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Edison
Winner of the Asian American Writers' Workshop Pages in Progress Prize
“A sparkling epic worthy of Bollywood’s silver screens.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“A delightful and perceptive jaunt into the heart of the Indian American community of New Jersey, Edison
is a charming, often hilarious novel brimming over with life, laughter,
and dreams worthy of the most outrageous Bollywood movies.”
—Chitra Divakaruni, author of Independence and Mistress of Spices
“Reading Edison,
I kept feeling amazed that a single novel could do so much. Pallavi Sharma
Dixit has given us an unforgettable love story, a riotous comedy, a tender
coming-of-age tale, a history of an American city, and an homage to Indian
cinema, told with all the romance and drama and verve of the movies. Edison
is these things and more, a debut novel that arrives fully formed and
brilliant. I am simply in awe of this book.”
—Nathan Hill, New
York Times bestselling author of Wellness (Oprah’s Book Club) and The
Nix
“Pallavi Sharma Dixit's Edison
is as musical, unexpected, and over the top as the Bollywood that binds us. Get
ready to laugh, cry, and dance your way through this necessary book.”
—S. Mitra Kalita, author
of Suburban Sahibs
“A modern love story that will make your heart soar and a heartwarming tale that beautifully captures the transformation
of an American community, Edison is a literary gem.”
—Jafreen Uddin, Executive Director, Asian American Writers’ Workshop
Edison is a Bollywood-style love story brimming with song and dance, action and comedy, a love triangle, an angry parent, an evil villain, and cameos by real Bollywood stars—a hilariously entertaining masala film in the guise of literary fiction. Along the way, we glean bits of Indian film history and fall in love with an improbable cast of characters who inhabit Edison, New Jersey's Little India.
Prem Kumar is the wayward youngest son of a titan of New Delhi industry. Obsessed with Indian movies—what the world comes to know as Bollywood—and uninterested in his father’s business empire, he runs away to America hoping to make a smash hit film. Arriving at JFK Airport, where his dreams are promptly shattered, he hails a taxi that deposits him in an Indian immigrant neighborhood in Edison, New Jersey.
Not inclined to work hard, Prem finds a mattress to crash on and a job at an Exxon gas station, biding his time until he comes up with a plan for his future. But when he falls head-over-heels in love with Leena, the ambitious and dutiful daughter of Hemant Engineer, the owner of Edison’s first Indian grocery store, her father decrees that they can only marry once Prem has earned one millio
“A sparkling epic worthy of Bollywood’s silver screens.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“A delightful and perceptive jaunt into the heart of the Indian American community of New Jersey, Edison
is a charming, often hilarious novel brimming over with life, laughter,
and dreams worthy of the most outrageous Bollywood movies.”
—Chitra Divakaruni, author of Independence and Mistress of Spices
“Reading Edison,
I kept feeling amazed that a single novel could do so much. Pallavi Sharma
Dixit has given us an unforgettable love story, a riotous comedy, a tender
coming-of-age tale, a history of an American city, and an homage to Indian
cinema, told with all the romance and drama and verve of the movies. Edison
is these things and more, a debut novel that arrives fully formed and
brilliant. I am simply in awe of this book.”
—Nathan Hill, New
York Times bestselling author of Wellness (Oprah’s Book Club) and The
Nix
“Pallavi Sharma Dixit's Edison
is as musical, unexpected, and over the top as the Bollywood that binds us. Get
ready to laugh, cry, and dance your way through this necessary book.”
—S. Mitra Kalita, author
of Suburban Sahibs
“A modern love story that will make your heart soar and a heartwarming tale that beautifully captures the transformation
of an American community, Edison is a literary gem.”
—Jafreen Uddin, Executive Director, Asian American Writers’ Workshop
Edison is a Bollywood-style love story brimming with song and dance, action and comedy, a love triangle, an angry parent, an evil villain, and cameos by real Bollywood stars—a hilariously entertaining masala film in the guise of literary fiction. Along the way, we glean bits of Indian film history and fall in love with an improbable cast of characters who inhabit Edison, New Jersey's Little India.
