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The Last Conception
Passionate embryologist, Savarna, is in a complicated relationship, with two different women, when she is told that she MUST have a baby. Her conservative East Indian American parents are desperate for her to conceive, in spite of her "not being married". They insist that she is the last in line of a great spiritual lineage. In the process of choosing her lover and having doubts about her ability, or desire to conceive, Savarna begins to question the necessity of biology and lineage within her parents' beliefs and becomes forever fascinated with the process of conception and the definition of family. Threads of Dan Brown (DaVinci Code), Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni (Sister of My Heart) and The L Word (TV series) flavor this colorful tale of awakening, romance and mystery.
- GenresLGBT
195 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 16, 2014
45 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
dnf
February 11, 2018DNF. The brutal rule about tackling the TBR is not to hang with a book that isn’t doing it for me. And if I know only 5% in that it won’t do it for me, so be it. Life is short and books are many. Thanks for the date, shake hands, part as friends and move on.
January 24, 2023
'The Last Conception' by Gabriel Constans is a coming of age LGBTQIA novel that everyone should have on their bookshelf. The novel is a page turner, brilliantly crafted & can make one laugh as well as feel emotionally sentimental. As one reads about the tender love story of Savarna & Charley, one will empathize with their issues, the obstacles in their path to become a serious couple as well as their little joys & loving moments. One will wonder the about the secret behind the insistence of Savarna's adamant parents for wanting their daughter to get pregnant at any cost & how things will turn out in a world full of Indian orthodoxy, ancient customs & new age solutions to age old problems. 'The Last Conception' will take the reader on an enjoyable roller coaster ride into the world of the embryologist Savarna who is 34 years old, not totally thinking of settling down & is busy most of the time 'trying to make babies' as is mentioned by stellar author Constans. One will meet interesting people along the way which include a best friend male embryologist, a lesbian painter, a hyper Indian-American mother, a cancer survivor, an ancient Indian grandmother with a dark secret & so many other memorable characters that will make your reading of 'The Last Conception' an enjoyable, fun-filled & yet suspenseful one. I've always been a great fan of bestselling Indian author Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni & this novel by Constans follows her style with a suspenseful & eerie twist which can blow your mind away. You will certainly be caught unawares about the ingenious solution stumbled upon at the end of the novel that you will have to sit back & admire the finesse of Gabriel Constans. Constans can easily give all of the bestselling Indian fiction writers a run for their money. The plot is water tight & brilliantly presented with not a single editing or proofreading error in sight. I especially loved the romance between Savarna & Charley & presentation of the author made me love the characters with every turn of the page. I also admired the eccentric personalities of the Indian-American parents in this novel who always seem to be fixated on pregnancy at all costs which made me giggle a lot. LGBTQIA issues, IVF & abortions among others are indirectly dealt with in the novel which makes it a topical read, especially in the wake of so much controversy concerning these specific issues. 'The Last Conception' is evergreen & cthough written a while back is still up to date regarding the biology regrading pregnancy, the development of an embryo outside the womb & modern gynecology solutions. The book is highly LGBTQIA sensitive making it a wonderful read for anyone & everyone. It can be used as a wonderful coming of age book for individuals who do not conform with the gender identities society has made for them. It is a wonderful novel for the Indian reader who loves a bit of romance, mystery & drama in their literary diet. You will especially fall in love with the character of Johnny & his devotion to the people he loves & respects. The dialogues concerning all the medical elements in this book are relevant & authentic but penned by Constans in a simple yet professional manner. I especially appreciated the way embryology & the growth of a embryo outside the womb was described at the beginning of the novel. I therefore highly recommend this touching novel about gender sensitivity & the modern ways reproduction in humans is being considered in this age in the wake of the sexual revolution. Grab your copy of this book today & get involved in a world turned upside down by traditions, attachments & love. East meets West in 'The Last Conception', it is for the reader to find out which side wins or what other solution can be reached towards a more comfortable life for all the characters in American & in India. 'The Last Conception' obviously gets 5 stars from me. Kudos to the author on a job well done! I've also realized that this brilliant novel has been made into a a movie in the year 2020. Will definitely check it out now that I have enjoyed the novel, you should too.
