A Good Indian Wife: A Novel

Anne Cherian

Jun 2009 · W. W. Norton & Company

About this ebook

"An absorbing tale of contrasts…Cherian tells the story with quiet strength." —San Francisco Chronicle

Handsome anesthesiologist Neel is sure he can resist his family’s pleas that he marry a "good" Indian girl. With a girlfriend and a career back in San Francisco, the last thing Neel needs is an arranged marriage. But that’s precisely what he gets. His bride, Leila, a thirty-year-old teacher, comes with her own complications. They struggle to reconcile their own desires with others’ expectations in this story of two people, two countries, and two ways of life that may be more compatible than they seem.

Ratings and reviews

Thank you but Cherian's caucasian caricatures are not welcomed upon my bookshelf and have been given a more suitable home, that is to say, in the garbage: Cherian's stereotypical blonde imbecile, pathetically pawing away at an objectified Indian man's wallet could almost be forgiven by the inclusion of her contrast, Neel's friend's white wife, who appears to be somewhat normal until - wait for it- the white wife ends up barren. Really??? Barren???? Don't forget the third Caucasian phantasm - the ex, a Southern Belle- too racist to realize Neel's potential. Cherian assures that no Caucasian will compare with her demure, self-sacrifical Indian protagonist Lelia, interjecting the line "stick with your own kind" repeatedly throughout the narrative, thus leaving the Caucasian reader with a sour taste in the mouth. Sorry but such slanted depictions equal garbage to me.

Brilliant book, an intriguing read and a good portrayal of indian culture trying to find the balance in a western world.

I absolutely loved this book...ya there were some characters that were strange but I found that the plot was interesting. I admired the main female, Leila a lot!

About the author

Anne Cherian is the author of A Good Indian Wife and The Invitation. Born and raised in Jamshedpur, India, she now lives in Los Angeles, California.