Sara Desai
The Marriage Game by Sara Desai
Released: June 9, 2020
Pages: 338
Publisher: Berkley
Overall: 4/5
Plot: 4/5
Characters: 4.5/5
Setting & World-building: 3/5
Emotional Investment: 3.5/5
"Love doesn't always hit like a thunderbolt. Sometimes it can grow quietly in the background until one day you realize it is there."
This was so cute, my gosh I blushed so much. This is such a feel-good book with an amazing representation of Desi people, like me. I'm pretty sure this is Sara Desai's debut novel and I must say this doesn't disappoint.
Quick Summary: Layla Patel has finally come after a grueling rock-meet-bottom moment in New York. With her affectionate family at her side, she decides to get back up and start a recruiting business from the top floor of the family restaurant. But when she gets there, she finds out that her dad has already leased it to Sam Meha, a generally sour and organized man who wants nothing to do with her. Sam and Layla soon end up sharing the office space and Sam becomes Layla's "escort/advisor" (I forgot the term) as she goes through marriage proposals set up by her dad for her to find a good husband. But what if the perfect husband was always right in front of her?
Okay, first of all, Layla's unwavering sense of self was refreshing. So many times Desi women are portrayed as weak and wanting to please their parents, or just very studious all the time. Layla on the other knows exactly who she is (to an extent) and doesn't fall for the societies (especially Indian societies) preconceived notions of what women can and can't do. Right of the bat she also says she hates arranged marriages which I also loved. This is something I actually know about and oftentimes authors make women love them despite having been born in a Western world (which is fine, your life your choice), but mixing it up was nice. She was only even thinking about going through the proposals because of her deep loyalty to her dad and family in general. I also thought the theme of family was very dope because she has so many connections and is constantly around all this love which was always a way to remind herself that she matters.
I loved Sam too. He had trauma and serious things he should have worked through earlier, but it was nice reading about a guy who realized he wanted a relationship before the girl did. He was funny and his relationship with people was a bit awkward, a testament to his loneliness but you know he means well. Layla and Sam's banter from the beginning was so fun to read because they were just so comfortable with each other from the beginning which can be hard. Also, the ending, where he had to prove himself *wink wink* was so funny and absolutely riveting.
I'm so glad the next book is about Daisy because she was an amazing side character alongside Nisha, who I just wanted to hug. What happened to her was so unfair and I was so upset. Sam's original business partner is such an idiot with his lack of empathy for social situations but he was so funny. It doesn't excuse it but it was hilarious to read. The side characters also had their own lives which we were given hints to throughout this book, which I thought was amazing because it added depth to this book. It made it seem more realistic and more than just a romance book.
The only problem I had was the pacing of the book. Sometimes I was super engrossed in the book other times I was easily distracted because it felt some parts dragged on too long. Other than that this was a great, laugh-out-loud read, that made me so valid because I am Indian and representation in literature is cool! Also, the next book is about Daisy which I am super hyped for.
Quotes
"Her mother gave the lectures. Her father handled the tears."
"She was everybody's wingwoman and nobody's prize "
"When I die, you will feel the guilt and realize..."
"Life was an expensive tragedy."
"But no more boyfriends until after marriage..."
"How do you go from ruthless capitalist matchmaking pimp one moment to considerate gentleman the next?"
"Worthy of her. I want to be her Westley"
"I thought your name was Sam, but sure, if you want to be Westley, go for it. I don't know many brown Westleys but it's a whole new world out there."
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