About the book
Every young Indian leaving the homeland for the United States is given the following orders by their parents: Don’t eat any cow (It’s still sacred!), don’t go out too much, save (and save, and save) your money, and most important, do not marry a foreigner. Priya Rao left India when she was twenty to study in the U.S., and she’s never been back. Now, seven years later, she’s out of excuses. She has to return and give her family the news: She’s engaged to Nick Collins, a kind, loving American man. It’s going to break their hearts.
Returning to India is an overwhelming experience for Priya. When she was growing up, summer was all about mangoes—ripe, sweet mangoes, bursting with juices that dripped down your chin, hands, and neck. But after years away, she sweats as if she’s never been through an Indian summer before. Everything looks dirtier than she remembered. And things that used to seem natural (a buffalo strolling down a newly laid asphalt road, for example) now feel totally chaotic.
But Priya’s relatives remain the same. Her mother and father insist that it’s time they arranged her marriage to a “nice Indian boy.” Her extended family talks of nothing but marriage—particularly the marriage of her uncle Anand, which still has them reeling. Not only did Anand marry a woman from another Indian state, but he also married for love. Happiness and love are not the point of her grandparents’ or her parents’ union. In her family’s rule book, duty is at the top of the list.
Just as Priya begins to feel she can’t possibly tell her family that she’s engaged to an American, a secret is revealed that leaves her stunned and off-balance. Now she is forced to choose between the love of her family and Nick, the love of her life.
Reviewed by Whitchurch Reading Group:
An interesting subject giving an insight into a culture. The recipes and kitchen scenes were very visual. Easy to read and a good story – would recommend it.
Star rating: ***
Hampshire Libraries 
Review by Shipton Bellinger WI Reading Group:
With vivid descriptions and marvellous characters the very heart of the conflict between Indian and Western values is captured. It is done with humour, delicacy and above all beautiful writing. A real treat.
Star rating: ****
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Review by Hedge End WI Reading Group:
A most enjoyable read. Interesting about traditional culture, very amusing. How heroine changes attitudes and the resulting changes in the lives of her relations very well done. Good ‘red herring’. Wonderful punch lines! Need a sequel!
Star rating: ****
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Review by Petersfield U3A Group 1:
Generally enjoyed by the group. We liked the insight into contemporary Indian society and how it comes into conflict with western values.
Star rating: **
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Review bt Fareham 5:30pm Reading Group:
We found this a very light and superficial read… a shallow narrator with an ending that was contrived. The writing was – well, not literary. Some people found that the cooking and recipies added a touch of authenticity.
Rating: **
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Review by Perspectives Reading Group:
Light hearted, easy to read, with a good sense of humour running through it. Atmosphereic with the taste and warmth of an Indian Summer.
Star rating: ***
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