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This Is Fine
It might not be the stuff of dreams, but Padma and Wallace have spent ten years building a relationship that feels . . . fine. Until Wallace gives Padma an ultimatum about starting a family she's not sure she even wants.
Padma's fifteen-year-old niece Myra is reaching her own crisis point. When she falls in with the wrong crowd and her life ends up in danger, it's the final straw for her parents.
Now Padma will spend the summer with her niece - in a ramshackle, ivy-clad house on the Kent clifftops - running a DIY rehab of sorts.
Will this be a pressure too far for her and Wallace? And how will she spend six weeks with a niece who, thanks to her sister, she barely knows?
It's the last place they want to be.
But this could just be the summer that changes everything . . .
Padma's fifteen-year-old niece Myra is reaching her own crisis point. When she falls in with the wrong crowd and her life ends up in danger, it's the final straw for her parents.
Now Padma will spend the summer with her niece - in a ramshackle, ivy-clad house on the Kent clifftops - running a DIY rehab of sorts.
Will this be a pressure too far for her and Wallace? And how will she spend six weeks with a niece who, thanks to her sister, she barely knows?
It's the last place they want to be.
But this could just be the summer that changes everything . . .
351 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 13, 2024
31 people are currently reading
1790 people want to read
About the author
Poorna Bell
12 books88 followersI'm an award-winning journalist of 21 years, author and a digital editorial expert, having previously worked as UK Executive Editor and Global Lifestyle Head for HuffPost. I’ve also published three non-fiction books and my second novel is out in 2024.
I specialise in women’s issues, diversity, fitness, pro-ageing and mental health, and have freelanced for The Times, The i Paper, Grazia, The Guardian, Red magazine, and Stylist among others. I work across written features, video and podcasts.
I’m an experienced public speaker, from doing keynotes to moderating events for FTSE 100 companies, hosting and running seminars for corporations. I’m also accomplished in broadcast, having spoken on Channel 5, ITV, and BBC News, and am a regular fixture on BBC radio.
And, did I mention I’m a competitive powerlifter?
I specialise in women’s issues, diversity, fitness, pro-ageing and mental health, and have freelanced for The Times, The i Paper, Grazia, The Guardian, Red magazine, and Stylist among others. I work across written features, video and podcasts.
I’m an experienced public speaker, from doing keynotes to moderating events for FTSE 100 companies, hosting and running seminars for corporations. I’m also accomplished in broadcast, having spoken on Channel 5, ITV, and BBC News, and am a regular fixture on BBC radio.
And, did I mention I’m a competitive powerlifter?
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August 12, 2025A finding-yourself story as a British Indian woman with a fractured family and disintegrating relationship rediscovers what matters when she's forced to look after her troubled niece. This sort of book stands or falls on the characters, and the heroine here is just determined and funny enough to make her journey engaging. It's not doing anything terribly new and the romance is distinctly on the perfunctory side, but it's Padma's story (and that of her relationship with her sister and niece) anyway. Very feelgood.
November 20, 2024
A beautiful story that’s touches on so many topics around family, grief, friendship, mental health, discovery and what it means to make decisions and choose a direction in life that breaks social norms and expectations. This felt refreshingly honest and resonated on so many levels. While at times a tad sentimental and cheesy (and too “neat” in places - as described by a friend), Poorna’s writing brought me so much joy, tears, laughter. It resonated on such a personal level. It has been a book that came at the right time for me and put into words and placed feelings that have been hard to reach.
March 8, 2024
Easy reading, sweet story, no big surprises but perfectly comforting nonetheless. I appreciated the opportunity to learn about south Asian culture, and the key issues of mental health, addiction and racism were handled with sensitivity. .
March 2, 2025
The title of this book aptly describes my thoughts about it. Decidedly mediocre, yet somewhat comforting.
December 16, 2024
Similar themes to the lifeline but different
Really enjoy Poorna Bells writing style
Really enjoy Poorna Bells writing style
February 21, 2025
this is the year of judging books by their covers
June 12, 2024
This is Fine - by Poorna Bell
4.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
This is a beautifully written story of women empowerment, family and culture with powerful and thought provoking moments. The author’s clever and witty writing style, made me chuckle a lot throughout the lighthearted moments.
It had great representation of mental health especially depression and the effects it has not just on individuals of all ages, but the family and friends that surround them. It also discusses sensitive topics such as alcoholism.
It’s really sad that in this day and age there is still ignorance towards the colour of people skin, so as a mixed race woman, I loved the representation of women of colour in this book. I really enjoyed learning about the Indian culture.
As a single and childless 35 year old woman, I really needed this book. It shows it okay for a woman not to want children. I feel there is too much pressure from all areas, family, friends and society that you HAVE to want children.
My two favourite quotes from the book which I resonated with were from Parma: “Just because you own an oven it doesn’t mean you have to bake a cake”
And Selena: “Ultimatums are tough, they make you feel as if the other person is attacking you, when really they are just desperately trying to hold on”
Thank you to NetGalley, Random House and Poorna Bell for this free ARC in return for an honest review. I am leaving this review voluntarily
4.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
This is a beautifully written story of women empowerment, family and culture with powerful and thought provoking moments. The author’s clever and witty writing style, made me chuckle a lot throughout the lighthearted moments.
It had great representation of mental health especially depression and the effects it has not just on individuals of all ages, but the family and friends that surround them. It also discusses sensitive topics such as alcoholism.
It’s really sad that in this day and age there is still ignorance towards the colour of people skin, so as a mixed race woman, I loved the representation of women of colour in this book. I really enjoyed learning about the Indian culture.
As a single and childless 35 year old woman, I really needed this book. It shows it okay for a woman not to want children. I feel there is too much pressure from all areas, family, friends and society that you HAVE to want children.
My two favourite quotes from the book which I resonated with were from Parma: “Just because you own an oven it doesn’t mean you have to bake a cake”
And Selena: “Ultimatums are tough, they make you feel as if the other person is attacking you, when really they are just desperately trying to hold on”
Thank you to NetGalley, Random House and Poorna Bell for this free ARC in return for an honest review. I am leaving this review voluntarily
August 6, 2024
If I could give this more than 5* I would. Wow. (Probably a full review to come tomorrow)
Wow. This book took me for an emotional ride that I wasn't expecting from the cover title and blurb. For the first half, I was really enjoying reading it and it felt like a cosy read. Then I got to the second half and the connection with all of our characters really amplified the impact of this book. The presentation of depression in both the adult's POV but also seeing a child's from an adults POV was incredible. I could gush for ages over how much I loved this but I will instead leave a quote:
"We are so often the architects of our own sadness, Padma. Maybe it's time to change your blueprint."
Wow. This book took me for an emotional ride that I wasn't expecting from the cover title and blurb. For the first half, I was really enjoying reading it and it felt like a cosy read. Then I got to the second half and the connection with all of our characters really amplified the impact of this book. The presentation of depression in both the adult's POV but also seeing a child's from an adults POV was incredible. I could gush for ages over how much I loved this but I will instead leave a quote:
"We are so often the architects of our own sadness, Padma. Maybe it's time to change your blueprint."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 7, 2025
A beautiful story which had all the feels. I felt the representation of mental health issues - across both Padma and Myra - to be really refreshingly truthful. I loved that things weren’t all resolved perfectly, giving credibility to the storyline.
Yes this wasn’t groundbreaking on its wider plot lines, but it was wholesome and I loved it. There was a lot of female empowerment in this book, and reading about an Asian woman, choosing to be childless, and her quest for self discovery was brilliant.
I look forward to reading more by this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book.
Yes this wasn’t groundbreaking on its wider plot lines, but it was wholesome and I loved it. There was a lot of female empowerment in this book, and reading about an Asian woman, choosing to be childless, and her quest for self discovery was brilliant.
I look forward to reading more by this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book.
February 5, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley and Random House UK, Cornerstone for an ARC.
Caution; Mild spoilers (I’ve tried to keep it vague)
Brief review; 3 ½ star book that has the space to be 4 or more with a few modifications.
Let me begin with a positive. Most of the main cast and secondary is well written and developed. Poorna Bell knows how to say just enough about a character to give them the depth and flavour required to care about what happens to them. Of note to me was Myra. She acts her age (this is hard to do!) and her emotional regulation develops as the book progresses. A less skilled author would have struggled to turn Myra from as unlikeable as she is at the start of the story to the strong woman she grows to be over the book. Padma’s love for Myra ,despite how difficult Myra makes things at first, feels genuine and believable. I also really liked both café owners for being sweet and encouraging without being cloying.
In contrast, Wallace felt quite two dimensional for how much he factors into Padma’s life. Poorna Bell could have used spent some of the time Padma fixates on her past conflicts with her mother on their relationship. She comes across as extremely co-dependent on him until later, but we never really get to see how these residual feelings remain. The version of Wallace we see seems profoundly awful. Perhaps this was the point. Even so, Poorna Bell could have spent time showing how loving he once was to contrast the cruel man we see within these pages.
To return to the positive, I really loved to see Padma regain her confidence through cooking and getting closer to Myra through cooking too. It was fantastic to see Myra be just as encouraging to Padma as she is to her. The gradual progression of her talents being seen by the right eyes to the outcomes of the epilogue felt organic and well-paced.
In contrast, I found Hugo’s role in the story often harmed the message of self-love that I feel gives this book its heart. Padma learns to love herself and be happy alone only for this to feel detracted by Hugo’s presence. Perhaps some readers may enjoy that she finds love again. Me? The bond between Myra and Padma and their relationship is what got me to the end. Hugo had me skimming. In a similar thread, I find that the frequent reminisce of her troubled childhood is a little excessive. Whilst “the seaside story” and “when mom was gone” stories really work for the story, the rest didn’t feel that necessary.
To end on a more neutral thought, the final fifth and ending leaves me with some complex feelings. On one hand, it’s emotional and intense. Book long plot threads come to roost and closure is given to many questions. On the other, the mental episode feels too convenient. I didn’t like mental breakdowns as a plot device. It is also so much more intense than the rest of the book. I spent most of the book enjoying some reflective chatter and character growth. The last part was genuinely distressing.
So how would I improve this book? I have a few ideas.
Firstly, I would rethink Hugo as a character within the story. I see his value as a good friend to Padma outside of the cafes and family. However, their romance is undeveloped, and it leaves it feeling unnecessary. Poorna Bell should either give the romance more room to grow or focus on Myra’s and Padma’s self-love and self-growth journey. I think the latter is better.
Secondly, I think Padma could have participated in some therapy of her own. This would be a great way to repurpose the passages about her mother and the effect of her depression. This would have allowed Padma the space to grow beyond her food and her niece. As someone who is all too in touch with depression, there’s no such thing as the day it’s all fixed but I really think Padma should have ended the story being more in control of these feelings. As it stands, I left the story with a sense of dread that these unresolved issues might harm her happy ending.
Finally, I think Poorna Bell should decide what sort of book she wants this book to be.
Is a poolside read about women uplifting women despite their struggles?
Is this a book that mediates on generational trauma and mental health as demons we must tame to become better that is supposed to be deeply contemplative?
Is this a love story?
Is this about self-love necessary to grow as a person?
There are two ways Poorna Bell might be able to do this.
Poorna Bell could focus on keeping the book light and airy by reducing some of the darkness surrounding her childhood and depression to give the book a more uplifting feel. This would give it a good “read by pool” experience with less moments that might get them to shut the book as to not spoil their mood.
Alternatively, Poorna Bell has the bones for a great meditation on mental health and generational trauma and how we must push beyond this darkness to grow. She could do this by Padma having a more realistic version of her mental issues. I feel things are solved a little too neatly as it stands.
To put this more simply, Pinky Dishwalla has a comedic moment and easy solution to the conflict Padma has later on feels at home in a light and airy book. In a more serious novel, I think she would need to think of a different route to resolution.
To conclude, this is a book feels like it has as many positives as negatives. Some characters are well made, some aren’t. Some plot threads are compelling, others simply aren’t. A classic 3 ½ star book that could easily be 4 or more with some edits.
Caution; Mild spoilers (I’ve tried to keep it vague)
Brief review; 3 ½ star book that has the space to be 4 or more with a few modifications.
Let me begin with a positive. Most of the main cast and secondary is well written and developed. Poorna Bell knows how to say just enough about a character to give them the depth and flavour required to care about what happens to them. Of note to me was Myra. She acts her age (this is hard to do!) and her emotional regulation develops as the book progresses. A less skilled author would have struggled to turn Myra from as unlikeable as she is at the start of the story to the strong woman she grows to be over the book. Padma’s love for Myra ,despite how difficult Myra makes things at first, feels genuine and believable. I also really liked both café owners for being sweet and encouraging without being cloying.
In contrast, Wallace felt quite two dimensional for how much he factors into Padma’s life. Poorna Bell could have used spent some of the time Padma fixates on her past conflicts with her mother on their relationship. She comes across as extremely co-dependent on him until later, but we never really get to see how these residual feelings remain. The version of Wallace we see seems profoundly awful. Perhaps this was the point. Even so, Poorna Bell could have spent time showing how loving he once was to contrast the cruel man we see within these pages.
