Chasing Kismet

by Amrita Lit

Life as a young, modern Indo-Canadian woman is not as simple as it may seem. Tara Sidhu knows this firsthand. She’s doing her best to accept that women of her culture are treated differently than men, but her mother’s cold demeanor and her father’s alcoholism leave her feeling truly alone.

Although trying her best to run toward a different future—one far removed from the societal expectations of her community—Tara finds her past relentlessly catching up with her.

Sent to India to put a loved one to rest, Tara ends up ensnared in an arranged marriage. The darkly complex web of her family history entangles her, and Tara must tap her inner strength to combat the emotional horrors inflicted upon her.

Chasing Kismet tackles deeply convoluted human issues that will particularly resonate with Indian and South Asian readers. From the intricacies of family and community dynamics to the lack of mental health support, Tara’s experience is one that will feel intimately familiar to many.

Written with dazzling emotional depth and profound cultural insights, Chasing Kismet will remind you that family roots have a way of following us—no matter how hard we pursue a new destiny.

338 pages, Paperback

Published March 6, 2017

Reviews

[Komal Gill · Rating 1 out of 5]

Poorly written, full of cliches. A rip off of "Written in the Stars". The characters were one dimensional and left me feeling no attachment. The author tells and doesn't show. All the "twists" are so unrealistic and irritating to read. And are you serious? Somehow every person she meets is super good looking and every Indian has a white person name. This book left me feeling physically angry at how awful it was. Don't waste your time.

[sahiba · Rating 5 out of 5]

You've left me speechless Amrita , I'm just astounded because I've read one of the best books I've come across so far and I read a lot of books trust me but this book had such vivid imagery and each character became a part of my life while reading it , I couldn't keep the book down I started reading it in the morning and was done by the evening😭 i had this feeling that I wanted to unfold the story super fast but at the same time I didn't want the book to end! It's a beautiful and compassionate book with such an empowering theme. Can't wait for the next one! A must must have in everyone's book shelf:)

[Chanjot · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book definitely surprised me as I never really knew what was going to happen to Tara due to my thinking one thing and the author completely taking the story in a different direction.

[Sumeet Bhamra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book left me speechles! Amrita has beautifully and powerfully detailed a story that needed so badly to be told. It was amazing to see so many common cultural and societal issues packed into one emotional storyline. I hope her story is heard around the world. More importantly, I hope her story is heard by the people who need to hear it the most and they are able to reach out and get the help they need.

[Aman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read however too many twists and can usually tell whats about to happen next.

[Brandi Berkey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book but felt like some parts were jumped over and left me wondering the details. I would be interested in reading more of her writing

[Joti · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[Harpreet Sandhu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read! Modern yet relatable

[Sybella · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an entertaining read, but for me I didn’t love the writing style. Interesting unique story that I enjoyed, but I also felt that Dave deserved better. #justicefordave-i understand why what happened to him needed to happen, but still.

[Raman · Rating 2 out of 5]

i really loved the beginning of the book as it tackled issues with the south Asian community. As the story progressed, it started to become more of a soap opera which was a turn off for me. This book personally was not for me.