ROMANCE

The Rules of Arrangement

by Anisha Bhatia
Alcove. Jul. 2021. 320p. ISBN 9781643856926. pap. $16.99. CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
COPY ISBN
Zoya is a smart, successful young woman whose career is heading in the right direction with a recent promotion. But she is also 26, unmarried, and plump, which has her aunties concerned about her future as a spinster. As her family ramps up to full matchmaking mode, Zoya struggles with her true desires and her family’s wishes. Zoya narrates her story, and the reader really gets to know her through her internal dialogues, some laugh-out-loud funny, some thoughtful—almost all dealing with this very real conflict. Secondary characters enhance Zoya’s story; particularly the older women in her family who reflect on their lost dreams. It’s not only the friction between tradition and her hopes for the future that Zoya grapples with; she also endures fat-shaming and misogyny.
VERDICT The bustling city of Mumbai comes alive through Bhatia’s sparkling narrative of a young woman finding her place in the world and in her family while maintaining her identity.
Reviewed by Maureen Roberts, Baltimore Cty. P.L , May 07, 2021
Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

FICTION

Secret Fling with the Billionaire
by Douglas, Michelle
FICTION

Holiday Under Wraps
by Mettner, Katie
FICTION

Tracking Down the Lawman’s Son
by Fossen, Delores
FICTION

Cold Case Protection
by Helm, Nicole
FICTION

One Waltz with the Viscount
by Martin, Laura
FICTION

When Cinderella Met the Duke
by Williams, Sophia
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?