Have you ever read a book that made you go on an emotional rollercoaster, but was completely relatable?
For me, The Matchmaker's List by Sonya Lalli was that book. A story about overbearing family, rigid traditions, and embracing who you are, Lalli gave us a glimpse into the life of a South Asian-Canadian community trying to adjust to a modernizing world. After such a great debut novel, I was thrilled when a friend of mine announced that Lalli was releasing a new novel. With memories of laughter, tears and melancholy smiles still fresh in my mind a year after reading her first book, my expectations were set very high when I received Grown-Up Pose in the mail.
Anu is a 30 year-old Canadian woman who married at the age of 23 after facing pressure from both her mom, and her husband's mom. After seven years of marriage, Anu feels trapped in a life she did not want. Although she loves her daughter her relationship with her husband is not what it used to be, and she decides that it is time for her to become the woman she wants to be, even if it disappoints her parents.
For me, The Matchmaker's List by Sonya Lalli was that book. A story about overbearing family, rigid traditions, and embracing who you are, Lalli gave us a glimpse into the life of a South Asian-Canadian community trying to adjust to a modernizing world. After such a great debut novel, I was thrilled when a friend of mine announced that Lalli was releasing a new novel. With memories of laughter, tears and melancholy smiles still fresh in my mind a year after reading her first book, my expectations were set very high when I received Grown-Up Pose in the mail.
Family and Traditions
Anu is a 30 year-old Canadian woman who married at the age of 23 after facing pressure from both her mom, and her husband's mom. After seven years of marriage, Anu feels trapped in a life she did not want. Although she loves her daughter her relationship with her husband is not what it used to be, and she decides that it is time for her to become the woman she wants to be, even if it disappoints her parents.
Her one desire, or so she claims, is to have her own yoga studio. It is what she has always wanted, and soon an opportunity arises for her to follow her dreams.
The plot was intriguing, and I loved her first book, so I did not anticipate any problems when I decided to purchase this book. In fact, I was eager. I love stories about different cultures within Canada, and even though I am not of South Asian heritage, I have found that their traditions regarding family are quite similar to my own, and it can be entertaining to see these dramas unfold on the page.
Expectations
Sometimes, I fail to learn the danger of setting high expectations. I was so in love with the first novel Lalli published, and was slightly disappointed with the second. While I thought Anu's journey was meant to center around her "finding herself" and starting a business, the first half of the story was about her going into a downward spiral after separating from her husband. Not that I would ever judge someone for going on an individual adventure, but it felt rather exhausting to read about this spiral for most of the book.
In the next quarter of the story, Anu realizes she went into a downwards spiral and that she should not have done so. But the last quarter was the book I was waiting for; Anu builds the business she always wanted, solidifies her bonds with her friends, and stands up to her parents in the hopes that they will accept her for who she is.
In the next quarter of the story, Anu realizes she went into a downwards spiral and that she should not have done so. But the last quarter was the book I was waiting for; Anu builds the business she always wanted, solidifies her bonds with her friends, and stands up to her parents in the hopes that they will accept her for who she is.
Unfortunately, what I read in the last quarter was the novel I was expecting all along, and I was impatient trying to get to this part of the story. Although Lalli was funny in The Matchmaker's List, I only laughed a few times while reading Grown-Up Pose, and while Anu's family was confused by her behaviour, I was just as confused, if not more. I will give this book 3/5 stars, and leave you to decide whether or not it's for you. On the other hand, I feel perfectly comfortable recommending The Matchmaker's List.
I hope everyone is staying safe and happy! If you have any comments or recommendations, please comment below, or email me (theopinionatedbookworm@gmail.com) or follow me on Instagram (@theopinionatedbookworm1).
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