The Newlyweds by Mansi Choksi
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.
About the author
Mansi Choksi is a writer based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates and Mumbai, India. The Newlyweds is her first book.
Review
‘The Newlyweds’ is an eye-opening account of three couples struggling to live their truth in modern India. Modern India is complex, a world steeped in tradition but a young nation where its demographic is skewed to the generations just about to come to maturity. As life evolves, relationships change and love comes to the fore. As individuals crave the choice to be able to choose their life partners they face many walls that need to crumble. Whether it be religious, caste or same-sex couples, being in love can be hard.
Mansi follows three couples who have had to audacity to fall in love with someone they shouldn't. They are cosmopolitan in their attitudes but when faced with thousands of year's of tradition that have had to run due to a fear of violence and more. There are still some sections that believe in honour killings, violent punishments and banishment from society.
This was the perfect blend of telling the narratives of these couples whilst imparting information to the reader. I was gripped. But then I have always found the system in India fascinating. I may have watched all of the indian matchmaking show on Netflix but it was being in India and see what witnessing it with your own eyes that it becomes striking. Its a system older than some countries but it's complex and rigid and needs to adapt to the new world. A world where people should be free to love who they want.
A fascinating look into modern India and well worth the read!
