Marriage Unarranged

When Your Mum Speaks – Mum Chats about My Book!

Ritu

This month marks my debut novel, Marriage Unarranged’s six month birthday. And I am excited that it has sold almost 200 copies, and gained nearly 50 reviews on Amazon.

Each comment from a reader is so important, to me. In fact, I recently had an unofficial Book Club meet with some friends of mine, who had read it, and wanted to chat book. That was exciting!

But one of the biggies for me, was knowing what my mother thought.

I attribute my love of words and books to my mum. She surrounded us with books and stories from such a young age. So, when she told me she was reading it, I sat, waiting for her feedback.

I didn’t hold my breath until she finished, because I would have been dead.

One thing my mum isn’t nowadays, is a fast reader, so, it was with great pomp and circumstance that she announced that she had finally finished reading it, a couple of weeks ago.

And her announcement was timed well, as we were coming to visit them, so I thought, why not grab the bull by the horns, and ask her for her frank thoughts on her daughter’s first ever novel?

Me: So, Mum, what did you think?

Mum: It was beautifully written and I think you captured the traditions and culture really well. It’s an eye opener for anyone reading it. I felt an awful lot of nostalgia while reading, remembering our trip to India. At first there was an element of shock, as a mother, with some naughty scenes, but after a while, I got used to it. (Read a bit further down for my Pops’ response to this comment!)

Me: What about the subject matter?

Mum: The book tackles a lot of issues that are there, hidden, within the Indian community. I think you’re quite brave to tackle subjects that are taboo within the community, like Sunny and his questions about his sexuality, and being a single parent, too. As older generation Indians, we tend to sweep things like that under the carpet.

Me: Did you have a favourite part?

Mum: I really enjoyed the end, when the parents discovered where their daughter’s happiness lies. Not many Indian parents would be happy to see their girl with a guy already with a child.

The India bits took me back twenty-odd years, to our trip when we were planning and shopping for your wedding.

Me: Who is your favourite character?

Mum: Aashi, because she is so sensitive to everyone’s feelings, and thoughtful.

Me: Do you want to read more?

Mum: Yes! I want to know what happens, next!

I am so glad she enjoyed it!

I’ll tell you something else… Even my Pops has started reading it! He actually insisted my mum get him his own paperback copy, so he could read it at his own pace (very, very slow!)

I thought I’d ask him what he thought…

Me: So, Pops what are you thinking about the book?

Pops: I read two chapters. But it’s been so long since I read them, I can’t remember enough… I’ll have to read it again. And now, with you writing another, I’ll have to read it soon!

He was listening to Mum and me talking, and when she mentioned the, ahem, naughty scenes, he piped up “Yeah, I was so shocked, that’s why I haven’t read more!” then he laughed!

I loved being able to talk frankly about my writing to them. And even discussing the second book with Mum was fun. She added her spin and ideas to what I am in the middle of writing.

So, what about you? Have you read Marriage Unarranged?

If you have, I’d love for you to leave a review. Reviews are what spur us authors on!

And, if you haven’t, then why not grab your copy now?

Here’s the blurb.

It all started ended with that box…

Aashi’s life was all set.

Or so she thought.

Like in the Bollywood films, Ravi would woo her, charm her family and they’d get married and live happily ever after.

But then Aashi found the empty condom box…

Putting her ex-fiancé and her innocence behind her, Aashi embarks upon an enlightening journey, to another country, where vibrant memories are created, and unforgettable friendships forged.

Old images erased, new beginnings to explore.

And how can she forget the handsome stranger she meets? A stranger who’s hiding something…

https://getbook.at/MarriageUnarranged

Oh, and while you’re here, did you sign up for my mailing list?

I am in the middle of writing an exclusive Chickpea Curry Lit story for my subscribers, and there will be news, tips and even recipes! Oh, and you’ll be the first to know about Book Two, and all the exclusive reveals, too!

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Published by Ritu

A writer and blogger who teaches, and is a wife and mother too. Enjoy my ramblings on life, love and literature. 💖

77 thoughts on “When Your Mum Speaks – Mum Chats about My Book!”

  1. Pingback: When Your Mum Speaks – Mum Chats about My Book! | But I Smile Anyway...

  3. How wonderful that your mom read and loved your book. Having your mom as a fan is great! My mom has been my biggest fan as well, which makes me so happy. She can no longer read (a sad part of getting older) but someone comes in and reads to her and she always wants them to read from my books. You will need to keep writing.

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  6. Wonderful, Ritu. I’m glad you mom enjoyed your book. My mom reads everything I write too, and she reads with a critical eye. I did smile at your comment about the naughty bits. Your book is really quiet subtle by today’s standards. I much prefer it myself, but the comment did make me smile.

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  8. Reading your post, I began putting myself in your shoes, Ritu. My parents have passed, but their approval meant everything to me. When facing a tough moral dilemma, I still find myself asking, What would they have done in this situation?”

    The one thought that I’m left with is that the blessing of your parents means far more than any other review. I’m happy for you that your mom had such beautiful sentiments, and I hope that your dad reads it and feels the same way.

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  9. Your parents are so adorable, Sis. You had wonderful role models. You know, you tackling these tough subjects might help things to improve for the younger generation in the Indian community. So much is about culture and tradition. I can imagine sometimes it would be hard to live up to those standards. You’re brilliant. I can’t wait to read the next book. ❤

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    1. Thank you, Sis. I think times are changing, but these books are written from the perspective of 20 years ago and alongside nostalgia, for us, about growing up then, it hits home to older readers, too 💜💜💜

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  15. What a lovely reaction from both your parents, Ritu:)). Sadly, my mother isn’t a fan of science fiction space opera – so refuses to read any of my writing, including the short stories… Fortunately, I have a hugely supportive husband!

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    1. I am in awe of anyone who writes things like Sci-fi of any genre, or fantasy, and world building!
      My mum wouldn’t read that either!!!!
      But it was wonderful to share this with her 🥰

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  18. you’re brave. When i wrote my first book mum was still alive. There were some scenes… so I never pressed her to read it!! I think that was probably wise. She may have told me what she thought and I’m not sure i would have continued

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    1. I think there was one scene, involving a little bit of a certain type of foreplay, right at the beginning of the book that I was worried about… But I kind of forewarned her and told her it was necessary, and character building 🤣
      But it was great to know she read it.
      🥰

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      1. The fascinating piece is her generational take on the Anglo-Indian reaction to the cultural and social commentary that underlies your novel. Would she recommend it to her Anglo-Indian friends or is it still too out there. And when your children read it… leaving aside the bit that their mother might actually know something about sex…!!!

        Liked by 1 person

      4. That would be interesting.
        Even my Pops’ sister has read it and she’s in her mid 70s!

        This was her message to me after reading:

        Hello Ritu hope all is well.
        Have read your book. Excellent attempt and portrayal of typical Indian family. Smooth flow of events. Good work. Keep it up!!
        Stay 😊 and safe.
        ❤

        I was pleasantly surprised!!!

        Liked by 1 person

  19. This is great dear Ritu, made me so emotional… I am so sensetive about mother and daughter relation, you are so beautiful. Of course, this is the most beautiful review because coming from your mom… Thank you, Blessing and Happiness, Love, nia

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  24. My Mum dutifully tried to read my first published novel, but admitted that she found it too scary and couldn’t read any more in the series. I’m glad in a way, because my books do include sex and violence that I can’t really discuss with the family!

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  25. Pingback: When Your Mum Speaks – Mum Chats about My Book! ~ Ritu Bhathal | Sue Vincent's Daily Echo

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