A Good Indian Girl

by Mansi Shah

An immersive, provocative, and heartfelt novel that follows a disgraced Indian American divorcée who spends a summer in Italy, reconnecting with her love of cooking and reckoning with cultural expectations to make the choice of a lifetime.Jyoti was always the ideal Indian daughter. She stayed out of trouble, looked after her siblings, and agreed to an arranged marriage with Ashok. So when she is pressured to quit her dream job as head chef of her husband's family restaurant to focus on conceiving, she obliges.But despite her tireless efforts, she cannot carry a baby to term, and Ashok leaves her for a younger woman. Now unemployed and divorced, a disgrace to her Gujarati family, she flees New York for the summer to visit her best friend in Tuscany. Sumptuous meals and la bella vita reawaken what Jyoti has lost, leading to a serendipitous opportunity that could help her buy Ashok’s restaurant. But when Jyoti unexpectedly goes viral for her culinary prowess in Indian Italian fusion meals, her aunties find out and gossip ensues, estranging her even further from her family back home.And when a shocking reveal comes to light, Jyoti must decide what she truly desires—family approval, career growth, or even motherhood—all before the summer ends…

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary, Audiobook, India, Chick Lit, Book Club, Travel

336 pages, Paperback

First published September 3, 2024

About the author

Born in Toronto to Indian immigrants, Mansi Shah is the author of A Good Indian Girl, The Taste of Ginger, and The Direction of the Wind, which center on Gujarati characters and speak to generational differences across the Indian diaspora. Now based in Los Angeles, Mansi left her long-time career as an entertainment attorney in Hollywood to travel the world and write full time. She loves to cook, and food often plays a prominent role in her books. When she's not writing and traveling, you can find her swimming laps or playing tennis.

Reviews

[Mai H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Culture & Identity with authors Mansi Shah, Suzanne Park & Carolyn Huynh

I haven't loved a book like this in quite some time. It was terrific on audio. (Some books aren't.)

The East is vast. Lumping Asians into one category feels wrong. We differ. I need to read more South Asian fiction. Within that, there are even more subcategories.

Jyoti is an Indian American of Gujarati descent. Divorced and in her forties, she's a bit of an embarrassment to her traditional family. Because she couldn't conceive, her ex Ashok divorced her and married someone much younger. (Surprise.)

If you're not from an immigrant family and thought Jyoti's parents would be supportive, you thought wrong. They very much hold her to blame for the fallout of her marriage. As if Ashok can do no wrong. I'm eternally tired of immigrant families that place so much hope in their sons. Who cares for you when you're old? Your sons leave and care for their wives' families. Maybe think about that before you unleash more toxic comments.

I digress. Jyoti joins a friend in Italy. A bit EAT, PRAY, LOVE, but less white women. There are, unfortunately, still a lot of white men. One of the reviewers went off on Jyoti for having a one night stand, but I hold no judgment. The woman was married to a balding man with a potbelly. Let her live.

As always in Italy, we encounter racist, toxic Italian men with fetishes. I promise you, fetishes are inherently racist. And the way they talk about women. I am fuming.

But also the way they talk about food other than their own. A lot of communities are insular. I'd say Italians are one of the top five. Italian cuisine may be world class. But that doesn't mean it's the best. And that's not to say Indian cuisine isn't as varied and delicious. Because it is.

The ending started taking a turn I wasn't expecting. I won't say I hated it. I really did love most things in this book. But I thought Jyoti was going to make a Very Bad Decision™. She didn't.

rep: Gujarati American

tw: generational trauma, infertility

Book pairings: MUCH ADO ABOUT NADA | THE HENNA ARTIST | THE MAGNIFICENT RUINS

[Nilguen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mansi Shah’s debut “A Good Indian Girl” is quite a remarkable story about descendants of immigrant’s and how they navigate in life to be in consonance with their original culture whilst blending into the country they live in now.

Is there a balance to it? Does the span between cultures perhaps come with sacrifices?

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On the surface the book deals with Jyoti, a Gujarati woman born and raised in the US, who is divorced from her long-term husband Ashok whom she ran an Indian restaurant with in the US. They couldn’t have children, so Ashok goes onto the next marriage, whilst Jyoti divulges into a self-reflective journey to Italy where her friend Karishma lives.