To return to the positive, I really loved to see Padma regain her confidence through cooking and getting closer to Myra through cooking too. It was fantastic to see Myra be just as encouraging to Padma as she is to her. The gradual progression of her talents being seen by the right eyes to the outcomes of the epilogue felt organic and well-paced.
In contrast, I found Hugo’s role in the story often harmed the message of self-love that I feel gives this book its heart. Padma learns to love herself and be happy alone only for this to feel detracted by Hugo’s presence. Perhaps some readers may enjoy that she finds love again. Me? The bond between Myra and Padma and their relationship is what got me to the end. Hugo had me skimming. In a similar thread, I find that the frequent reminisce of her troubled childhood is a little excessive. Whilst “the seaside story” and “when mom was gone” stories really work for the story, the rest didn’t feel that necessary.
To end on a more neutral thought, the final fifth and ending leaves me with some complex feelings. On one hand, it’s emotional and intense. Book long plot threads come to roost and closure is given to many questions. On the other, the mental episode feels too convenient. I didn’t like mental breakdowns as a plot device. It is also so much more intense than the rest of the book. I spent most of the book enjoying some reflective chatter and character growth. The last part was genuinely distressing.
So how would I improve this book? I have a few ideas.
Firstly, I would rethink Hugo as a character within the story. I see his value as a good friend to Padma outside of the cafes and family. However, their romance is undeveloped, and it leaves it feeling unnecessary. Poorna Bell should either give the romance more room to grow or focus on Myra’s and Padma’s self-love and self-growth journey. I think the latter is better.
Secondly, I think Padma could have participated in some therapy of her own. This would be a great way to repurpose the passages about her mother and the effect of her depression. This would have allowed Padma the space to grow beyond her food and her niece. As someone who is all too in touch with depression, there’s no such thing as the day it’s all fixed but I really think Padma should have ended the story being more in control of these feelings. As it stands, I left the story with a sense of dread that these unresolved issues might harm her happy ending.
Finally, I think Poorna Bell should decide what sort of book she wants this book to be.
Is a poolside read about women uplifting women despite their struggles?
Is this a book that mediates on generational trauma and mental health as demons we must tame to become better that is supposed to be deeply contemplative?
Is this a love story?
Is this about self-love necessary to grow as a person?
There are two ways Poorna Bell might be able to do this.
Poorna Bell could focus on keeping the book light and airy by reducing some of the darkness surrounding her childhood and depression to give the book a more uplifting feel. This would give it a good “read by pool” experience with less moments that might get them to shut the book as to not spoil their mood.
Alternatively, Poorna Bell has the bones for a great meditation on mental health and generational trauma and how we must push beyond this darkness to grow. She could do this by Padma having a more realistic version of her mental issues. I feel things are solved a little too neatly as it stands.
To put this more simply, Pinky Dishwalla has a comedic moment and easy solution to the conflict Padma has later on feels at home in a light and airy book. In a more serious novel, I think she would need to think of a different route to resolution.
To conclude, this is a book feels like it has as many positives as negatives. Some characters are well made, some aren’t. Some plot threads are compelling, others simply aren’t. A classic 3 ½ star book that could easily be 4 or more with some edits.
March 6, 2024
As always Poorna knocks it out of the park, this is such a funny, heartwarming and lovely book that deals with so many issues including mental health, the death of a parent, teenage alcoholism and so much more.
Padma is a fantastic and realistic character and her growth is very realistic as she has to face so many challenges both personally and professionally.
I really enjoyed this book and wish I had Myra’s tenacity and wit in real life!
Padma is a fantastic and realistic character and her growth is very realistic as she has to face so many challenges both personally and professionally.
I really enjoyed this book and wish I had Myra’s tenacity and wit in real life!
July 12, 2024
Thank you to Penguin and NetGalley for my advanced reader copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Just loved this summery novel from Poorna Bell, a writer and journalist I already hugely admire. Padma and Wallace have spent 10 years building a relationship that feels just fine. When he gives her an ultimatum about starting a family, the pair take a break with Padma seriously overthinking whether she even wants children. At the same time, Padma’s 15-year-old niece is also in crisis. Now, Padma and the niece she barely knows are to spend the summer together by the seaside – a rehab of sorts.
I absolutely loved reading this. It’s heartwarming, relatable, funny and emotional all at once, and Poorna does an incredible job at balancing all this in a well-paced story that also handles big issues like mental health, alcoholism, the immigrant experience and parenthood. The rich food descriptions instantly connected me to the South Asian experience, and I thoroughly enjoyed being brought deeper into the heritage and culture with Poorna’s deftly woven subplots and snippets. I seem to have a habit of gravitating towards immigrant stories – particularly those in intergenerational family storylines! Can’t wait to pick up a trophy copy to have on my shelves to reread again.
Just loved this summery novel from Poorna Bell, a writer and journalist I already hugely admire. Padma and Wallace have spent 10 years building a relationship that feels just fine. When he gives her an ultimatum about starting a family, the pair take a break with Padma seriously overthinking whether she even wants children. At the same time, Padma’s 15-year-old niece is also in crisis. Now, Padma and the niece she barely knows are to spend the summer together by the seaside – a rehab of sorts.
I absolutely loved reading this. It’s heartwarming, relatable, funny and emotional all at once, and Poorna does an incredible job at balancing all this in a well-paced story that also handles big issues like mental health, alcoholism, the immigrant experience and parenthood. The rich food descriptions instantly connected me to the South Asian experience, and I thoroughly enjoyed being brought deeper into the heritage and culture with Poorna’s deftly woven subplots and snippets. I seem to have a habit of gravitating towards immigrant stories – particularly those in intergenerational family storylines! Can’t wait to pick up a trophy copy to have on my shelves to reread again.
November 2, 2024
Reading this novel is like buying a house: you know the minute you step through the front door when a house is the one you have to buy. I knew within a couple of paragraphs that this was going to be one of my favourites of this year. I was immediately captivated by the main character and more importantly, by the author's incredibly insightful writing.
The characters grab you from the beginning; they all have a story, a focus, an aim, a grief, a pain, a trouble, a dream. You become immersed in them all and you root for them all. It's funny, witty, sad and moving…all at the same time. An author who can do all that is an exceptionally talented one.
I read a quote about this book that said, 'I will read anything Poorna Bell writes' (Taylor Jenkins Reid). I did something I very rarely do: no sooner had I reached The End, I immediately bought another book by this marvellous writer. I think I too will be reading anything she writes.
