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The Invisible Cage
At twenty-two, Anoushka, the eldest daughter in her family, is expected to take the next step in marriage. When her parents find her a “suitable” husband, she enters a new world where family expectations run deep and loyalties are tested.
But behind the promise of stability lies a far more complicated reality—an overbearing mother-in-law determined to control her son, and a husband still tethered to his mother’s will. Caught in the middle, Anoushka must summon the strength to navigate tradition, duty, and her own growing sense of self.
Based on a true story, The Invisible Cage is a moving and powerful tale of resilience, self-discovery, and courage. As Anoushka learns to fight for her voice and her freedom, she discovers the true meaning of independence—and what it takes to break free.
But behind the promise of stability lies a far more complicated reality—an overbearing mother-in-law determined to control her son, and a husband still tethered to his mother’s will. Caught in the middle, Anoushka must summon the strength to navigate tradition, duty, and her own growing sense of self.
Based on a true story, The Invisible Cage is a moving and powerful tale of resilience, self-discovery, and courage. As Anoushka learns to fight for her voice and her freedom, she discovers the true meaning of independence—and what it takes to break free.
399 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 10, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 5, 2026
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'The Invisible Cage' by Suni Samara.
This is Suni's DEBUT novel, not that you would ever think that!!! Suni has written this brilliant book as if she has been writing for years and I hope that she is planning on writing more books in the future.
The first thing I have got to say is an absolutely HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to the author Suni! I was absolutely mind blown when I had finished this stunning page turner, went to look at what other books she has written and realised that it is actually her debut book!! What an absolutely EPIC debut novel it is and if THIS is what you can create for your very first book then I just cannot wait to see what on Earth you will come out with next!! I will start by admitting that this book is not my usual choice of book so I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about the storyline but I was fascinated by the absolutely stunning and eye catching cover and synopsis and was looking forward to trying it out. I am extremely pleased that I did as it is such an eye opening, intriguing, fascinating, emotional and educational read and I would genuinely highly recommend that there should be a copy made available in every educational setting as well as every library. It is based on a true story and it truly is more than just a story and more of a very educational memoir. It tells the story of Anoushka who is 22 years old and an Indian Hindu living in Edinburgh. She is taking part in an arranged marriage but all is not as it seems. This is a fictionalised account of Suni's life with both own voices and diverse fiction. It is split into 7 sections with the titles being The Match, The Engagement, Before The Marriage, The Honeymoon, The Marriage, The Pregnancy and The Cage Door Opens. It is a storyline filled with family, tradition, beliefs, strength, resilience, coming of age, self-discovery, courage, bravery, culture, heartache, twists, emotions and so, so much more! I will not go into the storyline any further as I do not want to give anything away to future readers. I found it to be an educational read and learned so much about culture, tradition, arranged marriages and much more. I thoroughly enjoyed discovering new things about the Hindu and India beliefs and found myself looking up words and traditions to even further my knowledge., I must admit that I knew very little about arranged marriages although I did know about forced marriages. I must also admit that I thought they were more or less the same and that the women do not get any choice in who they marry. With arranged marriages I found that the women do get a say however they can also find themselves restricted due to not wanting to let their families down. I was shocked by how a dowry is still used, surprised at how many celebrations there are before and after a wedding and just genuinely intrigued by life in an Indian/Hindu family in general. i truly do think this book should be made available for anyone and everybody to read as it does cast a new light on arranged marriages for myself. It is such an honest, brave and eye opening story and I am so pleased that Suni found the strength to bring it into the world so thank you very much Suni! This is an adult novel with coming of age aspects but would also appeal to YA readers. I liked how the book was separated into different parts depending on what stage of the marriage Anoushka was going through. The chapters were also quite short and considering this is not the typical sort of book I would read I absolutely flew through the chapters devouring the whole book in just a few short sittings. It is extremely well written and captivated my attention from start to end. The storyline flowed perfectly and there was constantly something going on meaning I flew through the pages much quicker than I was expecting! Suni's absolutely incredible evocative descriptions will ensure the reader is sucked into the book where they will hear the Anoushka and her family , feel the emotions and characters as they fly through the pages of this incredible page turner! The fact that there is so much going on ensures that there is no chance the reader will be able to put it down so make sure you clear your schedules before starting this book! I have never come across a book like this before and am just so pleased that Suni has told her story to the world in this fictionalised memoir.