On a deeper level, the story deals with the pressure women are exposed to when they’re in their forties and still childfree, the criticism of women pursuing their professional passion and the ostracism immigrant’s children get for blending in the new culture or the discrimination by the receiving country. Also, a cross-cultural flirtatious fling is analysed in depth and breadth as well, while Shah provides some insights into our choices of men and women regardless of their origin.

As all these problematic factors are highlighted, the author meshes in the self-journey of Jyoti by means of Gujarati and Italian food. By the end of the book, Shah even shares some delightful recipes, which I will certainly try out!

Mansi Shah wrote a fabulous book that I’d clearly recommend to anyone who loves reading!

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Nim_reads_a_lot · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gripped me in such a visceral way. I immediately started reading and knew that Jyoti would be my best friend. She's imaginary and in a book but I knew her story deeply in my soul. Jyoti is in her 40s and a divorcee figuring out how to move on with her life. Going through a divorce is horrifying normally but going through one as an Indian woman where your marriage defines everything about your life and your family's life is just next-level tragedy.

Jyoti joins her best friend Karishma for the summer in Florence, Italy for a reset and it proves to be an amazing experience. Jyoti struggles with her identity as she never could have children, lost her job as a chef in her ex-husband's restaurant, and was essentially disowned by her parents. There were so many deeply emotional moments that left me in tears and I was just cheering her on the whole way. She made a few mistakes, learned so much about herself, and found something beautiful. The journey was amazing and I highly recommend this book to ANYONE.

The story of American-born Indians and our position on the cusp of both America and India trying to find our place is not told enough. It is the immigrant story and I loved that this was told in such a fabulous way. Please give this book a chance, support BIPOC authors, and open your world to new stories.

Also, there are recipes at the end for Jyoti's delicious dishes, including the famous samosas!!!

I received this book as an ARC after its release day courtesy of NetGalley but guys, this book is already published and available to everyone. Stop reading and get this book.

[LadyAReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this down! A journey of self love right when I needed it the most. If you love Eat Pray Love then I highly suggest picking this up.

# A Good Indian Girl
# 10/13/2024 ~ 10/14/2024
# 5.0 / 5.0

[Wendelle]

I found this to be a remarkable novel, showing how setbacks can shatter one's old life, but one's inner compass or individual voice can set up a path to a fresh start in life, at any age too. The protagonist Jyoti is facing multiple crises on subjects that are so relatable for many women: the catastrophic-seeming end of a marriage, the question of conceiving a baby, the lack of employment, the quest for personal meaning and purpose, and the pressures of one's community to conform to expectations. Jyoti weathers these storms, in graceful ways, and in sometimes nakedly vulnerable ways. Along the way, she discovers the power of reinvention. She finds her own community and friendship circle, traverses her own understanding of love, and finds new ways to bequeath her culture through food. I like how her journey was never a clear cut story to a happy ending. The new stuff is not simply sold as the better bandaid-- a cross-cultural dating attempt can also wither if the man resorts to stereotypical views. But Jyoti learns to stand on her own two feet. She learns to choose the parts of her traditions to be proud of and lean into, and to let go of the more unhappy parts that for example pressure women to stay in loveless marriages. I learned a lot about the pressure that could be set on the shoulders of 2nd-generation Gujarati immigrant daughters, to honor their parents' migration sacrifices by presenting outwardly perfect behaviors to the community and maintaining upkeep of the family reputation through respectable marriage and children. This novel also features mouthwatering food and ingredients as Jyoti concocts Italian-Indian fusion food with a passion. It shows enduring respect for the foodways and cultures of both Italy and India. This book brings about a lot of food for thought for the ways the new immigrant generations both adjust, and preserve, the boundaries of community expectations.

[Misty Gonzalez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this in a day and absolutely loved it. The author's use of food and details around cooking made me feel like I was in the kitchen with Jyoti; her ease and confidence in her recipes gave the book a comforting feeling. I appreciated the vulnerability Jyoti's character felt after her divorce left her second guessing herself and her life choices and I loved that she was able to sort through those feelings in Italy with her best friend. I can't wait for this to be released so I can purchase the physical copy and recommend it to anyone in a transitional period in life.

Thanks to NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and Mansi Shah for the opportunity to read this ARC.

[claudia reads it all · Rating 2 out of 5]

Jyoti, the main character of A Good Indian Girl is spending the summer in Italy, running away from her problems. Her ex husband's new wife is pregnant and he wants Jyoti to make the call on the embryos they once froze together. Her perfect gnocchi lunch is ruined.

