Love Marriage is a contemporary novel written by British author Monica Ali. It was published in February of 2022 by Virago Press. In her fifth novel, the author explores the subjects of the immigrant experience and cultural diversity in Britain. The story is set in modern-day London and focuses on two families of different classes, races, and religions.
The narrative tells the story of a junior doctor in her mid-20s and her engagement to a colleague. Yasmin is of Indian descent while her fiancé, Joe, is white. Their union breeds a cultural gulf between the families. She gets inspiration to have a love marriage from her parents who married for love contrary to tradition. Though she is liberal, Joe’s mother, Harriet, is a famous feminist which poses a potential clash between the households. Surprisingly, Harriet appreciates their differences, but this partially emanates from fetishizing their cultural practices. Moreover, she is possessive of her son and the decisions he is supposed to make in his life and marriage. As their worlds collide, secrets come out revealing truths that could ruin Yasmin’s engagement and her perception of marriage.
The novel highlights the challenges of reconciling cultural and religious differences between two families. It demonstrates the complexity of navigating relationships and multicultural tensions in the modern world. Kirkus wrote, “Though the book treats its characters with affection, the racial dynamics are conveyed with real, heart-rending bite. A keen look at London life, relationships (especially interracial ones)—and a return to Ali’s most celebrated territory.”
