A newlywed from the US and her Indian born husband move to Mumbai which is challenging enough but she is soon surprised by the arrival of her mother-in-law. A story about women's roles in Indian culture and the differences really becomes a story about how they aren''t that different at all.

Mother Land might be one of the best character studies that I've ever read, and is certainly the best I've read in a long time. Maybe part of this is because it's grounded in differences in culture so it provides extra depth and dimension by exposing you to the perspective of someone who has lived with different life expectations, ascribed and imposed. Rachel, an American, marries Dhruv, an Indian expat, because he provides the decisiveness that she's always lacked in her life. She feels like it will make things easier for her, but a move to Mumbai and her mother-in-law moving in to their home makes her begin to realize that she's not happy. Swati, Dhruv's mother, sees a new way of life in the relationship her son has with his wife so she decides to leave her husband and be able to live life the way she wants to. In many ways it makes her much happier; the only problem is that in doing so she's doing exactly to her daughter-in-law what was done to her - imposing her preferences and wants because it's a social and cultural norm in India. In addition to the places where each of these women is struggling to find herself, they are facing a mindset where a woman making her own choices and decisions is regarded as shameful. This is a joint issue with Rachel and Dhruv - she puts herself in the position by seeking decisiveness externally, but he creates a whole problem on his own by trying to have one foot in both worlds but his mind in only one of them. This makes the first part of the book really challenging to read (in a good way!), but definitely makes it even more enjoyable as Sawti and Rachel learn to see each other as complex people that while open to change, also need to be appreciated and respected for who they already are. Will Sawti go back to her husband? Will Rachel find what she's looking for? Can the two women really live amicably together coming from such different backgrounds? Do yourself a favor and read the book to find out!

“Mother Land” by Leah Franqui had great potential; however, the execution was tedious and repetitious. The novel is about Rachel, a Jewish American woman from Brooklyn who marries Dhruv, an Indian man she’s known for only 6 months. She moves with him to Mumbai, and shortly afterwards Rachel’s mother-in-law, Swati, leaves her husband and moves in with Rachel and Dhruv. Dhruv then leaves Rachel with his mother while he goes on an extensive business trip to his hometown. Predictably, Rachel and Swati clash, which seems like an interesting premise for a book. Unfortunately, the book consisted almost entirely of alternating, repetitive internal monologues on the part of Rachel and Swati, which made for a monotonous story. The book had great characterizations and character growth; however, these strengths were eclipsed by the mind-numbing boredom generated by the narrative. Overall, it was a very disappointing book.

This is not the typical genre I read, but it intrigued me and sounded like an interesting read. I really liked the concept and jumped right in. I liked it at first, but lost interest about halfway through. It started to become more like a reality show of the day to day lives of the characters with nothing really interesting happening. There wasn't much character development by that point. I may pick it back up and finish it someday, but for now I will move on to something that holds my interest better. I appreciate the opportunity to read and review this novel.

Thirty-something Rachel Meyer feels adrift in New York City, trapped in a job producing boxed meal preparation kits for customers she cannot respect. Weighed down by money issues and unsure of how to recapture the sense of direction she had in her twenties, she falls for Dhruv, a handsome Indian investment banker. Rachel is drawn to Dhruv’s certainty and strength. So when he announces he is moving to India for his work and proposes to Rachel, she is thrilled by the opportunity for a new and exciting life in an insta-worthy setting with the man she loves.

Rachel imagines that living in Mumbai will be an adventure, a series of shared experiences, exploring new parts of the city, sampling street food, admiring the architecture, and strolling along the beach as a couple. It will be a time for them to build a vibrant and sure future together. Surely, she will find her best self with Dhruv.
Instead, Rachel finds herself a moorless newlywed in Mumbai, adrift in the complexities of a culture full of rules she cannot understand. Even in a city of millions, she has never felt so alone. Rachel didn’t think life could get worse, until Swati, her mother-in-law, an enormous rolling suitcase at her side, arrives on the doorstep and announces she is moving in. Forever.

Swati has left her husband in Kolkata in her own search for independence and happiness. She has decided to make a new home with her son and her mission is to teach Rachel how to be the woman society and her son expects - whether Rachel likes it or not. Dhruv is called away to Kolkata for an extended business trip, and the two women are left together in the small ocean view apartment, each fighting to take control of their lives. Both Rachel and Swati are struggling to discover who they are and must help each decide what they should do next. The results are far from expected.

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. Franqui describes Mumbai in vibrant and honest language and the evolution of Rachel and Swati’s relationship is both humorous and heartwarming. Mother Land could be an excellent book club pick with engaging characters and an excellent sense of place.
(I want to thank NetGalley for letting me read an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion.)

This was a well-written book about the lives and relationships of two women as they navigate changes. I really enjoyed reading it and appreciated that the end of the story seemed realistic rather than wrapped up in a neat package.

This novel was an interesting read, with a highly descriptive story line that allowed the reader to fully immerse themselves in the setting. Each sentence made you feel like you were there in the apartment, that you were Rachel arguing with Swati, getting upset over your whole world changing and feeling alone in the process. While it was a great, and interesting read, the ending was predictable, and super character driven where you knew Rachel would end up "on top". This was a great read for a nighttime pick me up to escape into another world, where you root for the female lead the whole time as she tries to feel comfortable with herself, and her new life.

WHO KNEW THIS BOOK WAS GOING TO BE SO GOOD. Ugh, it hit me right in the feels. A beautiful feminist family drama with complex, interesting characters and a beautifully written plot. This is one of those books with no gimmick, no crazy hook– just a perfectly developed story with language that flows like buttah– you’ll be 50% of the way through before you ever realize you’ve been up all night reading. I can’t wait to dive into Franqui’s earlier work after finishing this one. Thank you, Netgalley, for the chance to read an early copy!

This is a lovely book that is enjoyable in so many ways. Though set in India, the adjustment of an ex-pat wife and the relationship between a mother and daughter-in-law are both universal themes and anyone who has experienced either of these will be quick to identify patterns and quirks.
The description of life in India is fascinating and the writing is descriptive and detailed enough to paint a vivid picture for the reader. The ending was not at all typical and had the kind of twist to it that felt very authentic. The author is obviously well-versed in Indian culture herself and I hope she builds on this book and her characters in another volume.

I was enchanted with this book. I never put it down and I was totally involved with the story of Rachel and Swati. There was nothing predictable or trite about this. It is very well written and I learned so much.

The unusual story of a young Jewish woman moving to India with her husband is turned on its’ head when his mother moves in, unexpectedly and permanently. Their culture clash is inevitable, but Franqui has made both women so complex and sympathetic that the reader cannot make easy decisions about their future and relationship.

I think that book groups will have many wonderful discussions. Without a doubt, this is one of my favorite 2020 novels. This is so different from typical beach reads, but I think taking on vacation will make everyday more enjoyable.

Thank you Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to enrich my recent vacation with this delightful novel.