❤️ Overall an eye opening, honest and emotional fictionalised memoir of arranged marriage💜
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Review for 'The Invisible Cage' by Suni Samara.
This is Suni's DEBUT novel, not that you would ever think that!!! Suni has written this brilliant book as if she has been writing for years and I hope that she is planning on writing more books in the future.
The first thing I have got to say is an absolutely HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to the author Suni! I was absolutely mind blown when I had finished this stunning page turner, went to look at what other books she has written and realised that it is actually her debut book!! What an absolutely EPIC debut novel it is and if THIS is what you can create for your very first book then I just cannot wait to see what on Earth you will come out with next!! I will start by admitting that this book is not my usual choice of book so I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about the storyline but I was fascinated by the absolutely stunning and eye catching cover and synopsis and was looking forward to trying it out. I am extremely pleased that I did as it is such an eye opening, intriguing, fascinating, emotional and educational read and I would genuinely highly recommend that there should be a copy made available in every educational setting as well as every library. It is based on a true story and it truly is more than just a story and more of a very educational memoir. It tells the story of Anoushka who is 22 years old and an Indian Hindu living in Edinburgh. She is taking part in an arranged marriage but all is not as it seems. This is a fictionalised account of Suni's life with both own voices and diverse fiction. It is split into 7 sections with the titles being The Match, The Engagement, Before The Marriage, The Honeymoon, The Marriage, The Pregnancy and The Cage Door Opens. It is a storyline filled with family, tradition, beliefs, strength, resilience, coming of age, self-discovery, courage, bravery, culture, heartache, twists, emotions and so, so much more! I will not go into the storyline any further as I do not want to give anything away to future readers. I found it to be an educational read and learned so much about culture, tradition, arranged marriages and much more. I thoroughly enjoyed discovering new things about the Hindu and India beliefs and found myself looking up words and traditions to even further my knowledge., I must admit that I knew very little about arranged marriages although I did know about forced marriages. I must also admit that I thought they were more or less the same and that the women do not get any choice in who they marry. With arranged marriages I found that the women do get a say however they can also find themselves restricted due to not wanting to let their families down. I was shocked by how a dowry is still used, surprised at how many celebrations there are before and after a wedding and just genuinely intrigued by life in an Indian/Hindu family in general. i truly do think this book should be made available for anyone and everybody to read as it does cast a new light on arranged marriages for myself. It is such an honest, brave and eye opening story and I am so pleased that Suni found the strength to bring it into the world so thank you very much Suni! This is an adult novel with coming of age aspects but would also appeal to YA readers. I liked how the book was separated into different parts depending on what stage of the marriage Anoushka was going through. The chapters were also quite short and considering this is not the typical sort of book I would read I absolutely flew through the chapters devouring the whole book in just a few short sittings. It is extremely well written and captivated my attention from start to end. The storyline flowed perfectly and there was constantly something going on meaning I flew through the pages much quicker than I was expecting! Suni's absolutely incredible evocative descriptions will ensure the reader is sucked into the book where they will hear the Anoushka and her family , feel the emotions and characters as they fly through the pages of this incredible page turner! The fact that there is so much going on ensures that there is no chance the reader will be able to put it down so make sure you clear your schedules before starting this book! I have never come across a book like this before and am just so pleased that Suni has told her story to the world in this fictionalised memoir.
