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The Matchmaker
Sparks will fly when a desi matchmaker and a self-confessed 'coconut' meet in this glittering romantic comedy about love, marriage and mistaking your own identity.
Matchmaking is easy. Falling in love on the other hand ...
Saima knows that she’s a great matchmaker. She has the weekly wedding invitations to prove it. So why has her community started turning against her?
The desi community in Sydney has eyes, ears and mouths everywhere, and Saima’s feeling firsthand the impact gossip can have. Too modern, too focused on compatibility instead of class and everything else that’s meant to matter.
She’s about to pack it all up and move back in with her Ammy when an eligible bachelor’s wealthy parents show up at her door. They’re offering the biggest payday she’s had in years, but there’s a catch: she has to convince their son to accept her services without letting on that it’s his parents pulling the strings.
Kal is handsome, successful and starting to worry about his path in life. What does it mean to be a third culture kid? When a woman falls into his life challenging everything he thought he knew about heritage, life and love, it might be the answer he’s been searching for.
But Saima wrote off love a long time ago – has she hardened her heart too much to see what’s right in front of her?
Can a matchmaker recognise a perfect match?
Matchmaking is easy. Falling in love on the other hand ...
Saima knows that she’s a great matchmaker. She has the weekly wedding invitations to prove it. So why has her community started turning against her?
The desi community in Sydney has eyes, ears and mouths everywhere, and Saima’s feeling firsthand the impact gossip can have. Too modern, too focused on compatibility instead of class and everything else that’s meant to matter.
She’s about to pack it all up and move back in with her Ammy when an eligible bachelor’s wealthy parents show up at her door. They’re offering the biggest payday she’s had in years, but there’s a catch: she has to convince their son to accept her services without letting on that it’s his parents pulling the strings.
Kal is handsome, successful and starting to worry about his path in life. What does it mean to be a third culture kid? When a woman falls into his life challenging everything he thought he knew about heritage, life and love, it might be the answer he’s been searching for.
But Saima wrote off love a long time ago – has she hardened her heart too much to see what’s right in front of her?
Can a matchmaker recognise a perfect match?
320 pages, Paperback
First published January 31, 2023
14 people are currently reading
475 people want to read
About the author
Saman Shad
5 books13 followersI am a writer, journalist, editor and playwright and have been involved with storytelling for a number of years now.
My debut novel, The Matchmaker was released in January 2023. In addition to this, I am working on a number of projects across the page, screen and stage including The Disposables on ABC Me and The Marriage Agency that premiered at the Kings Cross Theatre at the end of 2022.
I was a scriptwriter for a BBC radio series Silver street for five years. I also had an afternoon play on BBC Radio.
Upon moving to Australia I created a few radio programs for the ABC and established my career as a journalist.
I am a regular writer for several publications including the Guardian, SMH, news.com.au and SBS, where I have recently completed a one year maternity cover as Editor for SBS Voices.
I am also a playwright with works commissioned by theatres around London and Australia. Most recently I was part of the Next In Line program at Darlinghurst theatre.
I was awarded development funding by Screen Australia to develop a feature film and am hoping to be able to announce some exciting new film projects in the near future.
My debut novel, The Matchmaker was released in January 2023. In addition to this, I am working on a number of projects across the page, screen and stage including The Disposables on ABC Me and The Marriage Agency that premiered at the Kings Cross Theatre at the end of 2022.
I was a scriptwriter for a BBC radio series Silver street for five years. I also had an afternoon play on BBC Radio.
Upon moving to Australia I created a few radio programs for the ABC and established my career as a journalist.
I am a regular writer for several publications including the Guardian, SMH, news.com.au and SBS, where I have recently completed a one year maternity cover as Editor for SBS Voices.
I am also a playwright with works commissioned by theatres around London and Australia. Most recently I was part of the Next In Line program at Darlinghurst theatre.
I was awarded development funding by Screen Australia to develop a feature film and am hoping to be able to announce some exciting new film projects in the near future.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
April 8, 2023
The Matchmaker is an engaging contemporary romance from debut author Saman Shad.
