The Groom to Have Been

By Saher Alam

A love story inspired by The Age of Innocence , about a young man and woman thwarted by tradition and the fears of a world suddenly defined by tragedy Just as Nasr, a young man with a vibrant... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0385524609
• ISBN13: 9780385524605
• Release Date: July 2008
• Publisher: Spiegel & Grau
• Length: 399 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.0" x 0.9" x 5.2"

Customer Reviews

Excellent novel about ex-pat Indians in Canada and the US

This story is so well told and interesting that it was difficult to put down. I sent a copy to my 19 year old college freshman and she also enjoyed it immensely.

I liked it!

I am not an expert on the Indian culture or the Muslim religion, so I felt a little lost at times. However, the themes of family, love, and living in a small culture outside your country (while being influenced and judged by the larger community) were fascinating. I really recommend it.

Beautifully Drawn Characters and Culture

This book draws a rich picture of a 30-year old Indian man who goes back and forth between modern American life and his extended Indian family and culture. The main plot line is his choice to seek a wife through an arranged marriage, and the contrast between how he proceeds through that process and his tempestuous relationship with a female cousin/friend similar in age to him. The book raises questions about the various forms love takes and the implications. Can you grow to love your spouse in an arranged marriage? Is that process more effective in producing a "successful" union than a love match? What of the relationships of your childhood? Can you see them for what they are, and what they may become? Along the way, there are side excursions into the life of the Muslim community in America post-9/11 that are also very thought-provoking. All in all, I liked this book very much and recommend it highly.