What Will People Think?

by Vedashree Khambete-Sharma

Ila has her pride. And she's about to discover just how much trouble that can be...

It's 1976 and in the Vile Parle district of Mumbai, bastion of the Maharashtrian middle-class, Ila Bendre's mother is determined to get her four daughters married off as soon as possible.

Ila has no intention of snaring a proposal from some dull specimen of Marathi manhood so she can pretend to care about cricket for the rest of her life. She wants a career and life of her own, and she'll do whatever it takes to escape married bliss, no matter what the neighbours might say.

But when Ila's Bollywood-obsessed younger sister, Latika, takes the matter of marriage into her own hands, it looks as if the Bendre family's reputation in this close-knit community will be ruined once and for all...

As we follow the Bendre sisters from dinners to parties to weddings, from Vile Parle to Pune, will love eventually conquer all in this ingeniously witty and charming tale of pride, prejudice and puran polis?

Genres: Romance, Historical Fiction, Historical, India

384 pages, Paperback

Published July 3, 2025

About the author

Vedashree Khambete-Sharma is a writer and advertising professional. For the past twenty years, she has flirted with the English language through advertising, journalism and terribly amateur poetry.

In the process, she has won several Indian and international awards for advertising, a silver medal for a poem called ‘Mathematics’ and absolutely no recognition for her journalism. She is quite proud of the medal though.

She lives in Mumbai with her husband, daughter and the uneasy feeling that referring to herself in the third person is just plain creepy.

Reviews

[K.J. Charles]

An absolute blinder. I loved this. Which is all the more extraordinary because it's a Pride and Prejudice retelling, and I absolutely hate Pride and Prejudice retellings.

The difference here is that the setting makes perfect sense. It's set in 1970s Mahathastra, where dowry is still expected and four daughters is a disaster, marriage is a necessity and a misbehaving daughter can ruin a family. In other words, when the Darcy-figure gets his friend to ghost the Jane-figure, he's not just doing something hurtful, he's potentially torpedoing her entire family's future. The Austen plot machinery has serious weight here, in a way it simply does not in a 21st century New York version.

It works brilliantly. There's a searing sense of injustice, from the author in the footnotes as well as from the main character, who can see a world of independence and work and *not* being dependent of marriage almost within her grasp. We really care about the two older sisters, and Darcy's ineptitude with women is much more understandable, making him very likeable. The writing is clever and extremely funny, with a lot of sarcasm, but the story is told with real heart, and the tweaks to the mother and the Lydia character make a powerful difference. This is what a retold classic should be: it uses the original but brings something entirely new to the table.

Fantastic. Unreserved recommend even if you hate Austen.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really surprised me and I ended up really enjoying it. Set in the 70s in India, this takes Pride and Prejudice and reimagines it in Maharashtra and I think it's the setting that makes this work most of all. I LOVE Pride and Prejudice. Which lil nerd girl didn't spend way too much reading it? Almost none! So it can be hard, sometimes, to experience those retellings when they don't create the same level of actual jeopardy and stakes that the original has. However the use of setting here does this so well and I was so impressed by it. Everything feels like it matters, everything the author chose to transpose from the original is important, and it really elevated the retelling. Also, by setting it in the 70s amongst changing gender norms, I also got to see some really great scenes -- I love everytime Ila told someone off. Actually I just loved Ila, who was such a remarkably fun character to follow: headstrong and opinionated, kind and caring, and so, so funny.

Honestly the whole book is pretty funny. There's plenty of wit throughout and then there's often footnotes to help introduce the reader to aspects of culture which they may not be familiar with. I really enjoyed all of these, tbh, because it was such a brilliant way to be both specific in the setting and allow unfamiliar readers a peek behind the curtain, if you will.

This took me a minute to settle into. I would say it's probably due to a natural hesitance with retellings but when this took off it really took off. I think I liked several characters and interactions from the beginning, but from about a third of the way through I was very invested in this. The family relationships in this were so much fun (a vvv important part, I think), I totally and completely bought into Aniruddha and Ila, and I thought the expansion that Khambete-Sharma did here was sooo well done. There's a lot made of colourism within Ila's family, particularly from her mother to her (it's one thing she brings up often) and my heart broke for her every time!!!! A great way to ground the book and a really heartbreaking look at the issue tbh.

