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Late Bloomers
An Indian American family is turned upside down when the parents divorce thirty-six years into their arranged marriage in this witty, big-hearted debut.
I have a soft spot for underdogs. And late bloomers. You've told me a lot of things about yourself, so let me tell you something about me.
After thirty-six years of a dutiful but unhappy arranged marriage, recently divorced Suresh and Lata Raman find themselves starting new paths in life. Suresh is trying to navigate the world of online dating on a website that caters to Indians and is striking out at every turn--until he meets a mysterious, devastatingly attractive younger woman who seems to be smitten with him. Lata is enjoying her newfound independence, but she's caught off guard when a professor in his early sixties starts to flirt with her.
Meanwhile, Suresh and Lata's daughter, Priya, thinks her father's online pursuits are distasteful even as she embarks upon a clandestine affair of her own. And their son, Nikesh, pretends at a seemingly perfect marriage with his law-firm colleague and their young son, but hides the truth of what his relationship really entails. Over the course of three weeks in August, the whole family will uncover one another's secrets, confront the limits of love and loyalty, and explore life's second chances.
Charming, funny, and moving, Late Bloomers introduces a delightful new voice in fiction with the story of four individuals trying to understand how to be happy in their own lives--and as a family.
I have a soft spot for underdogs. And late bloomers. You've told me a lot of things about yourself, so let me tell you something about me.
After thirty-six years of a dutiful but unhappy arranged marriage, recently divorced Suresh and Lata Raman find themselves starting new paths in life. Suresh is trying to navigate the world of online dating on a website that caters to Indians and is striking out at every turn--until he meets a mysterious, devastatingly attractive younger woman who seems to be smitten with him. Lata is enjoying her newfound independence, but she's caught off guard when a professor in his early sixties starts to flirt with her.
Meanwhile, Suresh and Lata's daughter, Priya, thinks her father's online pursuits are distasteful even as she embarks upon a clandestine affair of her own. And their son, Nikesh, pretends at a seemingly perfect marriage with his law-firm colleague and their young son, but hides the truth of what his relationship really entails. Over the course of three weeks in August, the whole family will uncover one another's secrets, confront the limits of love and loyalty, and explore life's second chances.
Charming, funny, and moving, Late Bloomers introduces a delightful new voice in fiction with the story of four individuals trying to understand how to be happy in their own lives--and as a family.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 2, 2023
335 people are currently reading
15953 people want to read
About the author
Deepa Varadarajan
1 book158 followersDeepa Varadarajan lives in Atlanta with her husband and two children. She is a legal academic and a graduate of Yale Law School. She grew up in Texas and received her BA from the University of Texas at Austin. Her short fiction has appeared in The Georgia Review, and her legal scholarship has appeared in The Yale Law Journal and many other publications. Late Bloomers is her first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,006 reviews
November 4, 2023
Oh I loved this book about a messy Indian American family. Lata and Suresh Raman divorce after 36 years of marriage, with both wanting new starts in life. Suresh tries his hand at internet dating while Lata enjoys her new independence until she’s caught off guard by a professor in his early sixties who expresses an interest in her. Meanwhile, Lata and Suresh’s daughter Priya finds her father’s internet trysts distasteful even when she herself is embroiled in a clandestine affair with a married man. Finally, Lata and Suresh’s son Nikesh, their more affable child, struggles to adjust to life with a newborn child and a “marriage” with a woman that may not live up to Lata and Suresh’s expectations. The novel follows each of these four as they try to find happiness both in their own lives and with one another.
I think Late Bloomers did such an excellent job of conveying the theme of new beginnings and how we can form and repair relationships at any stage of life. Deepa Varadarajan shows this theme through her masterful writing. Her prose felt so effortless and smooth; the novel’s tone is relaxed and casual, though I found myself immersed in each of the four character’s unique perspectives and flipping the pages to see what would happen next. Varadarjan really shows instead of tells with her writing and each scene entertained me while giving me more insight into each of the character’s fears and hopes. I appreciated that this novel centered fully-developed Indian American characters and that the plot didn’t focus on racism, whiteness, or anything too out of the ordinary – it was about four family members navigating their own lives with a lot of heart and humanity.
I liked that Varadarajan made each of her four characters’ so well-developed. It can be difficult to juggle even two points of view in a novel, though she somehow created four narrators who each felt distinct. By the end of the novel, I could clearly see how each of them had grown. Late Bloomers ends on a realistically hopeful note, not with all the conflicts perfectly resolved though with enough movement that I felt satisfied with the plot’s progression. I was feeling a strong 4.5 for this book until some of the passages at the end brought tears to my eyes. And, by the last 75 pages, I was already processing my sadness about the novel ending. I wanted to keep learning about these characters and seeing how their lives played out, which always indicates a high quality read.
I hope Varadarajan writes more books because I already know I’m definitely reading what she puts out next! I’m thankful to give this book five stars after several months without a five-star read.
I think Late Bloomers did such an excellent job of conveying the theme of new beginnings and how we can form and repair relationships at any stage of life. Deepa Varadarajan shows this theme through her masterful writing. Her prose felt so effortless and smooth; the novel’s tone is relaxed and casual, though I found myself immersed in each of the four character’s unique perspectives and flipping the pages to see what would happen next. Varadarjan really shows instead of tells with her writing and each scene entertained me while giving me more insight into each of the character’s fears and hopes. I appreciated that this novel centered fully-developed Indian American characters and that the plot didn’t focus on racism, whiteness, or anything too out of the ordinary – it was about four family members navigating their own lives with a lot of heart and humanity.
I liked that Varadarajan made each of her four characters’ so well-developed. It can be difficult to juggle even two points of view in a novel, though she somehow created four narrators who each felt distinct. By the end of the novel, I could clearly see how each of them had grown. Late Bloomers ends on a realistically hopeful note, not with all the conflicts perfectly resolved though with enough movement that I felt satisfied with the plot’s progression. I was feeling a strong 4.5 for this book until some of the passages at the end brought tears to my eyes. And, by the last 75 pages, I was already processing my sadness about the novel ending. I wanted to keep learning about these characters and seeing how their lives played out, which always indicates a high quality read.