May 19, 2018
The Last Conception by Gabriel Constans was a delight to read. This novel covered the gamut of human emotion and interaction. Extremely well-written with brilliant character development, I had trouble stepping away from the story, flipping pages into the wee hours.
Savarna is an embryologist helping other women in their quest for pregnancy. She works with one of her best buds, Johnny, a friendly and disarming black man who is a pivotal character in the book. When Savarna’s conservative Asian parents, who are stereotypically meddling yet caring, insist that she continue the family’s lineage, the young Indian woman slowly warms up to the idea—at least in terms of conceiving a child, but to a lesser extent in regard to the somewhat bizarre notion her folks present to her.
“We often live out our dreams through our children.”
The fact that Savarna is a lesbian and has yet to tell her parents of her sexual orientation turns out to be the least of her problems. Despite all the tests she has done indicating she’s a healthy and fertile woman, she is unable to get pregnant. The journey Savarna takes along with Johnny, her donor, and Charley, her partner, draws the reader into an emotional saga of compassion, grief, love, and understanding.
A thought-provoking and entertaining read, The Last Conception is without a doubt a five-star read!
Savarna is an embryologist helping other women in their quest for pregnancy. She works with one of her best buds, Johnny, a friendly and disarming black man who is a pivotal character in the book. When Savarna’s conservative Asian parents, who are stereotypically meddling yet caring, insist that she continue the family’s lineage, the young Indian woman slowly warms up to the idea—at least in terms of conceiving a child, but to a lesser extent in regard to the somewhat bizarre notion her folks present to her.
“We often live out our dreams through our children.”
The fact that Savarna is a lesbian and has yet to tell her parents of her sexual orientation turns out to be the least of her problems. Despite all the tests she has done indicating she’s a healthy and fertile woman, she is unable to get pregnant. The journey Savarna takes along with Johnny, her donor, and Charley, her partner, draws the reader into an emotional saga of compassion, grief, love, and understanding.
A thought-provoking and entertaining read, The Last Conception is without a doubt a five-star read!
December 20, 2018
It is an emotional book about carry on the family name no matter what. More romance that I asked for.
Thank you Netgalley for this book.
Thank you Netgalley for this book.
April 12, 2018
What would you do when your family pressures you into having a child using as a reason something that you hardly believe in? You have your doubts but you will think your parents got a bit crazy and even if you love them, you simply can’t believe that they are telling the truth. But then you start to believe and you also realize that you wish to have a child more than anything in the world. Wanting a child is one thing, but conceiving one in a gay relationship seems a bit complicated. Well, nothing would be impossible if you would be able to get pregnant. Despite the seriousness of the topic, the novel is full of humor also. As the main character comes from an Indian family and the big secret is related to India, the book gives you some insights in this area too. It is mysterious, sweet, funny and entertaining at the same time. The words are flowing nicely and you get caught up in the story before you even realize.
Reader type: If you like romance, with or without lesbian characters and with a bit of mystery, this is the book for you. Give it a try if you didn't already, I am sure you will love it.
My favorite quotes from this book:
“Sometimes the answers are right in front of our face, but we just don’t listen.”
“It’s not just ‘old stuff’,” her grandmother said adamantly. “It is proof that you are related to our Great Teacher and are the last in line. Do not take this lightly. It is not just a matter of faith. It is your responsibility and the greatest of all honors.”
“Sometimes we’re so close to a situation or problem that we can’t see the solution, even when it’s as close as our own womb?”
More book reviews on: https://www.nicojgenes.com/book-reviews
Reader type: If you like romance, with or without lesbian characters and with a bit of mystery, this is the book for you. Give it a try if you didn't already, I am sure you will love it.
My favorite quotes from this book:
“Sometimes the answers are right in front of our face, but we just don’t listen.”
