Things really take off for Priya's family when their youngest daughter finally gets a proposal
from a nice young Indian man in America. It being an arranged marriage, Priya has bittersweet
feelings but she definitely feels excitement when she meets handsome Sanjay for the first
time at their engagement ceremony in India.
The wedding goes by in a whirlwind and before she can blink, Priya is settling in with
her new husband at his parent's home. She is expected to clean and cook and to get a job
of her own. No woman in Priya's family has had a job before. Back home, in India, Priya's
parents wonder if they've married her into a good family or if they've been deceived. Priya,
however, gets her chance to shine as she starts out as a receptionist for a flashy Hollywood
magazine. As Priya becomes more and more recognized at her job she faces a decision, to
become a self-sufficient American woman without her husband, or try to fulfill the role
of a traditional Hindu wife.
This book is incredibly fun. Priya is a likeable character and Daswani fills in the
back story of Priya and her older, single, sisters in an interesting way. Although the main
characters are Indian and cultural elements exist in the story, it's very accessible to
anyone, especially to those who just wanted to fit in and find their own way.
The Village Bride of Beverly Hills is a quick and fun read. For those readers
who have limited contact or knowledge of Indian culture it's also a great first step to
try and see where others are coming from and gain a little perspective. Three cheers for
The Village Bride!