Diversity The CBR17 Pie Chart Challenge
Ritu Weds Chandni by Ameya Narvankar is currently available. However, I found an old online reader copy to read. I thought I had read it before, but it did not feel familiar to me. Therefore I think I just looked at it and “put it aside.” Thankfully I did find it again as it takes a couple of familiar themes but adds a modern take to them, and I was in the right mood for it as well, as this theme could be a “been there done that” (a lot) and I wouldn’t have enjoyed it as much.
The idea is simple, our main character’s (Ayesha) cousin Ritu is getting ready to marry. There will be the usual Indian traditions except for two large differences. The first is that Ritu will be leading the parade to the wedding location. Or the bride is leading it. And the second is that she is marrying her girlfriend Chandni. Of course, some of the family are against this, as are many of the neighbors of Ritu’s neighborhood. Not so spoiler alert: love wins, even if there are several literal blockades to this happily ever after.
The author afterwards talks about his own experiences and the situation in India at the time the book is set. We learn a few terms and other interesting facts about the situation we are reading about. There is a lot going on, but it is family friendly. It is realistic, but the way the colors and details are presented allows for a “softening” of things. As an adult I would have liked to have seen a bit “more” about the traditions and symbolism of a wedding, but overall it is a good read.