Frankly, I didn't have much sympathy for Jyoti. She's 42 but she's never grown up, and has spent her life pleasing others. I found her underwhelming as a main character and the clumsy prose didn't help. One sentence in the present would be followed by an entire paragraph of past info dumping.

Jyoti finds herself in Italy and goes viral on tiktok, and still it takes other people doing things behind her back for her to find her professional destiny. Listen, many women go through the heartache Jyoti does and have to deal with it while working full time and caring for others without the luxury of an Eat Pray Love break.

All in all, I didn't care for Jyoti's woes or her happy ending, and when that happens, there's really not much left to root for.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great women's fiction story that follows second generation South Asian, Jyoti, growing tired of being the "Good Indian girl" and living to please her ex-husband and parents over living her life for herself. Finally free of the pressures imposed on her to get pregnant and be a stay at home mother, Jyoti takes the summer to stay with her friend in Italy and reconnect with her love of food and cooking.

Overall this was an empowering and moving Eat Pray Love type story full of South Asian culture and customs. It was great on on audio read by a fav, narrator of mine, Soneela Nankani and was my first book by Toronto-born author, Mansi Shah but it definitely won't be my last. Highly recommended for fans of authors like Sonali Dev. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!

CW: infertility, gaslighting

[Michelle Charles · Rating 3 out of 5]

My last read of 2024. I applaud this Gujarati author who is bringing the Indian-American first gen experience to print. The whimsical cover will help this novel reach a larger audience. That being said, I liked the premise in an Italian setting but the writing fell flat for me.

The author incorporates a woke perspective that felt unrealistic. Examples; Joyti turning to social media to share her anxious feelings and immediately going viral. The Italian boyfriend being labeled a racist and preferring “dark skinned” women, to Jyoti’s mother Nalini (my middle name) stating she needed to “speak her truth” all seemed too much in my opinion.

Indian family dynamics, the importance of food, arranged marriages and cultural pressure were spot on. I enjoyed seeing Jyoti find her voice, go against the cultural expectations and exert her independence in the end.

[Vaibhavi]

DNF - I just couldn’t connect with the characters.

I don’t think the main lead had consistent characterization. She is presented as a 40-something divorcee from a traditional household, who always did what she was told and was the perfect immigrant daughter. Given this background, I find it hard to believe she would have a one night stand on her first like solo Italian trip. This inconsistency came in like within the first 50 pages. I did continue reading on but I just couldn’t connect with the book and the characters so it was a DNF unfortunately.

[Paulette Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lush, sophisticated tale that you can almost taste on your tongue! When recently divorced Jyoti journeys to Italy to reconnect with her passion for the culinary arts, she discovers a newfound appreciation for the pleasures of travel, the joys of found family, and a talent for connecting with others through food…as well as a chance to redefine life on her own terms, apart from the expectations of her traditional Gujarati family and her people-pleasing tendencies. An inspired coming of age story that will take you on a delicious journey to Tuscany!

[MONA · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable read. More books about Indian women focusing on their own happiness and making choices for themselves please ♡ and don’t even get me started on the recipes in this book! The food sounds delicious and will leave you craving it

[Lisa Goodmurphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
A Good Indian Girl is the story of a recently divorced Indian-American woman who travels to Italy for the summer.

Jyoti was always the good Indian daughter who did what was expected of her - staying out of trouble, helping with her younger sisters, agreeing to an arranged marriage and quitting the job she loved at her husband's family restaurant to focus on having a child but after years of unsuccessful fertility treatments, Jyoti's husband left her for a younger woman and she feels like she has failed.

Unemployed, divorced and feeling judged by her parents, her sisters and the gossiping community of Aunties back home, Jyoti decides to travel to Florence and spend the summer with her best friend and fellow social outcast, Karishma. As she enjoys la dolce vita, sumptuous meals and delicious wine with Karishma and her group of friends, Jyoti gradually rediscovers her joy in cooking and creating new recipes which leads to new business opportunities but also opens her up to renewed criticism from her family and the Gujarati community back home.

An enjoyable and heartfelt read about Jyoti's mid-life journey to discovering what she wants instead of doing what is expected of her as "a good Indian girl" that incorporates issues relating to infertility and the decision to remain childless as well as the pressures felt by the children of immigrants. Set in beautiful Florence with jaunts to a winery in the Tuscan countryside and a trip to the Amalfi coast and including mouthwatering descriptions of the restaurant meals and of Jyoti's unique fusion of Indian and Italian food, A Good Indian Girl is catnip for travellers. There are even recipes included at the end of the book if you fancy trying to replicate Jyoti's creative meals at home!

[Stephanielikesbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent read about a middle-aged divorced Indian American chef who, reeling from her unexpected divorce, goes to Italy to stay with her friend. This is a story of the push and pull between immigrant parents and their children born in the country their parents emigrated to, the pressure of cultural norms, and the clash between self fulfillment and the need to conform/be a people pleaser and accept the roles demanded by culture and society.

I loved that the main character was a middle-aged woman from a minority community at a crossroads in her life and that the story raised issues around motherhood, mother-daughter relationships, racial fetishization, culture and community, and found family. I also liked the way in which the author wove in issues around the under-representation of diverse authors and voices in the publishing industry (Jyoti’s friend is a freelance Indian American editor).

I can’t forget to mention the gorgeous descriptions of Florence and of the dishes Jyoti cooked - I could close my eyes and imagine myself in the settings described. I hope the final published book includes some of the recipes!

Readers looking for a story about an older character finding her way in life after a sudden life change, who enjoy learning about other cultures, and who love stories of family and friendship will really enjoy this one.

My only minor quibble was that although the pacing was generally good, the middle part did slow somewhat but it did not affect my enjoyment of the book.

Thanks to @harpercollinsca for this complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

[Kate Vocke (bookapotamus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have you ever been caught between what you want to do, and what’s expected of you?⁣
⁣
Talk about a breath of fresh air!⁣
⁣
A Good Indian Girl was a modern and refreshing Eat, Pray, Love + Under the Tuscan Sun. I loved watching Jyoti bloom and come into her own after her husband leaves her solely because she failed to conceive the child he wanted. She always thought she was the perfect Indian American daughter and wife, but struggled to live up to her parents and husbands expectations.⁣
⁣
Jyoti is now childless and divorced, and since her his family also owned the restaurant where she cooked… she’s also now unemployed. So she decides there’s no better time to spend a summer in Tuscany with her BFF and fellow outcast, Karishma.⁣
⁣
This book. Can we please normalize the fact that being childfree is NOT wrong? That sometimes whether by choice, or by chance - it just isn’t in the cards and there’s nothing wrong with that? Jyoti also has the added pressure of her Gujarati family and gossipy aunties and I can’t imagine feeling like you have to give up your dreams because of what others want. I love how cooking, and new friends, a gorgeous setting, and even strangers on the internet slowly open her eyes to the notion that you can’t be happy if you’re living life for everyone else.⁣
⁣
A gorgeous and heartwarming story of identity and dreams, food and friends … Oh, and RECIPES. This book will make you soooo hungry. 😋⁣

[Courtney Kleftis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very readable debut by a promising new author. I received this as an ARC at a library conference (I am a public librarian in Southern Maine) and I thoroughly enjoyed this book. For me it read like "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" meets "Under the Tuscan Sun" (the movies), and it even included recipes at the end. (I am not a cook, but my wife loves experimenting in the kitchen, so she will appreciate the recipes, all referenced in the book). The novel explores the challenges of navigating life as a second-generation immigrant in an Indian-American family especially around gender roles/norms (expectations about being a "proper wife and mother.") The protagonist really comes into her own while visiting a fiercely independent friend in Italy. This book was very accessible, engaging, and illuminating.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am going to make you happy and save you the fear I had throughout the entire book:

THERE ARE RECIPES AT THE END OF THE BOOK!!!

This is good because I think my stomach grumbled through the entire book and that was while I was eating leftover food from my favorite Indian restaurant. I loved Jyoti's found family and her own biological family drama. While I am not of Indian descent, my ethnic group acts in a very similar manner and I could totally relate. I enjoyed Jyoti's consideration and indecision and growth during the course of the book. She felt very real! And the writing, especially about food, was wonderfully imaginable. I could see, smell, and taste the food! Which, is why I am so thankful for the recipes at the end of the book!

Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade for a copy of the book. This review is my own opinion.

[Anjana V. Nair · Rating 4 out of 5]

A refreshing read that brings a heartfelt and modern perspective to the classic struggle between family expectations and personal dreams. Shah captures the journey of self-discovery with nuance, portraying cultural and generational clashes in a way that feels authentic and relatable. The characters are well-drawn, and the story blends humor and depth, making it both enjoyable and thought-provoking. Though the pacing slows at times, this book is an inspiring reminder of the courage it takes to pursue one’s true path!

