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A Quiet Dissonance: Winner of the Bronze medal in The Wishing Shelf Awards
Home. Is it a place or a feeling?When Anu and her family move to a small village in the English countryside, she is desperate to put down roots in her new community. To her dismay, not everyone is welcoming. Is it her? Must she change to fit in?
In her quest for answers, she sets out to peel back the layers of her life, examining all that has made her who she is. Truth, she finds, is often uncomfortable and unpalatable. And rarely provides answers.
At a crossroads, Anu needs to determine which is the right path for her — acceptance from within or without?
Netgalley novel is an important one for our times especially. As a woman, it's hard to choose "what's good and right for me-my family, my work" and to find "a deeper happiness… that cannot be corrupted from the outside". There's so much pressure to be all put together, to have kids who are well rounded, and the list goes on. Manco demonstrates throughout her novel what is important to Anu and causes the reader to reflect on their own priorities and if they are in the right order.**This is a beautifully written novel and I imagine it will resonate with a lot of readers for several different reasons. For me it resonated as I often struggled to find friendships and the ones that I cherish the most are ones that were found in later life. The author totally encapsulated how it must feel to be a migrant in a new country and the concerns and hurdles that they have to overcome just to fit in and be a part of society in ways that – I am ashamed to say – I may not have thought about before. It was very reminiscent to me of Brick Lane and Big Little Lies both are books that I adored.*
WINNER OF THE BRONZE MEDAL IN THE WISHING SHELF BOOK AWARDS
In her quest for answers, she sets out to peel back the layers of her life, examining all that has made her who she is. Truth, she finds, is often uncomfortable and unpalatable. And rarely provides answers.
At a crossroads, Anu needs to determine which is the right path for her — acceptance from within or without?
Netgalley novel is an important one for our times especially. As a woman, it's hard to choose "what's good and right for me-my family, my work" and to find "a deeper happiness… that cannot be corrupted from the outside". There's so much pressure to be all put together, to have kids who are well rounded, and the list goes on. Manco demonstrates throughout her novel what is important to Anu and causes the reader to reflect on their own priorities and if they are in the right order.**This is a beautifully written novel and I imagine it will resonate with a lot of readers for several different reasons. For me it resonated as I often struggled to find friendships and the ones that I cherish the most are ones that were found in later life. The author totally encapsulated how it must feel to be a migrant in a new country and the concerns and hurdles that they have to overcome just to fit in and be a part of society in ways that – I am ashamed to say – I may not have thought about before. It was very reminiscent to me of Brick Lane and Big Little Lies both are books that I adored.*
WINNER OF THE BRONZE MEDAL IN THE WISHING SHELF BOOK AWARDS
- GenresFictionContemporary
350 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 29, 2021
46 people are currently reading
155 people want to read
About the author
Poornima Manco
15 books59 followersPoornima is an award-winning novelist whose short stories have been published in The Guardian and The Telegraph newspapers in the UK. Born and raised in India, she still retains a deep connection to her motherland, which reflects in all her stories and books. Poornima lives in the UK with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
May 13, 2025
Literary fiction is not a common genre for me, but the cover of this book caught my eye and I decided to give it a chance. Imagine my surprise when I read the entire book in one sitting.
A Quiet Dissonance is incredibly easy to read because of its fast pace and short scenes. We cover years of Anu's life in only 340 pages, yet I don't feel as if a single thing was brushed over or ignored. The writing is primarily narrative in tone and dialogue focused, which makes it that much easier to get sucked in and lose all track of time.
I truly loved everything about this book; from the glimpse into Indian culture and Anu's life as an immigrant in England, to the in-depth look at women's friendships, and even Anu's marriage with Ravi (who is absolutely darling). The message here is clear in its anthem that women, though we may each have our differences, are all very similar in our need for friendships. This book made me incredibly grateful to have found true friends early on in my life.
Overall, I'm glad that I branched out of my usual reading genre and gave this book a chance.
Content: No action/gore. Romance is limited to a few kisses and brief fade-to-black scenes. Cursing is almost non-existent, but there were a couple of words sprinkled throughout.
A Quiet Dissonance is incredibly easy to read because of its fast pace and short scenes. We cover years of Anu's life in only 340 pages, yet I don't feel as if a single thing was brushed over or ignored. The writing is primarily narrative in tone and dialogue focused, which makes it that much easier to get sucked in and lose all track of time.
I truly loved everything about this book; from the glimpse into Indian culture and Anu's life as an immigrant in England, to the in-depth look at women's friendships, and even Anu's marriage with Ravi (who is absolutely darling). The message here is clear in its anthem that women, though we may each have our differences, are all very similar in our need for friendships. This book made me incredibly grateful to have found true friends early on in my life.
Overall, I'm glad that I branched out of my usual reading genre and gave this book a chance.
Content: No action/gore. Romance is limited to a few kisses and brief fade-to-black scenes. Cursing is almost non-existent, but there were a couple of words sprinkled throughout.
April 18, 2021
I don't have kids and this book made me realise that it's probably a good thing that I don't. That's not to say I have anything against little people but I don't think I could have handled the 'mean girls' at the school gates. This is a very modern tale of ghosting and gaslighting amongst the mumocracy. It's horrible to see that bullying and ganging up doesn't stop when the girls leave school.
Anu and Ravi have moved from India to a village not too far from London and Anu struggles to fit in. She observes - and it struck me quite deeply - that somebody moving to England from India today has very little in common with those who moved here back in the 50s, 60s, or even later. The India that she and Ravi left behind is a completely different country from the one left behind by earlier waves of immigration. She doesn't fit in with the historic immigrant community and the mums at the school are a mercurial bunch, changing their favour and fashion frequently. At first, she has no friends, then a group pick her up and include her, only to drop her again without explanation.
I didn't have problems fitting in at school - and I probably wasn't the type of kid to care too much - but as a mum, Anu really suffers for being pushed aside and left out. Ravi has his work colleagues and doesn't really 'get' why she's so upset. She also has a problem that her mother was a pretty dreadful woman who gave her no attention and very little love. It's not really as if she has any kind of role model.
I really enjoyed this book even though very little actually happened. I sympathised deeply with Anu and her loneliness and was happy when she found another way by which to define her worth. I don't know how much of this was autobiographical, but if Poornima Manco suffered this kind of unkindness, I hope she's found her worth and no longer needs to define herself by the opinion of others. And if I were a mum and she were her character, she'd be welcome round at my house for coffee and a chat any time.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for access to this lovely book.
Anu and Ravi have moved from India to a village not too far from London and Anu struggles to fit in. She observes - and it struck me quite deeply - that somebody moving to England from India today has very little in common with those who moved here back in the 50s, 60s, or even later. The India that she and Ravi left behind is a completely different country from the one left behind by earlier waves of immigration. She doesn't fit in with the historic immigrant community and the mums at the school are a mercurial bunch, changing their favour and fashion frequently. At first, she has no friends, then a group pick her up and include her, only to drop her again without explanation.
I didn't have problems fitting in at school - and I probably wasn't the type of kid to care too much - but as a mum, Anu really suffers for being pushed aside and left out. Ravi has his work colleagues and doesn't really 'get' why she's so upset. She also has a problem that her mother was a pretty dreadful woman who gave her no attention and very little love. It's not really as if she has any kind of role model.
I really enjoyed this book even though very little actually happened. I sympathised deeply with Anu and her loneliness and was happy when she found another way by which to define her worth. I don't know how much of this was autobiographical, but if Poornima Manco suffered this kind of unkindness, I hope she's found her worth and no longer needs to define herself by the opinion of others. And if I were a mum and she were her character, she'd be welcome round at my house for coffee and a chat any time.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for access to this lovely book.
May 10, 2021
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
TW: emotional abuse, absent parent, racism, gaslighting, death of a loved one, mental health issues, terminal illness
I haven't moved to a completely different environment, so I can't imagine the struggles that come with it. However, much like Anu, I have always felt like I don't belong, and her efforts at starting and mantaining friendships are very close to my heart.
I absolutely loved to read this story. It covers a lot of important topics - such as mental health, grief, gaslighting - but it's also somehow light and a fast read.
The writing style was probably my favourite part. The author made me feel anxious, betrayed, sad, and happy - all along with Anu's feelings. At the end, I just had so many quotes I'd like to take on with me to apply in my own life, and I wish someday I'll find the strenght to stop trying to "dance to other people's tunes". I never really listened to the same music as the people around me.
The only downside, for me, was the format of the ebook provided. There was no separation between different timelines in the same chapter, and it got a bit confusing. Also, sometimes the author wrote a character's name, but it's clear from the storyline she meant another character.
I needed this book, and I didn't even know it.
TW: emotional abuse, absent parent, racism, gaslighting, death of a loved one, mental health issues, terminal illness
I haven't moved to a completely different environment, so I can't imagine the struggles that come with it. However, much like Anu, I have always felt like I don't belong, and her efforts at starting and mantaining friendships are very close to my heart.
I absolutely loved to read this story. It covers a lot of important topics - such as mental health, grief, gaslighting - but it's also somehow light and a fast read.
The writing style was probably my favourite part. The author made me feel anxious, betrayed, sad, and happy - all along with Anu's feelings. At the end, I just had so many quotes I'd like to take on with me to apply in my own life, and I wish someday I'll find the strenght to stop trying to "dance to other people's tunes". I never really listened to the same music as the people around me.
The only downside, for me, was the format of the ebook provided. There was no separation between different timelines in the same chapter, and it got a bit confusing. Also, sometimes the author wrote a character's name, but it's clear from the storyline she meant another character.
I needed this book, and I didn't even know it.
September 18, 2021
Sacha's Book Reviews Blog
I first saw this book on Reedsy, and I was interested. However Reedsy only allows one review per book launch, and when I clicked someone else must have gotten to it just moments before, as I got an error “This book is already in review”. However shortly after I saw it again via another ARC program (allowing multiple reviewers) — and this time, I got there in time!
The Premise
Young mother Anu has always felt like an outsider. Moving away from the “vacuum” of her own family in India where her mother and half-siblings ignored her, and into a new life in England, this feeling persists: a distinct disconnect from the other mothers — and women in general — that she sees all around her. While her husband Ravi seems to be getting on quite well with his work colleagues and other friends from all backgrounds, Anu feels adrift.
Among the British mothers, her awkward shyness limits friendships from developing — as an outsider, she is “a curiosity at best, a nuisance at worst”. Yet she is too westernised to fit into some of the cliques among Indian women, and her tenuous link to her extended family members is fraught with resentment built up from the past.
As her daughter Neha grows and matures all through primary school and finally enters secondary school at the novel’s climax, the plot traces Anu’s own development as she tries on many different types of friendships for size, “dipping in and out” of her Indian-ness as she struggles to “find her tribe” as a woman and as a mother.
The Pros & Cons
This was a beautiful novel that expertly captures the nuances of migrant dissonance in balancing a myriad of worlds, as well as the mythical creature that is “female friendship”.
Having always lacked the maternal bond from a mother who flitted in and out of her life like an “exotic bird”, Anu still has not resolved these issues as an adult, and it shows in the deep-seated fear and insecurity that she is not enough.
Often accused of being “too sensitive” by her close friends, her husband, and family; Anu still desperately seeks acceptance from the outside. She does not understand the micro-aggressions and fickle-heartedness that are typical among many of the women she meets — both British and Indian, and at the same time she focuses so much on these friendships that she neglects those who do truly care about her.
It is a story that as a woman, we all understand too well — whether or not we share the migrant experience. There were so many simple touches here that gave this novel so much life. A few that captured it perfectly:
On her Indian family relationships:
Was it possible to have grown up with someone, known them your entire lives, and find out you had nothing except blood in common?
On the ethics of ostracisation:
As an Indian woman living abroad, there were bound to be differences between her understanding of things and theirs. She was a stranger in their world, and it was she who had to work harder to be accepted. They were just being true to themselves.
On female friendship (from a male perspective):
You need each other in a way that can’t be defined. I’ve seen women being each other’s biggest supporters and champions, but I’ve also seen women pull each other down, backbite, and be insanely jealous. The dynamics are very different among you lot.
Indeed, there was absolutely so much to love here that I really can’t pick out any flaws. The writing style is distinct, and the pacing is well done, though as it covers such a wide span of time, there were moments I wish it could have hovered on one phase a *wee* bit longer. My emotions were all over the place, and as Anu finally found her footing and her own sense of self through her art, I felt absolutely inspired. Such a journey!
My only caveat (not really a con) is that there are a lot — a lot — of characters to keep track of, so I did have to keep reminding myself of who everyone was and what had happened prior! Still, even minor characters were adequately sketched and well represented, and it all combined to interweave a stunning tapestry of a tale that will resonate with many.
Conclusion
This novel was the essence of women’s fiction, and I loved it from beginning to end. There was a lovely journey that it took, and many generations and types of women that it dealt with. From the mother, to Anu herself, to her daughter — they each had their own experiences, both negative and positive, of what being a woman and a “fish out of water” feels like. I can see this novel being turned into an absolutely amazing film, and I look forward to reading more by this author. Her skill and her crafting of characters is undeniable. I would recommend this novel to any woman, anywhere, particularly if you’ve ever felt out of place in a new environment, or felt miffed by a misunderstanding with a friend… so yes, that’s EVERY woman!
___________
This review also appears on my blog. Visit to read more of my reviews: Sacha's Book Reviews Blog
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April 19, 2021
This book could easily become a Reese Witherspoon's Book Club pick. It reminded me a lot of Big Little Lies, which I meant as a compliment. I had been enticed to read this book because of the multicultural Indian backdrop and it hasn't disappointed me. I have to admit the school's mom universe made me roll my eyes sometimes, but I imagine many people can relate to this reality. Also, the main character has a clear arc and grows beautifully alongside the story. By the last pages, I had a smile on my face.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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April 10, 2021I really enjoyed this story and found it completely relatable. A part of me wanted to go back in time and reassure my younger self that happiness is not dependent on the approval of others! My dearest and longest friendships have all been quite unexpected, the people I've tried hard to befriend for the sake of 'playground politics' are long gone! :)
August 19, 2022
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: A Quiet Dissonance
Author: Poornima Manco
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 17
Stats
Editing: 9/10
Writing Style: 9/10
Content: 9/10
Cover: 5/5
Of the 17 readers:
17 would read another book by this author.
