The Rules of Arrangement

The Rules of Arrangement - Anisha Bhatia

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Release Date: Expected 13th July 2021

Zoya is twenty-six years old and very single. So by the standards of her exceptionally traditional family, she's practically a spinster. She loves her family, and would love them to be happy - but maybe not at the expense of her own happiness. But now, her aunties have found the most perfect potential match for her ... just as she finally gets an offer for her dream job on the other side of the world.

Before now, the only rebellion happened inside her head, but now she has to make a choice and decide exactly who she wants to be - a loyal daughter and a loving wife? Or a brave, risk-taking independent woman?

But is the world (and Zoya's family) finally ready to realise that women can and will 'have it all?'

I've never been to Bombay, but Bhatti had me transported to another part of the world through Zoya's colourful inner monolouge and vibrant thoughts - she had a beautiful, almost poetic way of describing the world around her as though it was a vivid dream. Zoya was the most perfectly imperfect character and she was so charming right from the moment we meet her, and completely impossible not to love.

As we go on the biggest journey of her life so far, we watch Zoya try to the find the balance - old and new, love and work, tradition or restarting.

This story had such a warmly familiar 'coming of age' feel to it, and just goes to show it doesn't matter how old you are - there's always time to get to know yourself. This was a love story - about family, friends, romance but most importantly about loving yourself.

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thank you to Anisha Bhatia and NetGalley for an ARC in return for an honest review.

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