Such Big Dreams by Reema Patel

Reema Patel’s bold, vivid language catapults readers into the streets of Mumbai, and is a paramount example of the impact the technique “show, don’t tell” can have in writing.

Chapters are sprinkled with depictions of vada pav, chai ☕, thalis, and dal khichidi – it was difficult to curb the cravings. 🤤 “Hinglish” is naturally intertwined in the characters’ dialogue, without the cumbersome interruptions of definitions.

Rakhi, our protagonist, is a former Mumbai street child. Despite working for a law firm that advocates for lower socioeconomic classes, Rakhi faces discrimination from her colleagues, driving home how deeply entrenched classism and casteism is in Indian society. 👩🏽‍💼

“Among the challenging subjects Patel introduces is the hypocrisy associated with the white savior complex,” shares guest reviewer @nehaxstitch. Without naming voluntourism, Patel explains the damaging effects of seemingly altruistic trips to developing counties.

The story itself is an absolute page-turner. ➡️ Patel never strays far from reality, creating a realistic fictional protagonist (and situations): readers feel Rakhi’s excitement, desperation, grief, and anger. It’s hard not to root for her - a deeply genuine yet flawed character. Indians and non-Indians alike will feel tethered to her character.

See review on BrownGirlBookshelf here