The Bollywood Bride

THE BOLLYWOOD BRIDE

by Sonali Dev

 

Nomination: Dublin Longlist 2017

 

Date Read: August 15, 2022

 

Ria Parkar has left her disastrous past behind in Chicago and has made it big in Bollywood in Mumbai. Known as the Ice Princess for her frosty demeanor, she vowed she would never go back to the U.S. At least, until her dearest cousin announces he is getting married and her presence is non-negotiable. But returning means she has to face the love of her life, Vikram, who she brutally left and hasn’t spoken to in 10 years.

 

Mustering all her courage, she makes the trip and, of course, the first person she runs into is Vikram. The sparks between them are still very much alive. After only a short time, Vikram and Ria are back it, riding the hobby horse. Why he keeps accepting her back again and again, I cannot fathom. I understand the power of love (trust me), but after someone treats you like shit again and again, you either like the pain or have a learning disability.

 

This brings us to Ria. Had she just spoken with Vikram at the beginning and unloaded about her family’s history of mental illness, the overly complicated drama between them would have never happened. Of course, then there would be no plot for this book. This is just another example of how keeping truths bottled up never works out in the end. Contents under pressure. Explosion inevitable.

 

Having read this on vacation (Mexico), this was a great beach read. I also enjoyed the insight into the family rituals, wedding ceremonies and other cultural tidbits as well.  The love scenes are steamy and the ending, satisfying. Three solid stars.

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