Prem Kumar is the wayward youngest son of a titan of New Delhi industry. Obsessed with Indian movies—what the world comes to know as Bollywood—and uninterested in his father’s business empire, he runs away to America hoping to make a smash hit film. Arriving at JFK Airport, where his dreams are promptly shattered, he hails a taxi that deposits him in an Indian immigrant neighborhood in Edison, New Jersey.
Not inclined to work hard, Prem finds a mattress to crash on and a job at an Exxon gas station, biding his time until he comes up with a plan for his future. But when he falls head-over-heels in love with Leena, the ambitious and dutiful daughter of Hemant Engineer, the owner of Edison’s first Indian grocery store, her father decrees that they can only marry once Prem has earned one millio
- GenresFiction
468 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 6, 2024
19 people are currently reading
191 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
February 29, 2024
summary: this book features prem kumar, the son of a rich businessmen. he can't stand to take on his fathers legacy, so he runs away to america, ending up in edison, new jersey. there, he meets leena, the love of his life . . . and her father hemant, that is insistent he won't let prem marry her. coupled with his career, his love life, and his internal problems, prem must find a way to survive in this mini-india.
footnotes: this book is one of the longest i've read, and is almost 500 pages. (i enjoyed every page, but it definitely took longer then expected). the book also shifts pov's. the book is in third person, but the narrator skips around and tells the same event from multiple perspectives, which adds to the richness and overall texture of the book.
thoughts: I LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH. this is honestly the first five star read i've had in a while, and i loved it. prem is such a fun character to follow and read about, he's sensible, romantic, and still a son all at once. even if i didn't agree with the decision he made, there was still a logical explanation as to why he chose it. i loved his arc, and how he changes and evolves over the course of the book. leena, hemant, and the other characters were also developed throughout the book. as the pov changes, you learn about the event from a different view, which is a really clever way to add some layers to the characters. the plot was really believable and real, yet the book moved super fast. i could never quite guess what was going to happen next. the writing was perfect. there were hidden plot twists, red herrings, and tons of comedic moments sprinkled throughout. you never feel tense when you read, because everything is so well balanced. there's plenty of times when i wanted to yell at prem for being so stupid, and others when i wanted to scream with happiness for him. there are little moments of humor baked in to every part of this book, and there are little gems of scenes that were so emotionally raw, they made me cry. this book also has so much indian culture and love infused into it. from the constant mention of movies to keep you grounded in time, to the comparisons to filmy scenes, this book was culturally sound. the plot even includes famous actors, and movies, all in the correct year.
overall, this book is a perfect comedy, feel good, emotional rollercoaster for anyone that loves india, and wants to escape there for some time.
footnotes: this book is one of the longest i've read, and is almost 500 pages. (i enjoyed every page, but it definitely took longer then expected). the book also shifts pov's. the book is in third person, but the narrator skips around and tells the same event from multiple perspectives, which adds to the richness and overall texture of the book.
thoughts: I LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH. this is honestly the first five star read i've had in a while, and i loved it. prem is such a fun character to follow and read about, he's sensible, romantic, and still a son all at once. even if i didn't agree with the decision he made, there was still a logical explanation as to why he chose it. i loved his arc, and how he changes and evolves over the course of the book. leena, hemant, and the other characters were also developed throughout the book. as the pov changes, you learn about the event from a different view, which is a really clever way to add some layers to the characters. the plot was really believable and real, yet the book moved super fast. i could never quite guess what was going to happen next. the writing was perfect. there were hidden plot twists, red herrings, and tons of comedic moments sprinkled throughout. you never feel tense when you read, because everything is so well balanced. there's plenty of times when i wanted to yell at prem for being so stupid, and others when i wanted to scream with happiness for him. there are little moments of humor baked in to every part of this book, and there are little gems of scenes that were so emotionally raw, they made me cry. this book also has so much indian culture and love infused into it. from the constant mention of movies to keep you grounded in time, to the comparisons to filmy scenes, this book was culturally sound. the plot even includes famous actors, and movies, all in the correct year.
overall, this book is a perfect comedy, feel good, emotional rollercoaster for anyone that loves india, and wants to escape there for some time.
