Quick Review: A Bollywood Affair by Sonali Dev

Title: A Bollywood Affair
Author: Sonali Dev
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction,
Published: October 28, 2014
Publisher: Kensington
Rating:♨♨♨♨♨ 5 of 5 cups
Review:
Excellently written with a detailed and nuance account of a cultural divide not just  between countries but within the same society, the western way of life compared to eastern, specifically Indian, urban versus rural traditions.  Readers will simply adore Mili and Samir, especially Mili's charming, innocent, independent personality.  She displays a strength most modern women have when it comes to balancing traditional values with modern ones.  Samir has that strong almost devil may care playboy attitude that hides a sensitive soul and a great talent for cooking.  Ms. Dev has managed to capture the essence of how modern sentiments clashes with long held tradition in Indian society regardless of location. A Bollywood Affair is the perfect blend of humor and poignancy , character and plot driven story and the most important Bollywood theme of all, love, amidst dancing and laughter of course.



Synopsis:

“Deeply-felt emotions that will keep readers turning the pages.” --Susan Elizabeth Phillips, New York Times bestselling author

“Deeply romantic and emotional, with characters I fell in love with, A Bollywood Affair is simply unputdownable.” -Nalini Singh, New York Times bestselling author

Mili Rathod hasn’t seen her husband in twenty years—not since she was promised to him at the age of four. Yet marriage has allowed Mili a freedom rarely given to girls in her village. Her grandmother has even allowed her to leave India and study in America for eight months, all to make her the perfect modern wife. Which is exactly what Mili longs to be—if her husband would just come and claim her.

Bollywood’s favorite director, Samir Rathod, has come to Michigan to secure a divorce for his older brother. Persuading a naïve village girl to sign the papers should be easy for someone with Samir’s tabloid-famous charm. But Mili is neither a fool nor a gold-digger. Open-hearted yet complex, she’s trying to reconcile her independence with cherished traditions. And before he can stop himself, Samir is immersed in Mili’s life—cooking her dal and rotis, escorting her to her roommate’s elaborate Indian wedding, and wondering where his loyalties and happiness lie.

Heartfelt, witty, and thoroughly engaging, Sonali Dev’s debut is both a vivid exploration of modern India and a deeply honest story of love, in all its diversity.

“A delightful debut packed with complex characters and deep emotions.” —Shobhan Bantwal, author of The Dowry Bride

“Sonali Dev not only entertains but provides new insight into the human condition. A must-read.” --Mingmei Yip, author of Peach Blossom Pavilion