I know I already say it but I just want to be clear that I found this so funny. Vishnu, the cousin, is...hysterical to me. I actually just had a real riot with this. Super enjoyable.

[Krutika · Rating 5 out of 5]

To me, Pride and Prejudice is perhaps the greatest romance novel/movie to ever exist.
I was a bit hesitant about how the Indianised retelling would work because it often becomes too complicated to get it right but somehow What Will People Think? just works brilliantly. This Maharashtrian version of the story set in the 1970s carries the same plot line, similar characters and reads so well but with an added bit of wit and humour. To say that I enjoyed the book would be an understatement. This for me, is perhaps the perfect retelling of the magnificent classic that people still adore after decades of its publication.

We have four unmarried sisters, something that was considered a huge burden back in the day because of dowry and other expenses. Women were meant to know every aspect of household matters and master them with the sole intention of finding a suitable groom. Education and career were something unheard of and it is in this setting that we watch the passionate love story of Ila and Anirudhha blossom. The author shines light on the Marathi culture, something that is new to me as well and I derived much joy in learning about them. The footnotes were an absolute delight, full of mirth and sarcasm; which I think was one of the reasons why this book has become such a crowd favourite.

For someone who has been an ardent fan of the original, this novel was like a breath of fresh air, carrying a lightness that was just delightful. If you have enjoyed P&P, chances are you might love this one too. I can’t recommend it enough and I thank @penguinindia for this review copy.

P.S. Don’t forget to read the footnotes!

[Lucinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Pride and Prejudice and this was a fun retelling of the story within the different setting of India. It was an amusing and enjoyable read.

[katayoun Masoodi · Rating 3 out of 5]

cute, fun pride and prejudice retelling. i liked the setting and also the humour.

[Zaran Desai · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not my genre.
But every once in a while you take a chance on something that's a little outside your comfort zone, and you're usually let down.
This is NOT one of those times!
I found myself curled up in bed for an entire weekend (told my friends im sick), aching to find out what happens next.
It's rare that a book has you laughing out loud, but every snide remark, every footnote, every description of some of the detestable characters had me in splits.
Every page is also dripping with depth, culture, and even bits of history that you'll find you learned a thing or two by the end of it.
I highly recommend this to anyone who... actually just anyone.

[Candy I · Rating 4 out of 5]

A retelling of Pride and prejudice set in 1970s Mumbai, a society on th edge of change while still contending with old traditions. I really loved it, possibly my favourite romance of the year so far. I appreciated its low-key very sad exploration of colorism and its affect on one's self esteem. a tiny quibble - I tend to enjoy more nuanced portrayals and reactions to the Lydia character - this one was fun but a little one note. but overall a great read.

[Alexandra Almond]

A terrific 1970s Indian retelling of Pride and Prejudice. The setting is perfect—the character motivations make even more sense than in the original—and while being largely true to the plot, it goes at a much faster pace. The tongue in cheek footnotes are a delight, and the whole thing is written with a cynical but humorous world view. Well worth a read.

[Georgie-who-is-Sarah-Drew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent. A rare re-telling where the new background re-animates the original. Insightful, entertaining.

[Shivani · Rating 3 out of 5]

Any version of P&P can't go wrong - and a version set in '70s Bombay? Sign me up!

[Tyler Marshall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow!

It's safe to say i'm in a retelling mood as this is my second pride and prejudice retelling I've read within a 60 day period! However this differs immensely from the last retelling I read and it's just as good! I don't even know where to start with this one, from the scenes to the setting, this author took me not only all the way to Mumbai and had me deep within the culture there but also back in time to 1976 when life was extremely different to today in certain aspects.

This is such a well done novel that's easy for you to immerse yourself within. The characters jumped out the pages, especially our two MC's who cant help but captivate you. Sitting at over three hundred pages I devoured this within a day and a half, the unique spin to this told many times tale really was fresh and interesting and I think will really keep readers hooked. So if you like retellings then please pick this one up!

