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Well-Behaved Indian Women

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Well-Behaved Indian Women

By: Saumya Dave
Narrated by: Soneela Nankani
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About this listen

 A Lilly's Library Book Club Pick!

“A sparkling debut.”—Emily Giffin, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author

From a compelling new voice in women's fiction comes a mother-daughter story about three generations of women who struggle to define themselves as they pursue their dreams.

Simran Mehta has always felt harshly judged by her mother, Nandini, especially when it comes to her little "writing hobby." But when a charismatic and highly respected journalist careens into Simran's life, she begins to question not only her future as a psychologist, but her engagement to her high school sweetheart.

Nandini Mehta has strived to create an easy life for her children in America. From dealing with her husband's demanding family to the casual racism of her patients, everything Nandini has endured has been for her children's sake. It isn’t until an old colleague makes her a life-changing offer that Nandini realizes she's spent so much time focusing on being the Perfect Indian Woman, she’s let herself slip away.

Mimi Kadakia failed her daughter, Nandini, in ways she'll never be able to fix­—or forget. But with her granddaughter, she has the chance to be supportive and offer help when it's needed. As life begins to pull Nandini and Simran apart, Mimi is determined to be the bridge that keeps them connected, even as she carries her own secret burden. Family Life Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Women's Fiction World Literature Indian Women

Critic reviews

"The family dynamics are familiar in the best way, reminding you that you’re not alone with whatever soft-shoe you’re performing beneath your own family tree."—New York Times Book Review

"This is a tender tale that never shies away from the tension at its root."—ELLE

"Well-Behaved Indian Women is a sparkling debut about family, identity, and finding the courage to pursue your own dreams. Saumya Dave is a bright new voice in women’s fiction.”—Emily Giffin, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Lies That Bind

"Saumya Dave's wonderful debut is about mothers, daughters, and the rewards of following your own path. Told with warmth, humor, and insight, Well-Behaved Indian Women is a joy from start to finish."—Laura Dave, international bestselling author of Eight Hundred Grapes

"Well-Behaved Indian Women is a lesson in dreaming passionately, loving deeply, and living authentically. Dave reminds us that it’s never too late to resurrect an abandoned dream. This stunning debut is a celebration of women— their loves and loyalties, dreams and disappointments, hopes and heartbreaks."—Lori Nelson Spielman, New York Times bestselling author

“Saumya Dave's debut explores the relationships between mothers and daughters and their constant dance between meeting expectations while trying to fulfill self-desires. Nandini and Simran are both conflicted in how to be true to themselves. This debut is a love letter to the complexities of families and personal ambitions.”—Roselle Lim, author of Natalie Tan’s Book of Luck and Fortune
All stars
Most relevant
This was one of those stories where you can’t wait to sneak in your next listen, even if it’s for a few minutes, to find out what happens next. Uplifting and a great story with South Asian representation. Spoke straight to my heart 💛

Loved it!

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A story that highlights the Simran in all us NRI desi women living in the West navigating through life. I feel a part 2 to the book & loved the ending!

We're all Simran

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The story itself was empowering for women but a bit dated. I didn’t like the narration as some Indian words were mispronounced and I couldn’t get my head around the accent.

Light relief, predictable at times

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Loved how true this actually is and was listening to this all day everyday and completed in a few days because it’s addictive listening - we just have to know what happens next

Loved the story

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A great listen and could identify the reality of living in a life where you are pulled left and right. Parents only want the best for their children and shows the difficulties that come with it.

Very accurate

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