📚Leave and Come Back
✍🏻Lavanya Lakshmi
Blurb:
Family drama meets romantic comedy when a young woman’s new boyfriend accidentally shows up to a two-week-long family wedding, kicking off a comedy of errors in this funny, vibrant, and heartwarming debut
You’re invited to the most romantic, chaotic wedding of the season
For the first time, Simran Gopal is living out her own swoon-worthy romance to rival the beloved Bollywood films of her childhood... until she receives her cousin’s wedding invitation. Now, Simran finds herself returning to the family home she’s been avoiding for the last seven years to take part in a two-week long Indian wedding.
Family drama is already at a high when Leo Bridgers, Simran’s new boyfriend, accidentally crashes the engagement party. To avoid full crisis mode and provoking the ire of Veena perima, Simran’s aunt and judgmental family matriarch, the cousins need to rally. Operation DDLJ.
Following the lead of their favorite Bollywood movie, they need to trick Veena into adoring Leo. In a mess of misdirection and chaotic hijinks, Leo must prove himself to be the most charming, helpful wedding guest imaginable, and he certainly can’t give away that he’s ever met—let alone is currently in love with—Simran.
For Simran, being back with her family also brings memories of the difficult years after her parents died. As old grievances and new secrets arise—along with nosy aunties—will Simran be able to finally have her own love story, and find the closure she’s been looking for on her past?
Charming, tender, and hilarious, Leave and Come Back asks what it means to open up to love, what makes a family, and how to honor the past while embracing the present.
My Thoughts:
Leave and Come Back is a grounded tale of love and loss and how familial bonds can both break and shape us. My Big Fat Greek Wedding, with the blend of humor and emotional storytelling around family, culture and the importance of acceptance. The characters are all really lovable, especially Leo, who is so sweet and supportive. From going on walks with Simran’s uncle to help him get in shape, to learning Hindi and Tamil, to attempting to make chai,Adorable romance aside, the relationships between friends and family are also fantastic. Leo and Rishi become pals almost immediately and their banter is just so fun. Simran and Kavitha are more like sisters than cousins. They go through a few rough patches and there’s some hurt on both sides stemming from Simran’s years-long absence, but they’re able to work things out. Kavitha eventually shares something personal with Simran that she’s mostly kept to herself, and Simran’s steadfast acceptance of her cousin is wonderful to see.
Overall, Leave and Come Back is an amazing book and a most impressive debut. I’ll be on the lookout for Lavanya Lakshmi’s work in the future!
Thanks NetGalley, Pamela Dorman Books and Author Lavanya Lakshmi for the advanced copy of "Leave and Come Back" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️