In establishing a marriage matchmaking business catering to Sydney’s Desi community, Saima defies tradition. Not only is she in her mid-thirties and single but she ignores factors such as class and status, and focuses on matching her clients with their soulmate. Though she’s had plenty of success, Saima’s modern approach is an affront to some of the senior community members, and she’s struggling to stay solvent in the face of their disapproval. Saima is on the verge of giving up when she is offered a generous sum, and the promise of endorsement, by a wealthy couple who are eager for their son, Kal, to settle down. There’s only a small catch, Saima has to convince Kal to accept her services without revealing his parents involvement.
As it happens, Saima and Kal have already met, under somewhat unusual circumstances. The direction the plot takes from there is fairly obvious but entertaining. Kal’s not entirely averse to finding a wife but he’s definitely not interested in the kind of traditional arranged marriage favoured by his parents. Saima organises a number of introductions for him, but there is spark between the two of them that’s difficult to ignore.
Not being terribly familiar with the Desi culture, which generally refers to communities from the Indian subcontinent that have settled in other countries, I liked learning a little about it, and thought Shad represented the struggle of those torn between traditional expectations and the norms of modern society well.
Something that surprised me in the novel was the portrayal of the genuinely lovely friendship between Kal, Tom and Lachie. It’s not often male leads in romance have anything other than a single token ‘best mate’.
Though there are moments of humour in the story, I don’t think it quite rises to the level to define it as the romcom it’s marketed as, but The Matchmaker is an enjoyable romance with appealing characters and a satisfying happy ever after.
In establishing a marriage matchmaking business catering to Sydney’s Desi community, Saima defies tradition. Not only is she in her mid-thirties and single but she ignores factors such as class and status, and focuses on matching her clients with their soulmate. Though she’s had plenty of success, Saima’s modern approach is an affront to some of the senior community members, and she’s struggling to stay solvent in the face of their disapproval. Saima is on the verge of giving up when she is offered a generous sum, and the promise of endorsement, by a wealthy couple who are eager for their son, Kal, to settle down. There’s only a small catch, Saima has to convince Kal to accept her services without revealing his parents involvement.
As it happens, Saima and Kal have already met, under somewhat unusual circumstances. The direction the plot takes from there is fairly obvious but entertaining. Kal’s not entirely averse to finding a wife but he’s definitely not interested in the kind of traditional arranged marriage favoured by his parents. Saima organises a number of introductions for him, but there is spark between the two of them that’s difficult to ignore.
Not being terribly familiar with the Desi culture, which generally refers to communities from the Indian subcontinent that have settled in other countries, I liked learning a little about it, and thought Shad represented the struggle of those torn between traditional expectations and the norms of modern society well.
Something that surprised me in the novel was the portrayal of the genuinely lovely friendship between Kal, Tom and Lachie. It’s not often male leads in romance have anything other than a single token ‘best mate’.
Though there are moments of humour in the story, I don’t think it quite rises to the level to define it as the romcom it’s marketed as, but The Matchmaker is an enjoyable romance with appealing characters and a satisfying happy ever after.
March 15, 2023
Saman Shad has written an interesting debut novel set around the Desi community of Sydney.
Saima is a matchmaker for her community. She is not who you would imagine as a matchmaker. Saima is in her early 30's and matches couples by compatibility not class, occupation or social standing. many of the elders in the community disagree with her views but her results show in the number of wedding invitations on her notice board.
I found this book really hard to get through. Besides the scene where Saima jumps into Kal's car thinking it was an Uber, I didn't find the story funny. It's touted as RomCom and really, there wasn't much romance either.
I would have liked more about the Desi community but all I got was a whole lot of characters who didn't like each other much. It was like a big family drama.
Maybe this book would appeal more to readers in their 20's or 30's. It wasn't for me!
2 stars because I did manage to get through to the end.
