By Christa Sampson
In this debut rom-com novel by Sonya Singh, readers are taken on a journey of self-discovery, letting go, and leaning into personal truth.
Main character Manny Dogra is a successful businesswoman who runs an internet-based break-up company. If people can meet their significant others online, why not break up with them in a similar way? Of course, the premise is to facilitate the process amicably. Manny herself is in a committed relationship, but despite her life seeming perfect on all levels, she feels that a big part of her true self is missing: her South Asian heritage. Her Indian immigrant parents raised Manny with the staples of an all-American lifestyle and without any of the culture or family traditions they grew up with. Enter a new client with an off-the-menu request that provides Manny with the opportunity to fill in the gaps in her personal heritage. While attending her first Indian family wedding, Manny is introduced to an eclectic cast of characters that will provide many humorous anecdotes for the reader.
All readers will be able to relate to Manny’s journey and inherent need to find her true self. The intricacies of both family and romantic relationships are examined, including the problems that arise when you try to fit yourself into a mold that isn’t for the right reasons or isn’t right for you. Many of the supporting characters in this novel steal the show and help break Manny out of her protective shell. There were a few instances where the main character could have shown more agency and acted “in the moment,” rather than ruminating on what happened in the past. The ending of the story felt a little rushed and would have been better served with an active scene as opposed to a summary of the final events, but it will definitely leave the reader smiling. Overall, Sari Not Sari is a feel-good read, exploring very relatable themes within a unique premise.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster for the complimentary advance digital copy of Sari Not Sari in exchange for an honest review.