The Hindi-Bindi Club

I am a Bengali who spent 7 years in the US, and now lives in Singapore (with more than a foot back in the old country, India). What I loved about Monica Pradhan's gorgeous novel was its authenticity. She either knows these people intimately (Kiran and Meenal have GOT to be Monica and her mother; Uma and Saroj have got to be modeled on her mother's dear Bengali and Punjabi friend), or she is an absolute master of character-creation and story-telling. Each of the stories rang deeply true, and the ethnic touches in the narrative were deftly done. Preity's long lost love for a Muslim Indian juxtaposed with her mother Saroj's heart-rending memories of Partition made a potent brew -- ameliorated by the Chawlas' beautiful evening with a young Pakistani family from Lahore, whose warmth decides Saroj on a journey to the city she was forced to abandon as a child. Kiran's struggles with her father, and the latter's reluctant embrace of his prodigal daughter. The wonderful twist of a white American more expert in Marathi than herself eventually proving to be the suitable boy her parents longed-for without quite expecting it. And intellectual, artistic Uma Basu -- with more than a hint of reincarnation helping to bring alive the tragic story of her artistic, throttled mother, evidently reborn as the rocket scientist-turned artist grand-daughter, Rani. And, for those so inclined, there are wonderfully authentic recipes. I recognised all the Bengali ones, and would love to sample Pradhan's variations some day -- apart from the Marathi and Punjabi recipes (including the Lahori Biryani that sounded absolutely luscious), which are sure to vastly enrich any connoisseur's cooking repertoire.

I would like to thank Monica Pradhan for inviting me to an Indian wedding, and into their culture. As a born-and-bred American, I love reading about other cultures and I enjoy reading about women and their relationships. Ms. Pradhan has done a wonderful job combining very interesting stories and teaching others about Indian cultures. I love a book that I can put down when finished and say "that was a good book" but also know that I have become better educated because of it. I checked this book out of the library, but know that I know that Ms. Pradhan is donating proceeds to libraries, I will ask my husband for this book at Christmas.

I had never heard of Partition. I didn't know much about the Indian culture, especially the history. I learned some good stuff reading this book. And I learned it while falling in love with well-rounded, real characters. I want to meet these women. For a few days, they were my friends and I felt honored to have a glimpse into their struggles, their loves, their lives. The book is well-written. The research is evident. And it was a fun, enriching, thought-provoking ride. Thanks for writing this, Monica!

I have to admit to being skeptical about this book: I'm a male Indo-American writer, and I usually don't reach for what could be considered women's fiction. But after seeing Monica Pradhan speak at a local South Asian literary festival, I bought a copy. And couldn't put it down. HBC is a very fast read with just the right balance of drama, humor, culture, and insight, like a spiced-right curry. Much of the characters' journeys is internal, but Pradhan's skill with words and her ability to juggle multiple intertwined storylines kept me engaged. As an added bonus, this was the first book I've read that includes Marathi, the language I grew up speaking. Side note: the recipes are tempting enough to make this total non-cook consider trying them. Good reading and good food. Can't go wrong with that combination.

This book was great! It gave me a whole new perspective on the South Asian American experience. The characters were incredibly heart felt, but it is Pradhan's attention to detail that makes you want to continue. From the lovingly prepared recipes to the wisecracks between the daughters, I just really related and enjoyed it!