*I received my copy through Beauty & Lace Book Club
Saima is a matchmaker for her community. She is not who you would imagine as a matchmaker. Saima is in her early 30's and matches couples by compatibility not class, occupation or social standing. many of the elders in the community disagree with her views but her results show in the number of wedding invitations on her notice board.
I found this book really hard to get through. Besides the scene where Saima jumps into Kal's car thinking it was an Uber, I didn't find the story funny. It's touted as RomCom and really, there wasn't much romance either.
I would have liked more about the Desi community but all I got was a whole lot of characters who didn't like each other much. It was like a big family drama.
Maybe this book would appeal more to readers in their 20's or 30's. It wasn't for me!
2 stars because I did manage to get through to the end.
*I received my copy through Beauty & Lace Book Club
February 10, 2023
When Saima, a matchmaker, is tasked with finding Kal a suitable woman to marry, she doesn't anticipate falling for the man herself. But that is exactly what happens. Saima knows if this knowledge gets out, her business will be ruined. Will our matchmaker be able to secure her own happy ending?
This book is a great snapshot into the desi culture of arranged marriages, which I always love reading about. The storyline was sweet even if a little predictable and the parts with the meddling Aunties made me giggle. With great South Asian representation, this is a perfect Valentines read if you're looking for a light romcom.
This book is a great snapshot into the desi culture of arranged marriages, which I always love reading about. The storyline was sweet even if a little predictable and the parts with the meddling Aunties made me giggle. With great South Asian representation, this is a perfect Valentines read if you're looking for a light romcom.
March 11, 2023
Great representation, but I think romance books are just not for me.
February 10, 2023
Thank you Penguin for sending us a copy to read and review.
Australia is a melting pot of cultural diversity and it’s good to see people of all backgrounds, religions and ethnicities appearing in our books, tv shows and in the writing world.
Acceptance and understanding is coming along but it is interesting to observe insular and divisive attributes are across the spectrum.
Saima is single, she is a match maker and she is fully aware how small her Desi community is and how they are always watching.
Finding matches for those who genuinely want to find their soul mate is her passion and her business.
Pushy and unrealistic parents an obstacle she faces.
A chance meeting of a handsome guy who shares the same background and then meeting his parents as clients will take her on journey of crossed wires and challenges.
The story highlighting the issues first generation Australians have with not only wider community acceptance but within their own cultures.
Finding love outside the barriers is often not tolerated.
Finding your true love though is a different story.
What an honour to get a glimpse into another culture in this raw and at times funny read.
The interactions were fascinating to observe between colleagues, mates, families and potential lovers.
Watching a matchmaker find love is a definite read for those who love a dash of romance.
Australia is a melting pot of cultural diversity and it’s good to see people of all backgrounds, religions and ethnicities appearing in our books, tv shows and in the writing world.
Acceptance and understanding is coming along but it is interesting to observe insular and divisive attributes are across the spectrum.
Saima is single, she is a match maker and she is fully aware how small her Desi community is and how they are always watching.
Finding matches for those who genuinely want to find their soul mate is her passion and her business.
Pushy and unrealistic parents an obstacle she faces.
A chance meeting of a handsome guy who shares the same background and then meeting his parents as clients will take her on journey of crossed wires and challenges.
The story highlighting the issues first generation Australians have with not only wider community acceptance but within their own cultures.
Finding love outside the barriers is often not tolerated.
Finding your true love though is a different story.
What an honour to get a glimpse into another culture in this raw and at times funny read.
The interactions were fascinating to observe between colleagues, mates, families and potential lovers.
Watching a matchmaker find love is a definite read for those who love a dash of romance.
March 19, 2023
It’s like an Australian-Pakistani Failure To Launch, meets The Wedding Planner. Given that there’s no mention of COVID, and no spice (except for the frequently-mentioned delicious-sounding meals), The Matchmaker is the perfect blend of escapism anchored in reality, a wonderful end-of-summer read.
My full review of The Matchmaker is up now on Keeping Up With The Penguins.
My full review of The Matchmaker is up now on Keeping Up With The Penguins.