“It’s not just ‘old stuff’,” her grandmother said adamantly. “It is proof that you are related to our Great Teacher and are the last in line. Do not take this lightly. It is not just a matter of faith. It is your responsibility and the greatest of all honors.”
“Sometimes we’re so close to a situation or problem that we can’t see the solution, even when it’s as close as our own womb?”
More book reviews on: https://www.nicojgenes.com/book-reviews
January 30, 2025
THE LAST CONCEPTION
BY GABRIEL CONSTANS
A Book Review by Zea Perez
February 2024
The tale underscores on recognizing an individual’s freedom of orientation and choices.
This book highlights a family’s lineage belief and a heritage to uphold. And while the story unfolds, it showcases the quandary of the main character about fulfilling her family’s expectation and duty.
The tale underscores on recognizing and respecting an individual’s freedom of orientation, preference and choice in the matters of the heart and forming a family.
It is set and told in such a humorous and lighthearted situation and circumstance; and the characters are endearing making this book very pleasurable and relevant to read.
BY GABRIEL CONSTANS
A Book Review by Zea Perez
February 2024
The tale underscores on recognizing an individual’s freedom of orientation and choices.
This book highlights a family’s lineage belief and a heritage to uphold. And while the story unfolds, it showcases the quandary of the main character about fulfilling her family’s expectation and duty.
The tale underscores on recognizing and respecting an individual’s freedom of orientation, preference and choice in the matters of the heart and forming a family.
It is set and told in such a humorous and lighthearted situation and circumstance; and the characters are endearing making this book very pleasurable and relevant to read.
February 17, 2022
A joyful story that I'm proud to have featured on my Youtube channel. Fascinating character depth and development, a story line and plot that leaves no plot-holes or what-ifs, just the right amount of cultural and scientific descriptions where necessary to inform the reader but not bore them, and an excellent conclusion.
August 30, 2014
This is an intriguing and compelling story with a curious and pertinent sort of under the radar element. The two leading women eventually bond and their relationship grows in a very loving and satisfying way. In fact, I felt it was the solidity of the main couple's relationship that helped them through a more or less overwhelming year that did not produce the results they tried for so intently. I certainly recommend this book although there are two slightly difficult to absorb or reconcile scenarios near the end that left me a bit confused, but not unhappy. I would love to see a second book that would boldly follow through, resolve the confusion, and delightfully enlarge the scope initially presented. Fantastic!
Savarna Sikand is an accomplished scientist focusing in her world of work on the precise and exacting arena of in vitro fertilization as an embryologist. Considering how the main essence of this book evolves, there is a delicious irony in Savarna's work focus that expands and unfolds. In addition, Savarna shifts from a personal position she was fairly adamant about. Her understanding of her parents’point of view and her partner's core focus provides a motivation along with enlightenment directing her to a new inspiration and gratifying anticipation. Astounding!
Charlemagne Burnell, preferentially Charley, is deeply in love with Savarna. In fact, I learned this before I found out she is and up-and-coming artist. Her gradually expanding success and her showings provide a pleasurable sub-story that is highlighted near the end in regard to two creations of hers that I resoundingly appreciated. This part of the book was so lovingly intertwined as it blossoms into a fairly big deal. That was wondrously adorable. It was a bit like how Charley's mother reminds her and in turn Savarna that there is a solution to their most pressing problem via a means everyone, it seems, simply forgot existed. Charley is such a steadfast lover. She becomes, on occasion, a tad overzealous in her search for answers and understanding. However, her intentions being so honorable she has only a little trouble winning over everyone's support eventually. I loved Charley!
I will not elaborate upon the two points that I wished were handled differently as that would reveal a bit too much of the essential inner workings of this story. What is important is that I really enjoyed this book and I hope it is greatly appreciated by all. There are so many captivating concepts, cultural components from India, and a sublime love story, too. Enchanting!
