Saman Shad puts the desi in desire in this effervescent romantic comedy, spicier than garam masala and sweeter than gulab jamun.
Saima, a professional matchmaker whose own love life is in shambles, takes on a client, Kal, who’s more likely to find a date on Tinder than through a matchmaker. The catch? Kal’s parents want to set him up without him knowing they are doing so. Cut to ‘chance’ encounters all across Sydney, designed for the matchmaker to learn more about Kal in order to find his perfect match. But maybe the perfect woman has been staring him in the face all along? In a novel where Parramatta meets Pakistan, we read from both Saima and Kal’s perspectives as their relationship unfolds.
Desi romantic comedy is an exciting first in Australian publishing, showcasing diverse love stories in an Australian context. The novel provides insight into the Sydney-based Pakistani diaspora and the accompanying customs and expectations of the culture.
About the Author
Saman Shad is a writer, editor, journalist, and teller of stories. Much of her work is inspired by her experiences as a third culture kid, growing up and living in Pakistan, the Middle East, the UK and Australia. Her writing credits span mediums, including radio scriptwriting for the BBC in the UK and the ABC in Australia, and playwriting, with works commissioned by theatres across London and Sydney.
She is a regular writer for several publications, including the Guardian, the Sydney Morning Herald and SBS. She has also worked on screen projects, including developing the feature film 'The Lucky Country' with funding from Screen Australia. Most recently, she was a screenwriter on 'The Disposables', an upcoming series on the ABC. Saman is a proud mother of three children; she lives with her family in Sydney.
Available in the Library after 31 January and from all good booksellers such as Constant Reader.
Constant Reader Bookshop will have copies of the book for sale on the day.
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