March 28, 2023
A really cute, fun read that totally makes the case for better representation in romance books. I never want to read a ‘girl falls in love with blue-eyed, muscly, blonde white man’ again.
There’s so much more to people than what meets the eye and this book captures that so beautifully.
There’s so much more to people than what meets the eye and this book captures that so beautifully.
Read
April 9, 2024I love to see an Australian rom-com, especially a multicultural one. Shad has written a delightful dual narration Cinderella desi love story with tones of Jane Austen and a great meet-cute and I am here for it. Honestly I think I had a smile on my face the entire time I read this book. I have questions at the ready about assimilation, cultural masking, cross-cultural love, third culture kids and so many other topics this book tackles and I’ll be ready to ask them to Shad at @sorrentowritersfestival in a couple of weeks. Rom-com readers, this one is for you.
March 27, 2023
If you love a Sydney based romance. If you love contemporary romance stories that involve a little deception. If you love a good meet cute. Or if you’ve been itching to read more diverse romance… presenting, THE MATCHMAKER!
A debut romance & a hometown read for me. Think Failure To Launch meets Sydney’s desi community. This was a thoroughly enjoyable read and amongst the trials and tribulations of the heart, the book also looks at being a third culture kid, which was a term I wasn’t familiar with until reading this book.
I thoroughly enjoyed that the story was set within the Australian-Pakistani community and I was often googling some of the terms used within the book.
If I could eat some of the food or attend some of the weddings described in this book, I’d be a happy girl!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
A debut romance & a hometown read for me. Think Failure To Launch meets Sydney’s desi community. This was a thoroughly enjoyable read and amongst the trials and tribulations of the heart, the book also looks at being a third culture kid, which was a term I wasn’t familiar with until reading this book.
I thoroughly enjoyed that the story was set within the Australian-Pakistani community and I was often googling some of the terms used within the book.
If I could eat some of the food or attend some of the weddings described in this book, I’d be a happy girl!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
May 26, 2023
A fun, third culture rom com! This was such a delightful novel. It did give me The Wedding Planner vibes, but is that ever a bad thing? I loved Saima, I loved Kal (‘a cross between Dev Patel and Riz Ahmed’)I loved learning more about the desi community in Sydney; with its ‘eyes, ears and mouths everywhere’ definitely recommend it!
March 12, 2023
Thank you for writing this book 💕 There was something really special about reading a desi love story set in my city. I have never related to a book so much, and you know I'll try and scout out every location Saima and Kal went to.
One of my favorite parts from the book:
'Do you ever wonder whether the way we were brought up taught us to stay quiet about the things that matter?'
'Culturally, you mean?'
'Yeah, or maybe open conversation wasn't really our parents forte.'
'Quite likely' she agreed. 'But then they too have learned that behaviour from their upbringings and life experiences.'
'So does that mean we're just doomed to echo our ancestors' hang-ups?'
'Or perhaps it means that we could learn from them and the people around us to live better lives,' she said.
One of my favorite parts from the book:
'Do you ever wonder whether the way we were brought up taught us to stay quiet about the things that matter?'
'Culturally, you mean?'
'Yeah, or maybe open conversation wasn't really our parents forte.'
'Quite likely' she agreed. 'But then they too have learned that behaviour from their upbringings and life experiences.'
'So does that mean we're just doomed to echo our ancestors' hang-ups?'
'Or perhaps it means that we could learn from them and the people around us to live better lives,' she said.
February 19, 2023
The Matchmaker is a delightful romance that takes place in the Desi community in Sydney, exploring the differences in culture and family expectations. It’s fun and light, but isn’t afraid to tackle prejudice, wealth and family issues.
Saima is the matchmaker in question here. She’s set up a business specifically for the Desi community, but her approach is much more modern. Couples must love each other (no arranged marriages) and class, occupation and wealth doesn’t matter. It’s about finding your soulmate. But that hasn’t gone down well for some of the senior members of the community and her business is in trouble. Plus, Saima is single herself, which seems to be a negative for some. After an embarrassing incident involving a not-Uber driver, Saima’s starting to reflect on what to do next. But then a wealthy family offer her a lot of money to set up their son and things could be taking a turn for the better financially. But the catch is that she can’t tell the son, Kal, what she’s doing… It turns out that Saima and Kal have met before and things didn’t go well. But in between the arguments, there’s a spark of interest. Can Saima get Kal out of his rut? Can he challenge her to face her past?