❤️ Overall an eye opening, honest and emotional fictionalised memoir of arranged marriage💜
#TheInvisibleCage #SuniSamara #AD #LBTCrew #Bookstagram #FreeReview #FreeBookReview #ReadAlong
@Suni.Samara @LoveBooksTours
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
https://www.instagram.com/bookwormwhi...
https://www.facebook.com/GoldenOldies...
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/3...
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https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/profile/a...
January 11, 2026
this book was beautifully written
I went into The Invisible Cage not knowing what to expect and that turned out to be exactly how I needed to read it.
This was my first time reading a book so deeply rooted in a culture and religion different from my own, and I made a conscious choice to go in with an open mind. From the very beginning, I could tell this wasn’t going to be an easy story. The opening scenes involving Anushka’s childhood, particularly how her grandfather spoke about her value because of her asthma, immediately set the emotional tone. It was heartbreaking and honestly, it prepared me for the kind of life she was stepping into.
Anushka is the eldest daughter, which means expectations are already stacked against her. Marriage isn’t framed as a partnership it’s an obligation. When her parents find her a suitable match, everything looks acceptable on the surface. Conversations are polite. Plans move forward. But once she begins interacting with her future husband’s family, especially her mother-in-law, the reality becomes impossible to ignore.
The mother-in-law character is one of the most unsettling parts of this book not because she’s over-the-top evil, but because she’s realistic. She’s controlling, manipulative, emotionally abusive, and skilled at gaslighting, all while maintaining a socially acceptable exterior. Watching her exert power over Anushka while keeping her son firmly under her influence was frustrating, painful, and deeply familiar in a way I wasn’t expecting.
What made this book work for me was Anushka’s evolution. Her growth is subtle but powerful. She doesn’t wake up suddenly strong she becomes strong by questioning, by noticing inconsistencies, and by allowing herself to feel discomfort instead of suppressing it. When the truth about her marriage is revealed and she realizes how deeply it was built on lies, the way she chooses herself is not dramatic it’s brave. Quietly brave. And that mattered.
I’ll admit, I suspected where the story was headed fairly early on, and part of me hoped for a different outcome. But as I continued reading, I realized the ending wasn’t meant to be comforting it was meant to be honest. And honesty is exactly what this story delivers.
This book is heavy. It’s emotional. It doesn’t rush healing or wrap things up neatly. Instead, it shows what it costs to reclaim your voice when you’ve been conditioned not to use it.
If you enjoy character-driven stories that explore emotional abuse, cultural expectations, and the courage it takes to walk away from what no longer serves you, The Invisible Cage is worth your time.
I went into The Invisible Cage not knowing what to expect and that turned out to be exactly how I needed to read it.
This was my first time reading a book so deeply rooted in a culture and religion different from my own, and I made a conscious choice to go in with an open mind. From the very beginning, I could tell this wasn’t going to be an easy story. The opening scenes involving Anushka’s childhood, particularly how her grandfather spoke about her value because of her asthma, immediately set the emotional tone. It was heartbreaking and honestly, it prepared me for the kind of life she was stepping into.
Anushka is the eldest daughter, which means expectations are already stacked against her. Marriage isn’t framed as a partnership it’s an obligation. When her parents find her a suitable match, everything looks acceptable on the surface. Conversations are polite. Plans move forward. But once she begins interacting with her future husband’s family, especially her mother-in-law, the reality becomes impossible to ignore.
The mother-in-law character is one of the most unsettling parts of this book not because she’s over-the-top evil, but because she’s realistic. She’s controlling, manipulative, emotionally abusive, and skilled at gaslighting, all while maintaining a socially acceptable exterior. Watching her exert power over Anushka while keeping her son firmly under her influence was frustrating, painful, and deeply familiar in a way I wasn’t expecting.
