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Some People
Not yet published
Expected 7 Jul 26A man on the brink of divorce is forced to care for his injured future-ex-mother-in-law in this powerful, heartfelt novel from the nationally bestselling author of
The Bandit Queens
.
Malti Patel is absolutely fine. Concussed and bruised, maybe, but fine. Certainly fine enough to not need her daughter's soon-to-be-ex-husband, Nathan Whitlock, playing nurse in her home while she recuperates. And yet, that's exactly the quandry in which she finds herself. Her doctor insists on in-home supervision for seven days, and with her daughter, Kavya, abroad at grad school in India, Nathan proves too much of a do-gooder to let Malti rehabiliate alone. Seven days of Nathan, the man divorcing her daughter for all manner of cultural misunderstanding, emotional walls, simmering hostility...most of them having to do with Kavya's scars from her childhood with Malti.
They want nothing to do with one another. But over the course of the week, as Malti grapples with the shadows of her past and Nathan ponders the wreckage of his marriage, they learn that they are the two people who know Kavya best—and the ones who have hurt her so deeply that she's left them both entirely.
Rich with emotional depth, Some People paints a nuanced portrait of love, forgiveness, and our timeless quest for understanding and acceptance.
Malti Patel is absolutely fine. Concussed and bruised, maybe, but fine. Certainly fine enough to not need her daughter's soon-to-be-ex-husband, Nathan Whitlock, playing nurse in her home while she recuperates. And yet, that's exactly the quandry in which she finds herself. Her doctor insists on in-home supervision for seven days, and with her daughter, Kavya, abroad at grad school in India, Nathan proves too much of a do-gooder to let Malti rehabiliate alone. Seven days of Nathan, the man divorcing her daughter for all manner of cultural misunderstanding, emotional walls, simmering hostility...most of them having to do with Kavya's scars from her childhood with Malti.
They want nothing to do with one another. But over the course of the week, as Malti grapples with the shadows of her past and Nathan ponders the wreckage of his marriage, they learn that they are the two people who know Kavya best—and the ones who have hurt her so deeply that she's left them both entirely.
Rich with emotional depth, Some People paints a nuanced portrait of love, forgiveness, and our timeless quest for understanding and acceptance.
- GenresFiction
304 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication July 7, 2026
About the author
Parini Shroff
5 books776 followersParini Shroff received her MFA from the University of Texas at Austin, where she studied under Elizabeth McCracken, Alexander Chee, and Cristina García. She is a practicing attorney and currently lives in the Bay Area. The Bandit Queens is her debut novel.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
“Some People” is narrated by Malti, an elderly Indian-American woman, and her soon to be ex-son in law, Nathan. After Malti suffers a concussion, she is (much to her chagrin) released into the care of Nathan.
During this week of forced proximity, we learn about Kavya, Malti’s daughter and Nathan’s soon to be ex-wife (who has left her marriage and traveled to India for graduate school). The mother/son in law pairing is an interesting and effective conduit to learn about Kavya. I can understand its purpose. From Malti’s point of view, we see how her choices and brand of nurture molds her daughter from the innocent and trusting child she was into the wary and vulnerable woman she becomes. From Nathan, we see how Kavya was as a partner (lonely, misunderstood, frustrated), based on the environment of her childhood and the erosion of her marriage.
I enjoyed seeing the frostiness of Malti and Nathan’s relationship evolve from playful (though at times, mean-spirited) banter, into a guarded camaraderie. The brightest parts of the story were Nathan’s reflection of a fond memory or a misunderstanding in his marriage. With Malti’s insight, he was able to see why Kavya acted or reacted the way she had. This pattern was repeated with Malti. Because of Nathan’s intimations of Kavya, Malti was able to see and understand her daughter in a new light.
The parts of the book that didn’t work for me was some of the dialogue I found preachy. Malti constantly uses Nathan’s skin color and race as a pejorative. Even Kavya felt the need to edify him on his privilege. The first time it’s cringeworthy, but it went on and on. The argument of racial and cultural differences was belabored and hard to believe that it would still be such a point of contention after ten years. I considered not finishing the book, but did because I don’t leave reviews on a DNF book. The other thing is that even though there are only three characters, I struggled to find anything affable or sympathetic about any of them. The story also moved at a glacial pace and was, for much of the book, tedious.
It’s disappointing because “Bandit Queens” was one of my favorite books of 2023 and I felt that the bar was set really high for Parini Shroff’s follow up novel.
Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
During this week of forced proximity, we learn about Kavya, Malti’s daughter and Nathan’s soon to be ex-wife (who has left her marriage and traveled to India for graduate school). The mother/son in law pairing is an interesting and effective conduit to learn about Kavya. I can understand its purpose. From Malti’s point of view, we see how her choices and brand of nurture molds her daughter from the innocent and trusting child she was into the wary and vulnerable woman she becomes. From Nathan, we see how Kavya was as a partner (lonely, misunderstood, frustrated), based on the environment of her childhood and the erosion of her marriage.
I enjoyed seeing the frostiness of Malti and Nathan’s relationship evolve from playful (though at times, mean-spirited) banter, into a guarded camaraderie. The brightest parts of the story were Nathan’s reflection of a fond memory or a misunderstanding in his marriage. With Malti’s insight, he was able to see why Kavya acted or reacted the way she had. This pattern was repeated with Malti. Because of Nathan’s intimations of Kavya, Malti was able to see and understand her daughter in a new light.
The parts of the book that didn’t work for me was some of the dialogue I found preachy. Malti constantly uses Nathan’s skin color and race as a pejorative. Even Kavya felt the need to edify him on his privilege. The first time it’s cringeworthy, but it went on and on. The argument of racial and cultural differences was belabored and hard to believe that it would still be such a point of contention after ten years. I considered not finishing the book, but did because I don’t leave reviews on a DNF book. The other thing is that even though there are only three characters, I struggled to find anything affable or sympathetic about any of them. The story also moved at a glacial pace and was, for much of the book, tedious.
It’s disappointing because “Bandit Queens” was one of my favorite books of 2023 and I felt that the bar was set really high for Parini Shroff’s follow up novel.
Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. The book will be published on July 7th, 2026.
Loved this book. Nathan — a crusty, hyper rational type with “minimal emotional amplitude” — is called to the bedside of Malta, his soon-to-be-ex mother-in-law (no love lost there!) when a bad fall lands her in the hospital. While neither is particularly happy with the new arrangement, Nathan has committed to moving in to help until Malta can care for herself as Kavya, Malta’s daughter (and Nathan’s soon-to-be ex-wife) is in India on a two year study program.
What follows is humorous, insightful, and almost like an unraveling mystery — but the kind of mystery based on the more difficult question of how to really understand another person (dead bodies are easier to deal with!). While untangling the relationships is the primary theme, I also enjoyed the constant cross-cultural commentary. Malti is outspoken and somewhat acerbic as she expresses her (usually negative) judgement of others. A common refrain at the end of several conversations is “Some People...” I found myself (of course) judging each of them as they worked through their mutual misunderstanding and was quite surprised by some of the perceptions. As an example, Nathan is great at fixing things and wants to fix the (many, many) broken things around Malta’s house. But Malta tells him that she takes this as an implicit criticism of her and the way she lives. To me that is crazy, but how interesting that someone could actually feel that way! Plenty more of that kind of perception war in the pages.
The writing is expressive, with clear descriptions of abstractions that aren’t always easy to articulate. I ended up appreciating and understanding all three of the characters, though it is very clear (to me) which I could be long term friends with.
Loved this book. Nathan — a crusty, hyper rational type with “minimal emotional amplitude” — is called to the bedside of Malta, his soon-to-be-ex mother-in-law (no love lost there!) when a bad fall lands her in the hospital. While neither is particularly happy with the new arrangement, Nathan has committed to moving in to help until Malta can care for herself as Kavya, Malta’s daughter (and Nathan’s soon-to-be ex-wife) is in India on a two year study program.
What follows is humorous, insightful, and almost like an unraveling mystery — but the kind of mystery based on the more difficult question of how to really understand another person (dead bodies are easier to deal with!). While untangling the relationships is the primary theme, I also enjoyed the constant cross-cultural commentary. Malti is outspoken and somewhat acerbic as she expresses her (usually negative) judgement of others. A common refrain at the end of several conversations is “Some People...” I found myself (of course) judging each of them as they worked through their mutual misunderstanding and was quite surprised by some of the perceptions. As an example, Nathan is great at fixing things and wants to fix the (many, many) broken things around Malta’s house. But Malta tells him that she takes this as an implicit criticism of her and the way she lives. To me that is crazy, but how interesting that someone could actually feel that way! Plenty more of that kind of perception war in the pages.
The writing is expressive, with clear descriptions of abstractions that aren’t always easy to articulate. I ended up appreciating and understanding all three of the characters, though it is very clear (to me) which I could be long term friends with.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
An accident resulting in a concussion brings about a most unlikely therapy session between and Indian woman and her daughter's husband who will soon be her ex-son-in law. Malti is a 70 year0=-old transplant from India to America. She arrived with her three-year-old daughter when her husband divorced her without warning.
Nathan is called to the hospital as next of kin to take care of his mother-in-law since his wife Kavya is in India, living with her father while she pursues a degree in history. She has left Nathan and they are planning a divorce. Over the course of nine days, while Nathan is acting caregiver until Malti's head injury heals, the two are thrown together to fight, bicker and find our how similar they really are.
In a most humorous way, Nathan and Malti reveal very intimate details of their lives to each other and begin to work on their flaws and hang-ups. Shroff's characters are so real that hey leap off the page into your consciousness, making you think about them even when not reading. That's a fine writer's accomplishment indeed! And funny? Yes! I loved the description of the antique ketchup, soy sauce and rubberband drawer.
Thank you to Ballantine books for letting me read an early copy of Some People. My opinions are my own and honest. Thanks also to Net Galley.
Nathan is called to the hospital as next of kin to take care of his mother-in-law since his wife Kavya is in India, living with her father while she pursues a degree in history. She has left Nathan and they are planning a divorce. Over the course of nine days, while Nathan is acting caregiver until Malti's head injury heals, the two are thrown together to fight, bicker and find our how similar they really are.
In a most humorous way, Nathan and Malti reveal very intimate details of their lives to each other and begin to work on their flaws and hang-ups. Shroff's characters are so real that hey leap off the page into your consciousness, making you think about them even when not reading. That's a fine writer's accomplishment indeed! And funny? Yes! I loved the description of the antique ketchup, soy sauce and rubberband drawer.
Thank you to Ballantine books for letting me read an early copy of Some People. My opinions are my own and honest. Thanks also to Net Galley.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A very different read from Bandit Queens, but what remains the same are the characters personalities infused with crankiness and humor. Here, Malti takes a fall and Nathan, her soon to be ex son in law, reluctantly stays with her bc of her concussion. During this contentious week, there are a lot of barbs and resentments despite their shared love of Kavya. What was done exceptionally well, was the so called small talk, would often lead to truths about their own failings due to misunderstandings and/or perceptions, as well as their respective subtle, and not so subtle ways to help communication with Kavya. This was an immensely satisfying read.
I received an arc from the publisher but all opinions are my own.
I received an arc from the publisher but all opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy
I loved this book. I smiled, laughed and teared up!
As I was reading the book, I was in two different positions- one as a daughter, one as a mother.
The book explores the relationships between, mothers, daughters, husbands, wives. It speaks to the conversations we have with others, how we interpret them based on our own lived experience, the mood we are in, and our expectations.
It is beautifully written and shows how people can change their perspectives, if they have the desire, and ability to do so.
Lovely book.
As I was reading the book, I was in two different positions- one as a daughter, one as a mother.
The book explores the relationships between, mothers, daughters, husbands, wives. It speaks to the conversations we have with others, how we interpret them based on our own lived experience, the mood we are in, and our expectations.
It is beautifully written and shows how people can change their perspectives, if they have the desire, and ability to do so.
Lovely book.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
A fabulous heartfelt novel, maybe my favorite of the year so far. It reminds me of Backman. I love a character of a certain age and accordingly multigenerational relationships. And a Tori Amos reference…I mean what more could I need?
Important themes of age, gender, marriage, parenthood culture, and race are all included in a natural way. You can’t help but relate and can’t help learning.
The first bathtub scene almost killed me. I laughed so hard I was crying. Then my heart hurt so I was crying for different reasons and before that had stopped I was belly laughing again.
Important themes of age, gender, marriage, parenthood culture, and race are all included in a natural way. You can’t help but relate and can’t help learning.
The first bathtub scene almost killed me. I laughed so hard I was crying. Then my heart hurt so I was crying for different reasons and before that had stopped I was belly laughing again.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Kavya and Nathan are getting a divorce. She goes back to India to study so it is Nathan that gets the call when her mother, Malti, has a concussion. They do not get along very well but he feels the need to take care of her. It is so much fun to see them match wits. The more time they spend together their differences do not seem important. I loved the sharing of culture and customs of India and the reflections Nathan has about his differences with Kavya.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This was a Booklist assignment, and though it is a very good book, I don't think it was quite the one for me. It's for readers who don't mind a slow-moving, quiet plot and prefer strong character development and witty banter. I could also see it as a book club discussion, and I would definitely be interested in participating in it considering my opinions.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
The self-realization in Parini Shroff’s novels feels like a warm, encompassing hug. After a concussion, Malti must rely on her daughter’s ex, Nathan, to recover. Bound by their enduring love for Kavya, who has fled the hemisphere to escape them both, what follows is a week of engrossing introspection. Some People is a how-to for cycle-breakers and a case for communication.
May 4, 2026
A cute and unlikely buddy comedy. Sometimes I found the dynamics between Nathan and Malti to be too hot and cold, in inconsistent ways. But ultimately I did enjoy the characterization, and the relationship they develop that helps them both heal their relationships with Kavya.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews