A review by jess_mango
Purple Lotus by Veena Rao

4.0

A purple lotus is a symbol of rebirth and this novel lives up to that name. It is the story of a rebirth of an Indian woman who battles through cultural expectations to become her own person. Tara grew up in India and was often left alone. Her parents moved to Dubai when she was young and left her with an uncle who had issues. She ended up turning to books for emotional support. As an adult, Tara is betrothed to an Indian-American who after marrying her returns to the States leaving her behind in India for 3 years alone. Once he finally has her move to America she finds her self still emotionally alone. Her husband, Sanjay, doesn't express any affection for her and often leaves her alone while he stays late at work. Tara starts making some friends and earning her own money and find out more about herself. She suffers from emotional and physical abuse at the hands of her husband. Her family pressures her to stay but Tara feels like she should follow her own heart & spirit.

This was story about Tara overcoming her family's expectations that she be a submissive wife to her husband and just go with things. They are seemingly more concerned about reputation than they are about their daughter's happiness and well-being. This was a tough read at times but Tara was a great protagonist who carved her own path. I enjoyed this read and look forward to more from the author.

What to listen to while reading...
Me and My Husband by Mitski
Home Alone by Hanita Bhambri
Mundane by Mali
I Can't Make You Love Me by Bonnie Raitt
It's Not Worth It by Ramya Pothuri
Rebirth by Komorebi
Love (alap) by Pandit Shivkumar Sharma


Thank you to the publisher for the review copy!