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I Will Blossom Anyway
A romantic coming-of-age story about one woman’s inspiring journey to find self love, reconnect with family, and forge a new path for her future, from the author of the Good Morning America book club pick Dirty Laundry.
Durga is named after the Bengali goddess, pure of heart, filled with goodness. But the goddess has an alter-ego, fearless Kali, of fire and crackling with energy.
The third of four children born to a middle-class Calcutta family, quiet Durga is surprisingly the first to leave the nest of her loving, overbearing family. She is not as charming as her sister, Tia, as lighthearted as her brother, Arjun, or as clever as her youngest sister, Parul. But when she arrives in Ireland to work at a tech company, she finds that for the first time ever she is free—to have fun, to stay out, to sample everything that life has to offer. Suddenly, Durga can be whoever she wants to be. And she wants it all.
But freedom comes at a price. Durga falls in love with handsome, charismatic Jacob, and grows close with his sister, Joy, now Durga’s flatmate, and best friend. But when Jacob breaks up with Durga, she's unmoored. Who will she choose to be: fearless Kali or peace-loving Durga? Will she stay in Ireland with her newfound identity and livelihood, or will she return to India, where she is comfortable? Perhaps neither option is enough. Durga must summon her inner Kali, the brave and fearless warrior, and fight for the life she truly desires.
Modern, thought-provoking and mirthful, I Will Blossom Anyway is a story about what it means to be caught between opposing worlds, the pressures and freedoms of millennial life, and what it really means to be a modern woman today—anywhere.
Durga is named after the Bengali goddess, pure of heart, filled with goodness. But the goddess has an alter-ego, fearless Kali, of fire and crackling with energy.
The third of four children born to a middle-class Calcutta family, quiet Durga is surprisingly the first to leave the nest of her loving, overbearing family. She is not as charming as her sister, Tia, as lighthearted as her brother, Arjun, or as clever as her youngest sister, Parul. But when she arrives in Ireland to work at a tech company, she finds that for the first time ever she is free—to have fun, to stay out, to sample everything that life has to offer. Suddenly, Durga can be whoever she wants to be. And she wants it all.
But freedom comes at a price. Durga falls in love with handsome, charismatic Jacob, and grows close with his sister, Joy, now Durga’s flatmate, and best friend. But when Jacob breaks up with Durga, she's unmoored. Who will she choose to be: fearless Kali or peace-loving Durga? Will she stay in Ireland with her newfound identity and livelihood, or will she return to India, where she is comfortable? Perhaps neither option is enough. Durga must summon her inner Kali, the brave and fearless warrior, and fight for the life she truly desires.
Modern, thought-provoking and mirthful, I Will Blossom Anyway is a story about what it means to be caught between opposing worlds, the pressures and freedoms of millennial life, and what it really means to be a modern woman today—anywhere.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published May 6, 2025
39 people are currently reading
10185 people want to read
About the author
Disha Bose
4 books313 followersDisha Bose was born and raised in India, and now lives in Ireland. She worked in Tech before quitting to return to writing. Dirty Laundry is her first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 193 reviews
June 22, 2025
4-4.5⭐️ Born into a large middle-class family in Calcutta, Durga seeks more out of life that those around her. When she takes the opportunity to move to Ireland to work for a promising tech company, she has no idea that she will meet the people who will change her life. But when a sudden loss leads Durga to question whether she would be better off at home with her family, she will have to decide whether it’s better to play it safe or take the risk on finally being happy.
This is a beautiful story of love, of loss, and of finding one’s way in the world. Durga so desperately tries to please her more conservative Indian family, going so far as to reject the love of her life to avoid upsetting them. But it’s not until she realizes and opens up her heart to other possibilities, to the idea that maybe there is a compromise between her heart and theirs, that she is able to truly live a life that is indeed hers.
I admit that, upon hitting one of my triggers (death due to brain aneurysm), I struggled just a bit to readjust. But just like our heroine Durga, who also had to reassess when the worst happens, I was able to move beyond the sadness and trauma, to discover something wonderful. For Durga, it is a life she never expected; for me, it is this bittersweet coming-of-age story that will stick with me long after finishing it.
🎧 Chandrika Narayanan-Mohan does a remarkable job bringing Durga to life in such a raw, relatable way. I am so happy I ended up doing an immersive read of this one; however, either format would be equally good on its own.
Read if you like:
▪️women’s fiction
▪️coming-of-age
▪️found family
▪️second chance at love
▪️journeys of self-discovery
▪️Ireland and India setting
Check out my Bookstagram post here ♥
Thank you Ballantine Books and PRH for the gifted copies.