What made this book work for me was Anushka’s evolution. Her growth is subtle but powerful. She doesn’t wake up suddenly strong she becomes strong by questioning, by noticing inconsistencies, and by allowing herself to feel discomfort instead of suppressing it. When the truth about her marriage is revealed and she realizes how deeply it was built on lies, the way she chooses herself is not dramatic it’s brave. Quietly brave. And that mattered.
I’ll admit, I suspected where the story was headed fairly early on, and part of me hoped for a different outcome. But as I continued reading, I realized the ending wasn’t meant to be comforting it was meant to be honest. And honesty is exactly what this story delivers.
This book is heavy. It’s emotional. It doesn’t rush healing or wrap things up neatly. Instead, it shows what it costs to reclaim your voice when you’ve been conditioned not to use it.
If you enjoy character-driven stories that explore emotional abuse, cultural expectations, and the courage it takes to walk away from what no longer serves you, The Invisible Cage is worth your time.
January 11, 2026
The Invisible Cage is the story of Anoushka. She is 22 and the eldest daughter, lives in Scotland, studies biology with the goal of achieving her PhD. She is also about to get married. The marriage is arranged. Structured into seven parts, the novel spans over the course of a year, the first meeting Anoushka has with Ravi, their engagement, wedding, honeymoon, attempts to have children, and marriage. The novel shares the story of her new roles as a wife and daughter-in-law and the pressure and expectations.
Anoushka shows hesitancy at an arranged marriage and getting married at 22, and her suspicions are confirmed true after her wedding. She feels confined and controlled.
This novel is emotive, raw, and honest, and shows the pressure that Anoushka feels to please everyone and fulfill the roles that her family expects of her. We also see how she wants to have the freedom to say what she wants to say without being judged.
The central theme of the novel is finding your own identity, autonomy, expression, and freedom. Anoushka wants to have more experiences and achieve her goals. She wants to have her own voice and to be seen as an equal in her family.
The imagery and meaning of the title, The Invisible Cage, is powerful and thought-provoking. On the cover, we see how even though the door is open, Anoushka feels like she is unable to leave. Her back is to the door. The novel is a powerful story of courage, defying expectations, and Anoushka’s quest to find her happiness, proclaim her independence, and define her own identity.
The bird cage is symbolic and has multiple meanings: confinement, restrictions, oppression, absence of freedom, and feeling trapped. For Anoushka, she considers her cage invisible; no one else may see it, but she feels it encased around her. She seeks to leave the cage and find her own way forward.
I highly recommend this book. Congratulations, Suni, on your debut novel! Thank you for the gifted digital copy and opportunity to read and review the book and be part of the tour with Love Books Tours! I was provided a copy of this book for free and am leaving an honest review.
Anoushka shows hesitancy at an arranged marriage and getting married at 22, and her suspicions are confirmed true after her wedding. She feels confined and controlled.
This novel is emotive, raw, and honest, and shows the pressure that Anoushka feels to please everyone and fulfill the roles that her family expects of her. We also see how she wants to have the freedom to say what she wants to say without being judged.
The central theme of the novel is finding your own identity, autonomy, expression, and freedom. Anoushka wants to have more experiences and achieve her goals. She wants to have her own voice and to be seen as an equal in her family.
The imagery and meaning of the title, The Invisible Cage, is powerful and thought-provoking. On the cover, we see how even though the door is open, Anoushka feels like she is unable to leave. Her back is to the door. The novel is a powerful story of courage, defying expectations, and Anoushka’s quest to find her happiness, proclaim her independence, and define her own identity.
The bird cage is symbolic and has multiple meanings: confinement, restrictions, oppression, absence of freedom, and feeling trapped. For Anoushka, she considers her cage invisible; no one else may see it, but she feels it encased around her. She seeks to leave the cage and find her own way forward.
I highly recommend this book. Congratulations, Suni, on your debut novel! Thank you for the gifted digital copy and opportunity to read and review the book and be part of the tour with Love Books Tours! I was provided a copy of this book for free and am leaving an honest review.
January 13, 2026
Thank you LBT for having me on this review tour and for my gifted copy of this EPUB.
Ok I first have to say the cover of this book is absolutely beautiful and I signed up based purely on it. Can’t stop staring at this cover !! So beautiful!!
Omg this book was so so good. I couldn’t get enough. I can’t believe this was based on a true story. The writing was done so well and had me in all sorts of emotions.
We follow Anoushka Malhotra and her arranged marriage to Ravi Tilak but boy does she get so much more than just him she gets his mom. I’ve heard some crazy mother in law stories I have some of my own but these take the cake for sure. Yep sure do.
I was seriously so intrigued by this book because I never had to deal with anything like this so it really was eye opening to know that different cultures do arranged marriages I mean you lose all control and give it completely up. I don’t know if I could do it. I give a lot of credit I really do. I really would like to know more about this and study it I just am so curious about how it all works .
I also am shocked by people and the lengths they go to lie and to control a situation and use deception. I will never understand that about people and how cruel they can be by doing all of these things.
I just couldn’t get enough of this book and I felt like it ended way to fast I wanted to know more but so well done. An amazing read. Definitely am so much more interested in so much more. I know I didn’t have an arranged marriage or anything but for me it was I lost who I was after having kids I actually am not sure I ever knew who I was only now am I trying to really figure it out. So this book just really hit for me because I really felt I connected with the author on so many points. I feel contained I want to find my own identity away from everyone else’s. I mean this book is powerful and really shows how the author dealt with her back against the wall and how she fought to get what she wanted. I could literally go on and on cause I just loved this book so much !!!
Ok I first have to say the cover of this book is absolutely beautiful and I signed up based purely on it. Can’t stop staring at this cover !! So beautiful!!
Omg this book was so so good. I couldn’t get enough. I can’t believe this was based on a true story. The writing was done so well and had me in all sorts of emotions.
We follow Anoushka Malhotra and her arranged marriage to Ravi Tilak but boy does she get so much more than just him she gets his mom. I’ve heard some crazy mother in law stories I have some of my own but these take the cake for sure. Yep sure do.
I was seriously so intrigued by this book because I never had to deal with anything like this so it really was eye opening to know that different cultures do arranged marriages I mean you lose all control and give it completely up. I don’t know if I could do it. I give a lot of credit I really do. I really would like to know more about this and study it I just am so curious about how it all works .
I also am shocked by people and the lengths they go to lie and to control a situation and use deception. I will never understand that about people and how cruel they can be by doing all of these things.
I just couldn’t get enough of this book and I felt like it ended way to fast I wanted to know more but so well done. An amazing read. Definitely am so much more interested in so much more. I know I didn’t have an arranged marriage or anything but for me it was I lost who I was after having kids I actually am not sure I ever knew who I was only now am I trying to really figure it out. So this book just really hit for me because I really felt I connected with the author on so many points. I feel contained I want to find my own identity away from everyone else’s. I mean this book is powerful and really shows how the author dealt with her back against the wall and how she fought to get what she wanted. I could literally go on and on cause I just loved this book so much !!!
January 10, 2026
It's been great to start 2026 with a book tour, with a book that has been quite the emotional rollercoaster. Suni, much thanks to you for bringing Anoushka's story to our world. Also, a big shoutout to LoveBooksTours for the spot on this tour. I related so much to the entrapment of the invisible cage (it brought up some of my own personal experiences) and how it can break down your character, will and identity. How it did this to Anoushka. This is a story that will remain with me.
The language, dialogue and imagery used by Suni to describe the lies, betrayal and deception built around the marriage of Anoushka and Ravi is true to life - used with rawness and honesty fitting of such a twisted and complex marriage match. It added depth to Anoushka's voice, where she is struggling, conflicted. And to the cross-cultural experiences for all characters.
