WELL BEHAVED INDIAN WOMEN

This debut women's fiction novel is a mother-daughter story about three generations of Indian women who struggle to define themselves as they pursue their passions at different stages in life.

Simran Mehta has always felt harshly judged by her mother, Nandini, especially when it comes to Simran's upcoming wedding to her fiancé and her little "writing hobby". When a charismatic and good looking journalist named Neil Desai careens into Simran's life, she questions who she is and her obligations as a good Indian daughter, the perfect wife and future psychologist.

Nandini Mehta has strived to create an easy life for her children in America. From dealing with her husband's demanding family, to the banality of her clinic job, and the casual racism of her patients, everything Nandini has endured has been for her daughter's sake. When an old friend comes to visit with the offer to take over his medical practice, Nandini realizes that she's spent so much time focusing on others and being the Perfect Indian Woman, that she, herself, has slipped away.

Mimi Kadakia failed her daughter, Nandini, in ways she'll never be able to fix--or forget. But with her granddaughter, she has the chance to be supportive and offer help when it's needed. As life begins to pull Nandini and Simran apart, Mimi will be the bridge that keeps them connected, even if she has a burden she's unwilling to share.

Told in dual point-of-view, the novel follows the women as they ask themselves if being The Perfect Indian Woman is something that is attainable, let alone what they want.

Saumya Dave is a psychiatrist and mental health advocate. Her essays, articles, and poetry have been featured in The New York Times, ABC News, Refinery29, and other publications. She is the co-founder of thisisforHER, a nonprofit at the nexus of art and women's mental health, and an adjunct professor at Mount Sinai, where she teaches a Narrative Medicine class. She recently completed her Psychiatry Residency at Mount Sinai Beth Israel, where she was a chief resident and an inductee into the A?A Medical Honors Society. She currently resides in New York City with her husband and son. This is her first novel.