I really enjoyed both Saima and Kal’s characters and how they responded to (or turned away) from their culture. While Saima is part of the community, she feels that she has been shunned for her family and her business. Kal just wants to get away from the whole thing, linking his culture with responsibilities to his parents but feeling adrift and not really knowing how he fits in. Saima and Kal are not afraid to spur each other to do things better and question their beliefs and the enemies-to-lovers has some great sparks. The turmoil holding them back was very well done with some heart wrenching moments and deep soul searching. Both the characters had easily demonstratable personal growth during this time and it helped them to be stronger on the page.
The setting in the Desi community was also fascinating, from the weddings to the food and the customs and beliefs. I liked that Saman Shad didn’t feel the need to overexplain the terms that may be unfamiliar to some readers and put the reader right into the heart of Saima’s world. There were some great funny moments (such as Saima’s non-Uber ride, what a great opener) as well as some sad moments involving how people are perceived by others. Overall, I found it a fantastic summer read – easy to pick up and hard to put down.
Thank you to Penguin for the copy of this book. My review is honest.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
Saima is the matchmaker in question here. She’s set up a business specifically for the Desi community, but her approach is much more modern. Couples must love each other (no arranged marriages) and class, occupation and wealth doesn’t matter. It’s about finding your soulmate. But that hasn’t gone down well for some of the senior members of the community and her business is in trouble. Plus, Saima is single herself, which seems to be a negative for some. After an embarrassing incident involving a not-Uber driver, Saima’s starting to reflect on what to do next. But then a wealthy family offer her a lot of money to set up their son and things could be taking a turn for the better financially. But the catch is that she can’t tell the son, Kal, what she’s doing… It turns out that Saima and Kal have met before and things didn’t go well. But in between the arguments, there’s a spark of interest. Can Saima get Kal out of his rut? Can he challenge her to face her past?
I really enjoyed both Saima and Kal’s characters and how they responded to (or turned away) from their culture. While Saima is part of the community, she feels that she has been shunned for her family and her business. Kal just wants to get away from the whole thing, linking his culture with responsibilities to his parents but feeling adrift and not really knowing how he fits in. Saima and Kal are not afraid to spur each other to do things better and question their beliefs and the enemies-to-lovers has some great sparks. The turmoil holding them back was very well done with some heart wrenching moments and deep soul searching. Both the characters had easily demonstratable personal growth during this time and it helped them to be stronger on the page.
The setting in the Desi community was also fascinating, from the weddings to the food and the customs and beliefs. I liked that Saman Shad didn’t feel the need to overexplain the terms that may be unfamiliar to some readers and put the reader right into the heart of Saima’s world. There were some great funny moments (such as Saima’s non-Uber ride, what a great opener) as well as some sad moments involving how people are perceived by others. Overall, I found it a fantastic summer read – easy to pick up and hard to put down.
Thank you to Penguin for the copy of this book. My review is honest.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
February 28, 2023
A wonderful heartwarming love story set in my own backyard! I love this to bits from the very easy read, all the recognisable settings, to the guaranteed HEA. There were many things that are discussions-worthy too, especially as this story is totally immersed in culture. I don't read very many romcoms but I found this very enjoyable and actually unputdownable. I enjoyed that characters are of mature age (in their 30s) who have their own issues but had real good friends who helped them AND even seek professional help! They seem like sensible people most of the time but we all have our ups and downs so they also have their silly moments. Yet, these flaws are what made them and their love story even more vibrantly alive. A fabulous debut and I'm looking forward to her next book.
There are 2 things I'm wishing for at the end of this book (from the author):
1. A playlist
2. 'The Matchmaker - Gastronomical Tour' - I'm totally IN for this!!!!
