‘When Dimple Met Rishi’ by Sandhya Menon.

‘When Dimple Met Rishi’ by Sandhya Menon.

Publisher: Simon Pulse and Hachette Australia.

Release Date: 30^th May 2017 .

Page Count: 320 pages.

Genre: YA, Romantic Comedy.

Firstly, a huge thank you to Hachette Australia and NetGalley for sending us an eBook copy to review!

Whilst we have been making an effort to read more diversely, we became particularly intrigued with the novel When Dimple Met Rishi, by Sandhya Menon. When we learned that the novel featured two Indian protagonists as it’s two main characters who enter a summer program for aspiring web developers, we became quite eager to begin reading this novel!

We absolutely loved this unique cover. Though we try not to judge a book by its cover, the cover had us sold from the minute we set eyes on it! When Dimple Met Rishi follows two Indian protagonists that meet at a Summer program for aspiring web developers. This computer programming competition runs for a total of 6 weeks. Throughout this debuting novel, both main characters’ struggle with balancing their parents’ expectations and culture traditions whilst discovering their own happiness. The pair both end up at the program for different reasons. Dimple, a massive computer programming nerd, see’s the competition as an opportunity. An opportunity to meet her programming idol, start making a name for herself and most importantly, escape her mother’s insistent idea that she finds an ideal Indian husband. Then there’s Rishi. A kind and passionate guy who leaves for the competition with the ambition of pleasing his parents in their traditions whilst hoping to meet his future wife.

We’re happy to say that When Dimple Met Rishi not only lived up to the hype for us, but it went well and beyond what we expected! The book was told in two different perspectives, from Dimple and Rishi’s points of view. This allowed us to explore two different views of the same culture. There were multiple scenes where we were laughing endlessly at the dialogue and the awkward situations the characters found themselves in. Rishi is the sweetest, most caring guy that always knew what to say in any situation. He is described as the nerdy love interest with an admirable optimism. Then there’s unique, outspoken Dimple, who’s opinion and ideas cannot be ignored. She is comfortable in her own skin and she is certain of what she wants to do with her future. Even ignoring particular expectations from those around her.

Throughout the course of the novel, the two characters slowly open up to each other, expressing their hopes and dreams that they can’t wait to explore. There personalities positively influence each other (this definitely surprised us after their disastrous first encounter). Sandhya Menon did an outstanding job weaving Indian culture into the story! This was unique as we have never read a book that has been wrapped around this concept. The messages that this book portrayed were definitely something that we should see more often! Sandhya Menon portrayed many different issues throughout this novel – the idea of staying friends but not being incorporated in the same friendship circle, to not be manipulated by peer pressure, to listen to our own hearts, to strive towards our own hopes and dreams and to not listen to other people’s expectations. This kept us hooked throughout the course of the novel.

We would have liked the author to have expanded on the development and coding of the overall app more. This would have added a finishing touch to the overall story.

We devoured this book in one sitting! We were very intrigued by the hate to love romance that Dimple and Rishi shared. We loved how we could both relate to the characters with their many unique and outspoken characteristics.

We would absolutely recommend this heart-warming, laugh out loud YA story! The humour in this novel was definitely constant! We are so excited for its release date on May 30^th so that all of you can enjoy this debuting novel! It gave us all the gushy feels that we were hoping for. Make sure to get your hands on this amazing book. It will leave you breathless and wanting more!

We will definitely be reading future books by Sandhya Menon. She has us hooked!

Book Rating 4.5/5 Stars.