident as a boy and ends up living with the Sikh family from whom they rented their home. The family gains wealth and status, which is also accorded to Dev. He repays them by being a dutiful member of the family and is well-loved. Although he has an ongoing on-and-off relationship with Emily, an Irishwoman, he ends up marrying Kuldip as a means of honoring his family. When Emily returns to Canada after being home to care for her mother, they began an affair. The story goes back and forth through time to show the development of various relationships and to explain the divided loyalties. Emily and Kuldip end up both being present at Dev's nephew's wedding and there are other families' drama playing out at the same time. Although it felt a bit busy at times, the story never got chaotic and maintained its rhythm. I particularly liked how the author crafted the ending as it was not at a convenient or neat point. Some might have wanted closure, but in this case, I think leaving it open was the right choice.
May 3, 2025
On one hand I could’ve given this a four and on the other I could’ve said two so I picked three to be fair. (My five star choices are few and far between.)
I would have rated this a four because of the beautiful writing, the intrigue and the immersion into the Punjabi Sikh culture. The writing of the natural environment was also very well done. It is an extremely well written story with excellent character development. I would not have finished it otherwise.
I would have rated it a two because the character I found the most likeable, Kuldip, is treated very poorly. I found myself disliking Dev and resenting having to read of his affair from a sympathetic perspective. I can be somewhat intolerant of the theme of adultery. Perhaps it is from my own experiences though I try to be fair to the characters.
I realise my feeling towards Dev may be because I can’t relate to the pressure of arranged marriages in order to please parents. This is a cultural difference that is impossible for me to truly understand though I can understand the “why” of it.
Finally, the ending I craved did not happen. Not only did it not happen but almost the reverse. I think a lot of people like the style of ending that you get to, sort of, decide for yourself. I am just not one of those people.
I would have rated this a four because of the beautiful writing, the intrigue and the immersion into the Punjabi Sikh culture. The writing of the natural environment was also very well done. It is an extremely well written story with excellent character development. I would not have finished it otherwise.
I would have rated it a two because the character I found the most likeable, Kuldip, is treated very poorly. I found myself disliking Dev and resenting having to read of his affair from a sympathetic perspective. I can be somewhat intolerant of the theme of adultery. Perhaps it is from my own experiences though I try to be fair to the characters.
I realise my feeling towards Dev may be because I can’t relate to the pressure of arranged marriages in order to please parents. This is a cultural difference that is impossible for me to truly understand though I can understand the “why” of it.
Finally, the ending I craved did not happen. Not only did it not happen but almost the reverse. I think a lot of people like the style of ending that you get to, sort of, decide for yourself. I am just not one of those people.
November 4, 2024
As this one was racing towards the conclusion I really wondered how he was going to wrap this up - there were so many things that needed some kind of conclusion.
I will admit that the ending came much quicker - more abruptly - than anticipated, but the author did it quite masterfully, refusing any temptation to wrap things up neatly with a bow.
So much is left open ended for the reader, yet I think it’s clear where things are most likely to be heading. And yes, Dev has that moment of revelation - where he sees what really matters with stark clarity - all tied together in/by his own story.
There were some things that bugged me about this but really they are minor quibbles at best.
The only one worth mentioning is the scene - very near the end - where his adoptive father, Monty, chooses to unburden his own secret on Emily. Not buying that he would have chosen this course of action - indeed, it was entirely the opposite of what I expected that conversation would be as the scene began.
I will admit that the ending came much quicker - more abruptly - than anticipated, but the author did it quite masterfully, refusing any temptation to wrap things up neatly with a bow.
So much is left open ended for the reader, yet I think it’s clear where things are most likely to be heading. And yes, Dev has that moment of revelation - where he sees what really matters with stark clarity - all tied together in/by his own story.
There were some things that bugged me about this but really they are minor quibbles at best.
The only one worth mentioning is the scene - very near the end - where his adoptive father, Monty, chooses to unburden his own secret on Emily. Not buying that he would have chosen this course of action - indeed, it was entirely the opposite of what I expected that conversation would be as the scene began.
May 16, 2025
2.5/5 stars
- emotional prose
- effective use of past/present perspectives
- lots of unclear/unfinished storylines (dev's birth parents, iqbal, emily's family, etc)
- great cultural nuances + representation showcased punjabi/south asian culture without it being overbearing or the main focus (although there were some unexplained complexities that might have been confusing to outsiders)
- appreciated depth of dev's character; good people can do bad things without effectively becoming bad people
- wish kuldip had more spotlight and had the opportunity to transcend cultural barriers/taboo
- whole plot revolves around a climax that never actually happens?? feels like the book was published without being fully fleshed out - had potential, overall fell flat but good writing nonetheless, left me feeling sort of empty and contemplative (maybe due to personal connections)
- emotional prose
- effective use of past/present perspectives
- lots of unclear/unfinished storylines (dev's birth parents, iqbal, emily's family, etc)
- great cultural nuances + representation showcased punjabi/south asian culture without it being overbearing or the main focus (although there were some unexplained complexities that might have been confusing to outsiders)
- appreciated depth of dev's character; good people can do bad things without effectively becoming bad people
- wish kuldip had more spotlight and had the opportunity to transcend cultural barriers/taboo
- whole plot revolves around a climax that never actually happens?? feels like the book was published without being fully fleshed out - had potential, overall fell flat but good writing nonetheless, left me feeling sort of empty and contemplative (maybe due to personal connections)
August 16, 2024
I love a family drama and I love a novel focusing on a culture other than my own. This book has all that and it's fine, but somehow it's missing something to kick it over into really good. Maybe it's that Dev takes actions that are not admirable even though I understand the source of his conflict. I also found the ending less than satisfying. Still, it's not a bad book and the intercultural pieces were quite interesting to me.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of However Far Away in exchange for an honest opinion. However Far Away is available now.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of However Far Away in exchange for an honest opinion. However Far Away is available now.
March 16, 2025
Absolutely loved this book and highly recommend reading it! My favourite character was Kuldip. I kept reading to see how everything would play out for her. The pacing between the past and present was well done and helped build up the tension. There were details scattered throughout the story and the jumps between the past and present help explain their significance.
I agree with the other reviews that the ending was abrupt and vague. I did hope for more of a resolution, but I think the ending is implied and it fits the vibes of the story.
I agree with the other reviews that the ending was abrupt and vague. I did hope for more of a resolution, but I think the ending is implied and it fits the vibes of the story.
August 7, 2024
Dev was raised by a Sikh family in Vancouver after his parents died when he was young. Dev married out of obligation to his adoptive family and now has two daughters, but a past relationship has never really concluded. This book takes place on the day of his nephew's wedding while intertwining stories that lead up to the day. The cover doesn't make sense and the ending is abrupt, but the journey is compelling.
January 13, 2025
I read because it is on Canada Reads long list. I enjoyed it very much. One of my criteria for enjoying the book is that I want to learn something new from it. I learned so much new about the Sikh culture, and the young people caught in traditions of arranged marriages versus choosing their own marriage. It seems both are very active yet. The planning a huge Sikh wedding was interesting, as was the several back stories.
January 30, 2025
Act 1 was my favorite part: I was captivated from the first page getting to know the community members. The author truly captured the gorgeous costal area with an eloquent land acknowledgement woven in beautifully. I was shocked by the twist!!
There is so much I loved about this book: the big Sikh wedding, the dialogue between Emily and Dev felt so perfectly real, and the music really brought it to life - I wish more books had a playlist like this!
Canada Reads 2025
There is so much I loved about this book: the big Sikh wedding, the dialogue between Emily and Dev felt so perfectly real, and the music really brought it to life - I wish more books had a playlist like this!
Canada Reads 2025
January 24, 2025
This is a story of secrets, compromises and decisions that have culminating effects on the day of Devinder Gill's nephew's wedding. Devinder's wife, Kuldip and his children are never suppose to meet his mistress, Emily. Can the meeting be avoided on the wedding day? Will Devinder's delicately balanced life be threatened?
February 21, 2025
Really enjoyed this fast paced novel of family secrets and lies. Set within the backdrop of Vancouver. Wonderful to relate with the places described and the richness of the neighbourhoods. An unfulfilled love story, deep cultural connections and contrasts.
The end comes too fast, more questions then answers. Leaves with a sense of complications and heartbreak.
The end comes too fast, more questions then answers. Leaves with a sense of complications and heartbreak.
March 24, 2025
I loved the various sub plots of this story and how they all intertwined. The story goes back and forth between past and present, which I think was done well. A little more explanation on the Sikh traditions would have been nice as I found myself googling things. The ending was under-whelming and it ends with more questions than answers.
March 24, 2025
"An event fit for the eldest son of the eldest son of the Sandhu dynasty.' (3)
I thought it was good idea and I learned a lot about the Indian wedding culture. I didn't like a lot of the characters decisions throughout. I didn't like the ending.
This book was a quick read; as I read it in about 2 days!
I would recommend this book to anyone into drama.
I thought it was good idea and I learned a lot about the Indian wedding culture. I didn't like a lot of the characters decisions throughout. I didn't like the ending.
This book was a quick read; as I read it in about 2 days!
I would recommend this book to anyone into drama.
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