Have you ever watched any Desi dramas or movies; whether you are Pakistani, Bengali, Afghani, Indian, or any form of South Asian; people such as toxic aunties, or family members have told you straight after your education or before you started you would be getting married. Preferably a family who are rich and have a good name. What if you don't want that? What if you want to expand your Horizons? What if you want to continue studying or marry after studying? Or What if you are in love with someone else? Would you fight or follow what the elders tell you? Now I know for a fact that every South Asian has that one network which we call, "Auntie Network." We all know how the Auntie Network loves to create some issues. "The Love Match," by Priyanka Taslim displays the story of an 18-year-old girl, Zahra, and her family problems. Her dad died and she lives with her Nani (grandma), siblings, and mom. Her mom set her up with a guy but she's in love with someone else. What if I told you the guy who would end up with Zahra doesn't? Is it the guy she loves or is the setup arrangement? What if I told you she had a choice to choose? Who is it? Read and find out. My overall opinion of the book is 4.5/5. For me, that's a mid-rating. I enjoyed how well-written it was, and the character development. However, I figured out who Zahra would end up with. It was pretty self-explanatory. I did not like how it ended and wished the author had written a bit more, partially on Zahra and her Love interest's family reaction. The book is a must-read and if you are Desi I promise, you will not be disappointed.
About This Book
Zahra Khan is basically Bangladeshi royalty, but being a princess doesn’t pay the bills in Paterson, New Jersey. While Zahra’s plans for financial security this summer involve working long hours at Chai Ho and saving up for college writing courses, Amma is convinced that all Zahra needs is a “good match,” Jane Austen-style.
Enter Harun Emon, who’s wealthy, devastatingly handsome, and . . . aloof. As soon as Zahra meets him, she knows it’s a bad match. It’s nothing like the connection she has with Nayim Aktar, the new dishwasher at the tea shop, who just gets Zahra in a way no one has before.
So, when Zahra finds out that Harun is just as uninterested in this match as she is, they decide to slowly sabotage their parents’ plans. And for once in Zahra’s life, she can have her rossomalai and eat it: “dating” Harun and keeping Amma happy while catching real feelings for Nayim.
But life—and boys—can be more complicated than Zahra realizes. With her feelings all mixed up, Zahra discovers that sometimes being a good Bengali kid can be a royal pain.