I hope Varadarajan writes more books because I already know I’m definitely reading what she puts out next! I’m thankful to give this book five stars after several months without a five-star read.
May 28, 2023
I laughed out loud so many times reading this book! What an exceptionally charming, funny and heart-warming read!
In Late Bloomers we meet the Raman family who is going through a lot of changes. The book is told from the perspective of all the family members, Suresh, Lata, Priya and Nikesh. After 36 years of being married Suresh and Lata finally decides to divorced after much unhappiness.
Suresh ends up keeping the family home and Lata rents a condo close by wanting to start somewhere fresh. Everyone is trying to navigate the changes while figuring out how to start over so late in life.
Suresh is trying online dating and doesn’t seem to be getting any luck. There’s been a series of catfish, lies and all around disappointment until he meets one woman who seems to be very interested but then ghosts him for weeks then shows up with her suitcase and son at his door steps.
Lata is loving her newfound independence, she got a job as a librarian and loves going to work and doing something with her time. She finds so much solace and joy in doing very little, making friends with her co-worker. Everything seem to be going well until a Professor walks into her life with a CD he specifically curated for her.
Priya gets weekly calls from her father reminding her that her ovaries are dying and she needs to get married. She is currently a professor, doing well for herself but cannot seem to stop smoking or seeing a married man.
Nikesh is the golden child who seems to have it all together, a son, living in a New York apartment, working at a prestigious law firm… except what his family doesn’t know is that he lied about marrying the mother of his child and has been lying about how happy his life is.
Everything comes to a head when they all come together to celebrate Nikesh’s sons birthday!
Honestly, THIS is what I mean by a book filled with characters who will live rent free in my mind! The writing is fresh, heartwarming, charming and did I mention HILARIOUS!!!! There were times when I literally was howling! The writer did a spectacular job of writing believable characters from four different point of views and I LOVED IT!
This is such a heartwarming read for anyone who believes in second chances, cheering for underdogs or if you are just starting out. This is a remainder that is it never too late and you can do it.
I truly love this book with all my heart!
In Late Bloomers we meet the Raman family who is going through a lot of changes. The book is told from the perspective of all the family members, Suresh, Lata, Priya and Nikesh. After 36 years of being married Suresh and Lata finally decides to divorced after much unhappiness.
Suresh ends up keeping the family home and Lata rents a condo close by wanting to start somewhere fresh. Everyone is trying to navigate the changes while figuring out how to start over so late in life.
Suresh is trying online dating and doesn’t seem to be getting any luck. There’s been a series of catfish, lies and all around disappointment until he meets one woman who seems to be very interested but then ghosts him for weeks then shows up with her suitcase and son at his door steps.
Lata is loving her newfound independence, she got a job as a librarian and loves going to work and doing something with her time. She finds so much solace and joy in doing very little, making friends with her co-worker. Everything seem to be going well until a Professor walks into her life with a CD he specifically curated for her.
Priya gets weekly calls from her father reminding her that her ovaries are dying and she needs to get married. She is currently a professor, doing well for herself but cannot seem to stop smoking or seeing a married man.
Nikesh is the golden child who seems to have it all together, a son, living in a New York apartment, working at a prestigious law firm… except what his family doesn’t know is that he lied about marrying the mother of his child and has been lying about how happy his life is.
Everything comes to a head when they all come together to celebrate Nikesh’s sons birthday!
Honestly, THIS is what I mean by a book filled with characters who will live rent free in my mind! The writing is fresh, heartwarming, charming and did I mention HILARIOUS!!!! There were times when I literally was howling! The writer did a spectacular job of writing believable characters from four different point of views and I LOVED IT!
This is such a heartwarming read for anyone who believes in second chances, cheering for underdogs or if you are just starting out. This is a remainder that is it never too late and you can do it.
I truly love this book with all my heart!
April 5, 2023
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3.5 Stars
This was a funny little book and different too, both in a good way. The characters are easy to identify with as they have the usual problems any family has. I loved how honest and real they all were and I enjoyed that they each had their individual voices heard. I felt sympathy for them and could easily connect with them and their issues. I was hoping for the best for them and cheering them on.
There were various topics discussed within the pages that many of us can relate to, not just Indian families...divorce, infidelity, online dating, children out of wedlock, parental expectations etc. The topics were dealt with in an authentic way and sometimes I just had to laugh at the antics.
The different perspectives are clear, concise and done very well. This is basically a book about life in general, how to be happy and be part of a family and learn to forgive with some surprises along the way. I liked that it showed how life for immigrants is different that their children who are born in their new homeland. This was a loveable mess of a family and I enjoyed the time I spent with them.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
3.5 Stars
This was a funny little book and different too, both in a good way. The characters are easy to identify with as they have the usual problems any family has. I loved how honest and real they all were and I enjoyed that they each had their individual voices heard. I felt sympathy for them and could easily connect with them and their issues. I was hoping for the best for them and cheering them on.
There were various topics discussed within the pages that many of us can relate to, not just Indian families...divorce, infidelity, online dating, children out of wedlock, parental expectations etc. The topics were dealt with in an authentic way and sometimes I just had to laugh at the antics.
The different perspectives are clear, concise and done very well. This is basically a book about life in general, how to be happy and be part of a family and learn to forgive with some surprises along the way. I liked that it showed how life for immigrants is different that their children who are born in their new homeland. This was a loveable mess of a family and I enjoyed the time I spent with them.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
April 3, 2023
Late Bloomers follows four family members as they explore relationships and adult struggles. Suresh and Lata had an arranged marriage and recently divorced after decades together. Suresh entirely blames Lata for leaving him, while Lata thinks Suresh was always a horrible husband. Both are working out the kinks of dating new people. Priya is having an affair with a married man. Nikesh has a baby with a coworker, and family judgment ensues. All around, so so much family judgment without desire for understanding.