The characters grab you from the beginning; they all have a story, a focus, an aim, a grief, a pain, a trouble, a dream. You become immersed in them all and you root for them all. It's funny, witty, sad and moving…all at the same time. An author who can do all that is an exceptionally talented one.
I read a quote about this book that said, 'I will read anything Poorna Bell writes' (Taylor Jenkins Reid). I did something I very rarely do: no sooner had I reached The End, I immediately bought another book by this marvellous writer. I think I too will be reading anything she writes.
February 29, 2024
I really enjoyed this book! There were so many quotes that I highlighted due to them being so relatable and I felt an instant real connection to the characters. I related considerably to the storyline and that definitely impacted my overall enjoyment of the story especially some of the very niche aspects that ran parallel to my own experiences.
One thing I thought was done absolutely excellently in this one was Myra’s character- I think a teenage girl is a really difficult age to write well; I often find that they come across either too young or too old, too consistent or too reckless and it leaves them feeling one dimensional whereas Myra felt so real, I think her growth was excellently demonstrated and just thought she felt so real and it was interesting getting to know her and her difficulties as she navigated such a difficult time.
I liked the sibling relationship, the snippets of the past and the humour dashed throughout the story, again it just added to the real feel. I do think this one could have been a little shorter although that being said I don’t think it impacted my personal enjoyment because of the quotes laced throughout.
Overall I really enjoyed this book. It was really thought provoking and struck a perfect balance between depth and humour, the importance of those key relationships and acceptance and just captured growing up in different ways and at different points so well.
One thing I thought was done absolutely excellently in this one was Myra’s character- I think a teenage girl is a really difficult age to write well; I often find that they come across either too young or too old, too consistent or too reckless and it leaves them feeling one dimensional whereas Myra felt so real, I think her growth was excellently demonstrated and just thought she felt so real and it was interesting getting to know her and her difficulties as she navigated such a difficult time.
I liked the sibling relationship, the snippets of the past and the humour dashed throughout the story, again it just added to the real feel. I do think this one could have been a little shorter although that being said I don’t think it impacted my personal enjoyment because of the quotes laced throughout.
Overall I really enjoyed this book. It was really thought provoking and struck a perfect balance between depth and humour, the importance of those key relationships and acceptance and just captured growing up in different ways and at different points so well.
December 21, 2025
4/5 – it was the easy read I needed for the holiday period. The writing is funny and flows well. Yes, the plot is predictable but it just captures the relationships between siblings and with mental health really well. Fun to start reading this book in Max Roach park while looking at the football field on Villa Road too!
September 29, 2025
I really enjoyed this being focused on understanding yourself and what you need, and the importance of others to us. plus a sympathetic but approachable depiction of depression and not fitting in.
November 28, 2025
lovely book. good beach read or holiday book.
March 30, 2024
This is Fine is a phenomenonal book that was gripping and so easy to read. I couldn't help but fall in love with the characters. A perfect summer read which had me yearning for a holiday and hungry for food. Myra, a troublesome teen who ends up in hospital after her friend's dump her at her doorstep drunk and disorientated. Her parents Daisy and Henry decide to ship her off for six weeks to straighten her out. Meanwhile, Myra's Auntie Poorna has no money, no job and has been given an ultimatum from her long term boyfriend. It would seem Myra and Poorna have nothing in common except for a blood relative but, they're actually more similar than they link. A wonderful tale of starting over and acceptance while grappling with a history of addiction and depression. Predictable but enjoyable.
May 5, 2024
"If someone had asked me how things were going a few weeks ago I would have said 'this is fine, it's fine'. Little phrases we use to wash down our discontent even though 'fine' is an adjective that has moved so far away from its original meaning of things being excellent or good, that it has become a piece of tape hiding the cracks in a life. I only know that because life feels different now."
39 year old Padma finds herself taking care of her distant teenage niece Myra in a Kent seaside town one summer after her self-centred boyfriend of 10 years suggests they go on a break and Myra suffers alcohol poisoning. Will Padma and Myra mend fences?
I adored In Case Of Emergency by the author, so requested her new book through NetGalley and was not disappointed. More wise words about friendship and family seen through the eyes of Padma and Myra, both of whom I was drawn in by, wanting to know them better. It was a joy to follow them both on their journeys to understanding themselves and what they wanted from their lives, less constrained by their pasts and others' expectations. The pretty and up-and-coming seaside town of Harkness was a lovely location from the summer away from their usual lives and supporting characters, Daisy (Maya's mum and Padma's sister), Selena (Padma's new friend), Henry (Padma's love interest) and Greg (Myra's new friend) were equally well-drawn and relatable. Astute examinations of some challenging themes, including alcoholism, depression, parental abandonment and grief, motherhood and choosing to be child-free, are expertly woven into the plot, peppered with affectionate humour. I found this to be so readable - a skillfully written and moving novel engaging the reader so they feels connected to the characters. Highly recommended!
39 year old Padma finds herself taking care of her distant teenage niece Myra in a Kent seaside town one summer after her self-centred boyfriend of 10 years suggests they go on a break and Myra suffers alcohol poisoning. Will Padma and Myra mend fences?
I adored In Case Of Emergency by the author, so requested her new book through NetGalley and was not disappointed. More wise words about friendship and family seen through the eyes of Padma and Myra, both of whom I was drawn in by, wanting to know them better. It was a joy to follow them both on their journeys to understanding themselves and what they wanted from their lives, less constrained by their pasts and others' expectations. The pretty and up-and-coming seaside town of Harkness was a lovely location from the summer away from their usual lives and supporting characters, Daisy (Maya's mum and Padma's sister), Selena (Padma's new friend), Henry (Padma's love interest) and Greg (Myra's new friend) were equally well-drawn and relatable. Astute examinations of some challenging themes, including alcoholism, depression, parental abandonment and grief, motherhood and choosing to be child-free, are expertly woven into the plot, peppered with affectionate humour. I found this to be so readable - a skillfully written and moving novel engaging the reader so they feels connected to the characters. Highly recommended!
April 15, 2025
Padma hasn't had the easiest life: her mother was an alcoholic, her father disappeared for good after her sister was born and she was forced to grow up much too fast, becoming more of a parent than a sibling to her sister, Dhara, caring for her mother and trying to create the illusion for anyone who happened to look that things were fine. Years later, Dhara has rebranded herself as Daisy, a sleek, tailored lawyer with a wealthy, devoted husband, a gorgeous townhouse and a mission to drag her sister up to her level. Padma, meanwhile, has drifted from temping job to temping job whilst enjoying a comfortable relationship with her boyfriend of nearly ten years, Wallace. Then one weekend Wallace hits Padma with an ultimatum: he wants them to start trying for a baby, and if Padma still isn't sure if that's what she wants, then they will have to break up. Elsewhere, Daisy has reached her wits' end trying to curb her fifteen-year-old daughter's wild behaviour, and she turns to her sister as a last resort. Dispatched to a dilapidated house in the fictional seaside town of Harkness, Kent, can Padma help her niece and figure out what she really wants for her life?
As her summer unfolds, Padma begins to realise how passively she has engaged in her own life, allowing things happen to her rather than making her own choices, her life always focused around prioritising someone else's needs above her own. With the support of her family - and some new friends - she comes to see herself as others see her: as someone who can be confident, capable and exceptionally kind and thoughtful.
Much of the plot is telegraphed from the outset: Padma will find love with a man who loves her for who she is; she will get through to Myra, mending her own relationship with her sister in the process; she will find her professional calling in cooking. It is a predictable story but I found this reassuring rather than irritating; I wanted to know that everything would turn out well for our caring, lovable protagonist and I always enjoy the 'found family' trope.
Poorna Bell has a unique voice in both fiction and non-fiction. Her previous work, In Search of Silence: A Memoir of Finding Life After Loss, written after her husband died by suicide in 2015, is an exploration of what society tells us we should want - a marriage, children - and how to decide what we, as individuals, really derive happiness and comfort from. A key theme of the book is the enduring tendency people have to turn to other people to make them feel happy and fulfilled. In This is Fine, Bell's second work of fiction, she draws on her own experiences with her husband as the basis for Padma and Wallace's relationship, including one of the most accurate portrayals of depression I've seen in fiction - to the extent that I was surprised to read that Bell hadn't experienced the condition first hand - highlighting the non-linear nature of the illness and the reality of experiencing debilitating low periods often separated by long periods of feeling, in Bell's words, fine.
Bell returns to some of the same questions as in her earlier non-fiction writing: what is a 'good enough' reason for wanting to have - or not have - children? What should a fulfilling, successful life look like? What should we expect to get from our relationships with family, friends and romantic partners?
I found the examination of parenthood to be interesting and nuanced, considering many of the reasons why someone might choose to have a child or not. For Padma, motherhood
is something to be feared - the consequences of not being able to do it well enormous and daunting, as she knows only too well. Wallace, and, to an extent, Daisy, see having a child as an opportunity to do things better and break generational cycles, but Padma sees something that they don't: that a child should not be 'a proxy for the childhood we wanted but didn't get; that this is far too heavy a burden to place on anyone.
Also interesting is the highlighting of the enduring double standards society has for men and women, which we see with Wallace's ultimatum. He expects Padma to be completely fulfilled by motherhood, sacrificing her financial independence and career prospects, but would not countenance making these sacrifices himself. Padma sees motherhood as life-changing for the mother but something the father can just walk away from - as hers did - and doesn't believe that Wallace's idea of being a 'good dad' will entail doing an equal share. When he forces her into an ultimatum, this shows how he doesn't understand how much she needs to consider.
Another theme of the novel is that of shared culture and inheritance. Padma pokes fun at her Indian heritage ('As someone who has the average outdoor skills of a South Asian person (that is, none), I approach our excursion with caution and slowness.') but the pride and joy it evokes in her shines through the whole narrative. Bell has taken great care to include cultural specificity, from the lovingly-described recipes Padma makes to the ritual of hair oiling, both of which become important motifs in the relationships between Padma, Daisy and Myra. Padma deeply believes in the power of food to show love and to strengthen connections to culture and ancestors, and Daisy's refusal to cook Indian food at home (along with her changing her name) seems to her like not only a rejection of their shared culture but of Padma herself. It was fascinating to read about the disconnect
between being raised by a first generation immigrant, as Padma and Daisy were, and a second generation one, as in Myra's case. Padma blames Myra's sense of entitlement on the privilege of distance from her grandparents' struggle and the need to be grateful for any opportunity which they passed on to their children. When she begins to understand the choices Daisy made to make life easier for her own child - to assimilate - this marks a breakthrough in the sisters' relationship.
A warm, witty, affirming story which resonates all the more given the author's background. Thank you to NetGalley and Random House UK for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
As her summer unfolds, Padma begins to realise how passively she has engaged in her own life, allowing things happen to her rather than making her own choices, her life always focused around prioritising someone else's needs above her own. With the support of her family - and some new friends - she comes to see herself as others see her: as someone who can be confident, capable and exceptionally kind and thoughtful.
Much of the plot is telegraphed from the outset: Padma will find love with a man who loves her for who she is; she will get through to Myra, mending her own relationship with her sister in the process; she will find her professional calling in cooking. It is a predictable story but I found this reassuring rather than irritating; I wanted to know that everything would turn out well for our caring, lovable protagonist and I always enjoy the 'found family' trope.
Poorna Bell has a unique voice in both fiction and non-fiction. Her previous work, In Search of Silence: A Memoir of Finding Life After Loss, written after her husband died by suicide in 2015, is an exploration of what society tells us we should want - a marriage, children - and how to decide what we, as individuals, really derive happiness and comfort from. A key theme of the book is the enduring tendency people have to turn to other people to make them feel happy and fulfilled. In This is Fine, Bell's second work of fiction, she draws on her own experiences with her husband as the basis for Padma and Wallace's relationship, including one of the most accurate portrayals of depression I've seen in fiction - to the extent that I was surprised to read that Bell hadn't experienced the condition first hand - highlighting the non-linear nature of the illness and the reality of experiencing debilitating low periods often separated by long periods of feeling, in Bell's words, fine.
Bell returns to some of the same questions as in her earlier non-fiction writing: what is a 'good enough' reason for wanting to have - or not have - children? What should a fulfilling, successful life look like? What should we expect to get from our relationships with family, friends and romantic partners?
I found the examination of parenthood to be interesting and nuanced, considering many of the reasons why someone might choose to have a child or not. For Padma, motherhood
is something to be feared - the consequences of not being able to do it well enormous and daunting, as she knows only too well. Wallace, and, to an extent, Daisy, see having a child as an opportunity to do things better and break generational cycles, but Padma sees something that they don't: that a child should not be 'a proxy for the childhood we wanted but didn't get; that this is far too heavy a burden to place on anyone.
Also interesting is the highlighting of the enduring double standards society has for men and women, which we see with Wallace's ultimatum. He expects Padma to be completely fulfilled by motherhood, sacrificing her financial independence and career prospects, but would not countenance making these sacrifices himself. Padma sees motherhood as life-changing for the mother but something the father can just walk away from - as hers did - and doesn't believe that Wallace's idea of being a 'good dad' will entail doing an equal share. When he forces her into an ultimatum, this shows how he doesn't understand how much she needs to consider.
Another theme of the novel is that of shared culture and inheritance. Padma pokes fun at her Indian heritage ('As someone who has the average outdoor skills of a South Asian person (that is, none), I approach our excursion with caution and slowness.') but the pride and joy it evokes in her shines through the whole narrative. Bell has taken great care to include cultural specificity, from the lovingly-described recipes Padma makes to the ritual of hair oiling, both of which become important motifs in the relationships between Padma, Daisy and Myra. Padma deeply believes in the power of food to show love and to strengthen connections to culture and ancestors, and Daisy's refusal to cook Indian food at home (along with her changing her name) seems to her like not only a rejection of their shared culture but of Padma herself. It was fascinating to read about the disconnect
between being raised by a first generation immigrant, as Padma and Daisy were, and a second generation one, as in Myra's case. Padma blames Myra's sense of entitlement on the privilege of distance from her grandparents' struggle and the need to be grateful for any opportunity which they passed on to their children. When she begins to understand the choices Daisy made to make life easier for her own child - to assimilate - this marks a breakthrough in the sisters' relationship.
A warm, witty, affirming story which resonates all the more given the author's background. Thank you to NetGalley and Random House UK for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 10, 2024
2.5 stars rounded down. A strong start quickly became a little formulaic and predictable, I felt like I was reading a pretty obvious romance novel by the end, instead of the family drama overlaid with race and class questions I began. Still a fun and pacey read, just not what I was hoping for.
September 25, 2024
In this funny and feelgood novel, we meet the character of Padma at a point when her life seems fine - until her partner, Wallace, blows this life apart by announcing he wants a child. Padma spent much of her childhood being a parent of sorts to her single alcoholic mother and her younger sister, so she feels no need to parent an actual child of her own - she's happily childfree. Padma is therefore hurt and confused by Wallace's ultimatum - implying he may choose fatherhood over a life with her.
As adults, Padma and her sister have a difficult relationship. Her sister now goes by the name 'Daisy', having distanced herself from her Indian heritage, and she's apparently achieved all the milestones (such as graduation, marriage and motherhood) that Padma never has. But Padma is straight there to support Daisy in her hour of need when her wayward teenager, Myra, nearly dies from alcohol poisoning and she no longer knows how to help her daughter. As Padma needs to move out of her home with Wallace and currently has no job, she agrees to spend the summer overseeing her niece's rehabilitation. The pair relocate to a ramshackle house owned by Myra's godfather (who just so happens to be rather attractive and rather single...) in a Kent seaside town.
In addition, this summer break away from London life enables Padma to recover from the shock of Wallace pushing her away, rebuild her faltering cooking career and look around at new possibilities. Padma knows she doesn't want children, but this could be her chance to create something new - and, despite some dark days, she begins to realise that this process of change might work out fine.
Myra takes some time to warm up both to her aunt, who she's barely known before now, and her new Kent home. But once the relationship between Padma and Myra flickers into life and a trust builds, this develops into a warm story on the delight that can be gained from nurturing family bonds across the generations. There are many ways to put one's mothering energy out into the world, and many non-mothers value embracing an auntie role. Padma's story speaks to the depth and closeness that can be gained with nieces or nephews, godchildren, or even friends' kids - as love isn't just the preserve of one's own biological children.
As adults, Padma and her sister have a difficult relationship. Her sister now goes by the name 'Daisy', having distanced herself from her Indian heritage, and she's apparently achieved all the milestones (such as graduation, marriage and motherhood) that Padma never has. But Padma is straight there to support Daisy in her hour of need when her wayward teenager, Myra, nearly dies from alcohol poisoning and she no longer knows how to help her daughter. As Padma needs to move out of her home with Wallace and currently has no job, she agrees to spend the summer overseeing her niece's rehabilitation. The pair relocate to a ramshackle house owned by Myra's godfather (who just so happens to be rather attractive and rather single...) in a Kent seaside town.
In addition, this summer break away from London life enables Padma to recover from the shock of Wallace pushing her away, rebuild her faltering cooking career and look around at new possibilities. Padma knows she doesn't want children, but this could be her chance to create something new - and, despite some dark days, she begins to realise that this process of change might work out fine.
Myra takes some time to warm up both to her aunt, who she's barely known before now, and her new Kent home. But once the relationship between Padma and Myra flickers into life and a trust builds, this develops into a warm story on the delight that can be gained from nurturing family bonds across the generations. There are many ways to put one's mothering energy out into the world, and many non-mothers value embracing an auntie role. Padma's story speaks to the depth and closeness that can be gained with nieces or nephews, godchildren, or even friends' kids - as love isn't just the preserve of one's own biological children.
May 1, 2024
Lovely
When Padma’s partner of 10 years throws a wobbly and says if she doesn’t want children they need a relationship break, it throws her life into a spin. And then it’s hard to say whether her sister’s request that she care for her teenage niece, Myra, for some months in a cottage in Kent (because of a frightening episode involving alcohol) is a godsend or just another unmanageable twist in her suddenly fractured life.
I enjoyed all the characters in this charming novel and I liked the carefully worked out progression through Padma’s and Myra’s relationship as it developed alongside the revelations about Padma’s own difficult life. The family relationships were also well developed and convincing – we all know someone who simply can’t help trying to fix everyone and people who can’t quite work out what to say to the people they care about. I felt that Wallace could have been given a bit of a back story – was he really so selfish and thoughtless as he seemed? Padma and Daisy’s childhood was heartbreakingly portrayed and if the reasons they gave for the stress in their relationship seemed a little glib at times, it all made a lot of sense.
Lots of wisdom in this story and I really enjoyed it and found all the characters engaging (possibly excepting Hugh – I felt that he and Wallace were carefully constructed as opposites to act as background to Padma’s growth, he was just a little too good to be true).
Overall, I would definitely recommend this as a warmly emotional read with engaging characters which addresses a number of issues with sensitivity and good sense.
(A small editing issue – the epilogue runs straight into the acknowledgements which was slightly confusing)
When Padma’s partner of 10 years throws a wobbly and says if she doesn’t want children they need a relationship break, it throws her life into a spin. And then it’s hard to say whether her sister’s request that she care for her teenage niece, Myra, for some months in a cottage in Kent (because of a frightening episode involving alcohol) is a godsend or just another unmanageable twist in her suddenly fractured life.
I enjoyed all the characters in this charming novel and I liked the carefully worked out progression through Padma’s and Myra’s relationship as it developed alongside the revelations about Padma’s own difficult life. The family relationships were also well developed and convincing – we all know someone who simply can’t help trying to fix everyone and people who can’t quite work out what to say to the people they care about. I felt that Wallace could have been given a bit of a back story – was he really so selfish and thoughtless as he seemed? Padma and Daisy’s childhood was heartbreakingly portrayed and if the reasons they gave for the stress in their relationship seemed a little glib at times, it all made a lot of sense.
Lots of wisdom in this story and I really enjoyed it and found all the characters engaging (possibly excepting Hugh – I felt that he and Wallace were carefully constructed as opposites to act as background to Padma’s growth, he was just a little too good to be true).
Overall, I would definitely recommend this as a warmly emotional read with engaging characters which addresses a number of issues with sensitivity and good sense.
(A small editing issue – the epilogue runs straight into the acknowledgements which was slightly confusing)
April 13, 2024
I absolutely loved 'This is Fine' - its a wonderfully nuanced story of sisters, mothers, nieces, daughters, wanting children, not wanting children, not knowing what you want from life or might deserve.
Padma's longterm partner Wallace wants children; Padma is fairly sure she doesn't but isn't sure how they can go forward as a couple with such a major disconnect. When Wallace suggests they have some time apart, it throws Padma's life into a spin - she lives in his house, she doesn't currently have a job, and she's not sure where her life is going.
Padma's 15 year old niece Myra is having her own issues with friendships and social pressures. When Myra's mum Daisy asks Padma to take her out of London for the summer and spend some time with her, Padma's not sure whether she's up to the job, but in the absence of any other options, she goes for it. What follows is a period of self-reflection and bonding for both of them, as Padma slowly reconnects with Myra, and through her, to her own sister Daisy.
The sisters had a hard childhood with their mother having her own issues and Padma covering for her, albeit unknowingly. They have become stuck in their ways with each other with Padma taking on a more maternal role and looking after her little sister.
I loved the emotional depths and layers to the story, it took its time to unravel the issues at the heart of the book, and gave the characters space and time to develop and grow.
Highly recommended.
Padma's longterm partner Wallace wants children; Padma is fairly sure she doesn't but isn't sure how they can go forward as a couple with such a major disconnect. When Wallace suggests they have some time apart, it throws Padma's life into a spin - she lives in his house, she doesn't currently have a job, and she's not sure where her life is going.
Padma's 15 year old niece Myra is having her own issues with friendships and social pressures. When Myra's mum Daisy asks Padma to take her out of London for the summer and spend some time with her, Padma's not sure whether she's up to the job, but in the absence of any other options, she goes for it. What follows is a period of self-reflection and bonding for both of them, as Padma slowly reconnects with Myra, and through her, to her own sister Daisy.
The sisters had a hard childhood with their mother having her own issues and Padma covering for her, albeit unknowingly. They have become stuck in their ways with each other with Padma taking on a more maternal role and looking after her little sister.
I loved the emotional depths and layers to the story, it took its time to unravel the issues at the heart of the book, and gave the characters space and time to develop and grow.
Highly recommended.
July 12, 2024
Really enjoyed this one, especially because the author did not shy away from the topics she decided to tackle (child-free, depression, peer pressure, among other things). As I'm from the Indian diaspora myself, I was looking forward to this one with Indian-heritage characters, and the author didn't disappoint there as well.
Padma is a very realistic character - so much so, at one point near the start, I almost gave up on her because she is so candid and frank and jumpy, I felt like she was taking it too far. But I'm glad I stuck with it, because it was a beautiful read that mixed a lovely setting, interesting characters, family ties, questions about what a romantic relationship should be, and where/what each person wants their life to be about. Sensitive topics like the desire to not have children and also depression in all its depths were handled very consciously and without shying away, yet also without dropping into the misery/woe is me angle that such topics often veer to.
And it was lovely to see the relationships grow, the friendships happen, witnessing Padma coming into her own, even though it wasn't all rainbows and butterflies for her (some writers might've shied away - this author didn't!), and she had to find 'her' life amid her issues and struggles, which felt refreshing and also empowering.
My only peeve - won't spoil the ending, but man, I wanted more of what's in there - so much more (read it and you'll know what I mean! I'm voting for a sequel here!)
Padma is a very realistic character - so much so, at one point near the start, I almost gave up on her because she is so candid and frank and jumpy, I felt like she was taking it too far. But I'm glad I stuck with it, because it was a beautiful read that mixed a lovely setting, interesting characters, family ties, questions about what a romantic relationship should be, and where/what each person wants their life to be about. Sensitive topics like the desire to not have children and also depression in all its depths were handled very consciously and without shying away, yet also without dropping into the misery/woe is me angle that such topics often veer to.
And it was lovely to see the relationships grow, the friendships happen, witnessing Padma coming into her own, even though it wasn't all rainbows and butterflies for her (some writers might've shied away - this author didn't!), and she had to find 'her' life amid her issues and struggles, which felt refreshing and also empowering.
My only peeve - won't spoil the ending, but man, I wanted more of what's in there - so much more (read it and you'll know what I mean! I'm voting for a sequel here!)
April 25, 2024
Padma's life is totally falling apart.
Her career is non existent, her relationship with her partner Wallace is on the skids as he is pressuring her into having kids.
Then on top of all this her younger sister Daisy needs help with her daughter Myra who is going off the rails and has ended up in hospital with alcohol poisoning.
In desperation Daisy asks Padma to basically "babysit" Myra for a few weeks at her godfather's, Hugo's house that he has been left by a relative in Harkness.
There she and Myra slowly clean up the house and bond and eventually find acceptance.
But in the throes of her dying relationship with Wallace, the situation is becoming complicated as Padma is staring to develop feelings for Hugo...
This was fantastic.
One of my fave novels I've been gifted an ARC of to review.
I adored the characters, they were flawed, were real and had true heart.
This was a novel of many social issues that get marginalised, addiction, depression, grief, loss, mental health yet also it had overtones of hope and new beginnings.
The complex and sensitive themes were addressed with delicacy, tact, empathy and were sensitively handled by the author who seemed to write with great depth and knowledge of her subject matter.
Will definitely be wanting a hard copy of this on its release.
Thank you for the complimentary ARC copy.
Her career is non existent, her relationship with her partner Wallace is on the skids as he is pressuring her into having kids.
Then on top of all this her younger sister Daisy needs help with her daughter Myra who is going off the rails and has ended up in hospital with alcohol poisoning.
In desperation Daisy asks Padma to basically "babysit" Myra for a few weeks at her godfather's, Hugo's house that he has been left by a relative in Harkness.
There she and Myra slowly clean up the house and bond and eventually find acceptance.
But in the throes of her dying relationship with Wallace, the situation is becoming complicated as Padma is staring to develop feelings for Hugo...
This was fantastic.
One of my fave novels I've been gifted an ARC of to review.
I adored the characters, they were flawed, were real and had true heart.
This was a novel of many social issues that get marginalised, addiction, depression, grief, loss, mental health yet also it had overtones of hope and new beginnings.
The complex and sensitive themes were addressed with delicacy, tact, empathy and were sensitively handled by the author who seemed to write with great depth and knowledge of her subject matter.
Will definitely be wanting a hard copy of this on its release.
Thank you for the complimentary ARC copy.
June 2, 2024
Padma is fine. Or at least she thinks she is. But when her boyfriend announces that he wants to have children, something Padma has never wanted, they go on a break and everything she was previously certain of becomes uncertain. This happens shortly after she has lost her job and at the same time, her fifteen year old niece Myra, ends up in hospital after drinking too much alcohol. Her sister, Daisy, asks for help with looking after her over the summer holidays. Padma doubts that she is up to the task but with no real home and no job prospects, she agrees to do it.
What happens next is a tale of love, friendship, depression (and how it can run through a family), joy, understanding, cooking, race, new beginnings and becoming yourself with all it’s good and bad parts.
As cheesy as this might sound, this is a great book. Unlike stories of a similar nature, the characters felt realistic from the beginning and relatable. I was rooting for them all, particularly Padma and Myra, and it was wonderful to see their relationship develop in a way that didn’t feel fictional (even though it obviously is!). And I was also impressed with the way the author dealt with the experience of depression.
I really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it to others. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.
What happens next is a tale of love, friendship, depression (and how it can run through a family), joy, understanding, cooking, race, new beginnings and becoming yourself with all it’s good and bad parts.
As cheesy as this might sound, this is a great book. Unlike stories of a similar nature, the characters felt realistic from the beginning and relatable. I was rooting for them all, particularly Padma and Myra, and it was wonderful to see their relationship develop in a way that didn’t feel fictional (even though it obviously is!). And I was also impressed with the way the author dealt with the experience of depression.
I really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it to others. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.
February 9, 2024
Although Poorna Bell's name feels familiar, I can't recall ever delving into her works prior to picking up this novel. As someone who typically immerses themselves in crime and mystery novels, this was a pleasant surprise. Intrigued, I decided to give it a chance when I stumbled upon it on Netgalley.
"This Is Fine" is a narrative that delves into themes of grief, heartbreak, and depression, illustrating the profound impact of human experiences throughout life's journey. Despite the weighty subjects it addresses, the story is anything but bleak. It flows gracefully, much like a bird hopping on the sand, evoking a sense of lightness amidst the poignant moments. The storytelling is like a dance, effortlessly guiding readers through the intricacies of the characters' lives.
It's a heartwarming tale, that captivates from the first page to the last. The authors ability to seamlessly immerse readers into the story and the lives of her characters is remarkable. I'm eager to explore more of her work after experiencing the effortless charm of this novel. "This Is Fine" is an engaging read that is sure to resonate with any audience, reminiscent of a perfect rom com enjoyed on a lazy Sunday night.
Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to read this for an honest review
"This Is Fine" is a narrative that delves into themes of grief, heartbreak, and depression, illustrating the profound impact of human experiences throughout life's journey. Despite the weighty subjects it addresses, the story is anything but bleak. It flows gracefully, much like a bird hopping on the sand, evoking a sense of lightness amidst the poignant moments. The storytelling is like a dance, effortlessly guiding readers through the intricacies of the characters' lives.
It's a heartwarming tale, that captivates from the first page to the last. The authors ability to seamlessly immerse readers into the story and the lives of her characters is remarkable. I'm eager to explore more of her work after experiencing the effortless charm of this novel. "This Is Fine" is an engaging read that is sure to resonate with any audience, reminiscent of a perfect rom com enjoyed on a lazy Sunday night.
Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to read this for an honest review
February 12, 2024
I really liked this book. Padma’s is at a crossroads in her life but does not realise just how much is going to change for the better. She is in a long term relationship with Wallace. Wallace brings up that he wants children and Padma does not. Her father was absent and her mother, although a very talented doctor was an alcoholic and Padma brought up her young sister due to this giving up so much to make sure Dhara (now Daisy) had everything to make her life safe and sound. She feels she has made the decision not to have children and that he should respect that. Two things happen. Wallace says they need a break from each other to decide about children and Daisy’s daughter, Myra, is rushed to hospital with alcoholic poisoning. She is 15. Daisy and her husband ask Padma to have Myra for the summer and they are given a home by the sea owned by a friend of Daisy and Henry. The story continues really well. I liked the fact that we are given an insight into all the characters including ones on the periphery. The story mentions mental health in such a sensitive way, I felt I learned something from this. The drama of the story goes in and out of angst and euphoria and I thought it was written beautifully
March 19, 2024
(Thank you to NetGalley and Century books for the ARC copy of this book)
Just like Padma's recipes, this story was the perfect mixture of salty and sweet.
Padma is a 39 year old woman who has been living with her long term boyfriend Wallace while searching for a new job. When the topic of having children comes up between them, (Padma knows she doesn't want them but Wallace does ) they decide to take a break. Then, Padma's 15 year old niece ends up in hospital so she is tasked with going to a seaside cottage for the summer to help her niece find happiness.
I adored the descriptions of food in this novel, plus the character of Myra reminded me a lot of how difficult being a teenager is and how your friends can feel like the only important thing in the world. Poorna has as a really lovely way of explaining her culture and addressing daily micro aggressions that she and other minorities face without feeling like you are being told off. It also beautifully addressed the topics of mental health and addiction that taught us that it does get better.
If you want a story that brings you joy and can make you cry I would wholeheartedly recommend This is Fine.
Just like Padma's recipes, this story was the perfect mixture of salty and sweet.
Padma is a 39 year old woman who has been living with her long term boyfriend Wallace while searching for a new job. When the topic of having children comes up between them, (Padma knows she doesn't want them but Wallace does ) they decide to take a break. Then, Padma's 15 year old niece ends up in hospital so she is tasked with going to a seaside cottage for the summer to help her niece find happiness.
I adored the descriptions of food in this novel, plus the character of Myra reminded me a lot of how difficult being a teenager is and how your friends can feel like the only important thing in the world. Poorna has as a really lovely way of explaining her culture and addressing daily micro aggressions that she and other minorities face without feeling like you are being told off. It also beautifully addressed the topics of mental health and addiction that taught us that it does get better.
If you want a story that brings you joy and can make you cry I would wholeheartedly recommend This is Fine.
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