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Savarna Sikand is an accomplished scientist focusing in her world of work on the precise and exacting arena of in vitro fertilization as an embryologist. Considering how the main essence of this book evolves, there is a delicious irony in Savarna's work focus that expands and unfolds. In addition, Savarna shifts from a personal position she was fairly adamant about. Her understanding of her parents’point of view and her partner's core focus provides a motivation along with enlightenment directing her to a new inspiration and gratifying anticipation. Astounding!
Charlemagne Burnell, preferentially Charley, is deeply in love with Savarna. In fact, I learned this before I found out she is and up-and-coming artist. Her gradually expanding success and her showings provide a pleasurable sub-story that is highlighted near the end in regard to two creations of hers that I resoundingly appreciated. This part of the book was so lovingly intertwined as it blossoms into a fairly big deal. That was wondrously adorable. It was a bit like how Charley's mother reminds her and in turn Savarna that there is a solution to their most pressing problem via a means everyone, it seems, simply forgot existed. Charley is such a steadfast lover. She becomes, on occasion, a tad overzealous in her search for answers and understanding. However, her intentions being so honorable she has only a little trouble winning over everyone's support eventually. I loved Charley!
I will not elaborate upon the two points that I wished were handled differently as that would reveal a bit too much of the essential inner workings of this story. What is important is that I really enjoyed this book and I hope it is greatly appreciated by all. There are so many captivating concepts, cultural components from India, and a sublime love story, too. Enchanting!
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
December 29, 2021
A Pensive Novel about IVF, Blood Lines, and Spiritual Beliefs
Savarna is an Indian American and embryologist, working in a clinic together with her friend and colleague, Johnny. Her parents, members of an ancient sect, have one wish: to see her married and producing a child.
The problem is that Savarna is a lesbian. She hasn’t told her parents and has no thought of becoming a mother.
It seems to be a simple problem, but Constans slowly unfolds a convoluted plot that will turn Savarna’s and her sister Chitra’s as well as their parents' world upside down several times.
The broad gallery of characters presents people of differing races, opinions, life plans, hopes, dreams, pasts, and concepts.
The Last Conception concentrates on family values – and how important they are to maintain – on relationships and why to get children – and -- perhaps why not. The novel also poses questions about how far we can go pursuing our wishes. A legend of compassion and love, this book points out that we can always find ways to create a better understanding of one another.
Savarna is an Indian American and embryologist, working in a clinic together with her friend and colleague, Johnny. Her parents, members of an ancient sect, have one wish: to see her married and producing a child.
The problem is that Savarna is a lesbian. She hasn’t told her parents and has no thought of becoming a mother.
It seems to be a simple problem, but Constans slowly unfolds a convoluted plot that will turn Savarna’s and her sister Chitra’s as well as their parents' world upside down several times.
The broad gallery of characters presents people of differing races, opinions, life plans, hopes, dreams, pasts, and concepts.
The Last Conception concentrates on family values – and how important they are to maintain – on relationships and why to get children – and -- perhaps why not. The novel also poses questions about how far we can go pursuing our wishes. A legend of compassion and love, this book points out that we can always find ways to create a better understanding of one another.
August 15, 2022
I have to give it to Gabriel Constans for writing such a comprehensive book. There's striking humor, satire, vigilance to detail, professing conspiracy, and thousands of lessons to learn.
READ THE FULL REVIEW HERE: https://tinyurl.com/2yz4fe93
READ THE FULL REVIEW HERE: https://tinyurl.com/2yz4fe93
November 25, 2018
Savarna is in a relationship with Charley ( her girlfriend) . Her parents need her to have a baby ASAP to carry on the family name and history .. She is the last female who can ( they think she can ) . Turns out she can not carry babies either. So her girlfriend after she finally tells her parents . Carries the baby. This book was very different but it was good. I do recommend it. I enjoyed it.loads.
December 30, 2018
While I enjoyed the plot and the premise and the characters in this novel, I found it too repetitive into many places. The story is a good one and I love how they solved the main challenge in the end.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
April 21, 2019
Great read. The author wrote a story that was interesting and moved at a pace that kept me engaged. The characters were easy to invest in.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews