Author: Leah Franqui
Genre: General Fiction
Publisher: William Morrow
Publication Date: July 14, 2020
Book Description: From the critically acclaimed author of America for Beginners, a wonderfully insightful, witty, and heart-piercing novel, set in Mumbai, about an impulsive American woman, her headstrong Indian mother-in-law, and the unexpected twists and turns of life that bond them.
When Rachel Meyer, a thirtysomething foodie from New York, agrees to move to Mumbai with her Indian-born husband, Dhruv, she knows some culture shock is inevitable. Blessed with a curious mind and an independent spirit, Rachel is determined to learn her way around the hot, noisy, seemingly infinite metropolis she now calls home.
But the ex-pat American’s sense of adventure is sorely tested when her mother-in-law, Swati, suddenly arrives from Kolkata—a thousand miles away—alone, with an even more shocking announcement: she’s left her husband of more than forty years and moving in with them. Nothing the newlyweds say can budge the steadfast Swati, and as the days pass, it becomes clear she is here to stay—an uneasy situation that becomes more difficult when Dhruv is called away on business.
Suddenly these two strong-willed women from such very different backgrounds, who see life so differently, are alone together in a home that each is determined to run in her own way—a situation that ultimately brings into question the very things in their lives that had seemed perfect and permanent . . . with results neither of them expect.
Heartfelt, charming, deeply insightful and wise, Mother Land introduces us to two very different women from very different cultures . . . who maybe aren’t so different after all.
Rating: 5 Stars
Review: Let me start by writing that is this might be the most perfect book I have read so far in 2020. This is a wonderful rich story about two women who cannot be more different.
Rachel who is born in NY and is white has moved to Mumbai with her Indian born husband. They are trying to make their way as newlyweds when an unexpected surprise happens. Swati, Rachel’s mother-in-law, has come to move in with them after she has decided to leave her husband. Rachel’s husband has to go on an extended business trip which leaves these two very different women together.
What happens in this story next is an extremely beautiful story about how two people from very different cultures can learn to love each other. Rachel and Swati are both unhappy but for two different reasons. Rachel, who has not adjusted well to life in India and Swati who wants a love like Rachel and her Son.
As the story progresses you will come to love their relationship, in all it’s simplicity and the respect they grow to have for each other. It has quite an expected ending, but it could not have been more right.
The story is simple, but the characters are unforgettable. This is a gorgeous story of two women that despite all the differences between the, build a grand relationship.
Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow for an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Obsessed Bookaholic 