My thanks to publisher for gifting me a copy of this book. Thoughts are mine own.
There are 2 things I'm wishing for at the end of this book (from the author):
1. A playlist
2. 'The Matchmaker - Gastronomical Tour' - I'm totally IN for this!!!!
My thanks to publisher for gifting me a copy of this book. Thoughts are mine own.
February 1, 2026
A fun light read with relatable themes.
August 24, 2023
Why did I give four stars?.. after all the heavy reading I had done since of late I needed this kind of a break- The Matchmaker is akin to a Bollywood feel good, comfort movie - a boy and a girl start off disliking each other, falls in love without intention, encounter hardships, separates and gets back together for a happily ever after. With a bit of dancing involved, of course.
Simple and enjoyable!
If you are looking for a great cultural revelation, or a post colonial masterpiece this isn't the one for you...but if you are after a light read, a sort of a book you would cozy up with on Valentines day, then do try this!
Simple and enjoyable!
If you are looking for a great cultural revelation, or a post colonial masterpiece this isn't the one for you...but if you are after a light read, a sort of a book you would cozy up with on Valentines day, then do try this!
December 18, 2023
Saima is a Sydney-based matchmaker who caters to the Desi community, but she's very different from your typical matchmaker. Firstly, she's a young thirty-something. Secondly, she's single and isn't interested in making a match for herself. And thirdly, she's not worried about class or status. She matches couples based upon perceived compatibility.
So even though she's had many successes in the past, the community is starting to turn against her. As it turns out, Desi parents aren't willing to admit that anyone else knows better than them when it comes to prospective partners for their children. Saima's business is suffering and it looks she might have to admit defeat and move back home. Until a wealthy Pakistani couple approach her at a wedding and ask for her help in matching up their son.
Khalid (Kal) is NOT interested in the services of a matchmaker. Having just broken up with his Caucasian girlfriend, he has little interest in dating anyone, let alone being deliberately set up with girls from a culture he doesn't really relate to. But after an unintentional meet-cute that goes wrong, he can't get the fiery matchmaker out of his mind and will do anything to keep talking to her...
I really enjoyed this fun debut from Saman Shad. Not only is it a sweet rom com with all of the feels, but as a Sydney resident, I loved reading about familiar things and places—Victoria Park, Parramatta Station, and late-night laksa. I can also relate to being a third culture kid!
I do feel that the book would have been improved with footnotes or a glossary explaining the non-English terms or phrases. Yes, the reader can Google these, but they interrupt the reading experience and this detracts from the otherwise wonderful story.
So even though she's had many successes in the past, the community is starting to turn against her. As it turns out, Desi parents aren't willing to admit that anyone else knows better than them when it comes to prospective partners for their children. Saima's business is suffering and it looks she might have to admit defeat and move back home. Until a wealthy Pakistani couple approach her at a wedding and ask for her help in matching up their son.
Khalid (Kal) is NOT interested in the services of a matchmaker. Having just broken up with his Caucasian girlfriend, he has little interest in dating anyone, let alone being deliberately set up with girls from a culture he doesn't really relate to. But after an unintentional meet-cute that goes wrong, he can't get the fiery matchmaker out of his mind and will do anything to keep talking to her...
I really enjoyed this fun debut from Saman Shad. Not only is it a sweet rom com with all of the feels, but as a Sydney resident, I loved reading about familiar things and places—Victoria Park, Parramatta Station, and late-night laksa. I can also relate to being a third culture kid!
I do feel that the book would have been improved with footnotes or a glossary explaining the non-English terms or phrases. Yes, the reader can Google these, but they interrupt the reading experience and this detracts from the otherwise wonderful story.
June 13, 2023
I love Australian books, and then come across a book that's Australian and Desi? Amazing.
I was going to give this 4 stars, before I realised I was only giving it four stars because of the rep. The rep is solid and probably my favourite part of the story, but the romance is a little underdeveloped.
Still worth a read + I will definitely try this author's furture stuff!
I was going to give this 4 stars, before I realised I was only giving it four stars because of the rep. The rep is solid and probably my favourite part of the story, but the romance is a little underdeveloped.
Still worth a read + I will definitely try this author's furture stuff!
January 27, 2024
I’ve just finished reading the truly delightful The Matchmaker, by Saman Shad, a romance set in Sydney and starring two second generation Pakistani Australians who were busy avoiding love — the twist? She’s the matchmaker. It’s just adorable and I enjoyed it immensely. Shad has captured the “Pakistaniness” of her experiences growing up in Sydney and crafted a terrific romance too.
March 10, 2023
a predictable story, boy meets girl, girl hurts boy, boy leaves girl, boy and girl regret actions, then.....
bollywood themed, but superficially expolred, when so much more can be shown if not said , about the 3rd culture generation , ( myself included) who make up a lot of australia . loved the sydney scenes, great memories of the broadway and paramatta ( little india) and the many auntys and uncles who know everything !
bollywood themed, but superficially expolred, when so much more can be shown if not said , about the 3rd culture generation , ( myself included) who make up a lot of australia . loved the sydney scenes, great memories of the broadway and paramatta ( little india) and the many auntys and uncles who know everything !
April 9, 2023
I quite enjoyed this book. It was a fun read and the perfect book to read over the Easter weekend.
I could imagine this being made into a Bollywood rom com movie. I would totally watch it.
Thankyou Saman for a fun read and a peak at an unfamiliar culture.
I could imagine this being made into a Bollywood rom com movie. I would totally watch it.
Thankyou Saman for a fun read and a peak at an unfamiliar culture.
Read
April 23, 2023Loved the journey here into the desi experience of life and love in Australia. Saima is a lovely protagonist - smart, independent bur still very match grappling with the impact of her parents' divorce and the strictures of being a third culture kids. Really enjoyed seeing her grow, blossom in confidence and become the person she needed to be to find love.
April 14, 2023
The perfect holiday read, and a lovely insight into Pakistani culture.
June 10, 2023
Thoroughly enjoyable rom/com read. Light, fun. Certainly a great debut work by the author
August 6, 2023
I really wanted to enjoy it but unfortunately couldn't.
March 21, 2025
Actually loved this, good self identified exploration of third culture kids. Ending was a bit drawn out
July 28, 2024
A good story about the conflict between two cultures in Australia - Pakistani parents wanting things to be like the homeland and the adult children trying to move on.
January 31, 2026
3.5⭐️
A really light romcom of how a desi matchmaker in Sydney falls in love with an unlikely person. I loved being taken around Sydney as a local myself. I thought Saman did a good job exploring the complexities of dating when there are cultural differences and captured the fear of gossiping aunties very well! Some character arcs (like Ruby) were tied up a bit too neatly in a bow but I enjoyed the lightness this book brought! A great book to get you out of a reading rut!
Rounding up the star because the author is desi and from Sydney!
A really light romcom of how a desi matchmaker in Sydney falls in love with an unlikely person. I loved being taken around Sydney as a local myself. I thought Saman did a good job exploring the complexities of dating when there are cultural differences and captured the fear of gossiping aunties very well! Some character arcs (like Ruby) were tied up a bit too neatly in a bow but I enjoyed the lightness this book brought! A great book to get you out of a reading rut!
Rounding up the star because the author is desi and from Sydney!
March 15, 2023
Rarely comes a book that grabs you and slowly burns it's way into your brain (without being boring). Started it after work, read the next morning, lunchtime, travelling home, (even reading while walking from the station). I got caught up in the story. It's a treasure to find something so lovely and fresh and Australian.
October 11, 2023
This is such a refreshing book, with so much reference to Western suburbs and how is the feeling to being an inmigrant in Australia. I laughed and cried with the story if Saima and I enjoyed so much the love story. The best way to show the romanticism in an arranged marriage and how parents put so much pressure in their children's.
April 18, 2023
Poor representation, no richness to characters and cliche plot.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews