The Trouble With Hating You by Sajni Patel

 

Image copyrights : goodreads.com

Author : Sajni Patel 

Genre : Fiction, Romance 

Trope : Diverse, Enemies to Lovers 

Rating : ⭐⭐⭐⭐

(There are NO SPOILERS ahead)

👀 What It's About

This book follows Liya Thakkar, an independent, honest, passionate and hard headed woman who is navigating her life with a new position at a company which failed to inform her was at the brink of bankruptcy. The story revolves around her tough relationship with her traditional Indian parents, her sweet and supportive friends, her absolutely vexing, gripping relationship with Jayesh Shah, who she hates wholeheartedly and most importantly herself.

🧠 Thoughts

I Loved this book. This mix of Indian culture, the side which shows the horrifying lengths of toxicity it can go to as well as the heartwarming traditions and ceremonies was spectacular. I have never read a book which talks about the toxicity of communities in such an expert manner. As a South Asian myself, the harsh realities of living in a society which inhibits basic peace of mind sometimes due to gossip and judgmental stereotyping is more common than not, however not explained properly. Patel also describes the harsh realities of certain relationships which I have not seen represented elsewhere. This setting, along with the absolutely nerve wrecking and frustrating relationship between Liya and Jay as they navigate their place in each other’s lives and unravel each other’s not so perfect past makes it a fantastic romcom.

    Furthermore, the characters and how they fit perfectly like pieces of a puzzle makes it an even more riveting story. Personally, Liya’s relationship with her girlfriends, Preeti, Reema and Sana, made my heart warm because it reminded me of my own girlfriends and the supportive manner in which they keep me reassured and grounded. I also loved Jay’s relationship with his Family and how it entangled with Liya. Plus, his charming personality, eye candy looks and the way in which he navigates how to handle Liya’s strong willed nature was a welcoming bonus. 

What I Liked About It

The way in which “taboo” topics such as talking about the toxic side of religious communities is handled. It may come off as eye opening or too “not sugar coated enough” but that shows how harsh it gets sometimes.

What I Didn't Like About It

I thought I did not like the “not sugar coated” part as much, but then I realized that as a South Asian myself, talking or reading about these things feels unnatural and therefore uncomfortable. However, that’s when it dawned on me that maybe we are programmed that way as we grew up in that sort of society.

🥰 Who Would Like It?

All South Asians and anybody who is familiar with Indian culture. The ways of the society depicted in this book are also very similar, if not the same, as the general Sri Lankan society. Also, if you have any opinions of the whole concept of matchmaking and arranged marriage, I highly recommend giving this book a read. It not only has the whole spectrum of youngsters against arranged marriage, but also those who are for it and why it may be the best choice for some people, which in turn also delineates the importance of one’s choice for themselves despites the pressure of society and the people.

In conclusion, if it was not obvious enough already, I loved this book and I recommend anybody and everybody to give it a read. If you have any opinions on this book or know any others which you think might be a good read for me then let me know in the comments or by contacting me personally. You can also subscribe to my blog with the subscribe button on my homepage and get notified by email when a new post is up. Now I'm going to shamelessly say, GO SUBSCRIBE NOW OR ELSE...I'll be super sad.

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Happy Reading!