For Matrimonial Purposes: Summary and book reviews of For Matrimonial Purposes by Kavita Daswani, plus links to an excerpt from For Matrimonial Purposes and a biography of Kavita Daswani.

An unconventional heroine defies tradition by making a marriage between the strict customs of India and the wild freedoms of America to find her own happy ending. Hilarious and heartwarming, For Matrimonial Purposes proves that while the search for love takes many forms, the heartbreak and exhilaration are universal. In a sensual whirl of silk and spices, Kavita Daswani takes us from Bombay to New York and back again - in what is sure to be one of the most welcomed debuts of the summer. Unmarried at twenty-four - and with no prospects in sight - Anju is a great source of worry to her family. Despite the best efforts of relatives, fortune-tellers, and matchmakers to arrange a marriage, she can't seem to find a husband - or at least one she's willing to marry. Quickly becoming a spinster by her culture's standards, she is eager to escape the community that views her as a failure. After pleading with her parents for permission, she boards a plane bound for the United States and a dream of a career. And although husband-hunting isn't any easier in New York City, at least she's got company

Media Reviews

USA Today Daswani...can make readers shriek with laughter. Save this enchanting novel for an uncrowded beach.   Library Journal - Shirley N. Quan Writing with dry wit and liberal doses of humor, Daswani goes back in time to follow Anju's search for matrimonial bliss from age 21, in the process offering insight into Indian culture and traditions as well as a behind-the-scenes peek at the fashion industry. Recommended for all fiction collections and essential for libraries serving Indian populations.   Kirkus Reviews Appealing story, with a fine ear for dialogue and a tender wit an auspicious debut for Los Angeles-based fashion correspondent Daswani.

Recent Reader Reviews

Rated of 5 by Anonymous
Funny, witty book.. all Indian girls, esp living in America can relate to all the episodes the character has to go through.. well written, and real!

Rated of 5 by christine
Kavita Daswani does a great job throughout this amazing tale. Being Asian, I can find myself relating to similar situations that Anju experiences. Anju is such an amazing character and ought to be admired! She's smart, funny, lovely, loving, and...   Read More

Rated of 5 by anjali
Hi, I am 18 going on 19 this month!!!
The Book felt like scenes from my own life - teen life, and what to expect as i go on my 20's. Its what every Indian girl goes through. or will go through at some point in life. It prepares you for...   Read More

Rated of 5 by angelin
an amazing book! i'm a 17 year old student who chose this book for my english cpt, and i loved it! you wanna know more about indian culture and marriage? read this book! its full of humour and truth. kavita daswani explores the intimate details of...   Read More

Rated of 5 by Mandy
Hi i'm a 17 year old 'A'level student and i have decided to study this book for my English coursework. Im not into reading but i really enjoyed this one because i can really relate to what Kavita Daswani writes about. Im not of the Asian culture...   Read More

Rated of 5 by sabina ahmed
Okay, i just finished this book, and i thought it was great, excellent, right on, i think kavita captured beautifully what many single women in the sub-contintent have to go through. and for those who are not from the sub-continent area, yes this...   Read More

...10 More Reader Reviews

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