17 thought the cover was good or excellent.
17 felt it was easy to follow.
17 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 5 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 8 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 4 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
16 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
17 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
“This is such a thought provoking novel as we follow Anu and her family as they try to fit into a small English village. The novel is cleverly plotted, but is very much character led. Thoroughly enjoyable!” Female reader, aged 44
“Having lived in Japan for many years (I´m English), I know what it´s like to try to settle down in a different country. The culture is often so different and confusing. The characters in this novel explore this problem, offering the reader an insight into how difficult it is to ´find your place´ whilst, at the same time, being true to your own upbringing.” Male reader, aged 51
“An interesting cultural study with strong characterisation (particularly Anu, although the mother´s interesting too) and solid plotting. Anu is a rather awkward character, very unsettled, and very human – which I liked. Watching her develop was the highlight of the story.” Female reader, aged 39
To Sum It Up:
‘A skillfully crafted and thought-provoking read. A BRONZE medal winner and highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Title: A Quiet Dissonance
Author: Poornima Manco
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 17
Stats
Editing: 9/10
Writing Style: 9/10
Content: 9/10
Cover: 5/5
Of the 17 readers:
17 would read another book by this author.
17 thought the cover was good or excellent.
17 felt it was easy to follow.
17 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 5 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 8 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 4 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
16 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
17 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
“This is such a thought provoking novel as we follow Anu and her family as they try to fit into a small English village. The novel is cleverly plotted, but is very much character led. Thoroughly enjoyable!” Female reader, aged 44
“Having lived in Japan for many years (I´m English), I know what it´s like to try to settle down in a different country. The culture is often so different and confusing. The characters in this novel explore this problem, offering the reader an insight into how difficult it is to ´find your place´ whilst, at the same time, being true to your own upbringing.” Male reader, aged 51
“An interesting cultural study with strong characterisation (particularly Anu, although the mother´s interesting too) and solid plotting. Anu is a rather awkward character, very unsettled, and very human – which I liked. Watching her develop was the highlight of the story.” Female reader, aged 39
To Sum It Up:
‘A skillfully crafted and thought-provoking read. A BRONZE medal winner and highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
June 18, 2021
I was really impressed with this book that I found on booksirens.com. Anu and her family have recently moved from India to England and her young daughter is about to start school. Once a painter in India, Anu sets aside her passion while she fills the role of stay-at-home mom. At the heart of this story is Anu's desperation to fit in and find mom friends. But she soon learns that there are cliques and tries to navigate them to find the right fit.
Anu is constantly plagued with feelings of insecurity because of her childhood and ultimately explores how her relationship with her mother impacted her personality. For most of the book, I really didn't like her husband (Ravi). He seemed very dismissive of her feelings and I couldn't quite figure out what redeeming traits he had that made her attracted to him.
Ultimately, Anu is able to find happiness and a balance in her life when she stops caring so much about how people perceive her and the forced friendships she sought. The truest friendships are the ones that form naturally without seeking them out.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Anu is constantly plagued with feelings of insecurity because of her childhood and ultimately explores how her relationship with her mother impacted her personality. For most of the book, I really didn't like her husband (Ravi). He seemed very dismissive of her feelings and I couldn't quite figure out what redeeming traits he had that made her attracted to him.
Ultimately, Anu is able to find happiness and a balance in her life when she stops caring so much about how people perceive her and the forced friendships she sought. The truest friendships are the ones that form naturally without seeking them out.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 26, 2021
Unfortunately, this book just did not go well for me. I wanted to love it, I enjoyed the main character at the beginning of the book but unfortunately, the storyline was not intriguing enough to finish. I tried many times to love it but in the end, I had to put it down.
The execution of the story was interesting and looking back I cannot decide if it was the writing style itself or just my view on it.
I thought the character development on the 50% I did read was well done.
Whoever did the cover art was amazing, it is beautiful!
Overall, this book was not one for me. I will try another from this author in the future but this book just not go well for me.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
The execution of the story was interesting and looking back I cannot decide if it was the writing style itself or just my view on it.
I thought the character development on the 50% I did read was well done.
Whoever did the cover art was amazing, it is beautiful!
Overall, this book was not one for me. I will try another from this author in the future but this book just not go well for me.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
April 15, 2021
A pleasant read about an Indian woman trying her hardest to belong within a community of white women in an English suburb. Apart from the usual social navigations, nothing particularly interesting happens.
April 15, 2021
4.5 stars. Wow what an emotional roll coaster of a journey. Our expectations in life and our need for acceptance can make or break us. Can lead to a fillfilled life or a life of loneliness and sadness But when we take control and look within for acceptance and love it can turn our life around. This was a great book - a great read. Having lived in 3 different continents I can understand Anu’s journey and urge others to read what is really important in ensuring we reach our potential and enjoy this very short life
April 3, 2021
The long-anticipated debut novel of Poornima Manco does not
disappoint.
Having thoroughly enjoyed all of her short story collections,
I finally got my teeth into her full length story of Indian acceptance into and
conceptions of western society.
Riddled with personal insecurities stemming from damaging indian childhood neglect Anu tries to get to grips with western expectations of her or so she thinks. In hoping things turn out differently for her own daughter she’s unwittingly on a path to discover her true self.
A beautiful story of belonging, unrequited love and perceived friendships.
disappoint.
Having thoroughly enjoyed all of her short story collections,
I finally got my teeth into her full length story of Indian acceptance into and
conceptions of western society.
Riddled with personal insecurities stemming from damaging indian childhood neglect Anu tries to get to grips with western expectations of her or so she thinks. In hoping things turn out differently for her own daughter she’s unwittingly on a path to discover her true self.
A beautiful story of belonging, unrequited love and perceived friendships.
May 12, 2021
It's a slow read where nothing much is happening. I couldn't relate to Anu in her insatiable desire to belong to an in-group neglecting the women who wanted to be her friends. It sure isn't easy to fit in in a new country, but it's never a good idea to look only at what you're missing instead of looking at what you've got.
April 2, 2021
Magnificient
The book is well written and realistic.
A fast-paced read and grips the readers with all the emotions.
Incredible quotes mentioned in the book are thought-provoking.
The author stuns the readers with her storytelling skills which will make you feel connected to the book.
Inspiring words of wisdom on how to deal with life to crave one’s own path motivates the readers.
This book empowers women to be themselves and also guides them towards recognizing their power focussing on the vast importance of relationships in life.
The book is well written and realistic.
A fast-paced read and grips the readers with all the emotions.
Incredible quotes mentioned in the book are thought-provoking.
The author stuns the readers with her storytelling skills which will make you feel connected to the book.
Inspiring words of wisdom on how to deal with life to crave one’s own path motivates the readers.