[Elissa Dickey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mansi Shah's A Good Indian Girl is a captivating story about traveling across the world and finding your true self. Readers will love rooting for Jyoti as she finds the courage after her divorce to go after the life she wants, even if it defies her family's expectations. I loved this book—the beautiful Italian setting, Jyoti's ​friendship with Karishma, and the found family of friends who take her in during her summer in Italy. And best of all, I adored reading about all the delicious recipes that Jyoti was cooking! This was truly a wonderful story, and it's the book you'll be recommending to your book club and all your friends!

[Laura Oaks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was overall wonderful. The writing and ths story. It talked about culture, expectations, fertility issues, and finding oneself. The honesty that was found throughout this book was refreshing.

[Emily Platz · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pleasant listen! Obviously loved the food imagery and the scenes of Italy. Probably a 3.5 because it was a little redundant at times and I didn’t buy her mom’s epiphany in the last quarter.

[Mavi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a beautifully written book. Although I am not married, I definitely understand the infertility portion of the story. And as I’m in my 40s, I am still thinking about whether I could live this child, free life, or be fulfilled with children other ways. Even still, the food, the connection, relationship, the drama the beauty was with captivated me. Such a wonderful read.

[Sabina Theresa Quintus · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – A comforting, flavorful, heartfelt read

I absolutely loved The Good Indian Girl. It was adventurous, imaginative, and beautifully written—like stepping into a parallel world that still somehow felt deeply personal. The fusion of cultures was effortless and vibrant, and the food descriptions? Just as creative and satisfying as the story itself. The whole book felt like a comfort dish—rich, layered, and full of warmth.

The friendship between Karisma and Jyoti really stood out to me—it was so grounding and real. And the conversations between Jyoti and her mother were both touching and relatable. Watching Jyoti evolve throughout the story was such a joy. It’s a beautiful reminder that it’s never too late to rewrite your story or start over.

The book touches on so much—diaspora identity, second-gen immigrant life, infertility, the pressure of being the firstborn, and the complex layers of womanhood. Jyoti, Karisma, and all the women in this story felt so familiar, so true to life. I saw bits of myself and the women I know in them. From the tiniest food detail to the biggest emotional moment, this book felt alive. I savored every bit of it.

[Penny Ramirez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maybe 3.5, but I'm rounding up for how hungry I got while reading this love affair with food! I've never been to Italy, and I haven't eaten much Indian food, but I am overwhelmed with the desire to do both after reading Jyoti's story.

[Urvi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many positive and difficult topics addressed in this book with ease. Story line grips you and you run with the main character on a journey of self love and self discovery at the heart of it. The south Asian perspective is the cherry on top.

[Kavya · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️½ (2.5/5)
A Good Girl by Mansi Shah had so much potential, blending the emotional journey of a first-generation Indian-American woman with the lush escape of the Amalfi coast and the beautiful Florence. The standout aspect of the book was, without a doubt, the Italian food and setting, Shah's descriptions of authentic Italian cuisine were deliciously vivid and transportive. You could almost taste the fresh tomatoes and smell the herbs.
However, beyond the setting and food, the story struggled to deliver satisfying emotional depth or resolution. The novel deals with heavy themes: child loss, a crumbling marriage, emotionally distant and rigid immigrant Gujarati parents, strained sibling relationships, and lack of identity. While these are important and realistic topics, their resolution felt incomplete.
Jyoti’s character arc lacked the catharsis it needed. Though she begins to stand up for herself and makes a significant decision not to have children, the lack of closure with her father and sisters was frustrating. So much of the story centers on these relationships, yet they remain unresolved by the end. The book's ending also seemed very rushed, her rushed departure from Italy to closing a year later on the taping of her new show glossed over the growth she was just starting to show.
This book touched on powerful themes but didn't dig deep enough into them. Jyoti deserved a fuller sense of empowerment and healing beyond a quiet decision and partial reconciliation.
Overall, it is a beautifully set novel with flavorful writing but emotionally undercooked.

[Shivani Mohini · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book transported me to Italy, walking down the streets with Jyoti, cooking with her, experiencing the flavors of the food and emotions she was navigating.

I am grateful for Jyoti’s confidence in putting her story out, and also the uncertainty when her own family reacted negatively - it represents the inherently familial prioritization of Indian children, even if they are adults.

The ending was a surprise but still satisfying, and I like that Jyoti found stability within herself rather than in a relationship with another person. This was a feel-good read, but now I want to go to Italy!

[Beth · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF. Interesting ideas. First generation, Indian woman, struggling with identity around marriage, divorce, fertility, career.
Set primarily in Florence Italy, centering around food, cooking, produce, recipes,etc. that was the window dressing, but there was way too much of it, and not enough about the main character, who never came alive for this reader.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jyoti, eldest of three daughters, has always tried to fit into her New Jersey Gujarati community. Her parents are proud that she married an approved Indian man whose parents own a traditional Tandoori restaurant, Taste of Ginger. When she helps restore its sagging reputation, she brings her mother's love of cooking to new imaginative heights by creating fusion cuisine. The only problem is that Ashok and Jyoti are not able to have a child. After five years of experiencing rounds of fertility treatments and subsequent miscarriages, and her husband divorcing her and remarrying a younger woman, Jyoti feels like a failure. Her old college roommate and best friend Karishma, who lived in Florence Italy, has invited her for a visit many times, but at rock bottom, she accepts her invitation. In the Tuscany countryside she begins to heal from her unhappiness. She finds that the immigrant community of Indian aunties that hounded her in America for befriending bad girl, Karishma, have no influence on her here. She starts to enjoy a casual life of cooking Italian food blended with traditional Indian recipes for her new community of friends. She also does a drunken tik tok video where she shares her struggles as she cooks Indian comfort food and it goes viral. Karishma encourages her to do a follow-up, but her mother calls and begs her to take it down, as it is embarrassing the family and her sisters agree. Torn between her emerging self-respect and the pull of the Gujarati community, she takes it down but also does more videos where she talks and cooks. One of her new friends asks her if she would like to make a tasting meal for a customer's wine pairing. If she successfully creates this meal, he promises that they will also fund eight more. Since Ashok has given her the opportunity to buy the family restaurant, she agrees to make the meal so that she can purchase Taste of Ginger and go back to being a chef. She has been creating new recipes in her head, ways to combine Italian and Indian dishes, but she doesn't have the confidence that this food will be accepted  by native Italians. Will she be able to trust herself or succumb to the pressure of tradition?  While writing a good mother-daughter conflict, Shah also brings up other points about life as an outsider. Her characters bemoan the limited visibility of Indian authors in the publishing industry. Jyoti starts dating an Italian man and runs into cultural stereotyping.  There is plenty for book clubs to discuss here-and it ends with many of the mouthwatering recipes mentioned in the novel...what's not to love! 

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

A Good Indian Girl by Mansi Shah is a third person-POV contemporary about being childfree, infertility, and finding your second arc in life. Jyoti is a Gujarati Indian-American divorcee in her forties visiting her friend Karishma in Italy. When Jyoti is given a chance to audition as a chef for a pair of wine merchants, she goes on a journey to try to get her old restaurant back and find out exactly what she wants.

Do not read this on an empty stomach. Almost every chapter has an incredible dish of Gujarati vegetarian food, Italian, or a fusion dish and is accompanied by rich details of what exactly is in it and what it tastes like. I was very unfamiliar with Gujarati food (I love Indian flavors, but I think I’ve mostly eaten Punjabi cuisine) and am looking forward to making some of these, such as the chili cheese toast. If you grew up on Food Network, this was written specifically for you.

I loved how Jyoti went on her journey of coming to terms with her infertility and choosing to remain childfree. While drunk, she makes a TikTok video revealing her complex feelings about her inability to have children and how that made her feel in her community and in her family. The outpouring of love she gets helps her start to unpack why she feels the way she does, the role her ex-husband played, and the role her family and culture continue to play.

Another major theme is exoticism and racism. Karishma is a former senior editor of a big publishing house who left her old job to become an editor for authors of color before they submit to publishing houses and agents. Karishma details how many issues still exist in the publishing industry (such as stories needing to appeal to the white American audience and her lack of ability to acquire the books that really spoke to her because of other people’s decisions), and it’s clear as day how passionate she is about these stories and how frustrated she is by the industry she loves so much. On top of this, Jyoti’s first relationship after her divorce is with an Italian man who fetishizes her and isn’t actually interested in her culture at all.

Content warning for depictions of racism, fetishization, and exotification and conversations around pregnancy and infertility

I would recommend this to fans of books centering around food, readers looking for a book centering around infertility and a childfree life, and those looking for honest conversations about the role community and family play in our choices