The build up in excitement towards the marriage soon lands hard as their wedding night begins. A journey of who she is a woman changes. I felt so much sadness for the events Anoushka had to brave, particularly in concern to her female body, her treatment by her mother-in-law Dukkha and her own family, leaving her quite alone.
I loved Laly (the younger sister) and her humour, providing some respite from the deep emotionally abusive and coercive household of the Tilak family Anoushka marries into. Donald (her friend) was the breath of fresh air needed. A reminder we all need our allies!
The ending felt a little rushed, but in some ways I felt myself rushing to escape, rushing to finish the book, with all hope that she would finally be safe. And as I read the last few pages, I heard the song Aapki Khushi (tagged to this post) playing through my head. I first heard the song last year listening to an interview with Satnam Sanghera. A translation from Hindi of 'Your Happiness' - Suni explores what is it to be happy, whose happiness are we fulfilling and at what cost?
The language, dialogue and imagery used by Suni to describe the lies, betrayal and deception built around the marriage of Anoushka and Ravi is true to life - used with rawness and honesty fitting of such a twisted and complex marriage match. It added depth to Anoushka's voice, where she is struggling, conflicted. And to the cross-cultural experiences for all characters.
The build up in excitement towards the marriage soon lands hard as their wedding night begins. A journey of who she is a woman changes. I felt so much sadness for the events Anoushka had to brave, particularly in concern to her female body, her treatment by her mother-in-law Dukkha and her own family, leaving her quite alone.
I loved Laly (the younger sister) and her humour, providing some respite from the deep emotionally abusive and coercive household of the Tilak family Anoushka marries into. Donald (her friend) was the breath of fresh air needed. A reminder we all need our allies!
The ending felt a little rushed, but in some ways I felt myself rushing to escape, rushing to finish the book, with all hope that she would finally be safe. And as I read the last few pages, I heard the song Aapki Khushi (tagged to this post) playing through my head. I first heard the song last year listening to an interview with Satnam Sanghera. A translation from Hindi of 'Your Happiness' - Suni explores what is it to be happy, whose happiness are we fulfilling and at what cost?
January 8, 2026
Self discovery at its finest!!!!
A solid 4 star read for me ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book was much different than the books that I usually read, and I am grateful that I was given the opportunity to experience it. I found this book to be emotional, eye-opening, and incredibly powerful. The Invisible Cage tells the story of Anoushka with such vulnerability that it’s impossible not to feel immersed in her experience. It felt so REAL. I had to think to myself ? .. how would I navigate through this. What stood out most to me was how the story explored marriage, family expectations, culture, and control in a way that felt raw and real rather than sensationalized. I often feel the truths and expectations that we as women have are sometimes skimmed over , in this case she gave it to us raw. The writing is gripping fast paced in a way that makes it hard to put down, each chapter gave us a tad bit more, of Anoushka’s journey. This is not JUST a story about marriage…but about identity and finding yourself !!!! Of course , resilience, and finding your voice in circumstances that feel suffocating. An unforgettable and important read. I would recommend this book to anyone, it’s easy to place yourself in her shoes and think , what if this was me?
I am grateful to have been chosen as an ARC reader for this book! Thank you, Love Book Tours and Suni Samara ! A HUGE congratulations to you!!
A solid 4 star read for me ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book was much different than the books that I usually read, and I am grateful that I was given the opportunity to experience it. I found this book to be emotional, eye-opening, and incredibly powerful. The Invisible Cage tells the story of Anoushka with such vulnerability that it’s impossible not to feel immersed in her experience. It felt so REAL. I had to think to myself ? .. how would I navigate through this. What stood out most to me was how the story explored marriage, family expectations, culture, and control in a way that felt raw and real rather than sensationalized. I often feel the truths and expectations that we as women have are sometimes skimmed over , in this case she gave it to us raw. The writing is gripping fast paced in a way that makes it hard to put down, each chapter gave us a tad bit more, of Anoushka’s journey. This is not JUST a story about marriage…but about identity and finding yourself !!!! Of course , resilience, and finding your voice in circumstances that feel suffocating. An unforgettable and important read. I would recommend this book to anyone, it’s easy to place yourself in her shoes and think , what if this was me?