Deepa Varadarajan’s writing is excellent, but I can’t say I enjoyed this book much — all the characters are so unlikeable! They’re selfish and can’t see past their own issues to empathize with family members. I’d read another of Varadarajan’s books, but this one wasn’t for me.
Thank you to Random House for an ACR in exchange for my review.
Deepa Varadarajan’s writing is excellent, but I can’t say I enjoyed this book much — all the characters are so unlikeable! They’re selfish and can’t see past their own issues to empathize with family members. I’d read another of Varadarajan’s books, but this one wasn’t for me.
Thank you to Random House for an ACR in exchange for my review.
October 19, 2024
This books nails the characterization of those "poor" men who really half ass their marriage and are then surprised when they're divorced and alone in their later years that are so annoying.
A solid telling of complicated family dynamics.
A solid telling of complicated family dynamics.
May 2, 2023
3.5
This was cute, sad, and even hilarious at times. I feel it was a true depiction of a typical American family dealing with a later in life divorce which includes curious (aka jealous) ex spouses, first dates after 30+ years of marriage, online dating, and adult kids still playing the roles of their younger selves around their parents. It was an easy, quick read. I wasn’t blown away, but it was enjoyable.
This was cute, sad, and even hilarious at times. I feel it was a true depiction of a typical American family dealing with a later in life divorce which includes curious (aka jealous) ex spouses, first dates after 30+ years of marriage, online dating, and adult kids still playing the roles of their younger selves around their parents. It was an easy, quick read. I wasn’t blown away, but it was enjoyable.
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April 26, 2023 Suresh and Lata had an arranged marriage, but after decades and raising children together, they get a bitter divorce; he feels abandoned, she stayed out of duty, liking him less and less. They are still young enough to want lives that are not lonely, so they try to navigate the modern American dating scene, while still very informed by the Indian culture in which they were raised.
Meanwhile there are the lives of their children--one having an affair with a married man, the other pregnant out of wedlock. The families react with emotional drama, judgment, tempers.
What I liked was the writing, especially the tension between cultures, which is different for each generation. But I think I was expecting more insight, kindness, growth? I got more realism than I prefer in a book--I get enough of that around me. Excellent writing, though, I want to reiterate.
Meanwhile there are the lives of their children--one having an affair with a married man, the other pregnant out of wedlock. The families react with emotional drama, judgment, tempers.
What I liked was the writing, especially the tension between cultures, which is different for each generation. But I think I was expecting more insight, kindness, growth? I got more realism than I prefer in a book--I get enough of that around me. Excellent writing, though, I want to reiterate.
May 23, 2023
I really enjoyed this. I think I liked it so much because it was so honest and real. There weren’t any characters that I consistently agreed with, but I found myself nodding my head with every character at one point or another (maybe except Suresh). This definitely isn’t a happy book with a perfect happy ending but it’s realistic. Nobody really has it all figured out.
May 1, 2023
Home truths!
The interplay of the Ramon family life after divorce is brilliant.
The angst and worry have half truths flowering into full blown stunners dropped at the most inauspicious times.
Suresh is the ex husband, addicted to internet dating, whose dating life develops startling and unexpected off shoots.
Lata, his ex wife whose marriage was arranged, finds herself somewhat hesitantly dating a music professor from the university where she works, spurred on by her be-ringed and tattooed co-worker.
Priya, the Professorial daughter who’s been having an affair with a married man for quite some time and hasn’t told anyone
Nikesh, the son who is not married to the mother of his child but hasn’t had the courage to tell his parents. When he tries, his parents are so involved with their own challenges that he misses the opportunity.
Simultaneously hilarious and thought provoking, we hear from each of the family members in alternating chapters.
A novel about truth telling, timing, about second chances, and defining for ourselves what’s important in life
Simple family life is a myth affectionately exposed in Late Bloomers.
Endearing, sometimes funny, intersecting with the characters fears and failures, a novel to be sipped at with wonder at how loving and dyslexic a family, even a damaged family, can be.
A Random House invitation ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
The interplay of the Ramon family life after divorce is brilliant.
The angst and worry have half truths flowering into full blown stunners dropped at the most inauspicious times.
Suresh is the ex husband, addicted to internet dating, whose dating life develops startling and unexpected off shoots.
Lata, his ex wife whose marriage was arranged, finds herself somewhat hesitantly dating a music professor from the university where she works, spurred on by her be-ringed and tattooed co-worker.
Priya, the Professorial daughter who’s been having an affair with a married man for quite some time and hasn’t told anyone
Nikesh, the son who is not married to the mother of his child but hasn’t had the courage to tell his parents. When he tries, his parents are so involved with their own challenges that he misses the opportunity.
Simultaneously hilarious and thought provoking, we hear from each of the family members in alternating chapters.
A novel about truth telling, timing, about second chances, and defining for ourselves what’s important in life
Simple family life is a myth affectionately exposed in Late Bloomers.
Endearing, sometimes funny, intersecting with the characters fears and failures, a novel to be sipped at with wonder at how loving and dyslexic a family, even a damaged family, can be.
A Random House invitation ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
May 8, 2023
Late Bloomers is a wonderful love story about…divorce and family dysfunction! It’s humorous and touching, filled with rites of passages which can occur at any age. But even though the relationships are tumultuous, the main feeling you get is there is always love.
Suresh and Lata were married over 30 years ag0. It was an arranged marriage. They spent their first day as man and wife at the movies. But, through the years, they have learned to accept each other, even though they both see the flaws in the other. They have raised two children who are now adults, Priya a teacher and Nikesh, a lawyer.
At some point, Lata decides she needs her space form Suresh and wants to live a life she never had. Suresh does not understand Lata’s decision but accepts his wife’s wishes. They divorce and Lata moves into an apartment and Suresh keeps the house.
Lata begins a job at a college library where a professor begins to show her attention. She has never even had a boyfriend, so she is confused and guilty as to what to do. It does not help that the person giving her advice is a young girl she works with. Suresh on the other hand has begun dating at the aga of 60. He is on a dating app and is not very savvy at reading cues the women give him.