[Letters to my bookshelf · Rating 3 out of 5]

Coming from a culture where other people’s perception of you often takes priority over your own happiness, What Will People Think? felt familiar, sometimes uncomfortably so. The central value system of Ila’s mother, focused heavily on appearances, marriage, and skin colour, reflects a reality many of us know too well. Yet, despite anticipating that it might be triggering, most of us didn’t find it emotionally overwhelming. This was largely because the protagonist, Ila, actively challenges the expectations placed on her.

Ila’s quiet acts of rebellion, such as applying for a job or considering moving into a women’s hostel, felt refreshing. She wasn’t a passive victim of her circumstances. She showed agency, even if her choices weren’t always bold or dramatic. That nuance helped balance the familiar story with some much-needed depth.

That said, many of us felt the novel didn’t offer anything particularly new. While the themes are important, this is a story we’ve seen told many times before. It closely mirrors Pride and Prejudice, without quite enough originality to make it stand out. Some felt it leaned too heavily on the Austen blueprint, simply swapping in Indian cultural references without fully reimagining the structure or tone.

There was division in how we felt about the characters. Jui, for example, didn’t leave much of an impression. Some of us felt she was more of a plot device than a fleshed-out character. Chitra’s decision to marry Vishnu was deeply frustrating for some, especially given how vile he remains after marriage. Others sympathised with her motivations, recognising the limited choices some women face.

Sadanand also sparked debate. Many of us found him “wotless,” unable to take control of his own life or make decisions with any real conviction. Ila’s eventual marriage to Aniruddha was another sticking point. We agreed he lacked a strong redemption arc, and the ending felt forced. Some of us wished the book had ended on a more open, empowering note instead of defaulting to marriage as resolution.

There was also disappointment around missed opportunities. The fact that Ai and Latika never read Aniruddha’s letter, where he critiques their behaviour and clarifies his respect for Ila and Jui, could have added a layer of accountability or conflict resolution. But even if they had read it, we doubt it would have significantly changed their behaviour. That perhaps speaks to how stubbornly entrenched those values are.

Overall, What Will People Think? was readable, relatable, and sparked plenty of conversation. But it didn’t challenge the genre enough to feel truly memorable. For some of us, it was comforting in its familiarity. For others, it was a missed opportunity to push further and break the mould.

[Bookshortie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ila’s mother has one mission: to find husbands for Ila and her sisters. But Ila has other plans; she wants a career and her own life. Will Ila’s hopes and dreams come true?

As a big fan of Pride and Prejudice I do love retellings of that story. This is a retelling set in Mumbai in 1976 where we follow the main character Ila and her family. I really enjoyed this read and my favourite aspect of the story was definitely the setting. The author has taken a classic story and transported it to a different time in India with a South Asian cast. As a person of South Asian heritage I loved seeing aspects of the culture I have grown up with included in the story.

Ila definitely gave Elizabeth Bennett vibes from the beginning. She is smart, proud and has no interest in getting married, even though there is a lot of pressure put on her by her mother. It was sad to see that Ila’s mother did not support Ila’s plans to get a job but instead kept pushing her towards marriage and any potential suitors that crossed her path. Ila wanted to pursue a career not only to help her parents but also to become independent but Ila’s mother saw a career as a disadvantage because if a suitor believed that Ila was more educated than them they may not consider Ila as marriage material.

What I liked about this book is that the author has drawn in many aspects of South Asian culture into the story which still exists today including the pressure on women to get married before they reach a certain age. Not only did Ila’s mother make comments about her age and the fact she wasn’t married but she would also comments on Ila’s skin tone because she believed this too impacted on her daughter’s marriageability. Rather than see Ila as someone who is incredibly smart she concentrates on her complexion and others appear to compare Ila and her sisters who are lighter skinned than she is.

