I desperately wanted to like this book, I really did. The premise sounded promising: A Indian Muslim man tries to find love and happiness via the age-old tradition of arranged marriage, set against the backdrop of a post-9/11 NYC. But the book was slow and plagued by long, pseudo-intellectual discussions between the two main characters. It seemed to take itself entirely too seriously, the book alternated between fluffy chick-lit and heavy handed social commentary. At times, it seemed to mock the very institution of arranged marriage, which I found off-putting. The ending felt rushed and haphazard, as though the author lost interest in the project, as the reader probably had, and simply wanted to complete it. I don't normally put a book down. In fact, I hardly ever do (I actually can't think of one example). It's not that this book was bad by any stretch, but I had a hard time caring about what would happen next. In fact, there was a lot of *not* happening going on in this book. As a retelling of The Age of Innocence, this should have been an easy winner for me, but the book seemed mired in detail that didn't in any way seem to propel the plot forward. While Age of Innocence itself builds on the heartbreaking minutia of every day living, it moves forward, too, as a compelling story. This one didn't do that for me. Gave it back to the library having only gotten 1/3 through.
What do You think about The Groom To Have Been (2008)?
I was bored. The writing style was fine but the characters and the story just were not interesting.
—annetteconway
Story of an arranged marriage between second generation Indian Muslims in Montreal.
—Alyssa
It was interesting and I'm glad i read it. The ending wasn't what i expected.
—niquee
