A Bollywood Romance by Any Kodori is a literary/contemporary fiction set in the 1970's where we follow Paru, a medical student in Hyderabad, India, who becomes the wife of Samar through an arranged marriage, and later a gynecologist in Chicago, USA. Themes including womanhood, character building, and cultural differences are explored. We learn through the eyes and the emotions of the protagonist, her suppressed desires as she juggles between upholding her role as a dutiful daughter, wife and mother in society, versus living her dream alongside her childhood sweetheart, free from religion and tradition. 

First, I would recommend it. I read it in a day. It is deep, provokes many after thoughts and very informative of how different countries and cultures function as a society, even today. I feel this book may appeal not only to those that may resonate with Paru, but to a wide variety of audiences. For example, it depicts common marital matters and family relations that many of us are familiar with. Slight trigger warnings though. I like the comparing and contrasting themes highlighted throughout e.g., past vs future; duty vs dream; east vs west; nature vs nurture; group vs individualism.

Second, a quote that I like from Paru's grandfather (ch 14). I understand it as a spiritual cleanse, but also personifying the coconut as having a mentality, coloured by both the east and the west, just like Paru.  ''<i>..The hard shell is our ego, which we need to break. The water flows out, which is our negative thoughts. Left behind is the soul; the pure white coconut..''. </i> 

Third, I would have found it super helpful had I found the glossary at the back whilst reading. It is mentioned at the content page. I guess easier to find when reading a physical copy. That said, I must say a big thank you to NetGalley for sending me this deep piece of literature, and to the author and Atmosphere Press. It is my first e-book and review, which I have written with care and honesty. I am grateful and enjoying being part of this beautiful community. Many thanks all. Onto my next read!

Thank you NetGalley and Atmosphere Press for this eCopy to review

From the moment I stepped into Paru’s world, I was captivated by the emotional depth and cultural richness of A Bollywood Romance. Anu Koduri crafts a compelling story that explores the tension between tradition and personal happiness, making for a deeply moving read.

Paru, raised in a strict Brahmin family, dreams of a love story worthy of the Bollywood films she adores. She secretly hopes her classmate Harsha will ask for her hand, but when her brothers defy tradition with their own marriages, her family is cast out of their community. To restore their honour, Paru is pushed into an arranged marriage with Samar, a physician in the United States.

Fast-forward twenty years—Paru is now a successful gynaecologist in Chicago, but her marriage has been anything but fulfilling. When Samar leaves her for another woman, Paru is forced to confront the life she has built and the sacrifices she has made. Then, Harsha reappears, offering her a second chance at love. But embracing happiness means defying centuries of tradition and risking everything—including her children.

Koduri’s storytelling is immersive and emotionally charged, bringing Paru’s struggles to life with authenticity and care. The novel’s exploration of cultural expectations, resilience, and self-discovery is beautifully woven into the narrative, making Paru’s journey both heart breaking and inspiring.

The rich depiction of Hindu traditions, particularly the Diwali celebrations and the complexities of the caste system, adds depth to the story. Paru’s internal conflict—between duty and desire—is powerfully portrayed, making her a character I deeply empathised with.

If you enjoy romantic dramas with strong female leads, A Bollywood Romance is a must-read. Koduri delivers a heartfelt, culturally rich story that lingers long after the final page. It’s a novel that celebrates love, resilience, and the courage to rewrite one’s destiny.

Wow, this book showcases arranged marriage in such a realistic manner. I loved how nothing is sugarcoated. What did frustrate me a bit was Paru's ambivalence towards Samar's mistreatment of her, where she acknowledges how bad it, but then jumps into bed with him the next moment. I know, human relationships are complicated, and ingrained traditions are difficult to buck; however, as a character, Paru's decisions at times gave me whiplash as a reader.

Title: A Bollywood Romance
Author: Anu Koduri
Publisher: @atmospherepress
Release Date: May 13, 2025
Rating: 4 Star


PLOT:
Paru has led a sheltered life, dreaming of the perfect Bollywood romance. For a moment, it seems like her life may start to resemble one- she’s beautiful, leading her class in medical school, and she has the attention of her handsome classmate, who just so happens to be of the same subcaste. But where a series of actions by her older brothers threatens to plunge her family into shame, she must make an arranged marriage. Through a series of heartbreaks and joys, her life will turn out very different than she expected.

REVIEW:
This is a book that needs to be read with a lot of cultural sensitivity! I found myself constantly trying to remember that I can’t view the story through my own lens because in my American mind, I was constantly shouting at Paru. But our lives, values, and expectations of life have always been different. The story grabs you right away. I read it in one day because I needed to know what would happen and when or even if Paru would finally find some strength. It’s a heartbreaking story with a lot of depth and frustration. Even when I was mad at Paru and her family and pretty much everyone in the book, I needed to know what happened. I was incredibly satisfied with the ending.