It was interesting to see the relationship between Ila and Aniruddha (the Darcy equivalent) develop. Initially they do clash a lot. Ila thinks that Aniruddha looks down on her and family. Aniruddha believes that Ila is only interested in finding a husband. But Ila and Aniruddha couldn’t be more wrong. I got the impression that Aniruddha had never met a head strong woman like Ila before. One who spoke her mind and didn’t care if others were offended especially if she was in the right. Ila and Aniruddha don’t want to spend time together but circumstances keep throwing them together especially during social events. When Ila and Aniruddha start to get to know each other they realise that they have a lot in common and that they had misjudged the other. Aniruddha actually respects Ila, her views and that she wants to better herself both personally and professionally. The only issue is he doesn’t know how to express how he feels about her and when he does take that step it doesn’t go well. It sounds more like a business transaction rather than a declaration of love.

One aspect of this book that I liked was that the story included footnotes with an explanation of a word or phrase. The additional of footnotes really helped the story to flow especially if a reader is not familiar with Maharashtrian words or phrases. I found it easier to refer to the footnotes rather than navigate to the beginning or end of the book to refer to a glossary.

If you’re a fan of Pride and Prejudice or retellings this is a book to add to your list.

[Gayatri Saikia | per_fictionist · Rating 5 out of 5]

set in 1970s maharashtra, what will people think has everything i adore — matchmaking over chai, nosy aunties, impossible expectations, and women who refuse to shrink themselves to fit the times.

vedashree paints this world through the lens of a vibrant family in vile parle east. of four daughters raised under one roof, each distinct in their temperament, their dreams, and their defiance.
however, the story of what will people think primarily focusses on ila, the second daughter- often overlooked, caught in the classic middle-child syndrome. ila, however, refuses to be the docile marathi bride, society and her mother expects her to be. she has no patience for dull men who expect her to feign interest in cricket or household perfection. what she wants is independence and a life of her own choosing, even if that means standing apart from what’s “proper.”

there’s a beauty in how vedashree explores the tender love between siblings, the unspoken care of a father for his daughters, and the subtle gestures that speak louder than words. through it all, the novel mirrors the slow shift of an india balancing the pull of tradition and the echoes of modernity. it’s a romance, yes, but also a portrait of a household, of a time when women with “many degrees” were seen as dangerously ambitious and didn’t tick the boxes of a perfect bride// women who dared to dream beyond the limits of their time.

the novel captures the nostalgia of 70’s with a natural ease, the glitz and glamour bollywood’s golden age at the edges, the bustle of neighborhood life, the scent of maharashtrian kitchens,the ever-watchful eyes of society in a time where the word-of-mouth matchmaking governed entire futures.

for me, this book had exactly the charm i was hoping for - the warmth of marathi culture, the slow-blooming romance, and the deliciously familiar chaos of an indian household.

and honestly? it just might be my favourite jane austen retelling yet!! it reimagines austen’s themes of class, courtship, and constraint, and breathes into them the textures of 1970s bombay - the moral gaze of “what will people say’ against all the grit, grace, and glorious stubbornness of the indian women of the 70s.

[The Good Book Edit · Rating 4 out of 5]

What Will People Think by Vaidehi Khambete Sharma is a charming Maharashtrian/Marathi adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, set in 1970s Bombay. As someone who proudly considers herself part of the Pride and Prejudice cult following, I’ve always enjoyed every version and retelling of the classic, and this one was no exception.

Watching Elizabeth Bennet transform into Ila Bendre was one of the highlights of this adaptation. Ila retains Elizabeth’s sharpness and independence while fitting naturally into a Marathi, middle-class Bombay setting. The character adaptations were especially fun and thoughtfully done—Mr. Darcy becomes Aniruddha Darstakar, while Mr. Bingley is reimagined as Sadanand Pingley, both of whom felt believable and well-suited to the Indian social context.

Ila’s ambition and self-belief make her an engaging protagonist, though I did feel the added focus on her skin colour and the idea that it limits her future was unnecessary. She already navigates enough societal expectations; this extra layer felt slightly forced in an otherwise strong adaptation.

My main issue with the book was the use of footnotes, which often interrupted the reading flow. While the intent to explain Maharashtrian food, customs, and stereotypes is understandable, it sometimes took away from the joy and immersion of the story. I would much rather have seen those pages used to further explore the love story between Ila and Aniruddha, which felt a little rushed. Their relationship had depth and promise, but it wrapped up too quickly.