This is a beautiful story of love, of loss, and of finding one’s way in the world. Durga so desperately tries to please her more conservative Indian family, going so far as to reject the love of her life to avoid upsetting them. But it’s not until she realizes and opens up her heart to other possibilities, to the idea that maybe there is a compromise between her heart and theirs, that she is able to truly live a life that is indeed hers.
I admit that, upon hitting one of my triggers (death due to brain aneurysm), I struggled just a bit to readjust. But just like our heroine Durga, who also had to reassess when the worst happens, I was able to move beyond the sadness and trauma, to discover something wonderful. For Durga, it is a life she never expected; for me, it is this bittersweet coming-of-age story that will stick with me long after finishing it.
🎧 Chandrika Narayanan-Mohan does a remarkable job bringing Durga to life in such a raw, relatable way. I am so happy I ended up doing an immersive read of this one; however, either format would be equally good on its own.
Read if you like:
▪️women’s fiction
▪️coming-of-age
▪️found family
▪️second chance at love
▪️journeys of self-discovery
▪️Ireland and India setting
Check out my Bookstagram post here ♥
Thank you Ballantine Books and PRH for the gifted copies.
July 22, 2025
I Will Blossom Anyway is the second book from Disha Bose that I've read. Centered around an Indian woman living in Ireland, the story brings to light the concept of arranged marriages, freedom of choice, and the impact of circumstances outside your control. While more on the gentle and humorous side, there is a lovely poignancy that reflects throughout the pages. Death can surprise you. But so can a slowly burgeoning love that may not be what you expected but is what you needed. Imagine feeling different yet struggling with how to meet the expectations of many people in your life whom you've possibly let retain too much control? A memorable trip home to India. Blind dating humor. And tests to the bonds of friendship. I loved the reality of all the relationships, some good and some bad. It was a little slow-moving at times, and a few of the scenes felt forced to fit the overall plot rather than the natural actions of characters. I didn't like the early death one of person who had more story to tell - perhaps it was a one-sided narration and so it was meant to be that way... kind of like life taking someone from you without understanding why. So in that case, it's spot on... but it was just missing a few things to move to 5 stars for me. Still a recommended read.
March 16, 2025
This was a story that centered upon a young Indian woman named Durga who has moved to Ireland from Calcutta for a job. It is a big change to live by herself without her robust family influence around her. Her older sister Tia is about to get married- an arranged marriage since her youth. Finally left to her autonomy, Durga establishes a different existence in Ireland, with a roommate named Joy- and she's been dating her brother Jacob for a couple of years. They are very much in love, but as the book begins they are taking a pause. Durga is afraid to bring Jacob home to her sister's wedding, worried that her parents will stand against the relationship, seeing as how Jacob is from a different race. While this is an understandable quandary in the face of smothering parents who believe in arranged marriages, Jacob is still greatly hurt and offended. The balance of the book explores Durka's experiences living through this separation from her great love, while being exposed to other potential lovers and marriage options both in Ireland and Calcutta. I felt a certain detachment from all the characters, almost as if I was looking through a filmy curtain at them. Perhaps they could have been developed more- especially the main character of Durka to whom I felt no particular liking. Although I was interested enough to finish the book, I wasn't wowed, touched, or inspired by this.
Thank you to Random House Publishing / Ballantine Books for providing an advance reader copy via NetGalley.
Thank you to Random House Publishing / Ballantine Books for providing an advance reader copy via NetGalley.
June 2, 2025
Awesome book a romantic coming of age. This story is really good and it is worth picking up and reading.
March 1, 2025
5/5 – I love this book SO much. It was so lovely to follow Durga’s journey, which is so similar to mine, and to explore relationships that resonate with me so deeply. To be torn in two – having two very culturally different places to call home and the two different people you are, and wondering which is your true self, questioning where home is, and if only one place can be home, and when you’re too foreign for both homes. I need more books like this!
The writing is sublime, there are several quotes in this book I need to highlight once I get the ebook. The words painted a very vivid picture in my head.
I read this book in one “home” and it made me miss the other :) I think it’ll be the same case when I go back and read it again, and long for the other “home”.
Thank you to the author for this ARC! Us readers would like more books from you :D
The writing is sublime, there are several quotes in this book I need to highlight once I get the ebook. The words painted a very vivid picture in my head.
I read this book in one “home” and it made me miss the other :) I think it’ll be the same case when I go back and read it again, and long for the other “home”.
Thank you to the author for this ARC! Us readers would like more books from you :D
March 16, 2025
I would not qualify this as a romance book but one about self discovery. Durga lives in Ireland after leaving her large family in India. She is shy and has social anxiety. She is attracted to one of her co-workers, Jacob, and ends up renting part of her apartment to his sister, Joy. Joy becomes her best friend and she enters a two year relationship with Jacob. This is not what the novel is about though. The novel starts with her break-up with Jacob. They broke up because she is embarrassed to tell her family about Jacob since he is mixed race. I don't want to spoil the novel but then something shocking happens and the rest of the novel is about Durga trying to find her way.
This was only OK to me. It felt very slow and honestly I really didn't want to read about someones break up. The book did get better near the end. I really like the Durga at the end of the story and I enjoyed reading about her sister Tia. I just wish this book wasn't as sad as it was for the majority of the book because the ending was good.
Thank you to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for this ARC.
This was only OK to me. It felt very slow and honestly I really didn't want to read about someones break up. The book did get better near the end. I really like the Durga at the end of the story and I enjoyed reading about her sister Tia. I just wish this book wasn't as sad as it was for the majority of the book because the ending was good.
Thank you to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for this ARC.
May 27, 2025
3.5 stars for the great beginning.
This was a sad coming of her own story of one immigrant girl trying to make a life for herself in Cork, Ireland.
One fatal assumption away from the tragedy that will change her life in more ways that she thought possible.
Yet, there were too many « happy endings » and « understanding parents » involved that made the premise of her assumption null and void. And the book became too preachy near the end.
« For many years I assumed religion was practiced only by the elderly, since Didu was the only person in our house who seemed to give it some thought. »
« What you miss about home is our childhood, Durga, and that's over. »
This was a sad coming of her own story of one immigrant girl trying to make a life for herself in Cork, Ireland.
One fatal assumption away from the tragedy that will change her life in more ways that she thought possible.
Yet, there were too many « happy endings » and « understanding parents » involved that made the premise of her assumption null and void. And the book became too preachy near the end.
« For many years I assumed religion was practiced only by the elderly, since Didu was the only person in our house who seemed to give it some thought. »
« What you miss about home is our childhood, Durga, and that's over. »
May 28, 2025
3.5/5
As an Indian who has lived in several places as an immigrant, I love finding pieces of myself in books that showcase the immigrant mindset and challenges. It's tough to not feel like you have one foot in two different worlds; that you're constantly trying to straddle the line between not only retaining your own culture but also adapting to the new one you're now a part of. Disha Bose has done a good job doing the same in I Will Blossom Anyway , a story based on a modern Indian woman who is settled in Ireland and struggles with her own identity and place in this world after her breakup with an Irish local.
I enjoyed seeing the bits and pieces of India that were shown in the book. The noise and myriad of smells of an Indian neighborhood, the home cooked meals, the dynamics of an Indian family, arranged marriages, the nosy neighbors churning the gossip mill, generational stereotypes and superstitions, and the caste system were all details that were touched upon - and I'd say nothing really felt like it was wrongly misrepresented. Durga's journey and character development were nice to see, and although the plot did seem to lag at some points, it did pull me in just enough to want to see how her story resolves. There was some mixed race rep in the book, along with some LGBTQ rep in the side characters.
When it comes to the things that missed the mark for me, I would've liked the characters of Luke and Surjo to perhaps have been a bit more developed. All, if not most, of the Indian men (mild spoiler!) had been portrayed as complete trash, which was unfortunate because I'd have loved to see a strong, kind-hearted brown male lead, even if he wasn't the primary love interest. The story would sometimes feel a bit scattered to me, and I'd occasionally wonder where it was heading before the author would thankfully bring it back on track.
All in all though, I enjoyed this read. I related a lot to several of the characters in the story, and I'd definitely be up for reading more of Bose's work!
TW: book mentions topics like death of a loved one, trauma, anxiety/panic attacks, domestic abuse, infertility
A huge thank you to the author for this lovely gifted copy!
As an Indian who has lived in several places as an immigrant, I love finding pieces of myself in books that showcase the immigrant mindset and challenges. It's tough to not feel like you have one foot in two different worlds; that you're constantly trying to straddle the line between not only retaining your own culture but also adapting to the new one you're now a part of. Disha Bose has done a good job doing the same in I Will Blossom Anyway , a story based on a modern Indian woman who is settled in Ireland and struggles with her own identity and place in this world after her breakup with an Irish local.
I enjoyed seeing the bits and pieces of India that were shown in the book. The noise and myriad of smells of an Indian neighborhood, the home cooked meals, the dynamics of an Indian family, arranged marriages, the nosy neighbors churning the gossip mill, generational stereotypes and superstitions, and the caste system were all details that were touched upon - and I'd say nothing really felt like it was wrongly misrepresented. Durga's journey and character development were nice to see, and although the plot did seem to lag at some points, it did pull me in just enough to want to see how her story resolves. There was some mixed race rep in the book, along with some LGBTQ rep in the side characters.
When it comes to the things that missed the mark for me, I would've liked the characters of Luke and Surjo to perhaps have been a bit more developed. All, if not most, of the Indian men (mild spoiler!) had been portrayed as complete trash, which was unfortunate because I'd have loved to see a strong, kind-hearted brown male lead, even if he wasn't the primary love interest. The story would sometimes feel a bit scattered to me, and I'd occasionally wonder where it was heading before the author would thankfully bring it back on track.
All in all though, I enjoyed this read. I related a lot to several of the characters in the story, and I'd definitely be up for reading more of Bose's work!
TW: book mentions topics like death of a loved one, trauma, anxiety/panic attacks, domestic abuse, infertility
A huge thank you to the author for this lovely gifted copy!
2025
September 30, 2025ANHPI TBR
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books
May 10, 2025
Despite the cover, I Will Blossom Anyway is not a Rom-Com nor even a romance. Rather, it is a story of heartbreak and loneliness and grief and finding friendship and rediscovering family. It was profoundly sad, but also full of hope... hope that one can get through terrible tragedies, mourn, but also appreciate when happiness comes along in its wake. It is about finding yourself even when you didn't know you needed to be found.
I loved the co-settings of Ireland and India, both of which I have visited and love dearly. Quickly glancing at the author's Instagram page, I can't help but wonder if just a little bit of this story is autobiographical or at the very least influenced by personal life experiences. I'd love to hear her own story one day.
Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
I loved the co-settings of Ireland and India, both of which I have visited and love dearly. Quickly glancing at the author's Instagram page, I can't help but wonder if just a little bit of this story is autobiographical or at the very least influenced by personal life experiences. I'd love to hear her own story one day.
Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
July 2, 2025
The definition of a coming of age story — a twenty something girl trying to figure out who she is among her cultural and family identities. Enjoyable but somewhat hard to figure out what the message was supposed to be?
February 13, 2025
I was extremely lucky to receive an advanced proof copy from this astounding author and wow how grateful I am that I did not have to wait to read Durga's story!!!
I am in tears writing this. Partly from the story and partly from how much I am going to miss Durga and the other host of wonderful characters, Joy, Jacob, Tia, Parul, just to name a few.
I found Durga to be such a relatable character. When I was younger I too moved away for a time from my family, where I was sheltered and it felt safe. I could understand the excitement of being away and having your own space and independence, but, the loneliness that also comes with it and being torn between two lives. I just wish I had been as brave as Durga!
There are so many fascinating relationships and dynamics throughout the whole book and I was enthralled by all the side plots going on in the background. Every character, no matter how minor, was fully fleshed out and felt so real. Disha Bose is a master at capturing the complexities of all forms of love and how it can be affected by life, heartbreak, grief and the overwhelming desire to be found, seen and to belong.
I became an instant and huge fan of Bose after her debut novel 'Dirty Laundry', which is a huge favorite among our library patrons. I have no doubt that when they will go nuts once again when they get their hands on this book.
I hope that I can blossom anyway, just like Durga.
(Also..... I neeeeeeeed a book about Tia!!!)
Thank you so much Disha for sharing this beautiful story with the world.
I am in tears writing this. Partly from the story and partly from how much I am going to miss Durga and the other host of wonderful characters, Joy, Jacob, Tia, Parul, just to name a few.
I found Durga to be such a relatable character. When I was younger I too moved away for a time from my family, where I was sheltered and it felt safe. I could understand the excitement of being away and having your own space and independence, but, the loneliness that also comes with it and being torn between two lives. I just wish I had been as brave as Durga!
There are so many fascinating relationships and dynamics throughout the whole book and I was enthralled by all the side plots going on in the background. Every character, no matter how minor, was fully fleshed out and felt so real. Disha Bose is a master at capturing the complexities of all forms of love and how it can be affected by life, heartbreak, grief and the overwhelming desire to be found, seen and to belong.
I became an instant and huge fan of Bose after her debut novel 'Dirty Laundry', which is a huge favorite among our library patrons. I have no doubt that when they will go nuts once again when they get their hands on this book.
I hope that I can blossom anyway, just like Durga.
(Also..... I neeeeeeeed a book about Tia!!!)
Thank you so much Disha for sharing this beautiful story with the world.
June 9, 2025
Thank you to Net Galley and Ballantine for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. Durga is the first of her family to leave Calcutta. She has always felt like the least (as her siblings seem to shine in ways she doesn't) and all the traditional expectations feel like a heavy weight. She decides she will leave India and she works hard to make it happen - finding a tech job in Ireland and also a boyfriend Jacob, along with becoming best friends with his sister, Joy. Yet everything isn't perfect in the paradise she imagined being away from her family and home. Jacob breaks up with Durga and she becomes unsure of all the decisions she made, leaving home and her life that she's made in Ireland. This is a coming of age story about growing up, finding your own voice and place in the world but also discovering the importance and meaning of family and home along with those who are chosen family and chosen home. 3.5 stars.
April 29, 2025
Durga is a young Indian woman who has led a sheltered life. She gets a promotion at work and is offered a transfer to the company’s offices in Ireland. The story follows Durga through her life in Ireland to going back to India for her sister’s wedding as well as other traumatic events. We get to know Durga as these events help make her more self aware and confident in herself. I had a bit of trouble getting into the story, but once she went back to India, it took off for me. I love stories with an Irish setting, but found Durga’s family life in India fascinating. I also thoroughly enjoyed seeing Durga grow and learn to think for herself. I loved the ending too!
July 9, 2025
I’m usually a fan of coming-of-age stories but that’s because there is growth involved. It’s difficult for characters to grow when they’re not really fleshed out to begin with. Durga was an interesting character and there was so much potential with the Indian woman embracing her new life in Ireland but there wasn’t much there. Additionally, the start was a little disorganized with the introduction to the two men muddled and confusing, all thrown at you in the first few pages; it was tough to know who to root for. I gave up after about 20% as I couldn’t connect to any of the characters or the story on the whole.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
January 19, 2025
I wish I could read this again for the first time.
SPOILER-FREE SYNOPSIS:
This book follows Durga, a woman who was born and raised in India with traditional parents and 4 siblings, who moves to Ireland to work for a technology company. She falls in love with Jacob, but their secret 2-year relationship comes to an end when she decides not to invite him to her sister's wedding back in India for fear that he won't be accepted by her family. Following their breakup, Durga finds herself mentally battling between her newfound understanding of being a modern woman and the pressures of her upbringing and cultural expectations.
Isn't it funny how life sometimes gives you exactly what you need in a turbulent or emotionally difficult time in your life? This book was the serendipity I needed - giving me the extra push I needed to make a drastic but positive change in my life. I found so much meaning in this book, and it helped me process a lot of my own feelings and recent life changes while indirectly relating to and sympathizing so much with Durga and her grief. The relationships were so complex yet relatable, and the character development throughout was just so satisfying and hopeful. This book made me feel so seen. Highly, highly recommend.
Thank you to @netgalley + @randomhouse for the ARC, and to @dishabossy for this beautiful coming-of-age story releasing on May 6, 2025!
Review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Genre: coming-of-age, self-discovery, romance, contemporary fiction
Trigger warnings: grief, death of a loved one, domestic violence, complex family dynamics
SPOILER-FREE SYNOPSIS:
This book follows Durga, a woman who was born and raised in India with traditional parents and 4 siblings, who moves to Ireland to work for a technology company. She falls in love with Jacob, but their secret 2-year relationship comes to an end when she decides not to invite him to her sister's wedding back in India for fear that he won't be accepted by her family. Following their breakup, Durga finds herself mentally battling between her newfound understanding of being a modern woman and the pressures of her upbringing and cultural expectations.
Isn't it funny how life sometimes gives you exactly what you need in a turbulent or emotionally difficult time in your life? This book was the serendipity I needed - giving me the extra push I needed to make a drastic but positive change in my life. I found so much meaning in this book, and it helped me process a lot of my own feelings and recent life changes while indirectly relating to and sympathizing so much with Durga and her grief. The relationships were so complex yet relatable, and the character development throughout was just so satisfying and hopeful. This book made me feel so seen. Highly, highly recommend.
Thank you to @netgalley + @randomhouse for the ARC, and to @dishabossy for this beautiful coming-of-age story releasing on May 6, 2025!
Review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Genre: coming-of-age, self-discovery, romance, contemporary fiction
Trigger warnings: grief, death of a loved one, domestic violence, complex family dynamics
January 17, 2025
This is a sweet book that explores the Hindu myth of Durga and Kali--one pure of heart and one her alter ego. It begins with protagonist Durga who has moved from India to Ireland and lives with flatmate and best friend, Joy. Joy's brother Jacob has been Durga's on-again, off-again boyfriend and something tragic happens just as Durga meets another man walking on the beach. But she must soon travel to India for a wedding and is worried that her traditional parents will attempt an arranged marriage for her so she's reluctant to go. She does and everything that transpires after that just proves that no matter where you are you are always home with family!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
September 24, 2025
I Will Blossom Anyway is an absolute gem of a younger adult coming of age story that perfectly blends grief and hope in the face of an unexpected loss.
