Dear reader,
Summer is in full swing (hello 100 degrees and humidity!), and popular books during this season are coined “beach reads.” But, honestly, we aren’t a huge fan of the term. Beach reads refer to light, fluffy novels — and we never understood why those are the only kinds of books you ought to read at the beach. So instead, in this edition, we are presenting to you: “BGB beach reads.” Some books are lighthearted and some are suspenseful; all are great summer picks.
Separately, we are thrilled to share that “On Our Bookshelf” was recently handpicked as a featured publication on Substack’s homepage and mobile app! This opportunity does so much for our humble platform and, more importantly, helps us boost South Asian creative work to a broader audience. Welcome to our new subscribers, and thank you to our old and new readers for being here.
Until next time,
Mishika and Sri
The Return of Faraz Ali by Aamina Ahmad
Reviewed by Tanaya Sawant
“The Return of Faraz Ali” begins with the murder of Sonia, an 11-year-old sex worker in Lahore’s red-light district, called Mohalla. Police officer Faraz was born in the Mohalla to a prostitute mother, but he was abducted by his wealthy and powerful father, who cares for his bastard son from a distance. Faraz is dispatched by his father to cover up Sonia’s murder, but he is increasingly troubled by the fraud and unwilling to play into his father’s political agenda.
While fictional and set in the backdrop of the early 1970s, author Aamina Ahmad comments on institutional injustice, the intersection between prostitution and violence, and political corruption. Readers ache reading about Sonia’s innocent dreams, explode with fury when powerful male characters escape unscathed from their wrongdoings, and plead for respect for the women of the Mohalla who are affected by ongoing abuse.
Ahmad notably alternates between characters, specifically focusing on Faraz’s family: his father, mother, and sister. Doing so gives shape to, and validates, Faraz’s internal struggles. Ahmad’s detailed and beautiful descriptions of places and situations leave no room for interpretation; and while the overall theme of the book is somber, I felt hopeful at the end.
📚 Get your copy of The Return of Faraz Ali.
Love Marriage by Monica Ali
Reviewed by Alisha Sahay
26-year-old Yasmin Ghorami has it all: she's training to be a doctor, following the footsteps of her no-nonsense Bengali father; she's engaged to the oh-so-charming Joe Sangster, a fellow doctor and son of famous feminist writer Harriet Sangster; and she has grown up knowing the epic tale of her parents' love marriage. Or, so she thought.
The Ghorami family had spent their lives abiding by an unspoken don't-ask-don't-tell policy. But, after Yasmin and Joe bring their two families — and subsequently, their two cultures — together for the first time over dinner, decades-old secrets unravel, and irreversible consequences abound.
Don't let “Love Marriage” fool you; while it's packaged as a heartfelt comedy, it also doubles as airy commentary on the human condition to love and be loved. Whether they immediately realize it or not, each character is haunted by trauma that afflicts their web of relationships. Author Monica Ali, a Booker Prize shortlisted author, is a master at weaving storylines and details, proving that even the smallest revelation has a purpose.
What I particularly love about “Love Marriage” are the characters. For South Asian readers, there's a certain familiarity found in the Ghorami family, as if you've met them at a brown function. Ghorami patriarch Shaokat is the aloof, self-made brown uncle who sticks to the rules. His wife, Anisah, is devoted (in no particular order) to her religion and her children, Yasmin and Arif. Yasmin is subdued; her younger brother Arif, on the other hand, is rebellious and carries palpable tension with his father.
The novel is notably devoid of a Happy Ever After; and rightfully so, as an idyllic ending would do no justice to the characters who have laid themselves and their traumas bare. In fact, it's Anisah Ghorami who sums this best: "Life is not simple."
📚 Get your copy of Love Marriage.
Such Big Dreams by Reema Patel
Reviewed by Neha Sharma
Reema Patel’s bold, vivid language catapults readers into the streets of Mumbai, and is a paramount example of the impact the technique “show, don’t tell” can have in writing. Chapters are sprinkled with depictions of vada pav, chai, thalis, and dal khichidi – it was difficult to curb the cravings. “Hinglish” is naturally intertwined in the characters’ dialogue, without the cumbersome interruptions of definitions.
Rakhi, our protagonist, is a former Mumbai street child. Despite working for a law firm that advocates for lower socioeconomic classes, Rakhi faces discrimination from her colleagues, driving home how deeply entrenched classism and casteism is in Indian society.
Among the challenging subjects, Patel introduces is the hypocrisy associated with the white savior complex. Without naming voluntourism, Patel explains the damaging effects of seemingly altruistic trips to developing countries.
The story itself is an absolute page-turner. Patel never strays far from reality, creating a realistic fictional protagonist (and situations): readers feel Rakhi’s excitement, desperation, grief, and anger. It’s hard not to root for her - a deeply genuine yet flawed character. Indians and non-Indians alike will feel tethered to her character.
📚 Get your copy of Such Big Dreams.
To view all of the books featured on our page and/or purchase them from independent booksellers:
Reviews of these titles will be highlighted on our platform soon:
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Honor by Thrity Umrigar