Introduction

What makes a marriage-love or compatibility? Passion or pragmatism? Shobhan Bantwal's compelling new novel explores the fascinating subject of arranged marriage, as a young Indian-American woman navigates the gulf between desire and tradition…

To Soorya Giri, arranged marriages have always seemed absurd. But while her career as an environmental lawyer has flourished, Soorya is still a virgin, living with her parents in suburban New Jersey. She wants to be married. And she is finally ready to do the unthinkable…

Soorya's first bridal viewings are as awkward as she anticipated. But then she's introduced to Roger Vadepalli. Self-possessed, intelligent, and charming, Roger is clearly interested in marriage and seems eager to clinch the deal. Attracted to him in spite of her mistrust, Soorya is also drawn into a flirtation with Lou, a widowed colleague who is far from her family's idea of an acceptable husband.

In choosing between two very different men, Soorya must reconcile her burgeoning independence and her conservative background. And she must decide what matters most to her-not just in a husband, but in a family, a culture, and a life…

"One of the best [novels] I've read this year. I couldn't put it down…this book is a gem!” --Mary Monroe, New York Times bestselling author on The Unexpected Son

"Compelling and memorable.” -Mary Jo Putney, New York Times bestselling author on The Forbidden Daughter

"Vivid, rich...expertly portrays a young woman caught between love and duty, hope and despair.” -Anjali Banerjee on The Dowry Bride

"Dazzles you with a taste of Desi culture in America.” -Caridad Pineiro

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Excerpt

Chapter One
Like most second-generation Indian-Americans, I’d dismissed arranged marriage as a ridiculous and antiquated custom. Tying oneself to a man one hardly knew, and pledging lifelong love and fidelity on top of that? ... view entire excerpt...

Discussion Questions

• Despite having a supportive family and a healthy childhood, why is Soorya Giri an unhappy woman?

• After multiple rejections, Soorya finally meets a dream of a man, and yet she can't trust him. What are her reasons for such distrust?

• What role does Soorya's father play in her life? Discuss the positives and negatives of having a parent who is neither good-looking nor charismatic and yet highly successful.

• Are Roger's casual, laid-back ways merely a façade to cover up deeper personality issues?

• Discuss Soorya's relationship with Lou Draper. What does Lou bring to her life and to the story? Discuss the pros and cons of a potential relationship between them.

• Soorya's mother is a submissive and old-fashioned Indian woman. Is there a hidden core of steel within her? If so, how does it affect Soorya?

• Discuss the conflicting effects of Indian and American cultures on Soorya's personal and professional life.

• After admitting to herself that she's falling in love with Roger, Soorya continues to resist him and her own instincts. Why is she determined to keep him at arm's length?

• Do any of the characters in the book remind you of someone you know? If yes, which character and in what way?

• Discuss the role of Roger's family in the story. How does each member enhance the plot?

• Originally I had titled this story A Twist of Karma. Do you believe in fate, and that everything happens for a reason? That Soorya and Roger were meant to be together?

• As the family matriarch, what kind of impact does Pamma, the grandmother, have on Soorya's values?

Weblinks

»	Publisher's Book Info
»	Author Shobhan Bantwal's web site

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