Along with these changes, what they have yet to discover, and possibly would freak out about if they do, Priya is in an unorthodox relationship and smokes, both of which they absolutely would not approve, and Nikesh who lives with Denise and their son Alok are not married although his parents think they are. Nikesh can’t seem to make the commitment as he pines for an old girlfriend.
With Alok’s first birthday coming and a party being planned at the house, what should be a happy event inevitably turns into a disaster with secrets coming out of the woodwork. And it is at this time the whole family must choose a new path, both together and separately as they all must make choices which will change futures. They must create a new version of their family, for the sake of all of them. They must find it in their hearts to love each other and those who love them.
Late Bloomers is adorably funny and heartwarming even though it might take this old-fashioned family a bit of time to step into a new wonderful future together.
Thank you #NetGalley #RandomHouse #DeepaVaradarajan #LateBloomers for the advanced copy.
Suresh and Lata were married over 30 years ag0. It was an arranged marriage. They spent their first day as man and wife at the movies. But, through the years, they have learned to accept each other, even though they both see the flaws in the other. They have raised two children who are now adults, Priya a teacher and Nikesh, a lawyer.
At some point, Lata decides she needs her space form Suresh and wants to live a life she never had. Suresh does not understand Lata’s decision but accepts his wife’s wishes. They divorce and Lata moves into an apartment and Suresh keeps the house.
Lata begins a job at a college library where a professor begins to show her attention. She has never even had a boyfriend, so she is confused and guilty as to what to do. It does not help that the person giving her advice is a young girl she works with. Suresh on the other hand has begun dating at the aga of 60. He is on a dating app and is not very savvy at reading cues the women give him.
Along with these changes, what they have yet to discover, and possibly would freak out about if they do, Priya is in an unorthodox relationship and smokes, both of which they absolutely would not approve, and Nikesh who lives with Denise and their son Alok are not married although his parents think they are. Nikesh can’t seem to make the commitment as he pines for an old girlfriend.
With Alok’s first birthday coming and a party being planned at the house, what should be a happy event inevitably turns into a disaster with secrets coming out of the woodwork. And it is at this time the whole family must choose a new path, both together and separately as they all must make choices which will change futures. They must create a new version of their family, for the sake of all of them. They must find it in their hearts to love each other and those who love them.
Late Bloomers is adorably funny and heartwarming even though it might take this old-fashioned family a bit of time to step into a new wonderful future together.
Thank you #NetGalley #RandomHouse #DeepaVaradarajan #LateBloomers for the advanced copy.
April 17, 2023
A good book. It didn't sweep me off my feet, but I did enjoy it. It's told through the POV's of the divorced couple and their adult children. The ex-husband has decided to try internet dating. It doesn't go well, so of course, it's the women's faults. They lied. Hmmm. Lying on dating profiles? Who would have guessed? (sarcasm) If he didn't lie on his, he definitely left out a lot. Like that he is opinionated and given to cynicism.
Meanwhile his wife of 36 years had enough of his nonsense and moved out. She chose a tiny apartment and left him with the big house. She landed a job in the library at the university and discovered her independence. Which involved a new guy. (oh well. Some people have trouble letting a woman live her life without a man)
This leads us to the daughter. Her 'man' is married. Ugh! She is a character that is hard to like, but towards the end of the book, she grows on me.
And then we have the son. He has a new baby. Although the baby's mother has a high powered job, they seem to be balancing everything okay. (or are they?)
A good story with well-developed characters.
#LateBloomers #NetGalley
Meanwhile his wife of 36 years had enough of his nonsense and moved out. She chose a tiny apartment and left him with the big house. She landed a job in the library at the university and discovered her independence. Which involved a new guy. (oh well. Some people have trouble letting a woman live her life without a man)
This leads us to the daughter. Her 'man' is married. Ugh! She is a character that is hard to like, but towards the end of the book, she grows on me.
And then we have the son. He has a new baby. Although the baby's mother has a high powered job, they seem to be balancing everything okay. (or are they?)
A good story with well-developed characters.
#LateBloomers #NetGalley
January 19, 2024
I wanted to like this book. I love the concept of dissecting a dysfunctional Indian family. The themes of the story ran very true to real life and culture. I appreciate this attempt to comically bring to light very real issues immigrant and first generation individuals from traditional cultures experience.
But oh lord, I absolutely detested every character except for Nikesh. I had some sympathy for Suresh, but all in all, I could see why his life was the way it was (in fact, I know Indian uncles just like him). I think the book could have also been a lot shorter - I felt like the chapters were unnecessarily verbose. I was bored through most of this book and could not wait for it to end. It's like the story was moving along at a glacier speed, and the majority of the book was spent on the rotating narrator's thoughts. Which got old after a while.
I did think the ending was a good one and the ultimate message that sometimes things don't go to plan and it's ok. I believe I might have enjoyed this book more if it was shorter, the plot was more condensed, and I actually liked the characters as people.
But oh lord, I absolutely detested every character except for Nikesh. I had some sympathy for Suresh, but all in all, I could see why his life was the way it was (in fact, I know Indian uncles just like him). I think the book could have also been a lot shorter - I felt like the chapters were unnecessarily verbose. I was bored through most of this book and could not wait for it to end. It's like the story was moving along at a glacier speed, and the majority of the book was spent on the rotating narrator's thoughts. Which got old after a while.
I did think the ending was a good one and the ultimate message that sometimes things don't go to plan and it's ok. I believe I might have enjoyed this book more if it was shorter, the plot was more condensed, and I actually liked the characters as people.
August 5, 2024
“Life was full of surprises. You just had to be willing to look foolish and try something new.”
Late Bloomers by Deepa Varadarjan is so refreshing and heart-warming. I love how applicable the title is to the characters, which I know is the point, but it’s lovely to read from the perspective of a family at different points in their lives trying to find their way, showing us that no matter the age we are, we have our short comings.
We have Lata and Suresh, who are recently divorced from each other. Like a baby deer adjusting to their legs, they often tumble but eventually learn how to walk but with a lot of effort due to their naivety about dating at an older age. Suresh wants a new wife as quickly as possible because he cannot stand to be alone, so he seeks women out via dating websites-which is a very funny anecdote throughout the novel. He meets Mallika, a recent widow, who certainly comes with baggage, yet Suresh comes to adore her and her little boy. Lata is fiercely independent, she’s a librarian that has a new lease on life, she’s also extremely content with being alone- unlike Suresh. A professor has his eyes on her and they have a very cutesy start of a good relationship.
Priya and Nikesh are their adult children who have a well of issues of their own. Priya is sleeping with a married man and she loves him, but has a hard time accepting that he has a wife even when she didn’t much care prior to now. She has her own insecurities when it comes to being her father’s favorite and wanting to be her mother’s and she’s deeply secretive about her life. She’s a professor with both intelligence and beauty, but doubts herself constantly. Nikesh is seemingly the perfect Indian son, he’s married and now has a baby boy. In reality he’s not married to the mother of his child, which raises conflict for him and the mother as she does not want to live a lie any longer. He has the best relationship with his father and is his mother’s favorite, he’s a good son but feels he doesn’t do enough.
As our parents’ children, we don’t often think about their perspective of our childhood or their feelings about us growing up. I had to call my dad after reading this and tell him I miss him and love him. It made me think about how lonely my dad might be without all of his kids around even though he’s happily remarried with a soccer team of grandchildren. Sure, I visit my parents often but I do feel guilty for all the missed time I can’t get back for being absorbed in my own life constantly. I never really thought about how when you’re young you cling to your parents, you want their attention, you crave their validation and when you grow up that feeling fades away and you become distant. If anything you feel they suffocate you with their expectations and desires for how you should live, but it’s all out of love and we just want them to just want us to be happy and nothing more. They want us to grow, be successful in whatever that looks like for us, rightfully so, maybe have a family and a partner to look after us once they go. I’d highly recommend this book, it was warm, funny and charming while also making a wonderful buddy read!
Late Bloomers by Deepa Varadarjan is so refreshing and heart-warming. I love how applicable the title is to the characters, which I know is the point, but it’s lovely to read from the perspective of a family at different points in their lives trying to find their way, showing us that no matter the age we are, we have our short comings.
We have Lata and Suresh, who are recently divorced from each other. Like a baby deer adjusting to their legs, they often tumble but eventually learn how to walk but with a lot of effort due to their naivety about dating at an older age. Suresh wants a new wife as quickly as possible because he cannot stand to be alone, so he seeks women out via dating websites-which is a very funny anecdote throughout the novel. He meets Mallika, a recent widow, who certainly comes with baggage, yet Suresh comes to adore her and her little boy. Lata is fiercely independent, she’s a librarian that has a new lease on life, she’s also extremely content with being alone- unlike Suresh. A professor has his eyes on her and they have a very cutesy start of a good relationship.
Priya and Nikesh are their adult children who have a well of issues of their own. Priya is sleeping with a married man and she loves him, but has a hard time accepting that he has a wife even when she didn’t much care prior to now. She has her own insecurities when it comes to being her father’s favorite and wanting to be her mother’s and she’s deeply secretive about her life. She’s a professor with both intelligence and beauty, but doubts herself constantly. Nikesh is seemingly the perfect Indian son, he’s married and now has a baby boy. In reality he’s not married to the mother of his child, which raises conflict for him and the mother as she does not want to live a lie any longer. He has the best relationship with his father and is his mother’s favorite, he’s a good son but feels he doesn’t do enough.
As our parents’ children, we don’t often think about their perspective of our childhood or their feelings about us growing up. I had to call my dad after reading this and tell him I miss him and love him. It made me think about how lonely my dad might be without all of his kids around even though he’s happily remarried with a soccer team of grandchildren. Sure, I visit my parents often but I do feel guilty for all the missed time I can’t get back for being absorbed in my own life constantly. I never really thought about how when you’re young you cling to your parents, you want their attention, you crave their validation and when you grow up that feeling fades away and you become distant. If anything you feel they suffocate you with their expectations and desires for how you should live, but it’s all out of love and we just want them to just want us to be happy and nothing more. They want us to grow, be successful in whatever that looks like for us, rightfully so, maybe have a family and a partner to look after us once they go. I’d highly recommend this book, it was warm, funny and charming while also making a wonderful buddy read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 15, 2023
I enjoyed this book that presents an Indian family during a period of conflict and transition. The parents, Suresh and Lata, are recently divorced after many years and grappling with single life and entering the dating pool. Their adult children include Priya, who lives near them in Texas, a single college professor involved with a married colleague, who seems unfulfilled both professionally and personally, and Nikesh, a successful attorney who lives across the country in New York with Denise, a more senior attorney in his law firm, and the mother of his year-old son, to whom he has led his parents to believe he is married. Nikesh is wondering whether to remain in the relationship and whether to continue as a practicing attorney. Each of the family members seems so preoccupied with their own strife and protecting their their secrets that they are oblivious or unconcerned with their immediate family’s experience. As a result, they do not communicate or confide in one another.
While the story is infused with some ethnic tradition and cuisine, I appreciated that it could be about any family, with members holding secrets, parents with unrealized expectations for their adult children, and casting judgment over their choices.
I listened to the audiobook, well narrated by a cast who are able to create distinctive voices and an appropriate accent for the older characters and narrate without any accent for other characters. The story is told in shifting points of view alternating between the four main characters, which I found quite effective, in demonstrating the characters’ growth. By the end of the book, each characters’ carefully held secrets are exposed and the family members begin to communicate and cultivate an appreciation of one another’s struggles. Of all the characters, Suresh, in my opinion, needed to grow the most and relinquish his selfish views of the obligations he imagines his former wife and adult children owe him. By the end of the story, the characters come together and there is a glimmer of hope that they will continue to move forward, more open to opportunities in their lives and shared communication with each other.
I listened to the audiobook effectively narrated by four different narrators, each of whom were each able to to provide authentic accents for the older characters, or without any accent for younger and non-Indian characters.
Thanks to Goodreads and Random House for an advanced copy of the book.
While the story is infused with some ethnic tradition and cuisine, I appreciated that it could be about any family, with members holding secrets, parents with unrealized expectations for their adult children, and casting judgment over their choices.
I listened to the audiobook, well narrated by a cast who are able to create distinctive voices and an appropriate accent for the older characters and narrate without any accent for other characters. The story is told in shifting points of view alternating between the four main characters, which I found quite effective, in demonstrating the characters’ growth. By the end of the book, each characters’ carefully held secrets are exposed and the family members begin to communicate and cultivate an appreciation of one another’s struggles. Of all the characters, Suresh, in my opinion, needed to grow the most and relinquish his selfish views of the obligations he imagines his former wife and adult children owe him. By the end of the story, the characters come together and there is a glimmer of hope that they will continue to move forward, more open to opportunities in their lives and shared communication with each other.
I listened to the audiobook effectively narrated by four different narrators, each of whom were each able to to provide authentic accents for the older characters, or without any accent for younger and non-Indian characters.
Thanks to Goodreads and Random House for an advanced copy of the book.
April 30, 2023
I cannot begin to describe how much I appreciate and love this story about an Indian American family, their marriage life, the food, the culture, and most of all the Indian-ness even though they are in America!! An original #DesiBook.
The characters are brilliant and so original I felt like an aunty snooping into neighbour’s house 😂 You’d understand the reference if you were Desi! Late Bloomers is like an Indian commercial film that has chapters of love, compassion, heartbreak, and humour.
Deepa Varadarajan is a brilliant debut author. 2023 has been a good year so far for noteworthy South Asian voices!! Thank you Random House for the gifted eARC.
The characters are brilliant and so original I felt like an aunty snooping into neighbour’s house 😂 You’d understand the reference if you were Desi! Late Bloomers is like an Indian commercial film that has chapters of love, compassion, heartbreak, and humour.
Deepa Varadarajan is a brilliant debut author. 2023 has been a good year so far for noteworthy South Asian voices!! Thank you Random House for the gifted eARC.
October 20, 2023
Briefly interesting. Then boring until the final third, which was over the top with family drama and antics until the end, which was sappy.
January 15, 2024
4.5
In one of her interviews, Deepa Varadarajan says that she does not believe any generation has got it (relationships) all figured out. "Late Bloomers" is a work that reinforces this understanding, revealing the hypocrisies, constraints, regrets, weaknesses, and well-intentioned failures across ages that every character must confront as they pursue (or fail to pursue) their longing for love. I appreciate how, by the end of the book, every character matures enough to be able to care for their and others' well-being even though they may not have necessarily got their lives figured out.
Highly recommended.
In one of her interviews, Deepa Varadarajan says that she does not believe any generation has got it (relationships) all figured out. "Late Bloomers" is a work that reinforces this understanding, revealing the hypocrisies, constraints, regrets, weaknesses, and well-intentioned failures across ages that every character must confront as they pursue (or fail to pursue) their longing for love. I appreciate how, by the end of the book, every character matures enough to be able to care for their and others' well-being even though they may not have necessarily got their lives figured out.
Highly recommended.
October 26, 2024
Whew. Family drama Indian style. Although this is a specific Indian cultural story, the themes are universal. Suresh and Lata have divorced after 36 years of marriage and they are each now in the rebuilding phase of their respective lives. Suresh turns to internet dating and this provides some of the funniest moments in this humorous novel. Lata who has been the typical housewife throughout the marriage, decides to get a job and very haltingly dips her toes into the dating world. They have two adult children who have their own relationship issues that provides more amusement to what turns out to be a very entertaining and enjoyable experience. I received a DRC from Netgalley and Random House. Thank you.
March 3, 2024
This was twice as long as it should have been and the one-year-old’s birthday party, which we were meant to believe was high stakes, was an overhyped climax that I couldn’t even begin to get worked up about.
May 24, 2023
Equally funny and heartfelt, this was a moving family drama that follows four different members of a South Asian American family as they try to find love and start over after divorce and failed relationships. I enjoyed the multiple POVs in this intergenerational story and that the full cast audio narration was excellent. Definitely one I'd recommend! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
May 2, 2023
In Late Bloomers we follow a family that has been struggling. The parents, Suresh and Lata, have recently divorced and their children, Priya and Nikesh, are facing their own relationship problems as they navigate adulthood. As this family is drawn back together over the course of three weeks, they're forced to confront their feelings about themselves and one another.
This is one of those clever books that lures you in with a beautiful cover, but makes you stay for the beautiful story. My favorite part of this book has to be the characters. I became incredibly attached to these characters over the course of the novel as we alternate POVs between each of the family members. That narrative choice might sound like too much, but its execution is perfect for this story. We get to understand each member of the family; their perspective, their reasoning for action or inaction, and also their reflections on certain experiences. My favorite characters were Suresh and Lata because it's rare to see such dynamic older narrators. I loved Lata because she felt so genuine with her reflections on life and deciding what kind of life she really wanted to live. Suresh could be the stereotypical dad most of the time, but his sense of humor had me literally laughing out loud many times while reading!
While this story could be funny, it was often balanced with seriousness. Throughout the book we see both Suresh and Lata reflect on their married life and parenting. There was a lot of vulnerability here as the parents realize they were never shown how to approach taboo topics with their children and that now as single adults they don't know how to approach some of these topics for themselves! I also liked that we see these parents acknowledge their mistakes and the feelings of their children as they navigate unfamiliar territory. Miscommunication is used pretty frequently in this novel and is admittedly not my favorite trope. However, the miscommunications in this story make sense and the situations feel very genuine considering just how much is happening in everyone's lives. I appreciated that this trope never felt forced in or contrived.
Unfortunately, I was a bit disappointed with the ending as the last 50 pages had a lot going on. There were quite a few plot twists that felt shoe-horned in and I wish that maybe more time and space had been given to wrapping up the major threads of the story. It was an ambiguous enough ending that I questioned if there was room being left for a sequel; I hope this is not the case as only a few extra pages could have succinctly concluded this story. Overall though, this novel was an enjoyable, humorous, and emotional read!
Thank you to Random House for an e-ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review!
This is one of those clever books that lures you in with a beautiful cover, but makes you stay for the beautiful story. My favorite part of this book has to be the characters. I became incredibly attached to these characters over the course of the novel as we alternate POVs between each of the family members. That narrative choice might sound like too much, but its execution is perfect for this story. We get to understand each member of the family; their perspective, their reasoning for action or inaction, and also their reflections on certain experiences. My favorite characters were Suresh and Lata because it's rare to see such dynamic older narrators. I loved Lata because she felt so genuine with her reflections on life and deciding what kind of life she really wanted to live. Suresh could be the stereotypical dad most of the time, but his sense of humor had me literally laughing out loud many times while reading!
While this story could be funny, it was often balanced with seriousness. Throughout the book we see both Suresh and Lata reflect on their married life and parenting. There was a lot of vulnerability here as the parents realize they were never shown how to approach taboo topics with their children and that now as single adults they don't know how to approach some of these topics for themselves! I also liked that we see these parents acknowledge their mistakes and the feelings of their children as they navigate unfamiliar territory. Miscommunication is used pretty frequently in this novel and is admittedly not my favorite trope. However, the miscommunications in this story make sense and the situations feel very genuine considering just how much is happening in everyone's lives. I appreciated that this trope never felt forced in or contrived.
Unfortunately, I was a bit disappointed with the ending as the last 50 pages had a lot going on. There were quite a few plot twists that felt shoe-horned in and I wish that maybe more time and space had been given to wrapping up the major threads of the story. It was an ambiguous enough ending that I questioned if there was room being left for a sequel; I hope this is not the case as only a few extra pages could have succinctly concluded this story. Overall though, this novel was an enjoyable, humorous, and emotional read!
Thank you to Random House for an e-ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review!
May 5, 2023
Thank you @prhaudio for the ALC and NetGalley and Random House Publishing for the e-copy of this book.
This was such a fun and interesting family drama about an American-Indian family that starts out with the divorce of the parents after 36 years of marriage. We read from all 4 POV of the family, the mother, father and two adult children.
From the father we get to hear how "fun" it is to try and find a date online and how the women are never honest. From the mother who has never dated in her life because she had an arranged marriage and never dated before that day emerges to attempt to date=full on fear! The son and his companion and their sweet one year old son really gives them a run for their money. Lastly, the daughter who has a secret that she desperately doesn't want her parents to know.
I loved that each person had a unique problem that was very real to them, but not over the top. They had actual, real life problems and concerns that we humans tend to face. Much of their battle was what the others in their family would think and they behaved in a way to hide or protect themselves. Family! We love them, but they can also push our buttons, and you really feel that in this book.
It wasn't angsty, it was joyful. It was sad yet hopeful. It had the perfect recipe for an enjoyable family drama!
The audiobook was so well done with 4 narrators, so it was easy to keep track of the different characters.
This was such a fun and interesting family drama about an American-Indian family that starts out with the divorce of the parents after 36 years of marriage. We read from all 4 POV of the family, the mother, father and two adult children.
From the father we get to hear how "fun" it is to try and find a date online and how the women are never honest. From the mother who has never dated in her life because she had an arranged marriage and never dated before that day emerges to attempt to date=full on fear! The son and his companion and their sweet one year old son really gives them a run for their money. Lastly, the daughter who has a secret that she desperately doesn't want her parents to know.
I loved that each person had a unique problem that was very real to them, but not over the top. They had actual, real life problems and concerns that we humans tend to face. Much of their battle was what the others in their family would think and they behaved in a way to hide or protect themselves. Family! We love them, but they can also push our buttons, and you really feel that in this book.
It wasn't angsty, it was joyful. It was sad yet hopeful. It had the perfect recipe for an enjoyable family drama!
The audiobook was so well done with 4 narrators, so it was easy to keep track of the different characters.
October 2, 2022
Does anyone really have it all figured out? Late Bloomers is about an American Indian Family trying to figure out life, love, and all of the above. The book follows all four family members alternating each chapter so that you get each character's perspective. The novel starts out with Suresh, the dad, who has tried internet dating after his wife left him after 30 something years of marriage. Then we meet Lata, the ex-wife, who after devoting years of her life to her husband and her kids, is finally ready to follow her dreams and put herself first. We also meet Priya, the history professor daughter, who is worried that at 35 years old she will never get married and have kids. We also follow Nikesh the son, who seems like he has it all together with a 1 year old son and his wife Denise, only things aren't what they seem.
This is a novel that anyone can relate to. I liked the drama of the family and the new twists that kept coming up. There were also some moments where I laughed out loud. The fact that the novel is written with four different perspectives really added to the story and made the reader really care about this family. I was definitely rooting for every family member to come out on top. This was a great family drama novel!
Thank you to Random House Publishing Group for this advanced copy.
This is a novel that anyone can relate to. I liked the drama of the family and the new twists that kept coming up. There were also some moments where I laughed out loud. The fact that the novel is written with four different perspectives really added to the story and made the reader really care about this family. I was definitely rooting for every family member to come out on top. This was a great family drama novel!
Thank you to Random House Publishing Group for this advanced copy.
April 10, 2023
Late Bloomers explores the members of a family and how they relate to each other and their respective relationships and struggles.
Suresh and Lata had an arranged marriages and recently divorced after decades of marriage and both are now on the dating scene again, which is full of weird people and not what either of them expected to be doing at this point in life, but here they are. Suresh is meeting women through dating websites, and meets Malika, who ends up coming to stay with him and bringing her son when she has no where else to go, despite them only having been on one date.
Their daughter Priya is dating a married man and their son has had a child but isn’t married, although he told his parents that they were married and told his girlfriend that he told his parents that they weren’t.
All around, there’s a lack of communication, loads of judgment, and a need for understanding.
I liked the writing style but the characters were hard to like. I think that was intentional, though. And maybe it could have been a little shorter.
Thanks to Random House and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.
Suresh and Lata had an arranged marriages and recently divorced after decades of marriage and both are now on the dating scene again, which is full of weird people and not what either of them expected to be doing at this point in life, but here they are. Suresh is meeting women through dating websites, and meets Malika, who ends up coming to stay with him and bringing her son when she has no where else to go, despite them only having been on one date.
Their daughter Priya is dating a married man and their son has had a child but isn’t married, although he told his parents that they were married and told his girlfriend that he told his parents that they weren’t.
All around, there’s a lack of communication, loads of judgment, and a need for understanding.
I liked the writing style but the characters were hard to like. I think that was intentional, though. And maybe it could have been a little shorter.
Thanks to Random House and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.
June 6, 2023
The notion that new love and self-discovery is for the young is an old and tired view. In Late Bloomers, the author blasts that idea to bits, showing that there will always be ways in which we grow and change as we age. That romance, companionship, and adventure are all still available no matter where you are in your journey.
Choosing an older, divorced couple and their two children to depict the highs and lows of relationships and the ways in which society's hangups affects our behaviours yielded a funny and endearing story.
Lata and Suresh who now must traverse the dicey world of dating for older people, Priya who must discover what she really wants from her relationship and life, and Nikesh with his secret and indecision regarding moving forward both personally and professionally.
It did become frustrating seeing them waffle and continue to refuse to share the most vulnerable parts of themselves, while also being selfish and judgemental. I think it took too long for them all to open up and communicate clearly and honestly about all their insecurities and shortcomings.
Choosing an older, divorced couple and their two children to depict the highs and lows of relationships and the ways in which society's hangups affects our behaviours yielded a funny and endearing story.
Lata and Suresh who now must traverse the dicey world of dating for older people, Priya who must discover what she really wants from her relationship and life, and Nikesh with his secret and indecision regarding moving forward both personally and professionally.
It did become frustrating seeing them waffle and continue to refuse to share the most vulnerable parts of themselves, while also being selfish and judgemental. I think it took too long for them all to open up and communicate clearly and honestly about all their insecurities and shortcomings.
August 27, 2023
3.5*. A story that started off slow introducing the characters and setting the stage for the story before finally gathering steam and moving the storyline along. An enjoyable read covering many relatable themes-adult children, late in life divorce and dating and the truths we believe-are they just our perceptions vs. the real thing?
November 19, 2023
DNF'd at 54%, which is more than the usual 100 pages I give a book. I simply don't care if these characters bloom or when.
I paused right at where Part 1 ended but was already doubtful well before. Then one tiny cliffhanger occurred. A bud that may bloom? I pushed ahead and the tiny reveal, at the time, was hardly worthwhile.
The characters consistently belly-ache, complain and worry. Priya in particular. But her divorced parents and her brother are cut from the same cloth. So many better books to read. Why bother with this? I should have stopped well before Page 100 when the pity party was not going to end.
I paused right at where Part 1 ended but was already doubtful well before. Then one tiny cliffhanger occurred. A bud that may bloom? I pushed ahead and the tiny reveal, at the time, was hardly worthwhile.
The characters consistently belly-ache, complain and worry. Priya in particular. But her divorced parents and her brother are cut from the same cloth. So many better books to read. Why bother with this? I should have stopped well before Page 100 when the pity party was not going to end.
June 13, 2023
Thank you to Netgalley and Random House for an advance review copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Available May 2, 2023.
4 stars
Late Bloomers is a story of a family that has it all together – until it doesn’t. Lata and Suresh have been married for 36 years from an arranged marriage and when Lata decides she’s unhappy and wants a divorce, a lot of family secrets start to emerge.
Varadarajan’s writing is often funny, heartbreaking and relatable all at once. I enjoyed their narratives on challenging and breaking down cultural norms and constructs. This is a very human novel with understanding and growth at its core. It’s the perfect read for fans of family dramas and sagas.
Fantastic debut!
Available May 2, 2023.
4 stars
Late Bloomers is a story of a family that has it all together – until it doesn’t. Lata and Suresh have been married for 36 years from an arranged marriage and when Lata decides she’s unhappy and wants a divorce, a lot of family secrets start to emerge.
Varadarajan’s writing is often funny, heartbreaking and relatable all at once. I enjoyed their narratives on challenging and breaking down cultural norms and constructs. This is a very human novel with understanding and growth at its core. It’s the perfect read for fans of family dramas and sagas.
Fantastic debut!
March 7, 2025
3.75⭐️
to put every character from Late Bloomers into a nutshell, we have: a father ready to move on at whatever cost, a mother still putting everyone else’s needs & feelings before her own, a daughter who feels like she’s behind on life, and a son pretending to be ahead. Suresh, Lata, Priya, and Nekesh are all flawed characters and this story was so real. at the end of the day, whether you’re a 20 something or almost 60, we’re all winging it & tryna figure our shit out. the title of the book couldn’t be more fitting!
to put every character from Late Bloomers into a nutshell, we have: a father ready to move on at whatever cost, a mother still putting everyone else’s needs & feelings before her own, a daughter who feels like she’s behind on life, and a son pretending to be ahead. Suresh, Lata, Priya, and Nekesh are all flawed characters and this story was so real. at the end of the day, whether you’re a 20 something or almost 60, we’re all winging it & tryna figure our shit out. the title of the book couldn’t be more fitting!
February 10, 2024
I'm not really sure about the negative reviews on this book. I absolutely enjoyed every moment of this book. I haven't read something in a while that truly speaks to the Indian-American way of growing up, the consequences that immigrant families face and really investigates the perspective of each side - the children and the parents.
I wish this book could be adapted for the screen because I would love to watch something like this! Also, the characters are selfish and dysfunctional yes.. that's pretty much the whole point of it. Great read! Can't recommend it enough.. especially if you come from a big fat DESI family
I wish this book could be adapted for the screen because I would love to watch something like this! Also, the characters are selfish and dysfunctional yes.. that's pretty much the whole point of it. Great read! Can't recommend it enough.. especially if you come from a big fat DESI family
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