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Such Big Dreams: A Novel
A savvy former street child working at a human rights law office in Mumbai fights for redemption and a chance to live life on her own terms in this fresh, propulsive debut novel about fortune and survival. Named a Loan Stars Top Ten Pick, a CBC Canadian Fiction title to watch, one of Audible's Best Debuts of 2022, and an Amazon Best Book of 2022.
With a sharp wit and an even sharper tongue, Rakhi Kumar is nobody’s fool. Though she lives alone in a Mumbai slum and works as a lowly office assistant for the renowned lawyer, Gauri Verma, who gave her a fresh start, Rakhi has come a long way from her time as a former street child. Most importantly, she's busy enough to distract herself from the nightmares of the grisly incident that led to the disappearace of her best friend.
Fiercely intelligent, Rakhi could be doing so much more than making chai, but she allows herself to be underestimated by her colleagues at Justice For All, Gauri's cash-strapped human rights law office. Rakhi's life isn't much, but she's managing. That is until a fading former Bollywood starlet tries to edge her way back into the spotlight by becoming a celebrity ambassador for Justice For All. Steering the organization into uncharted territories, she demands an internship for her young Canadian family friend, Alex, a Harvard-bound graduate student. An ambitious, naive rich kid, Alex persuades Rakhi to show him the "real" India. In exchange, he’ll do something to further Rakhi’s dreams in a transaction that seems harmless, at first.
As old guilt and new aspirations collide, everything Rakhi once knew to be true is set ablaze. And as the stakes mount, she will come face to face with the difficult choices and moral compromises that people are prepared to make in order to survive, no matter the costs. Reema Patel’s transportive debut novel offers a moving, smart, and arrestingly funny look at the cost of ambition and power in reclaiming one’s story.
With a sharp wit and an even sharper tongue, Rakhi Kumar is nobody’s fool. Though she lives alone in a Mumbai slum and works as a lowly office assistant for the renowned lawyer, Gauri Verma, who gave her a fresh start, Rakhi has come a long way from her time as a former street child. Most importantly, she's busy enough to distract herself from the nightmares of the grisly incident that led to the disappearace of her best friend.
Fiercely intelligent, Rakhi could be doing so much more than making chai, but she allows herself to be underestimated by her colleagues at Justice For All, Gauri's cash-strapped human rights law office. Rakhi's life isn't much, but she's managing. That is until a fading former Bollywood starlet tries to edge her way back into the spotlight by becoming a celebrity ambassador for Justice For All. Steering the organization into uncharted territories, she demands an internship for her young Canadian family friend, Alex, a Harvard-bound graduate student. An ambitious, naive rich kid, Alex persuades Rakhi to show him the "real" India. In exchange, he’ll do something to further Rakhi’s dreams in a transaction that seems harmless, at first.
As old guilt and new aspirations collide, everything Rakhi once knew to be true is set ablaze. And as the stakes mount, she will come face to face with the difficult choices and moral compromises that people are prepared to make in order to survive, no matter the costs. Reema Patel’s transportive debut novel offers a moving, smart, and arrestingly funny look at the cost of ambition and power in reclaiming one’s story.
Audible Audio
Published May 17, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
May 13, 2024
A 4 ⭐️ read following a young girl named Rahki through a season of her life in Mumbai, India.
I enjoyed reading the story through the eyes of this young protagonist and was moved at the parts that took the reader back in time to her childhood, living on the streets, with only the protection of other homeless children….
The story offered insight as to how difficult in can be to escape the slums and get out of the “bottom”…. And what to do when the only way out means going against your inner beliefs…. A really good story that I would recommend to others!
I enjoyed reading the story through the eyes of this young protagonist and was moved at the parts that took the reader back in time to her childhood, living on the streets, with only the protection of other homeless children….
The story offered insight as to how difficult in can be to escape the slums and get out of the “bottom”…. And what to do when the only way out means going against your inner beliefs…. A really good story that I would recommend to others!
June 27, 2025
Such a Big Dream is a beautiful and powerful story, and Rakhi — the main character — truly stayed with me. her journey felt so personal, and it hit close to home in ways that made me reflect deeply. i’d genuinely recommend this book to everyone, especially those who love layered female protagonists and stories rooted in real emotion.
also, Reema is such a sweetheart — engaging with her through book talks made the experience even more special. she writes with heart, and it shows.
also, Reema is such a sweetheart — engaging with her through book talks made the experience even more special. she writes with heart, and it shows.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews