Disclaimer : I got this book from the Author. It is my personal opinion and NOT a commissioned one.
As the world shrinks due to cultural crossovers, the mentality of the humans are taking the time to catch up. In a country where you cannot marry a guy who speaks in a different dialect, marrying outside the country is a shocker. And this happened to the parents of Eila and Sheela - they could not accept when Sheela marries an American. They severe all ties with her and guess who had to bear the brunt of her 'conduct' - the siblings.
U.S.A calling:
Eila convinces her parents and comes to stay with Sheela when she gets a job in the IT sector. She knew in her heart she had to keep up her parent's faith in her and not do the same mistake that Sheela had committed.
Tentative steps:
Her meeting with Sheela's family could have been a comedy if the relationship between Steve and Sheela was not on a rocky boat. Initially, she did not care for her brother-in-law - for Steve was a guy who had taken her sister away from her family and broken the family up.
Gelling well:
As she merges into her work life, she gets used to many things in the USA like transports, way of life, food and .. mugging. Ouch! And in this hectic work schedule, she constantly bumps into a blue eyed 'ogre' -Brett Wright. Brett also introduces the author's sense of humor the readers.
"Brett Wright not White. Wright. No wonder he is so full of himself."
Subdued sense of humor
Sprinkled throughout the novel, Ms. Dixit's sense of humor will make you giggle. They appear at the most inappropriate of times. Subtle. Catches you unaware.
Portraying the NRI lifestyle.
Ms. Dixit has portrayed the NRI lifestyle to the T. Through Sheela, she has shown how some of the NRI's compensate for their kids, the Indian 'upbringing'. The best phrase we seem to have here is - we don't do it, We are Indians, our culture does not allow it. And when Sheela tried to Indian-ise her family life, it was bound to have repercussions.
Growing Relationships.
As Eila settles down she forms many new relationships - colleagues and family. Her blow hot and blow cold relationship with Brett is very humorous and fiery. A beautiful friendship with Randall and Megan and most of all, the mending of hearts with her own sister, Sheela.
Clash of culture -
As nature conspires to bring Brett and Eila together, she fights the constant battle, within herself, knowing her parents cannot tolerate marriage outside their community. Will she be able to make them accept Brett or like Sheela she too would have to leave her parents?
Reasoning
1. It's a beautifully penned novel. The pages are full of humor, wit. The life of the NRI's are well portrayed and Ms. Dixit has done it with an elan - neither apologizing nor condescending.
2. The humor in the story made me finish this novel at one go. I loved the relationship between Steve and Eila. The way it grows from tolerating each other to being family. Superbly penned.
3. But this novel left a few questions unanswered (for me)
a) Since the parents are given so much importance, why was the ending left to the reader's imagination? My guess would be a sequel is coming up...? Am I right Ms. Dixit?
b) Was Brett so uncaring that he did not care that his ex-girlfriend was present in the room ?. Here I find most of the Indian men ogling over gals when their beautiful wives are just in front of them. Learn from Brett, Guys! Undivided attention is the secret of a successful relationship. :D
Would I recommend the book?
Yes, I would. In fact a must for all romance lovers. You will love the chemistry between Brett and Eila. There are many small instances where you would root for them. They look so perfect together. Read this book when you need a smile.
Line that stayed with me....
Rule number 8: Seriously, only read the bestselling books in horror and self-help genres. The former will help you kill time by making you sweat, shake and fear your own reflection, thereby distracting you from HIS thoughts. And the latter will help you fall asleep faster than any over-the-counter sleeping pills.
Hhahahha.. Why it is said and in what context - that you all have to read this book and find out. As of me, before signing off must mention (again) that Ms. Dixit's sense of humor is fabulous.