March 18, 2024
I loved this book, both as a novel reader and a cultural anthropologist who researches migration and ethnic identity. It is a terrific read but you also learn a tremendous amount about the Indian immigrant experience in the USA, Indian cultural expectations and how communities in the USA have been transformed by immigrants. It is also a tremendoulsy engaging, funny and moving story. If you are a fan of Indian cinema, historic and contemporary, you will also adore this book. The hero is a likeable, awkward young Indian cinephile trying to figure out how to deal with his father's high expectations for him in life when the only thing that inspires him is his love for Indian films.The story moves from India to Edison, New Jersey, home to an ever-growing Indian community and, eventually, to our hero. I'd definitely recommend this for students in both cultural anthropology and sociology classes as well as in literature classes. And, I'd also recommend it as a fun summer read where you learn a lot along the way. All around terrific! Can't wait for his next book!
March 23, 2024
This could be called Crazy South Asians or My So Called Bollywood Life. Filled with unforgettable characters in a newly developed immigrant community known as Edison, New Jersey. Prem, comes from a privileged life but has huge dreams and to fulfill those dreams, realizes he has to work for it. Including winning the father of the woman of his dreams. Spanning years, this is both moving , and funny, this is really a cinematic love letter to Bollywood and the Indian American community and the people within.
I received an arc from the publisher but all opinions are my own.
I received an arc from the publisher but all opinions are my own.
May 29, 2024
Edison, NJ is my hometown, so I couldn’t contain my excitement when I saw this title. It is accurately branded as a love letter to Edison and Bollywood. It was so fun to take a trip down memory lane, down Oak Tree Road, and even past that psychic on the corner!
July 3, 2024
So entertaining! The storytelling is incredible, witty, and laugh-out-loud funny. The book transports you to an immigrant community where the characters are so endearing, you can’t help but cheer for them. It’s got romance, mob bosses, and Bollywood dance scenes - what a treat to read!!
June 8, 2025
3.5. Like a Disney movie, mostly comedic, somewhat romantic, unbelievable but in a charming way. It was too long for me with some parts being dragged out. For a book that was meant to be a pallet cleanser it took me longer than I’d have liked. I also didn’t really love the protagonist, and it was frustrating at times but in a non-serious way. Fun to learn a bit about Indian-American culture and Hindi film culture.
September 26, 2024
I picked up Edison initially because the cover art caught my eye, diving in without even reading the book jacket. My first pleasant surprise was that the Edison in question referred to Edison, NJ—a town less than an hour from where I live. The second surprise was how quickly I became invested in the characters.
Edison is a love story, an immigration story, a story about Bollywood, and a reflection on what once symbolized the American dream. Author Pallavi Sharma Dixit excels at character development; I felt deeply connected to each one. When challenges arose, I shared their frustrations. When life found its rhythm again, I felt their hope. But beyond the individual journeys, I could also feel the pulse of Edison, NJ—a town growing into a hub for Indian immigrants. Dixit beautifully depicts its transformation, making the town itself a character in the narrative.
Edison was a compelling read that took me through the complex and often difficult journey of immigrants striving to find their place in America, intertwined with the rise of Bollywood’s influence.
Edison is a love story, an immigration story, a story about Bollywood, and a reflection on what once symbolized the American dream. Author Pallavi Sharma Dixit excels at character development; I felt deeply connected to each one. When challenges arose, I shared their frustrations. When life found its rhythm again, I felt their hope. But beyond the individual journeys, I could also feel the pulse of Edison, NJ—a town growing into a hub for Indian immigrants. Dixit beautifully depicts its transformation, making the town itself a character in the narrative.
Edison was a compelling read that took me through the complex and often difficult journey of immigrants striving to find their place in America, intertwined with the rise of Bollywood’s influence.
August 13, 2024
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.
Pallavi Sharma Dixit’s Edison is a delightful and vibrant homage to the Indian American community in Edison, New Jersey. This novel, brimming with the energy and charm of a Bollywood film, is a heartwarming and hilarious exploration of dreams, love, and cultural identity.
The story follows Prem Kumar, the youngest son of a wealthy industrialist in New Delhi, who is more enamored with Bollywood than with his family’s business empire. Rejecting his father’s plans for an arranged marriage and a corporate career, Prem escapes to America with dreams of becoming a filmmaker. However, his aspirations are quickly derailed, and he finds himself working at an Exxon gas station in Edison, New Jersey. Amidst the colorful and bustling Indian immigrant community, Prem’s life takes unexpected turns, especially when he meets Leena Engineer, the ambitious daughter of a local grocery store owner.
