SAL FLINT

If you enjoy learning about people, where they have come from, the mistakes they make, the learning journey they go through and the essence of who they are and what makes us all human then Love Marriage is the book for you.

The central character is a junior doctor Yasmin Ghorami, and the book traces her life and that of close and extended family members and friends. It is told from different perspectives including her fiancé Joe Sangster and his therapist. The book has a lot of characters, but they are all well-drawn, and I don’t think any are over simplified. In fact, much of the story explores effectively the awakening of the different characters as they discover their own weaknesses, flaws, and troubles. We as readers grow with the characters.

When we first meet Joe, we learn he is is the son of feminist and socialite/social reformer/writer Harriet, who has brought him up as a single parent. Initially, Yasmin is anxious that her own straight-laced Indian family, who prefer to push things under the carpet than deal with them directly, won’t meet Harriet’s expectations of them. This is then turned on her head as she worries about whether Harriet’s own prolific writing on sex and published photographs of her owning her nakedness will be too shocking for the upstanding Yasmin’s family name. The relationship between Harriet and Yasmin’s mother, Anisha develops and becomes a central part of the story.

Love Marriage doesn’t shy away from difficult themes: from race to class to family to marriage, all aspects of humanity are explored. As a white middle-aged woman, I felt by immersing myself in the text I worried that had I been a character (!) I would be  judged by Yasmin’s family. Would, for example, I have ‘othered’ Yasmin’s mum as Raina thought Harriet did.

Love Marriage embraces the exploration of ‘taboo’ subjects. There is a strange paradox of the characters sharing all, for example the sex scenes between Yasmin and her lover which are quite shocking considering the reserve of her family life. As readers, we become involved and care about their conflicts, illnesses, pains, and pleasures. We also become angry with their judgments and weaknesses. We are encouraged to challenge and question every action, even that of Sandor Joe’s psychiatrist, through whom much of Joe’s awakening occurs.

The novel doesn’t adhere to a traditional linear plot but rather unfolds as a profound exploration of human existence. Relationships, particularly marriage and family dynamics, play a central role, prompting readers to question the characters’ choices. The gradual revelation of shocking and distressing events allows readers to gain insight into the characters’ motivations and actions, fostering a deep emotional involvement with their conflicts, illnesses, and joys.

As a piece of realistic fiction, Love Marriage excels in its ability to provoke discussion, introspection, and reflection. It invites readers to peel back layers of the narrative, leading to engaging conversations and deep personal contemplation. This thought-provoking nature makes it an ideal choice for book clubs and individual readers alike.

Overall, Love Marriage stands as a testament to Monica Ali’s storytelling prowess, captivating readers with its intricate exploration of the human experience. It’s a must-read that leaves a lasting impression, compelling readers to further explore Ali’s literary works.