True to every Pride and Prejudice retelling, the central matriarch, Ai, was immensely entertaining—overbearing, ambitious, and obsessed with securing suitable matches for her daughters. At times irritating and at others amusing, she perfectly reflects the social pressures of the era and the Indian context.

Overall, What Will People Think is a fun, easy, and enjoyable read that successfully blends a beloved classic with a distinctly Marathi, 1970s Bombay flavour. While I would have loved a deeper exploration of the central romance and fewer narrative interruptions, it’s still a satisfying adaptation that fans of Pride and Prejudice will appreciate.
Do give it a read.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

What Will People Think? by Vedashree Khambete-Sharma is a most delightful re-telling of Pride And Prejudice that will thoroughly entertain the reader.
What Will People Think? is a charming read even if you have no knowledge of Pride And Prejudice. However, for those readers with even just a vague knowledge of Pride And Prejudice, this is a gem of a book.
Pride And Prejudice is my favourite book. I read it for the first time as a teen nearly fifty years ago. I also studied it for A’level. I know Pride And Prejudice inside out. As such I found What Will People Think? an extremely enjoyable version of a very familiar tale.
What Will People Think? is set in Mumbai, India in 1976. The main difference to the original is that there are only four daughters to marry off. “Four daughters! That is a heavy burden indeed.” Once more, the mother is loud and opinionated with the determination to marry her daughters to rich men.
The odious Mr Collins character is still odious and self-promoting. “Any girl would be lucky to marry us.” He cannot believe why anyone would turn him down!
Women are expected to look after their men in the house. “We are being yoked to the kitchen and made to raise children.” Our leading lady is a modern miss, desiring to have a job outside the house.
The leading man is still very proud, looking out for his friend and viewing others as beneath him. But he still has a huge heart. Comparing his first proposal to the original Mr Darcy, still has the reader amused. He loves Ila despite her low class family and dreadful mother!
I found What Will People Think? highly amusing. I loved the inclusion of footnotes to add context and to ridicule, tongue-in-cheek.
What Will People Think? is the perfect read for any Pride And Prejudice fan. All the characters are well drawn and stood up perfectly against the original cast.
I thoroughly enjoyed What Will People Think? and can highly recommend it.
I received a free copy via Rachel’s Random Resources. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

[Ranjini · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of What Will People Think? by Vedashree Khambete Sharma

Set against the backdrop of 1970s-80s Mumbai, What Will People Think? explores the life of Ila, a young woman navigating the societal expectations placed upon her as part of a middle-class Brahmin family. The narrative delves into the deeply rooted cultural norms where women are often seen as burdens, destined for marriage and motherhood.

Ila, the middle daughter with an elder sister and two younger ones, stands out in her family. Despite her mother's relentless push for marriage, Ila dreams of independence and a career, driven by the societal prejudice she faces due to her dark complexion. Her journey takes a turn when she meets Anirudhan, a reserved, upper-class man, at a family wedding. Anirudhan, who lives with his younger sister after the loss of their parents, is an introvert with a small circle of loved ones.

The story unfolds as a slow-burn romance, filled with misunderstandings and personal growth. Initially, Ila's pride and determination lead her to clash with Anirudhan, but over time, his quiet generosity and unwavering affection begin to break down her walls. Anirudhan's love for Ila grows into a deep obsession, yet he respects her individuality and values her dreams. The relationship between the two evolves beautifully, culminating in a happy ending.

The book masterfully captures the essence of old-world romance, reminiscent of Pride and Prejudice, with its nuanced portrayal of societal pressures and class distinctions. Ila’s strong-willed nature and Anirudhan’s quiet devotion create a compelling dynamic, making their love story both nostalgic and inspiring.

What I particularly appreciated was the authenticity of the setting and the relevance of the themes. Even today, many rural parts of India grapple with similar issues. The author's portrayal of Ila's rollercoaster journey—balancing familial obligations and personal aspirations—is both poignant and relatable.

Overall, I loved this book. It sheds light on how societal expectations can shape individual lives, a theme that remains pertinent across generations.

