Such a great example of its genre - I'm not just a grateful ARC reader but also becoming a spoiled one as I'm getting such high quality books to read!

Ila is a middle child in an Indian family whose parents are blessed (or cursed?) with four daughters, three of whom are of marriageable age. In reading this, I was challenged by new vocabulary and context from Ila's culture, which I really enjoyed. The judicious use of footnotes appealed greatly to my neurotype and learning style, as well as adding wit and chuckles along the way.

I was reminded of Sunny by Sukh Ojla, which I also enjoyed, in the way I was transported into another family, but I must say I appreciated What Will People Think more - the characters felt three dimensional and I warmed to Ila more, as a trailblazer with her independent thinking and competing responsibilities. I was grinning for the final couple of chapters!

What Will People Think? by Vedashree Khambete-Sharma is a witty and thought-provoking exploration of societal expectations, particularly those surrounding women in contemporary India. Khambete-Sharma crafts a humorous yet poignant narrative that delves into the pressures of fitting into traditional norms while trying to forge an independent path. The story, filled with sharp observations and relatable moments, addresses themes of family, career, love, and the constant balancing act between personal desires and cultural demands. With its engaging prose and a strong, relatable protagonist, What Will People Think? offers both a candid critique of societal pressures and an empowering reminder to live life on one's own terms.

Pride and Prejudice based in Mumbai? Bring it on! I was so excited when I was first sent this advanced copy because I knew I could relate to the cultural aspects of Maharashtra and its people. It would be an understatement to say that I enjoyed this book. Anything Jane Austen is a win and this one takes the cake.

Vedashree has created an extremely strong protagonist in Ila Bendre who is an independent thinker much to the disdain of society at the time the book is set in - 70s India. I loved how Ila is sensible and practical yet her sensitivity shines through across various scenes. I loved the dynamic among the four Bendre sisters and their parents. Character development surely is one of Vedashree’s strengths as even the supporting characters of Vishnubhat and even the neighbouring family of Kelkars make an impact throughout the story.
And what do I say about the brooding hot Mr Darcy? Mr Aniruddha Darshetkar? Uffff! Just briliiant! You have to read this book just for him and Ila of course!

The story is based on that of Austen’s original but you are led into places within Maharashtra - Apart from Mumbai where the story is largely set you are also taken to Wai, Pune, Matheran and the neighbouring state of Goa. Vedashree’s footnotes about Marathi history and culture are superb. She effortlessly weaves humour and sarcasm into her writing and I was laughing out loud at various points of the narrative,

Thank you for writing this book, Vedashree. An absolute gem and I highly recommend it!

Ila Bendre Is determined to escape her family home and lead an independent life away from her mother’s marriage machinations. Her eldest sister has fallen for a charming and rich batchellor who seems to be equally enamoured but his snooty friend is disapproving. Charming Indian twist on the classic Pride and Prejudice story giving a glimpse into the vagaries of the Indian marriage scene of the 70s.

What a great book for a book club. I absolutely love all the characters and how they are fighting for what they want out of life and not letting their culture decide that for them.