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
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Ritu Bhathal 