"The Newlyweds" by Mansi Choksi is a captivating exploration of love, cultural expectations, and the complexities of modern relationships. The novel follows the journey of a young couple navigating the highs and lows of newlywed life, set against the backdrop of familial pressures and societal norms.

Choksi’s writing is both poignant and insightful, drawing readers into the emotional landscape of her characters. The depiction of the couple’s relationship is nuanced, showcasing the joys and challenges that come with merging two lives. The author skillfully examines themes of identity, belonging, and the tension between tradition and personal desires.

The characters are well-developed, each grappling with their own insecurities and dreams. Choksi’s portrayal of the familial dynamics adds depth to the story, highlighting the influence of cultural expectations on personal choices. As the couple faces various obstacles, readers are invited to reflect on the nature of love and the compromises often made in relationships.

The pacing of the novel is engaging, with a blend of heartfelt moments and moments of tension that keep readers invested in the characters’ journeys. Choksi’s ability to weave humor into serious themes adds a layer of warmth to the narrative.

Overall, "The Newlyweds" is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant read that will appeal to fans of contemporary fiction. Mansi Choksi has crafted a relatable and insightful story that captures the essence of love in a changing world, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the intricacies of modern relationships.

"The Newlyweds" by Choksi offers a poignant glimpse into the lives of young Indian couples navigating tradition and modernity. With empathy, Choksi captures the complexities of their journeys, illuminating the evolving dynamics of love and partnership. While occasionally meandering, the book overall presents a compelling mosaic of personal stories that reflect broader societal shifts.

I am struggling to pen down my thoughts on this book. This has been sat on my TBR for a while and purely because it was the "oldest" on my list, I decided to (finally) make a start. The beginning chapters surprised me; I was not expecting a story on three different couples in modern India, one couple dealing with conflict as they are from different socioeconomic backgrounds/ castes, the other are a Hindu-Muslim pair dealing with religious hate at a time of political unrest under the leadership of a new PM and policymaker and the third are a lesbian couple, trying to find confidence and support within each other to reestablish their identity and present their relationship to the world.

I will laud the manner in which Choksi weaves India's history within the narratives of the three couples, I did enjoy the dualism presented where India is striving for independence over 70 years ago and yet its citizens are still confronted with prejudices despite refusing its colonial authority almost a century ago, the Indians are a slave to a different unjust system which does not allow to express themselves freely. If they do not hide, or run, their families face the harsh consequences. That was difficult to read.

The information in parts felt excessive and was dragging out the book. The fact that this is a non-fiction, true account of these six individuals immediately makes the perspective raw and relatable. It was a bit too detailed in parts for me, the only down side otherwise it was an enlightening and informative read. Thank you @netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest unedited review.

The book tells three love stories of three sets of newlyweds, a Lesbian couple, an interfaith couple, and an inter-caste couple. All three relationships deal with controversy and prejudice and have to find their way through it all.

I picked this book up in the hope of educating myself on Indian culture and politics. I really enjoyed all three couples stories and was engrossed, I would have preferred it if the story did not jump between each as often (or at all) though. Recommend.

The premise was so promising but I did not like the execution. There was nothing wrong per se it just wasn't for me but I am sure that r so many people will resonate with the book and the characters..

While I didn't enjoy the writing style, I did find the topics and stories intriguing. I found it quite depressing at times, especially the extortion, honor killings and mention of suicides.

*SPOILER*
There's also not a happy ending for every couple.
*SPOILER*

I also wasn't a fan of how the stories were split up. It didn't really work for me and I think I would've preferred to have them in one part each, converging at the love commando HQ.

The book met my expectations and I'd read more from this author in the future.

Thank you Netgalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

This is a very interesting book about couples who fall in love but are not accepted by their family or community. Heartbreaking in parts and gives an insight on the prejudices in India and what measures the couples take to stay together.

The Newlyweds follows three couples as they navigate their relationships and marriage in modern India, defying cultural conventions and fighting for true love.

The book reads like literacy fiction, you almost forget that this is the result of years of investigative journalism and real people’s lives. My only wish was that each couple’s story was kept together in its whole, rather than split throughout the book.

This really opened my eyes to the years of tradition that are hard to break in India, and how different life is in the West. On the subject matter and reporting itself, I’d definitely recommend, but the writing style made this a little slow to get through for me.

I found the writing a little difficult to get into but the subject matter was fascinating. Sensitive and moving.

I didn't love the writing style and to be honest found it a bit clunky to read. However, the subject matter was intriguing - if a bit depressing.

This account follows three couples who defy caste. religion, tradition to be with the person they love, knowing the risks they take, and having their relationships put under great strain by the pressure and fear of discovery. At times I felt as if I was reading fiction and it was sobering to constantly remind myself that these are real people's experiences.

I think I would have preferred to read the whole of one couple's story before moving on to the next, as I did find it rather confusing to hop from one to the other. I find the complexity of India impossible to understand, and three discrete narratives would, I think, have lent more clarity for the western reader.

A heartbreaking account of different marriages and relationships in modern day India. How discrimination is still rife between religions, caste systems and homosexuality.
Straddling between the modern world of technology and the traditional marriage ways.
How families are split, divided and disown members.

I would struggle to be able to review this book due to issues with the file/download. The issues stopped the flow of the book. The issues are:
- Missing words in the middle of sentences
- Stop/start sentences on different lines
- No clear definition of chapters.

Not sure if it was a file/download issue but there were lots of gaps and stops/starts which really ruined the flow. I would love the chance to read a better version as the description of the book appeals to me. I would be more than happy to re-read the book with a better file or as a physical book as the book topic and genre are of interest to me. If you would like me to re-review please feel free to contact me at thesecretbookreview@gmail.com or via social media The_secret_bookreview (Instagram) or Secret_bookblog (Twitter). Thank you.

The result of years of investigative journalism, The Newlyweds explores the lives of three couples who have shunned arranged marriage as is traditional in their native India. Mansi Choksi has followed the lives of these couples for years, sharing not only their stories but also the impact that their choices have had on their families.
Written in a literary style, The Newlyweds reads almost like a story, but this is real life. Choksi's fascinating book not only follows the lives of her subjects but also offers a glimpse into relationships in modern India, the local laws, and the lengths that some families will go to to protect their 'honour'. Definitely recommend.

Great story about love and what you are willing to risk

What would you risk for love?

Twenty-first century India is a culture on fast forward, a society which is changing at breakneck speed, where two out of every three people are under the age of thirty-five. These young men and women grew up with the internet, smartphones and social media. But when it comes to love, the weight of thousands of years of tradition cannot so easily be set aside.

An extraordinary work of reportage, The Newlyweds is a portrait of modern India told through the stories of three young couples, who defy their families to pursue love. The lesbian couple forced to flee for a chance at a life together. The Hindu woman and Muslim man who must escape under the cover of night after being harassed by a violent mob. And the couple from different castes who know the terrible risk they run by marrying.

Written with great insight and humanity, Mansi Choksi examines the true cost of modern love in an ancient culture. It is a book that will change the way readers think about love, freedom and hope.