Thank you to @NetGalley, @AtlanticBooks, and the author, Vedashree Khambete Sharma, for providing me with the opportunity to read this ARC.

[Spandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

*4.75 stars*

Wow wow and wow

What a surprising read!
I was obviously attracted to this book for its title because that is something you hear in desi household regularly. And then I got to know that it's a desi retelling of Pride and Prejudice. Since I read P&P earlier this year and watched the movie recently, it's still fresh in my mind. So I was sceptical how this story will be portrayed.

But the author has done a brilliant job at story telling and her writing . The first paragraph of the first chapter itself is such a banger! I very much related to Ila ( maybe a bit too much as we both have similar thinking and going through the same process iykyk) with similar passive aggressive comments from the mother character.

I liked how the classic book was seamlessly blended with desi story and the footnotes were really good and some were downright funny. I liked how gender norms, classism, colorism, societal expectations were portrayed.

The only reason I gave it 4.75 stars and not a full 5 stars is because in the middle I felt like the book was almost print to print same as the original P&P and nothing much was changed. I wanted the bones of P&P and make it somewhat more original desi story. But later I understood that it's not what the author is aiming for.

In any case, I enjoyed the last half of the book. I enjoyed all the characters. And I would definitely look forward to reading more of the author's work.

[Smitha Parameswaran · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful authentic retelling of the Pride and Prejudice. The whole story is based on a Maharashtrian household.The Bendre family and their unmarried girls with the mother who will go to any lengths to see her daughters well 'placed' and how things turn out. I felt that the footnotes were the star of this book. Jue is the eldest all conforming perfect daughter of the household, Ila is the second one - more progressive in her thoughts, darker skinned to everyone else's chagrin (not hers), Lathika the third one- the selfish and spoilt brat and Malathi the youngest who is still blissfully enjoying her childhood. Their dad is least concerned that all this is happening in the household and is in no hurry to see his daughters married off.

The setting of the story is beautfully authentic in its narration and gives us a peek into the nuances of the Maharashtrians. I felt there are a lot of biases that are common to all parts of India. All in all a wonderful read.

[Marion McDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great example of its genre - I'm not just a grateful ARC reader but also becoming a spoiled one as I'm getting such high quality books to read!

Ila is a middle child in an Indian family whose parents are blessed (or cursed?) with four daughters, three of whom are of marriageable age. In reading this, I was challenged by new vocabulary and context from Ila's culture, which I really enjoyed. The judicious use of footnotes appealed greatly to my neurotype and learning style, as well as adding wit and chuckles along the way.

I was reminded of Sunny by Sukh Ojla, which I also enjoyed, in the way I was transported into another family, but I must say I appreciated What Will People Think more - the characters felt three dimensional and I warmed to Ila more, as a trailblazer with her independent thinking and competing responsibilities. I was grinning for the final couple of chapters!

[N.L. Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Khambete-Sharma gives us an Indian retelling of Pride and Prejudice.

Ila wants to create her own path in life, headstrong she wants to break from her family traditions being able to stand on her own two feet, but her parents have had four daughters and her mother wants to get them married.

This novel was full of description to bring the reader into the world of 1976 Mumbai, I also loved the footnotes in this novel which added to the description and detail and were sometimes funny.

This novel was written with easy language that kept the pace flowing and characters you knew which to like and which to dislike; Latika frustrated me so much.

This was a fantastic read and one I would easily pick up again.

[Ade · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a funny Indian take based loosely on Pride and Prejudice only this time there are four daughters to be married off.

I love how the author took the time to explain/ translate various Marathi sayings. The footnote was a very brilliant idea.

Set in 1970s Mumbai, I love the swipe at the extortionist dowry system (happy to hear it’s been abolished) and the glorification of fair skin colour.

It was funny through and through. I enjoyed the celebration of Indian culture and traditions. All of the characters were on point and did justice to their respective roles.

Ila was my favourite. Her wit and sarcasm made the reading delightful. Her independent spirit also made her a strong main character.

If you love Pride and Prejudice then you should read this. I highly recommend.

[Lara A · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Rounded up.

1970s Mumbai is a refreshingly different setting for a novel, though quite a few issues in this novel, particularly colourism and dowry-extortion are as sadly relevant as ever. Any novel with romance at its heart succeeds or fails depending on how believable/admirable the MC relationship is and this one didn't quite cut the mustard as it strayed a little too much into Rich Man Fairy Godmother territory. Also, while I loved the information within the footnotes, the clearly written in the 2020's tone became somewhat distracting.

Final quibble: Mumbai is a multiethnic, multifaith city, yet nobody whatsoever in the book is anything other than a Marathi Hindu seems rather odd.

[Anujaa Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vedashree Khambete Sharma’s What Will People Think? is witty, nostalgic, and beautifully observant in its portrayal of family, tradition, and identity. Being half-Koknastha, it resonated with me so much more—it had me hooked from the very first mention of “sudharas.” What I loved just as much were the amazing footnotes, which make the book accessible and delightful even for those less familiar with Koknastha or Maharashtrian culture. Her writing carries both humor and heart, making you laugh in recognition while also nudging you to reflect.

[Kirti · Rating 5 out of 5]

This version of the classic Pride and Prejudice kept me engaged with its
narrative, weaving 'marathi' culture into it's folds. A rich text interspersed with proverbs, sarcasm, wit and literary knowledge shines throughout the book ( footnotes included)

An easy, entertaining and quintessentially charming book with well drawn out characters.

[Rounak · Rating 4 out of 5]

vedashree khambete-sharma really nailed it with what will people think? imagine taking pride and prejudice, giving it a vibrant desi twist, sprinkling in some bollywood flair, tossing in puran polis for good measure, and setting it all against the backdrop of 1970s vile parle. i’m absolutely here for it! this book isn’t just a read, it’s like having a gossip session with your nosy aunt, mixed with the drama of wedding season, and a feminist mic-drop all in one 💌

ila bendre is basically elizabeth bennet if lizzie were living in mumbai, rolling her eyes at cricket, and choosing her career over some random marathi guy with a moustache. seriously, i feel that! and her mom? total chaos, imagine matchmaking on steroids, driven by societal expectations, and those neighbor aunties who thrive on drama. then there’s latika, ila’s sister, who’s living her own bollywood soap opera with weddings, family dinners, and all the politics, it’s like you’ve stepped into a colorful masala movie, but it’s a book and somehow even funnier.

the writing is sharp, witty, and has that classic charm while still feeling super relevant. it pokes fun at the “log kya kahenge” mentality while wrapping you in a cozy embrace. the humor is so natural, it’s the kind of funny that makes you laugh out loud on the local train while everyone stares, and those pride and prejudice parallels? absolute perfection.

in short, this book is desi drama with brains, it’s light yet meaningful, feminist without being preachy, and hilarious without losing its heart. if you’re a fan of jane austen, bollywood, or just need a comfort read that’ll leave you grinning like a fool, this is the one.

final verdict: someone please turn this into a netflix series asap. i need ila bendre’s sass and latika’s dramatic moments on my screen already 🌿

[Akshita Thakur · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely fall in love. Pride and Prejudice has always been my all time favorite novel and I really really loved this Indian version of of it. Ohhh! I don't even have words to describe how much I love and adore Ila and Aniruddha.
I loved the writing and I read it in one go. What a beautiful novel.

[Kriti · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having reread the original Pride and Prejudice very recently, I think having a nearly beat-for-beat retelling of the plot was a weak point of the story to me. The author is a strong enough writer in my opinion that some more liberties could have been taken with the plot and the essence of the story would still be preserved. Still, a fun and enjoyable read.

[JennXReviews (Jennice) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a Bollywood fan and love Bride and Prejudice so I was excited to read a different twist on Pride and Prejudice and learn about a culture I was unfamiliar with. I enjoyed seeing a different perspective and twist on a familiar story.

[Tobyleaf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable Pride and Prejudice retelling. Read as ebook and the footnotes weren't linked so that took away from it for me as sometimes I'd forgotten what the footnote was referring to by the time I got to the end of the chapter.