This book empowers women to be themselves and also guides them towards recognizing their power focussing on the vast importance of relationships in life.
March 30, 2021
I review this as part of the ART team that had read the first draft. The debut novel by Poornima Manco shows she is a writer who creates characters that you always care about and want to carry on reading to the last page to find how they got there. Anu is the protagonist and we see how she struggles with her 'normal family life' when she often feels like the 'outsider'. After turning up a few paths that proved to be the wrong direction she starts to use her dormant creative instincts and finally finds some answers to her dilemmas. I congratulate the author on her novel and always look forward to any writing by her and of course her next novel!
March 31, 2021
A novel in the ‘coming of age’ style. Although ‘finding one’s place’ would be more appropriate. Anu’s place in the world, in herself.
It is a book that describes the struggle of living between two cultures and feeling you don’t quite fit in in either one of them. About finding your feet and your self-worth. About all the insecurities and self-doubt a person can experience whilst going through that process.
It is a book that describes the struggle of living between two cultures and feeling you don’t quite fit in in either one of them. About finding your feet and your self-worth. About all the insecurities and self-doubt a person can experience whilst going through that process.
March 31, 2021
Having loved the author's short stories it was with a keen sense of anticipation that I turned to this, Poornima's first novel. Initially I was uneasy; was this going to be a gentle tale of suburban social mores? Throughout I agonised for the principal character's predicament as she struggled to find her foothold. It is in the final third of the novel that it erupts into a cacophony of colour and emotion which was truly powerful; in every sense.
August 3, 2021
I try and read books by authors from a similar background as myself as I feel there is a massive gap in the market for this. This book is written by a brown woman about a brown woman who is the same age as me but this lady (Anu) has a husband and a child.
The book focuses on Anu and her life in England, where she tries to balance fitting in with the mums at the school where her daughter Neha goes, her mum, her overbearing cousin and her relationship with her husband.
I really liked this book, it is split into three parts and follows Anu going through her day to day life, coping with a mother who was always distant, a daughter in primary school and having to negotiate her friendship groups.
I have been reading a lot of thrillers recently and kept expecting a twist but once I got it into my head that this book would not have a twist, it was a very enjoyable read.
The characters are well written, I like the additions of Punjabi/Hindi works in the book and how it welded the western aspect of life with the eastern aspect of life that brown people have to weld together.
I also liked how Anu questioned herself on certain things that the women at school did, wondering if she had missed things because she was not familiar with this culture or because the women were just being bitches. We have all been in places where we are made to feel as if we are not good enough for certain things and these encounters have left us wondering what is wrong with us.
At times, I found myself not liking Anu's husband but as the story progressed, I could see why he was behaving the way he was.
This book resonates with me a lot in certain parts. I did find one mistake in it, though...at the end of one of the chapters, I believe it is Chapter 14 (the last chapter in Part 2), the author confuses Anu and Neha and the text states that Neha was doing X when it should say that Anu was doing X.
My second minor complaint about it is the incorrect usage of places. I feel that if you are using an actual place then you should get the geography correct, as otherwise, you could just make it up. The author refers to Southall but also calls a road "King's Street" when it is actually "King Street".
I would definitely recommend this book, I enjoyed reading it.
The book focuses on Anu and her life in England, where she tries to balance fitting in with the mums at the school where her daughter Neha goes, her mum, her overbearing cousin and her relationship with her husband.
I really liked this book, it is split into three parts and follows Anu going through her day to day life, coping with a mother who was always distant, a daughter in primary school and having to negotiate her friendship groups.
I have been reading a lot of thrillers recently and kept expecting a twist but once I got it into my head that this book would not have a twist, it was a very enjoyable read.
The characters are well written, I like the additions of Punjabi/Hindi works in the book and how it welded the western aspect of life with the eastern aspect of life that brown people have to weld together.
I also liked how Anu questioned herself on certain things that the women at school did, wondering if she had missed things because she was not familiar with this culture or because the women were just being bitches. We have all been in places where we are made to feel as if we are not good enough for certain things and these encounters have left us wondering what is wrong with us.
At times, I found myself not liking Anu's husband but as the story progressed, I could see why he was behaving the way he was.
This book resonates with me a lot in certain parts. I did find one mistake in it, though...at the end of one of the chapters, I believe it is Chapter 14 (the last chapter in Part 2), the author confuses Anu and Neha and the text states that Neha was doing X when it should say that Anu was doing X.
My second minor complaint about it is the incorrect usage of places. I feel that if you are using an actual place then you should get the geography correct, as otherwise, you could just make it up. The author refers to Southall but also calls a road "King's Street" when it is actually "King Street".
I would definitely recommend this book, I enjoyed reading it.
August 7, 2021
This book could have been so much more. The concept of not fitting in, the immigrant/diaspora experience… and yet it ended up being a whining, self involved shallow experience. It’s been hyped up beyond the book’s reality.
May 24, 2021
Rating: 3.5 stars
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange of an honest review.
"It is a strange thing to go through life as an outsider." Anu is an Indian woman trying very hard to fit in, but she will very soon realise that not everyone is very welcoming in the small English village where she lives.
With the search for belonging, the whole novel felt very coming-of-age, but in an adult setting. She didn't have very exclusively adult problems; more like general issues that everyone can struggle with, but seen from an adult perspective. That's a good thing because it was relatable, but also weird at times because her problems reminded me so much of high school drama (or maybe I'm scared that my future as an adult and maybe a parent can bring all this trouble back).
There was also a lot of it on whether she didn't feel like she fit in because of being Indian and feeling alienated from everything here or because of something more personal, and I loved seeing how she put all parts of her together.
There's a scene when Neha, Anu's daughter, tries to comfort her as she's crying, and Anu thinks that it's not the same as what her child can go through, because adults aren't that forgiving. There's a lot of comparisons about how children deal with issues compared to how adults do, facing the same problems at times. So it's a book about belonging, about getting to know what really matters, about friends and about the importance of family.
The book was very well done, depicting what she felt about her culture and how that fit in her persona and who she was trying to become. It felt very relatable, even if I'm not thirty-five and married with a child, so it was easy to keep reading because I could see myself in her story.
I really liked Anu's husband, Ravi. At the beginning I thought he was brushing things off as too simple, but he paid a lot of attention and he loves Anu and cares a lot, and his outside perspective is actually what she needs in plenty of moments. His advice and support felt really wholesome.
"Why couldn't she be like the others - able to take or leave relationships? Able to accept people at face value and not delve too deep into their motivations? Was her intensity, her commitment, a turnoff?" I felt very called out here.
At moments I really saw myself in her, but then I started feeling like it was the same thing over and over again, and that she was spiralling and I didn't know how she could ever make it out unless people started being kind all of a sudden. Anu, like practically everyone, pushes away the people who actually tell her the truth, tell her things unfiltered, because she wants to feel good about herself and craves the belonging, but sometimes you just have to sort your priorities.
The only flaw I can pinpoint is how at some point in the story, though, it felt repetitive a bit, like she was stretching out the issue and the same stuff happened in every environment.
So overall, it was a good story of belonging, clashing cultures, and being able to become aware of the things that really matter, and Anu's arc was beautiful to read. I enjoyed Poornima Manco's writing very much, and I loved the emotional take on it all.
Stop looking for external validation!
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange of an honest review.
"It is a strange thing to go through life as an outsider." Anu is an Indian woman trying very hard to fit in, but she will very soon realise that not everyone is very welcoming in the small English village where she lives.
With the search for belonging, the whole novel felt very coming-of-age, but in an adult setting. She didn't have very exclusively adult problems; more like general issues that everyone can struggle with, but seen from an adult perspective. That's a good thing because it was relatable, but also weird at times because her problems reminded me so much of high school drama (or maybe I'm scared that my future as an adult and maybe a parent can bring all this trouble back).
There was also a lot of it on whether she didn't feel like she fit in because of being Indian and feeling alienated from everything here or because of something more personal, and I loved seeing how she put all parts of her together.
There's a scene when Neha, Anu's daughter, tries to comfort her as she's crying, and Anu thinks that it's not the same as what her child can go through, because adults aren't that forgiving. There's a lot of comparisons about how children deal with issues compared to how adults do, facing the same problems at times. So it's a book about belonging, about getting to know what really matters, about friends and about the importance of family.
The book was very well done, depicting what she felt about her culture and how that fit in her persona and who she was trying to become. It felt very relatable, even if I'm not thirty-five and married with a child, so it was easy to keep reading because I could see myself in her story.
I really liked Anu's husband, Ravi. At the beginning I thought he was brushing things off as too simple, but he paid a lot of attention and he loves Anu and cares a lot, and his outside perspective is actually what she needs in plenty of moments. His advice and support felt really wholesome.
"Why couldn't she be like the others - able to take or leave relationships? Able to accept people at face value and not delve too deep into their motivations? Was her intensity, her commitment, a turnoff?" I felt very called out here.
At moments I really saw myself in her, but then I started feeling like it was the same thing over and over again, and that she was spiralling and I didn't know how she could ever make it out unless people started being kind all of a sudden. Anu, like practically everyone, pushes away the people who actually tell her the truth, tell her things unfiltered, because she wants to feel good about herself and craves the belonging, but sometimes you just have to sort your priorities.
The only flaw I can pinpoint is how at some point in the story, though, it felt repetitive a bit, like she was stretching out the issue and the same stuff happened in every environment.
So overall, it was a good story of belonging, clashing cultures, and being able to become aware of the things that really matter, and Anu's arc was beautiful to read. I enjoyed Poornima Manco's writing very much, and I loved the emotional take on it all.
Stop looking for external validation!
April 5, 2021
Love and acceptance are basic human wants; and when denied can wreak great harm on a person’s psyche. A Quiet Dissonance is the story of one such woman, Anu, who goes through life seeking love, friendship and acceptance.
Set in England, the story revolves around an Indian family Anu, Ravi and their daughter Neha. Recently having moved from a predominantly Asian area, she feels like an outsider. At her daughter’s primary school, she struggles to find a place amongst the other mothers. Despite the best of her efforts, she ends up as an outcast. Unlike her husband Ravi, who fit in easily.
Unfortunately, she doesn’t gel well with the Indian moms at her daughter’s classical dance classes either. Regardless of the fact that she is amidst ‘her own people,’ she still feels unaccepted.
With time, she makes a few friends with other school moms and her neighbors. But these friendships don’t happen easily, there’s a lot of drama and it takes a toll on Anu. She tries her best to blend in, even at the cost of trying to become someone she is not. All for just one reason–to have her tribe of friends!
When I started reading, I wondered why Anu struggles so much. Why does she lack confidence and always seek validation from others? The chapters unraveled the answers to my questions; and I saw the protagonist for who she is, and understood why she is the way she is.
Her insecurities stem from her unloved upbringing. Anu loses her father at a young age, and never receives much love from her mother, grandparents, or half-siblings. She is a talented artist, and finally finds friendship, acceptance, recognition and happiness by absorbing herself in her paintings.
The book is divided into four parts, each phase reflecting on important stages of Anu’s life. Her struggles, insecurities, journey, self-doubt and acceptance are well expressed.
Having read Manco’s short stories earlier, I was aware of her writing style. But with ‘A quiet dissonance,’ she has upped herself. The moods, the emotions, the journey may be of Anu, but this is a story almost every woman can identify with. Apart from the main protagonist, even the minor characters are well etched. The language and narration are flawless, and sure to stir the reader’s emotions.
Sharing few unforgettable excerpts from the book –
“Family, she realised, wasn’t just about who was related to you. It was who was willing to forgive you your foibles and embrace you, regardless of your flaws.”
“Sweetie, life’s like that, isn’t it? Sometimes you don’t get answers and you just have to let it go.”
“A long time ago I read that holding a grudge is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die.”
“The moment you develop self-respect, everyone else starts giving you the respect you deserve.”
A Quiet Dissonance is an inspiring read of self-discovery and acceptance!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it to every woman. There’s a bit of Anu in all of us!
I received the ARC from Reedsy in exchange for an honest review.
Read more book reviews on my blog
https://wordsopedia.com/book-reviews/
Set in England, the story revolves around an Indian family Anu, Ravi and their daughter Neha. Recently having moved from a predominantly Asian area, she feels like an outsider. At her daughter’s primary school, she struggles to find a place amongst the other mothers. Despite the best of her efforts, she ends up as an outcast. Unlike her husband Ravi, who fit in easily.
Unfortunately, she doesn’t gel well with the Indian moms at her daughter’s classical dance classes either. Regardless of the fact that she is amidst ‘her own people,’ she still feels unaccepted.
With time, she makes a few friends with other school moms and her neighbors. But these friendships don’t happen easily, there’s a lot of drama and it takes a toll on Anu. She tries her best to blend in, even at the cost of trying to become someone she is not. All for just one reason–to have her tribe of friends!
When I started reading, I wondered why Anu struggles so much. Why does she lack confidence and always seek validation from others? The chapters unraveled the answers to my questions; and I saw the protagonist for who she is, and understood why she is the way she is.
Her insecurities stem from her unloved upbringing. Anu loses her father at a young age, and never receives much love from her mother, grandparents, or half-siblings. She is a talented artist, and finally finds friendship, acceptance, recognition and happiness by absorbing herself in her paintings.
The book is divided into four parts, each phase reflecting on important stages of Anu’s life. Her struggles, insecurities, journey, self-doubt and acceptance are well expressed.
Having read Manco’s short stories earlier, I was aware of her writing style. But with ‘A quiet dissonance,’ she has upped herself. The moods, the emotions, the journey may be of Anu, but this is a story almost every woman can identify with. Apart from the main protagonist, even the minor characters are well etched. The language and narration are flawless, and sure to stir the reader’s emotions.
Sharing few unforgettable excerpts from the book –
“Family, she realised, wasn’t just about who was related to you. It was who was willing to forgive you your foibles and embrace you, regardless of your flaws.”
“Sweetie, life’s like that, isn’t it? Sometimes you don’t get answers and you just have to let it go.”
“A long time ago I read that holding a grudge is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die.”
“The moment you develop self-respect, everyone else starts giving you the respect you deserve.”
A Quiet Dissonance is an inspiring read of self-discovery and acceptance!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it to every woman. There’s a bit of Anu in all of us!
I received the ARC from Reedsy in exchange for an honest review.
Read more book reviews on my blog
https://wordsopedia.com/book-reviews/
April 7, 2021
"A Quiet Dissonance" is a debut novel by Poornima Manco about struggling to find acceptance and belonging within two very different cultures, within oneself, and among social groups. It's a tough, sorrowful novel that universally speaks to people's insecurities and their desire to find support and love from others. Expect to feel a rollercoaster of emotions because Manco doesn't hold back on her emotional take on what it means to be an outsider looking for love, friendship, and self-acceptance.
Anu and her family create a fresh start for themselves in a small village in the English countryside. While her husband quickly finds a place for himself among his work colleagues, Anu is struggling to find friends of her own. Worried she won't fit in unless she learns to adapt, Anu embarks on a long journey on what it means to be accepted and whether the consequences of "fitting in" are worth it.
If there is one book that everyone must read this year, it's "A Quiet Dissonance." What outwardly appears to be a family's struggle of trying to adapt to a new, foreign country is actually much, much more complex. In this wildly intense novel, Manco manages to touch on a series of topics and situations everyone can relate to regardless of race, history, or culture. This is one of those rare novels that is able to connect with a wide-range audience in a way that is guaranteed to make them feel as though part of their experience has been written into these pages.
Through Anu's tale, there is a feeling of inspiration to be more open and understanding. Since this tale has multiple themes and topics from race and classism to finding outward and inner acceptance of oneself, one can learn a lot about how seemingly perfect people are going through their own hardships. There are many lessons to be gained from Anu's story while still retaining the enjoyment of a leisurely read.
Manco's style of writing is beautiful and vivid, taking the imagination into far off places I wish I could explore. Memories and visits to India are so detailed I can taste and smell the food right off the page. Even when delving into the darker tidbits of Anu's life (including the lives of other characters) is breathtaking in its sorrow and honesty.
It is the evident passion behind each word that will no doubt cause Manco's novel to be a must-read and inspiration within its own genre and spark a discussion among readers and the media. "A Quiet Dissonance" is available for purchase now. Buy a copy, read, and prepare yourself for Poornima Manco's entrance into the literary world.
Thank you to BookSirens for providing me with a free e-arc of this novel for me to write an honest review.
Anu and her family create a fresh start for themselves in a small village in the English countryside. While her husband quickly finds a place for himself among his work colleagues, Anu is struggling to find friends of her own. Worried she won't fit in unless she learns to adapt, Anu embarks on a long journey on what it means to be accepted and whether the consequences of "fitting in" are worth it.
If there is one book that everyone must read this year, it's "A Quiet Dissonance." What outwardly appears to be a family's struggle of trying to adapt to a new, foreign country is actually much, much more complex. In this wildly intense novel, Manco manages to touch on a series of topics and situations everyone can relate to regardless of race, history, or culture. This is one of those rare novels that is able to connect with a wide-range audience in a way that is guaranteed to make them feel as though part of their experience has been written into these pages.
Through Anu's tale, there is a feeling of inspiration to be more open and understanding. Since this tale has multiple themes and topics from race and classism to finding outward and inner acceptance of oneself, one can learn a lot about how seemingly perfect people are going through their own hardships. There are many lessons to be gained from Anu's story while still retaining the enjoyment of a leisurely read.
Manco's style of writing is beautiful and vivid, taking the imagination into far off places I wish I could explore. Memories and visits to India are so detailed I can taste and smell the food right off the page. Even when delving into the darker tidbits of Anu's life (including the lives of other characters) is breathtaking in its sorrow and honesty.
It is the evident passion behind each word that will no doubt cause Manco's novel to be a must-read and inspiration within its own genre and spark a discussion among readers and the media. "A Quiet Dissonance" is available for purchase now. Buy a copy, read, and prepare yourself for Poornima Manco's entrance into the literary world.
Thank you to BookSirens for providing me with a free e-arc of this novel for me to write an honest review.
May 14, 2021
I was excited to learn Manco was doing a novel since I liked the punch of her short stories. I thought her novella moved too quick to leave an emotional impact. I was worried I would feel the same here too.
Well, I think the novel length helps. Took time to build yet there was an impact for me this time. More time to set up the world and character arcs.
A Quiet Dissonance is an apologetic dialogue-heavy domestic drama. I like how approachable it felt. Even if there are some life experiences that I haven't experienced, I could relate to the anxieties and doubts that plagued Anu when she overthought. Humanizing to know that age has no influence on someone's ability to cope and feel. Wonderful exchanges on toxic relationships and the mentality that can be born from them.
Times when self-assured Ravi was a good counter to the squirming I was sometimes experiencing. No scene overstays its welcome. So if the angst bothers, hang in for another page or so for another transition. Manco moves to a pace where it's easy to binge read. Lots of telling makes it easy to follow.
Many fictional books I've touched upon recently underwent a dramatic twist somewhere in the middle. It happens here too. What made it refreshing was that it's just... life. Through a middle-class lens. We're seeing it through the eyes of a pensive housewife and Indian family settling in London. There are some key differences into the feeling of not belonging in two different cultures, ones that are unique and interesting to learn. Some of them hit close to my own life too.
But really, events that happen could happen to anyone, regardless of age, status, or influence. Anu overcoming her preconceptions about normalcy was a welcome dose of maturity and vulnerability.
I can see how that can be interpreted as "nothing happening." I still appreciate the beats Manco wrote for them.
When I scrubbed my brain for what could be expanded upon: Ravi is too perfect to me. Anu's perspective at work maybe? He is a pillar of support. By the goddess would I want him as my spouse! On the flip side of that, he does come across as flat in a cast of otherwise varied characters. There are a few other key characters who I felt that way too, but they had arcs to somewhat balance it out.
Mistakes remain here and there, typos being the most obvious ones. Odd breaks from the flow. I was so enthralled with the sharp pace and narrative that they didn't bother me. Worth mentioning as an eye for future improvements.
Please read A Quiet Dissonance if the struggle to find a tribe and lasting friendships in adulthood is the sort of jam you'd like to try. Hoping to read more of Manco's work!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Well, I think the novel length helps. Took time to build yet there was an impact for me this time. More time to set up the world and character arcs.
A Quiet Dissonance is an apologetic dialogue-heavy domestic drama. I like how approachable it felt. Even if there are some life experiences that I haven't experienced, I could relate to the anxieties and doubts that plagued Anu when she overthought. Humanizing to know that age has no influence on someone's ability to cope and feel. Wonderful exchanges on toxic relationships and the mentality that can be born from them.
Times when self-assured Ravi was a good counter to the squirming I was sometimes experiencing. No scene overstays its welcome. So if the angst bothers, hang in for another page or so for another transition. Manco moves to a pace where it's easy to binge read. Lots of telling makes it easy to follow.
Many fictional books I've touched upon recently underwent a dramatic twist somewhere in the middle. It happens here too. What made it refreshing was that it's just... life. Through a middle-class lens. We're seeing it through the eyes of a pensive housewife and Indian family settling in London. There are some key differences into the feeling of not belonging in two different cultures, ones that are unique and interesting to learn. Some of them hit close to my own life too.
But really, events that happen could happen to anyone, regardless of age, status, or influence. Anu overcoming her preconceptions about normalcy was a welcome dose of maturity and vulnerability.
I can see how that can be interpreted as "nothing happening." I still appreciate the beats Manco wrote for them.
When I scrubbed my brain for what could be expanded upon: Ravi is too perfect to me. Anu's perspective at work maybe? He is a pillar of support. By the goddess would I want him as my spouse! On the flip side of that, he does come across as flat in a cast of otherwise varied characters. There are a few other key characters who I felt that way too, but they had arcs to somewhat balance it out.
Mistakes remain here and there, typos being the most obvious ones. Odd breaks from the flow. I was so enthralled with the sharp pace and narrative that they didn't bother me. Worth mentioning as an eye for future improvements.
Please read A Quiet Dissonance if the struggle to find a tribe and lasting friendships in adulthood is the sort of jam you'd like to try. Hoping to read more of Manco's work!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 13, 2022
Females can be their own worst enemies
There is a lot of toxic behavior from women throughout - Anupama is subjected to her narcissistic mother’s gaslighting as well as the snarky mums at her daughter’s new school. In addition, her husband and a cousin can get away with dismissing Anupama’s wants, needs, and feelings since she has not yet learned how to stand up for herself.
The author aptly describes Anupama’s new world in a way that is reminiscent of the cultural anthropology aspect of ‘The Nanny Diaries’ when describing the stuck-up socialite mothers at school:
‘…they only thrive in their own little pond. Try putting them somewhere else and they’ll create the same ecosystem there.’
From a culturally immigrant aspect, Anupama and her husband have decisions to make regarding their ‘level of Indian-ness’ in the diaspora of London. This affects various aspects of their lives regarding where to work, live, eat out, and educate their daughter.
‘They were lucky to dip in and out of their Indianness, choosing to retain the bits they wanted and discard the ones they didn’t. But this was not an all-encompassing kind of luck, for in the picturesque English village that they lived in, they were still seen as outsiders; interlopers with strange customs and traditions. A curiosity at best, a nuisance at worst.’
I found it sad that a non-Indian school mum was the one to suggest Indian culture classes for Neha in order to meet women in her new neighborhood (and to help Neha better adjust to her new surroundings).
Another topic that the author addresses is our children. Most parents want what’s best for their kids, but making those decisions aren’t so easy. Especially when both parents have different priorities and/or there’s only one active parent (like in my case). Some general decisions may sound good on paper, but are they appropriate for that individual child? Etc.
As females, we DO need to empower ourselves and speak up for our needs. And we ALSO need to empower other females by speaking up for them as well as help them do so for themselves.
Thank you to Poornima for bringing this to the attention of readers.
I look forward to reading ‘Intersections’: a new novel about love, loss, and the deeply complex nature of female friendship.
There is a lot of toxic behavior from women throughout - Anupama is subjected to her narcissistic mother’s gaslighting as well as the snarky mums at her daughter’s new school. In addition, her husband and a cousin can get away with dismissing Anupama’s wants, needs, and feelings since she has not yet learned how to stand up for herself.
The author aptly describes Anupama’s new world in a way that is reminiscent of the cultural anthropology aspect of ‘The Nanny Diaries’ when describing the stuck-up socialite mothers at school:
‘…they only thrive in their own little pond. Try putting them somewhere else and they’ll create the same ecosystem there.’
From a culturally immigrant aspect, Anupama and her husband have decisions to make regarding their ‘level of Indian-ness’ in the diaspora of London. This affects various aspects of their lives regarding where to work, live, eat out, and educate their daughter.
‘They were lucky to dip in and out of their Indianness, choosing to retain the bits they wanted and discard the ones they didn’t. But this was not an all-encompassing kind of luck, for in the picturesque English village that they lived in, they were still seen as outsiders; interlopers with strange customs and traditions. A curiosity at best, a nuisance at worst.’
I found it sad that a non-Indian school mum was the one to suggest Indian culture classes for Neha in order to meet women in her new neighborhood (and to help Neha better adjust to her new surroundings).
Another topic that the author addresses is our children. Most parents want what’s best for their kids, but making those decisions aren’t so easy. Especially when both parents have different priorities and/or there’s only one active parent (like in my case). Some general decisions may sound good on paper, but are they appropriate for that individual child? Etc.
As females, we DO need to empower ourselves and speak up for our needs. And we ALSO need to empower other females by speaking up for them as well as help them do so for themselves.
Thank you to Poornima for bringing this to the attention of readers.
I look forward to reading ‘Intersections’: a new novel about love, loss, and the deeply complex nature of female friendship.
April 11, 2021
“A Quiet Dissonance” follows the story of Anu and her family as they straddle two worlds. Originally from India, Anu and her husband, Ravi, move to a small town in England. Anu desperately tries to fit in with the other school mums, while still retaining her culture and identity as an artist. There were many ups and downs throughout this novel (I don’t want to give anything away!), some unique to an immigrant’s experience, while others were relatable to all circumstances. Anu faces friction from family members, friends; seeks acceptance from those around her; and deals with loss of self, culture, and family. Manco’s writing is superb and draws the reader right in. We feel Anu’s confusion and her agony as she navigates the social circles of school mums, dance mums, and neighbors.
I truly enjoyed reading this novel. It flowed beautifully, and while there were a lot of characters, they were fairly easy to remember. So many parts of this book hit home to me, having relocated a few times in my life, trying hard to make new friends, navigating a new culture. Manco nailed human nature in this book—sometimes it was painful how true she wrote her characters. There’s so much heart and depth to this one. I find myself still processing it and all of the layers that were subtly put in.
This novel is an important one for our times especially. As a woman, it’s hard to choose “what’s good and right for me-my family, my work” and to find “a deeper happiness…that cannot be corrupted from the outside”. There’s so much pressure to be all put together, to have kids who are well rounded, and the list goes on. Manco demonstrates throughout her novel what is important to Anu and causes the reader to reflect on their own priorities and if they are in the right order.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC.
August 16, 2021
Thanks to NetGalley for this e-ARC.
This is probably not a book I would have picked up in a bookstore, but I am challenging myself to read some different topics and genres, so I thought I would give this a go.
Anu is a thirty-something Indian mother who is struggling to fit in in her new life full of rich and stylish moms.
Based on the fact that Anu is Indian, I really thought that the author was going to incorporate the struggle of being Indian in a different society more however, the way the book is written, being of a different cultural background has nothing to do with the way Anu feels.
I was a bit let down by this because Anu could have been Italian, African or Russian and it would have made no difference. Yes, we see some glimpse into Indian culture, but I feel like it should have been incorporated more.
Anu's struggles are the struggles of any woman who doesn't feel like she belongs anywhere and is trying to find her place in the world.
The first two parts of the book paint Anu as quite superficial and someone who cares too much about what other people think, which would have been fine if she was in her 20s, but not in her 30s, married with a child.
I also found the chapters a bit erratic, one moment Anu was doing something with someone and the next she was already with someone else, leaving the reader wanting to know how the first episode ended.
I really wanted to love this book but unfortunately it has disappointed me.
This is probably not a book I would have picked up in a bookstore, but I am challenging myself to read some different topics and genres, so I thought I would give this a go.
Anu is a thirty-something Indian mother who is struggling to fit in in her new life full of rich and stylish moms.
Based on the fact that Anu is Indian, I really thought that the author was going to incorporate the struggle of being Indian in a different society more however, the way the book is written, being of a different cultural background has nothing to do with the way Anu feels.
I was a bit let down by this because Anu could have been Italian, African or Russian and it would have made no difference. Yes, we see some glimpse into Indian culture, but I feel like it should have been incorporated more.
Anu's struggles are the struggles of any woman who doesn't feel like she belongs anywhere and is trying to find her place in the world.
The first two parts of the book paint Anu as quite superficial and someone who cares too much about what other people think, which would have been fine if she was in her 20s, but not in her 30s, married with a child.
I also found the chapters a bit erratic, one moment Anu was doing something with someone and the next she was already with someone else, leaving the reader wanting to know how the first episode ended.
I really wanted to love this book but unfortunately it has disappointed me.
September 13, 2021
I got, A Quiet Dissonance by Poornima Manco from BookSirens for a fair and honest review.
A Quiet Dissonance tells the story of Anu a young woman who has moved to England from India, with her husband, and now lives in the commuter belt outside London, with her husband and child who is about to start school.
While he husband and child make friends reasonably easily, Anu has always been shy and had difficulty making friends, so navigating the politics of the school gate, which seems so like that of the school yard itself, Anu finds it difficult to fit in to a social group.
A Quiet Dissonance is one of those novels that takes its time to bring the reader in, as the novel on the face of it has very littler happening in it. However, it is well worth reading through as you realize how Anu is really struggling to find her place in the social life of all the other parents she has to deal with.
What I really liked about this novel was the way that it examined how Anu changes herself to fit in with to find a friendship group who she likes to be with. When Anu is only happy when she is doing things that she enjoys.
I would highly recommend A Quiet Dissonance by, Poornima Manco, to any one who likes to read novels about emotions and personal conflicts, both public and with yourself, as you try to find your place in the world.
A Quiet Dissonance tells the story of Anu a young woman who has moved to England from India, with her husband, and now lives in the commuter belt outside London, with her husband and child who is about to start school.
While he husband and child make friends reasonably easily, Anu has always been shy and had difficulty making friends, so navigating the politics of the school gate, which seems so like that of the school yard itself, Anu finds it difficult to fit in to a social group.
A Quiet Dissonance is one of those novels that takes its time to bring the reader in, as the novel on the face of it has very littler happening in it. However, it is well worth reading through as you realize how Anu is really struggling to find her place in the social life of all the other parents she has to deal with.
What I really liked about this novel was the way that it examined how Anu changes herself to fit in with to find a friendship group who she likes to be with. When Anu is only happy when she is doing things that she enjoys.
I would highly recommend A Quiet Dissonance by, Poornima Manco, to any one who likes to read novels about emotions and personal conflicts, both public and with yourself, as you try to find your place in the world.
April 1, 2022
I put off reading this book for a while, but once I opened it, there was something special about it. It feels so sincere, like Anu is speaking to me, even though it’s written in the third person. And I found it very relatable; though we share different backgrounds, I struggle with many of Anu’s insecurities, and the author beautifully captured the added complexities of culture and ethnicity as well. I also liked the way the people who loved her and helped her along the way were flawed as well, and she had to accept both her flaws and theirs. I found myself genuinely rooting for Anu and wanting to find herself. Without giving anything major away, I liked her character development and the resolution at the end, but I suggest giving more closure with some of the people who wronged her, or perhaps having them redeem themselves more. Because I was so invested in Anu’s journey, I wanted that for her, and it would have made the ending more satisfying. I really enjoyed this book and I would read more by this author.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 25, 2021
I saw a glowing review of this book on Reedsy Discovery and decided to check it out for myself.
I read a wide variety of books — non-fiction, and crime/women's/literary fiction. Crime fiction is the only thing I read fast. The rest, I tend to savor. This book, though. I dedicated an entire Saturday to it, reading it fast, but also pausing to savor the beauty of it.
I identified with the protagonist, Anu, who feels that she doesn't belong anywhere, struggling to find her place in the world. Anu moves to the UK and has to learn to navigate an unfamiliar culture, while also struggling to deal with "friends" who gaslight her. I loved the portrayal of the protagonist's mother, a flawed tragic woman; the struggles of the protagonist to connect with her family. Once or twice I thought the husband was patronizing, but he was there for it in ways that counted.
It was a thoroughly satisfying read.
I read a wide variety of books — non-fiction, and crime/women's/literary fiction. Crime fiction is the only thing I read fast. The rest, I tend to savor. This book, though. I dedicated an entire Saturday to it, reading it fast, but also pausing to savor the beauty of it.
I identified with the protagonist, Anu, who feels that she doesn't belong anywhere, struggling to find her place in the world. Anu moves to the UK and has to learn to navigate an unfamiliar culture, while also struggling to deal with "friends" who gaslight her. I loved the portrayal of the protagonist's mother, a flawed tragic woman; the struggles of the protagonist to connect with her family. Once or twice I thought the husband was patronizing, but he was there for it in ways that counted.
It was a thoroughly satisfying read.
August 2, 2021
Having read Poornima Manco's novella The Intimacy of Loss and short stories; Parvathy's Well and Damage, I was really pleased to read her debut novel, A Quiet Dissonance.
I found the story to be very real. After Anu and her family move to a village, her daughter Neha starts primary school. Anu enters the world of playground politics and Mummy clubs - which Manco depicts perfectly. Being the only woman of colour and being from a different cultural background, Anu is riddled with personal insecurites. She hates being the outsider and longs to be accepted.
Anu aims to please and along the way, she loses her true self. This book takes us on a seven year journey in which Anu has highs and lows. Her husband Ravi and neighbour Susan both prove to be the voice of reason. The slight downside I found was that there was no explanation as to why the whole Jemima/Julie club suddenly distance themselves from Anu.
This book was provided to me by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I found the story to be very real. After Anu and her family move to a village, her daughter Neha starts primary school. Anu enters the world of playground politics and Mummy clubs - which Manco depicts perfectly. Being the only woman of colour and being from a different cultural background, Anu is riddled with personal insecurites. She hates being the outsider and longs to be accepted.
Anu aims to please and along the way, she loses her true self. This book takes us on a seven year journey in which Anu has highs and lows. Her husband Ravi and neighbour Susan both prove to be the voice of reason. The slight downside I found was that there was no explanation as to why the whole Jemima/Julie club suddenly distance themselves from Anu.
This book was provided to me by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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