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A review by jessicareadsit
The Shaadi Set-Up by Lillie Vale
4.0
The Shaadi Setup is a hilarious, slow-burn, second-chance romance that had me experiencing a roller coaster of emotions.
Lillie Vale gave me the one that got away Desi edition and, I was 100% here for it.
As an East Indian reader, I relished the authenticity of the characters and the realism of their circumstances. Nothing pulls my heartstrings quite like novels where I am constantly thinking, "Urgh, I totally understand that," or "OMG my parents are just like that!" I cannot tell you how satisfying it is to read a romance and feel like someone else out there gets it! I could absolutely relate to Rita, her dilemma, her family life situation, her inability to commit because of past hurt and resentment, Rita could be me, minus the gorgeous hunk of an ex (mine are all trolls) but still!
Lille Vale perfectly encapsulated the struggles of young South Asians, who are trying to carve their own path in life while still trying to satisfy the traditions and culture as dictated by their elders. From a cultural aspect, she nailed the parental habits from the constant need to dramatize everything like an Indian soap opera, unwanted matchmaking, arranged marriages, persistent desire to feed their kids while simultaneously complaining about them never coming over, I felt like I was reading about my own life!
The one aspect that truly struck true was the accurate depiction of the enormity of pride South Asians have. I honestly empathize with this because I am also afraid of opening myself up to getting hurt or allowing someone to get the upper hand in a situation. While the entire story could have been avoided with some honest conversation and discussion, these are South Asians we're talking about and the only thing we like to avoid more than talking about our feelings is a third-degree burn from our parents if our roti isn't round or it doesn't swell!
I also admired the inclusivity and representation within the novel for the transgender and LGBTQ community as associating these sexual orientations with the South Asian culture is still taboo in many households.
Growing up, I wished there were romances like this, and I am happy that young South Asians everywhere have books like this that allow them to feel seen and heard.
Thank you to Putnam Books for sending me a copy of this book!
Lillie Vale gave me the one that got away Desi edition and, I was 100% here for it.
As an East Indian reader, I relished the authenticity of the characters and the realism of their circumstances. Nothing pulls my heartstrings quite like novels where I am constantly thinking, "Urgh, I totally understand that," or "OMG my parents are just like that!" I cannot tell you how satisfying it is to read a romance and feel like someone else out there gets it! I could absolutely relate to Rita, her dilemma, her family life situation, her inability to commit because of past hurt and resentment, Rita could be me, minus the gorgeous hunk of an ex (mine are all trolls) but still!
Lille Vale perfectly encapsulated the struggles of young South Asians, who are trying to carve their own path in life while still trying to satisfy the traditions and culture as dictated by their elders. From a cultural aspect, she nailed the parental habits from the constant need to dramatize everything like an Indian soap opera, unwanted matchmaking, arranged marriages, persistent desire to feed their kids while simultaneously complaining about them never coming over, I felt like I was reading about my own life!
The one aspect that truly struck true was the accurate depiction of the enormity of pride South Asians have. I honestly empathize with this because I am also afraid of opening myself up to getting hurt or allowing someone to get the upper hand in a situation. While the entire story could have been avoided with some honest conversation and discussion, these are South Asians we're talking about and the only thing we like to avoid more than talking about our feelings is a third-degree burn from our parents if our roti isn't round or it doesn't swell!
I also admired the inclusivity and representation within the novel for the transgender and LGBTQ community as associating these sexual orientations with the South Asian culture is still taboo in many households.
Growing up, I wished there were romances like this, and I am happy that young South Asians everywhere have books like this that allow them to feel seen and heard.
Thank you to Putnam Books for sending me a copy of this book!