What I loved about Durga and her circumstances is that anyone who has fallen in love with someone outside of their race/religion/ethnicity can relate to the internal conflict of loving both someone who is considered an "outsider" and love for family coupled with a fear of losing one or the other. As someone who is non-religious and married into a very religious family, I saw this struggle with my own husband. Too often children do not give their family enough credit and do not realize that the things they think will break someone can be quickly overshadowed by someone else in the family and their drama. At the end of the day, most parents love their children and just simply want them to be happy.
I also thoroughly enjoyed the portrayal of Durga's relationships. It always happens to be the ones we think we are going to end up with are not the ones we do and the ones we least expect to have things work out with, sometimes are the ones we end up spending the rest of our live next to. I appreciated the fact that Durga never acts irrationally and she lets herself heal in proper time in order to pursue a future with someone else after her loss. Her friendship with Joy was authentic and I loved the support that they showed for each other and the fact that it is ok to have differences and work through them.
This was a slower burn coming of age story, but definitely recommend to any woman who has experienced a relationship loss, or a younger adult who may be questioning whether or not to introduce the one they love to their family. Although this is the first book I have read by the author, it most certainly will not be the last.
Thank you to NetGalley, Ballantine, and Disha Bose for an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.
What I loved about Durga and her circumstances is that anyone who has fallen in love with someone outside of their race/religion/ethnicity can relate to the internal conflict of loving both someone who is considered an "outsider" and love for family coupled with a fear of losing one or the other. As someone who is non-religious and married into a very religious family, I saw this struggle with my own husband. Too often children do not give their family enough credit and do not realize that the things they think will break someone can be quickly overshadowed by someone else in the family and their drama. At the end of the day, most parents love their children and just simply want them to be happy.
I also thoroughly enjoyed the portrayal of Durga's relationships. It always happens to be the ones we think we are going to end up with are not the ones we do and the ones we least expect to have things work out with, sometimes are the ones we end up spending the rest of our live next to. I appreciated the fact that Durga never acts irrationally and she lets herself heal in proper time in order to pursue a future with someone else after her loss. Her friendship with Joy was authentic and I loved the support that they showed for each other and the fact that it is ok to have differences and work through them.
This was a slower burn coming of age story, but definitely recommend to any woman who has experienced a relationship loss, or a younger adult who may be questioning whether or not to introduce the one they love to their family. Although this is the first book I have read by the author, it most certainly will not be the last.
Thank you to NetGalley, Ballantine, and Disha Bose for an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 13, 2025
4 stars
This book is an unexpected treat: unassuming but unwaveringly engaging.
Durga arrives in Ireland from India to take a new job and - more importantly - blaze a trail for her family...especially her three siblings. She comes with minimal expectations but finds herself grappling with romance, loss, friendship, and especially herself throughout her experience. A shocking event coincides with a trip home, and when Durga reunites with her family, she finds that they know her less than ever and that maybe she can have an unexpected impact on every one of them.
This book is billed first as romance, and while there are romantic relationships, they are not the star of this show. Durga's growth and the coming-of-age aspect are the clear joint standouts. I really enjoyed reading about Durga's journey, her evolving relationship with Joy, and especially her changing relationships with family. I'm a sucker for sibling-centered narratives, and this one delivers in a fulfilling way.
This is my first book by this author, and it will not be my last. With just this one read, Bose is now on my you write it/I'll read it list. I recommend this one to folks looking for a strong character in an unassuming package.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Megan Whalen at Random House Publishing Group for this widget, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
This book is an unexpected treat: unassuming but unwaveringly engaging.
Durga arrives in Ireland from India to take a new job and - more importantly - blaze a trail for her family...especially her three siblings. She comes with minimal expectations but finds herself grappling with romance, loss, friendship, and especially herself throughout her experience. A shocking event coincides with a trip home, and when Durga reunites with her family, she finds that they know her less than ever and that maybe she can have an unexpected impact on every one of them.
This book is billed first as romance, and while there are romantic relationships, they are not the star of this show. Durga's growth and the coming-of-age aspect are the clear joint standouts. I really enjoyed reading about Durga's journey, her evolving relationship with Joy, and especially her changing relationships with family. I'm a sucker for sibling-centered narratives, and this one delivers in a fulfilling way.
This is my first book by this author, and it will not be my last. With just this one read, Bose is now on my you write it/I'll read it list. I recommend this one to folks looking for a strong character in an unassuming package.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Megan Whalen at Random House Publishing Group for this widget, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
March 10, 2025
This was an engaging examination of self-discovery.
Durga was promoted with her first major job. It took her from an overcrowded, noisy family home where it was warm in Calcutta to a place that was totally different. Cork, south of Dublin, was quiet with cold winds. She looked different than everyone else and had no idea how to drive.
