The Grand Samara by Trisha Das
My take on the book:
Samara Mansingh worked as a wedding photographer in Delhi and lived with her diplomat father Dilip. Her father’s profession ensured she did not stay in any place for more than two years. Her best friend Maya pestered her to move back to New York but Samara is actually enjoying the big-fat-Indian weddings, travelling to exotic locations for covering destination weddings and wanted to stay on for a few more months. When Samara’s father got transferred to Nigeria, it was decided that Samara would stay with the family of his old friend Rajeev.
It has been six years since Rajeev passed away, and his widow Jyoti is sad after his demise. Their eldest son Sharav Khanna is running their family business successfully, though it meant he was emotionless all the time and only committed to keeping his family and employees happy. His sister Diya wants to be a jewellery designer though her mother is interested in Diya getting married to Yash Malhotra, as the Malhotras are dear friends. The youngest son Dhruv who wants to be part of a music band is forever disconnected from his family and is hiding his troubles from them.
Samara enters the Khanna household during such conflicted times; will she be able to mingle with them and finally get a feel of home and family that she yearned all her life, forms the rest of the story.
The story has the perfect mix of family relationships and romance, which is rare in Indian novels. Also the characters have just the right amount of balance without going overboard, while being funny. Samara has the perfect mix of confidence, vulnerability and is the exact opposite of Sharav who needs to be in control of everything in life.
Jyoti, Diya, Dhruv and Yash have their own character arcs which is a positive aspect of the story. Even Biba has prominence in every sequence she is part of. The profession and back story of each character is well portrayed by the author. The family dynamics and bond between the Khanna parivar realistically showcases what Indian families are about — annoy and trouble each other but stand united when faced with external challenges.
I wish Sharav had more footage in the first half of the book as the intensity of his character comes out towards the end of the story. Also, the pre-climax drags on a bit though it has the best fun sequences.
A heady mix of emotions, drama and romance, The Grand Samara is the perfect pick for this holiday season as it makes for a warm, cozy read.
My rating:
4.5/5.