Dixit excels in creating a cast of memorable and endearing characters. Prem’s transformation from a dreamer to a determined individual is both humorous and inspiring. Leena’s strength and ambition provide a perfect counterbalance to Prem’s initial aimlessness. The supporting characters, including the quirky roommates, meddling aunties, and even the occasional Bollywood star cameo, add depth and richness to the narrative, making the community of Edison come alive on the page.
The author’s writing is lively and engaging, capturing the essence of Bollywood’s dramatic flair while grounding the story in the everyday experiences of the Indian American community. Dixit’s use of humor and vivid descriptions creates an immersive reading experience that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. The narrative flows seamlessly, with each chapter offering new surprises and insights into the characters’ lives.
Edison explores themes of cultural identity, ambition, and the pursuit of dreams. It delves into the challenges and triumphs of the immigrant experience, highlighting the importance of community and the enduring power of love and family. The novel also pays tribute to Bollywood, celebrating its influence and impact on the lives of its characters.
Pallavi Sharma Dixit has crafted a novel that is both a love letter to Bollywood and a heartfelt exploration of the Indian American experience. Edison is a joyous and uplifting read, filled with laughter, romance, and the vibrant spirit of a community that embraces its heritage while forging new paths.
Whether you’re a fan of Bollywood or simply looking for a story that will make you smile, this book is a must-read.
Pallavi Sharma Dixit’s Edison is a delightful and vibrant homage to the Indian American community in Edison, New Jersey. This novel, brimming with the energy and charm of a Bollywood film, is a heartwarming and hilarious exploration of dreams, love, and cultural identity.
The story follows Prem Kumar, the youngest son of a wealthy industrialist in New Delhi, who is more enamored with Bollywood than with his family’s business empire. Rejecting his father’s plans for an arranged marriage and a corporate career, Prem escapes to America with dreams of becoming a filmmaker. However, his aspirations are quickly derailed, and he finds himself working at an Exxon gas station in Edison, New Jersey. Amidst the colorful and bustling Indian immigrant community, Prem’s life takes unexpected turns, especially when he meets Leena Engineer, the ambitious daughter of a local grocery store owner.
Dixit excels in creating a cast of memorable and endearing characters. Prem’s transformation from a dreamer to a determined individual is both humorous and inspiring. Leena’s strength and ambition provide a perfect counterbalance to Prem’s initial aimlessness. The supporting characters, including the quirky roommates, meddling aunties, and even the occasional Bollywood star cameo, add depth and richness to the narrative, making the community of Edison come alive on the page.
The author’s writing is lively and engaging, capturing the essence of Bollywood’s dramatic flair while grounding the story in the everyday experiences of the Indian American community. Dixit’s use of humor and vivid descriptions creates an immersive reading experience that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. The narrative flows seamlessly, with each chapter offering new surprises and insights into the characters’ lives.
Edison explores themes of cultural identity, ambition, and the pursuit of dreams. It delves into the challenges and triumphs of the immigrant experience, highlighting the importance of community and the enduring power of love and family. The novel also pays tribute to Bollywood, celebrating its influence and impact on the lives of its characters.
Pallavi Sharma Dixit has crafted a novel that is both a love letter to Bollywood and a heartfelt exploration of the Indian American experience. Edison is a joyous and uplifting read, filled with laughter, romance, and the vibrant spirit of a community that embraces its heritage while forging new paths.
Whether you’re a fan of Bollywood or simply looking for a story that will make you smile, this book is a must-read.
July 19, 2024
Pallavi Dixit's “Edison” is a compelling and vibrant novel that combines richly developed characters (you can almost hear their voices and see their hand gestures), an page-turning romantic plot full of interesting references to Hindi movies, and a nice depiction of the transformation of a community from the late 80’s to this century.
One of the standout features of the book is its colorful and well-written characters. Each character is crafted with unique personality, even the “sideys,” making them memorable and relatable. From the main character, a young dreamer with not many dreams in life, and his love interest, fierce and independent, to the older uncles and aunties, Dixit breathes life into her characters, giving readers a glimpse into their hopes & struggles- as humans, as immigrants, as members of an intricate network of families, and even accidental victims of post 9/11 xenophobia. But always with a bit of a sprinkle of Bollywood exaggeration to each of them, making it very funny. Their interactions and growth throughout the novel - and their awesome dialogues- create a rich tapestry of human experience that is both fun and emotionally resonant.
The plot of Edison is a true page-turner, filled with triumphs and setbacks that keep readers turning the pages for what’s next. Dixit adds some layered storylines, each adding to the overall narrative in a meaningful way. Once the book was over, I caught myself missing the characters and their (mis)adventures.
One of the standout features of the book is its colorful and well-written characters. Each character is crafted with unique personality, even the “sideys,” making them memorable and relatable. From the main character, a young dreamer with not many dreams in life, and his love interest, fierce and independent, to the older uncles and aunties, Dixit breathes life into her characters, giving readers a glimpse into their hopes & struggles- as humans, as immigrants, as members of an intricate network of families, and even accidental victims of post 9/11 xenophobia. But always with a bit of a sprinkle of Bollywood exaggeration to each of them, making it very funny. Their interactions and growth throughout the novel - and their awesome dialogues- create a rich tapestry of human experience that is both fun and emotionally resonant.
The plot of Edison is a true page-turner, filled with triumphs and setbacks that keep readers turning the pages for what’s next. Dixit adds some layered storylines, each adding to the overall narrative in a meaningful way. Once the book was over, I caught myself missing the characters and their (mis)adventures.
May 5, 2025
An inexplicable joy from start to finish.
This book feels like being transported to the center of a Bollywood epic, with a motley cast of hilarious and strange characters, set in the Indian enclave of Edison, New Jersey. I couldn't get enough. I wanted to live inside this book, hang out with this extended family of unrelated immigrants, all of whom are supporting each other in their individual quests for the American dream.
Sweet and sensitive Prem, the black sheep son of one of India's most powerful business magnates, has never really fit in with his high powered family. Content to watch and dream of Indian cinema day in and day out, while his father presses him to join the family business and finally make something of himself.
When he finally gets what seems like too good an opportunity to pass up to make a film in America, he jumps at the chance, only to crash land in a stranger's living room with 10 other immigrants sleeping under a bag of onions after being robbed at Newark airport.
What follows is one of the most delightful, funny, charming and big hearted novels I've read in a long time. This is edgeless and hopeful and full of life in a way that you just don't really see anymore. An absolute delight to read, one that'll have you mourning the lovable misfits after the final page. A rare, charming book. Dixit is an absolute master, a rare talent, and a debut author that has me eagerly awaiting whatever she does next.
This book feels like being transported to the center of a Bollywood epic, with a motley cast of hilarious and strange characters, set in the Indian enclave of Edison, New Jersey. I couldn't get enough. I wanted to live inside this book, hang out with this extended family of unrelated immigrants, all of whom are supporting each other in their individual quests for the American dream.
Sweet and sensitive Prem, the black sheep son of one of India's most powerful business magnates, has never really fit in with his high powered family. Content to watch and dream of Indian cinema day in and day out, while his father presses him to join the family business and finally make something of himself.
When he finally gets what seems like too good an opportunity to pass up to make a film in America, he jumps at the chance, only to crash land in a stranger's living room with 10 other immigrants sleeping under a bag of onions after being robbed at Newark airport.
What follows is one of the most delightful, funny, charming and big hearted novels I've read in a long time. This is edgeless and hopeful and full of life in a way that you just don't really see anymore. An absolute delight to read, one that'll have you mourning the lovable misfits after the final page. A rare, charming book. Dixit is an absolute master, a rare talent, and a debut author that has me eagerly awaiting whatever she does next.
June 15, 2024
Other reviews have appropriately praised Pallavi Sharma Dixit's debut novel, EDISON, for its humor, its Bollywood style, its rollicking plot lines and its tribute to the resilient, hard-working Indian-immigrant community of Edison, New Jersey. I heartily agree with these appraisals but I think the book is so much more. I knew I was hooked when half-way through (yes, 200 pages-plus) I was already starting to be sad that it would end, that I would no longer be keeping company with Prem and Leena and all of the friends and relations who support them as they make their way in America. Their kindness, hopefulness, optimism, forgiveness--with regard to themselves and each other--is something not found very often in today's fiction. This is a generous-hearted book that transcends, in many ways, the story of outsiders making their way in. It is also the story of what happens when people work hard to see and help make possible the best in each other.
Read this book. You will be be better for it.
Read this book. You will be be better for it.
August 28, 2024
Pallavi Dixit’s debut novel Edison brings the dazzling energy of Bollywood to the printed page. This heartfelt journey weaves humor, love, and history into a tapestry as vibrant as the cinematic history it draws inspiration from.
What makes Edison truly special is how it seamlessly blends the real with the fantastical. Cameos from Bollywood stars bring surprise and delight, enhancing the overall feeling that you’re not just reading a novel—you’re watching a grand Bollywood film unfold in your mind.
Dixit’s writing is infused with a sharp wit and a deep affection for her characters. Edison also offers a rich exploration of the Indian American experience, painting this author’s hometown of Edison, NJ with such vibrant detail that it becomes a character in its own right, pulsing with life, color, and the aromas of delicious street food.
Edison is a love letter to the Indian American community, to the magic of movies, and to anyone who has ever dreamed big and found themselves lost along the way.
What makes Edison truly special is how it seamlessly blends the real with the fantastical. Cameos from Bollywood stars bring surprise and delight, enhancing the overall feeling that you’re not just reading a novel—you’re watching a grand Bollywood film unfold in your mind.
Dixit’s writing is infused with a sharp wit and a deep affection for her characters. Edison also offers a rich exploration of the Indian American experience, painting this author’s hometown of Edison, NJ with such vibrant detail that it becomes a character in its own right, pulsing with life, color, and the aromas of delicious street food.
Edison is a love letter to the Indian American community, to the magic of movies, and to anyone who has ever dreamed big and found themselves lost along the way.
August 26, 2025
I read this book for a bookclub. I want to this isn't a quick and easy read, but it grows on you. The main character is a sweet guy who finds true love and pines away for her in true Bollywood fashion. I wish I knew more Bollywood movies that the author referred to in the book, but I realized that wasn't necessary as I got into it. We were able to meet the author and her husband after we read the book. They were both very nice, and the author was able to explain why she wrote the book and how she came up with the characters. I love being able to hear what other people think of books I read and what they got out of the book. We all have different experiences in life, and we all like different books. This opened my eyes to a part of the US that I'd never really heard of before. The experiences of the Indian immigrant in New Jersey are really laid out in a Bollywood movie-like book. If you enjoy a book that is not like the typical "read", try it. I is based on a real city in New Jersey.
May 8, 2024
Thank you to Pallavi Sharma Dixit, Netgalley, and Third State Books for the Advance Reader's Copy of Edison. I read this book because I am acquainted with the author from school and I also grew up in Edison. I loved the setting and it bought back memories of growing up in New Jersey. It was interesting to read about the history of how Oak Tree Road became Little India and about coming to America from an immigrant perspective. I liked the main characters and their story. I thought it could have been a little shorter as there was a part of the book where Prem's wallowing got a little repetitive. I was sad when the book ended because I wanted more of Prem Kumar and Edison!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2024
I absolutely adored this book. I have no previous specific knowledge of Bollywood movies, but the author does an amazing job of providing all the necessary context to get the gist. The characters are so well drawn and just delightful. I really felt immersed in a time and place. And it is so funny - it is often subtle humor, but I laughed out loud many, many times. It is incredible to me that the author is able to sprinkle in some serious themes without breaking with the tone of the story, and I really enjoyed learning about Indian immigrants and the history of Edison. If you are looking for a joyful, character-driven read, this is it!
January 6, 2025
A magical and entertaining read that offers front row seats to a Bollywood movie set in Edison, NJ. The food, songs, dances and colors all are brought to life on the page so much so that you will cry, laugh out loud, and find joy through-out. The book is relatable and real, capturing the adventures (both fun and heartfelt) of our immigrant hero navigating his new life as a gas station attendant while pursuing the American Dream. Along the way, there’s love, famous cameos and most of all, a community of aunties and friends who uplift and root for our Hero along the way. You’ll fall in love with Edison the town, the story and the cast of this warm and delightful novel!
May 18, 2024
Unfortunately I could not finish this book. After reading up to 60% I realized I found it tedious and a bit ridiculous. I would have preferred to read more about the struggles and triumphs of Indian immigrants as Edison became what it is today, more realistic stories. The main character was self proclaimed loser and I disliked him. All the supporting characters came off as cartoonish and foolish. If the book had been a comedy, I could understand, but I didn't find it particularly funny.
Thank you to Netgalley and Third State Books for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to Netgalley and Third State Books for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
June 25, 2024
This is a cute romance that not only shows how the characters grow but also how Edison grew and became the Little India we know it as now. Even though it is a fiction story, there are so many real things in the setting and the way the characters act. It was those bits of reality in a very Bollywood, filmy story that kept me wanting to read more. I think if you are Indian or are familiar with Edison you will appreciate this book more but if not it will make you want to visit and see the place that is in essence a small part of India in the US.
September 7, 2024
Pallavi Sharma Dixit weaves such a vibrant and heartfelt tapestry of characters in Edison. This is so much more than a coming of age story or a love story. It’s about community, honoring cultural traditions and creating new ones, the triumphs and stumbles of being an immigrant in America, and how forging ahead into our sense of self is rarely done alone. It truly is an epic tale. I’ll cherish seeing such tenderness between Prem and Leena, laughing with Prem’s buddies, cheering on Beena, and all of the other vignettes of the residents at King’s Court for a long time.
May 3, 2024
I was so excited to read this when I saw I got approved. The whole concept and story of this book was so much fun. You can see the love for the community and the story in this. It felt like a Bollywood movie, but in a book.
I did in some parts get a tiny bit lost, I thought I was long as fuck. Enjoyed this and can't wait for other people to read it too.
I got an e-arc of this book on NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I did in some parts get a tiny bit lost, I thought I was long as fuck. Enjoyed this and can't wait for other people to read it too.
I got an e-arc of this book on NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 9, 2024
Beautifully written, laugh out loud, endearing story of the Indian immigrant experience in Edison, New Jersey, evoking favorite Bollywood cinema and its many players. Pallavi Sharma Dixit has weaved a wonderful cast of characters together in a colorful and warm story with wit and love. From our hero, Prem to the many "sidey" characters, every one is so well drawn and interesting. Ms. Dixit has an exciting, new and delightful voice. I may just have to start the book all over again....
November 9, 2024
Not being very familiar with Indian culture, there were many references of actor's/actress's/movies that were hard to follow. And while I did look up a handful of them, I found it distracting rather than helpful to the plot (especially the first half of the book). Once the characters had become their own, I found the second half of the book to be much more engaging and enchanting, even if frustrating at times.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2025
My book club read this book so I finished it. For me the first three fourths of the book were difficult to read with all of the references to Bollywood movies and actors that I did not know. The story really got lost among all of these references. Perhaps if I knew more about this Indian film history the novel would have been more engaging. The information about the town of Edison, Indian food, culture and community was interesting. I would not recommend to others.
June 23, 2024
Edison was such a beautiful read. The humanity of the characters, the compelling storytelling, the clever wit throughout…Edison gave me new perspective while it warmed my heart. I was amazed at how Dixit was able to bring such depth to so many characters and showcase such genuine connections between them. It’s a book that I look forward to reading again and again.
August 24, 2024
I absolutely loved this novel! This book had it all- character development, love story, drama, comedy wrapped in a Bollywood movie. It was well written and hard to put down. You know it’s a good book when the characters come back up in your everyday life. A wonderful summer read, and I can’t wait for the next book from this author.
October 8, 2024
I loved this book. It made me laugh (a lot) and cry (a tiny bit at the end). It was a wonderful coming of age story mixed with romance and Bollywood big moments. Not to mention, it's a great throwback for anyone who grew up in the 90's era. Highly recommend!
February 20, 2025
This author captivates with this story of friendship, love and self discovery in Edison, NJ. The main character comes to America from India and is surrounded by vivid characters. His life unfolds as the magic of Bollywood is woven through it.
March 14, 2025
It took a while to build up steam, there were a few points I was going to abandon reading this book but something kept me wanting to read about Prem and his journey in Edison. People with more knowledge of old school Bollywood would probably enjoy all the movie references more than I did.
April 2, 2024
I really liked this book. I loved the tone of it and the asides about "in later years, ..." It was fun.
August 26, 2024
A fun read with a delightful cast of characters that pulled me into their lives, a total joy
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