Her family wanted her to return to India where she belonged. Her mother was following traditions with arranged marriages and Durga was soon to be on her list. From her faraway place, this made her nervous as she didn’t want to disappoint her Ma and Baba with a man she was dating – for the fear they wouldn’t approve.
Durga’s close family ties in India energized the story along with her roommate in Ireland whom she adored. The author used her own life experiences living in both of these places to give readers a clear vision of the changes. With her gift of writing, she was able to transport readers into a world where there were strong cultural differences.
The story came with an unexpected turn a third of the way which made me curious how it would evolve. I learned more about family values in India. I’m not sure I liked the ending but I know the characters will stay with me for some time.
My thanks to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book with an expected release date of May 6, 2025.
Durga was promoted with her first major job. It took her from an overcrowded, noisy family home where it was warm in Calcutta to a place that was totally different. Cork, south of Dublin, was quiet with cold winds. She looked different than everyone else and had no idea how to drive.
Her family wanted her to return to India where she belonged. Her mother was following traditions with arranged marriages and Durga was soon to be on her list. From her faraway place, this made her nervous as she didn’t want to disappoint her Ma and Baba with a man she was dating – for the fear they wouldn’t approve.
Durga’s close family ties in India energized the story along with her roommate in Ireland whom she adored. The author used her own life experiences living in both of these places to give readers a clear vision of the changes. With her gift of writing, she was able to transport readers into a world where there were strong cultural differences.
The story came with an unexpected turn a third of the way which made me curious how it would evolve. I learned more about family values in India. I’m not sure I liked the ending but I know the characters will stay with me for some time.
My thanks to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book with an expected release date of May 6, 2025.
July 6, 2025
This is one of the most beautiful books I have read in a long time. I love a good book with a personal growth journey. Meet Durga- kind of the black sheep of her Bengali family. She has two sisters who seem like they have it all together and a brother who is adored by everyone he meets. Durga is kind of that middle child who is still trying to find out where she fits in to the family dynamic. She is currently living in Ireland after having left her home in India. She thought it would be the fresh start she needed to become her own person, but has been struggling recently. She is that quiet introverted person in Ireland and finds confidence when she meets her new bestie/flatmate Joy.... who also happens to have a brother named Jacob 😉Durga kind of clings to these two and builds her life around them. When tragedy strikes, her relationships in Ireland begin to struggle. She starts questioning if she should move back to India and rejoin her family who has been pushing for her to pursue an arranged marriage. By the way, I knew from the beginning to never trust a man with a receding hairline (of course, no offense to those who have it😅). During Durga's visit to India for her sister's wedding, she really begins to struggle with discovering where she belongs now. Durga begins to voice her opinions and really break into the person she knows she can be- Kali. Overall, this book gave me everything. I love how the love interest wasn't a saturated romance novel and completely syrupy. Disha knew how to blend everything perfectly. Loved it 👏
May 4, 2025
I Will Blossom Anyway is the second novel by Disha Bose and features Durga, a 27 year old woman from India, living and working in Ireland. Part romance novel, part coming-of-age novel, Durga struggles with meshing the two halves of her life together. She is in a two year relationship with Jacob, but on a break, as she did not invite Jacob to come home with her for her sister’s wedding. In fact, no one in her family is even aware of the relationship. Then an unexpected event occurs that Durga needs to deal with.
I enjoyed the character of Joy, Durga’s best friend and sister of Jacob. She really helped Durga become her own person but certainly had her own flaws. There is a lot of family drama in the second half of the novel as we get to know the members of Durga’s family.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and Penguin Random House for the opportunity to read and review this digital ARC.
I enjoyed the character of Joy, Durga’s best friend and sister of Jacob. She really helped Durga become her own person but certainly had her own flaws. There is a lot of family drama in the second half of the novel as we get to know the members of Durga’s family.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and Penguin Random House for the opportunity to read and review this digital ARC.
August 19, 2025
Durga moves away from her family, friends, and life she grew up with to move to Ireland for a job. She finally feels like she can be herself, finds a friend in her roommate Joy, and discovers love with Jacob.
However, she finds herself torn between her two worlds and isn’t sure how she will make her way through.
A unique and modern coming of age story of someone caught between family tradition and individuality.
Thank you to @netgalley for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.
#netgalley #netgallyreviewer #netgalleyreader #netgalleyarc #fiction #booklover #bookreviews #whatimreading #whatiread #bookish #bookstagram #bookworm #booknerd #bookaddict #bibliophile #bookgram #bookstagrammer #instabooks #bookreviewer #takealookitsinabook
However, she finds herself torn between her two worlds and isn’t sure how she will make her way through.
A unique and modern coming of age story of someone caught between family tradition and individuality.
Thank you to @netgalley for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.
#netgalley #netgallyreviewer #netgalleyreader #netgalleyarc #fiction #booklover #bookreviews #whatimreading #whatiread #bookish #bookstagram #bookworm #booknerd #bookaddict #bibliophile #bookgram #bookstagrammer #instabooks #bookreviewer #takealookitsinabook
June 9, 2025
I liked the developing confidence story arc, descriptions of Indian and South African food (bobotie and biltong got a shout out!), and the unexpected role each of the secondary main characters and love interests played. I also liked the important role friendship and family played in a book with a strong romance presence. I didn’t like that the conflict between Joy and Durga was sometimes repetitive, as was the tension of Durga keeping things from important people. At times the plot dragged a little bit based on that, but otherwise, no complaints!
May 10, 2025
This is a coming of age story about Durga, first in her controlling her loving Indian family to leave home and enjoy freedom for the first time. She finds love and friendship in Ireland but then everything falls apart. She must learn confidence and acceptance after the grief to live a life she never expected.
Since the story begins with her breakup, much of the story is kind of sad and the pacing a bit slow, but the ending was wonderful and worth the read. This is my first book by this author and I thought it was pretty good.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Since the story begins with her breakup, much of the story is kind of sad and the pacing a bit slow, but the ending was wonderful and worth the read. This is my first book by this author and I thought it was pretty good.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 2, 2025
There is a really good story in here, but nothing is fully realized. So much happens, but you never really feel like you are there with the characters. Overall, it felt amateur and lacked flow. A quick read.
July 8, 2025
What a beautiful story! Full of family, friendship, struggles with self identity and culture, grief and heartbreak. I could barely put it down!
August 10, 2025
This was a fun story of choosing what you want in life or choosing what is expected of you and your families traditions.
Durga is a young Indian woman, who moved to Ireland for a job leaving her big family in India and all of their expectations for her.
Durga struggles with, which life she would want to pursue, but soon her sister Tia is getting married and she is going home for the wedding.
In Ireland she doesn't have that many good friends, but she has a best girlfriend who is her roommate, and had a boyfriend that she was was in love with. During this journey she needs to see where her future lies
A lot of good story lines and Characters in this book. A great read
I am definitely checking out her other books,
I would like to thank NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine for a copy of this book
Durga is a young Indian woman, who moved to Ireland for a job leaving her big family in India and all of their expectations for her.
Durga struggles with, which life she would want to pursue, but soon her sister Tia is getting married and she is going home for the wedding.
In Ireland she doesn't have that many good friends, but she has a best girlfriend who is her roommate, and had a boyfriend that she was was in love with. During this journey she needs to see where her future lies
A lot of good story lines and Characters in this book. A great read
I am definitely checking out her other books,
I would like to thank NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine for a copy of this book
January 1, 2025
I Will Blossom Anyways is a promising book by author Disha Bose. It centers around Durga, a young woman living in Cork after leaving her family in India to live life on her own terms. The story has so much potential exploring interracial relationships, complex family dynamics, grief, and friendship. My biggest knock, and the reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5, is that it almost felt like there was too much going on at once. I understand the thought process, but I think with a little bit of editing, the execution could be awesome! Overall, great read!
March 8, 2025
The voice of the main character, Durga, felt so natural in this book. I’ve never had to experience the push and pull of two wildly different cultures but felt as if I was completely immersed in Durga’s point of view. While I didn’t always agree with them, Durga’s actions made perfect sense to me and were so relatable. While my reasons have not been the same as Durga’s reasons, I too have had moments of self destruction, times where I questioned all my major life choices, situations in which I should’ve treated others with more grace, and decisions I avoided because I wanted other people to make them for me. While I Will Blossom Anyway is technically not a coming-of-age novel, it’s still a novel focused on self-realization, maturing, and growth. It took Durga 95% of the book to get to that point, but I wasn’t complaining. The pacing felt realistic. I also appreciated that all the minor characters in the book served to aid Durga’s personality development; nothing felt unnecessary to the story. While I found Bose’s style to be very similar to Sally Rooney’s, I much preferred Bose’s. I experienced the same realistic perspective, the same level of introspection, the same dislike of the main characters (although not to such an extent as the hate I feel for Rooney’s women), and approximately the same period of life, but I enjoyed reading this novel far more (character growth, plot, and a resolution being major points in this book’s favor). I am super grateful to have been able to read the ARC for this novel. Call me a fan; I will definitely be reading Bose’s debut novel and am looking forward to any of her future works.
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