I am grateful to have been chosen as an ARC reader for this book! Thank you, Love Book Tours and Suni Samara ! A HUGE congratulations to you!!
January 23, 2026
The Invisible Cage by Suni Samara
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Contemporary/Coming of Age
Based on a true story, this book follows Anoushka, eldest daughter of her family, as she enters into an arranged marriage. Whilst she enters the marriage willingly and wholeheartedly, she soon realises that not all is as it seems with her new family. Nowhere is this more true than with her overbearing mother in law- a woman who is not only focused on exerting control over her son, but is also apparently trying to take the award for most unhinged mother in law ever. Ravi, Anoushka's husband, also seems unable to break free of his mother's control and this puts Anoushka in the middle. She is caught between the belief she is not being dutiful to her family and her customs if she leaves but knows she will be left feeling like she has no voice or power if she stays.
As an own voices writer, I thought Samara did really well to capture and describe the intricacies of culture and ideology in a way that made it accessible for readers like myself who do not have first hand experience of such lifestyles. I could empathise with her situation and feel her claustrophobia, whilst also understanding her wish to remain respectful to her family and heritage. Definitely pick it up if you enjoy stories of empowerment and overcoming difficult situations.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Contemporary/Coming of Age
Based on a true story, this book follows Anoushka, eldest daughter of her family, as she enters into an arranged marriage. Whilst she enters the marriage willingly and wholeheartedly, she soon realises that not all is as it seems with her new family. Nowhere is this more true than with her overbearing mother in law- a woman who is not only focused on exerting control over her son, but is also apparently trying to take the award for most unhinged mother in law ever. Ravi, Anoushka's husband, also seems unable to break free of his mother's control and this puts Anoushka in the middle. She is caught between the belief she is not being dutiful to her family and her customs if she leaves but knows she will be left feeling like she has no voice or power if she stays.
As an own voices writer, I thought Samara did really well to capture and describe the intricacies of culture and ideology in a way that made it accessible for readers like myself who do not have first hand experience of such lifestyles. I could empathise with her situation and feel her claustrophobia, whilst also understanding her wish to remain respectful to her family and heritage. Definitely pick it up if you enjoy stories of empowerment and overcoming difficult situations.
January 9, 2026
My, oh, my! Where to even start this? This story follows along the life journey of Anoushka leading up and into an arranged marriage. This is not my normal genre to read, but I am so very glad I did. I not only felt I was reading this as a true life experience (it is based on a true story), but I honestly felt like I was living it with her. I felt the anger, shock, irritation, and trapped sensation page after page. I also felt the tears, power, and adrenaline. Being an American born and bred, I didn't get much of a look into outside cultures, but I genuinely feel that my outlook has been broadened. Although I cannot relate to the exact scenario that took place, I am attest to feeling chained and caged to decisions made by others. The feeling of wanting to please others and follow along the path set forth from generations before can be overwhelming and suffocating. I know the struggle of feeling trapped with expectations, and I also know the sense of freedom being released from the metaphorical cage. I loved reading the courage and voice that built within Anou into taking a stand and saying enough is enough. What a beautiful, humbling, inspirational story. Definitely worth the read. It gets a solid 4/5 in my book. 🧡
January 12, 2026
This is based on a true story and follows Anoushka's journey into an arranged marriage to a family who are not who they say they are.
Now, believe me, I’ve heard some wild mother in law stories, but this one honestly tops them all 😲
This was such an interesting read, not just for the insight into how the arranged marriage process happens and works, but also for showing the insane lengths people will go to when it comes to lies, control, and deception.
I can confirm I muttered 'ffs' under my breath quite a few times at the sheer level of madness 🙊
Suni Sumara also does a clever job of adding a humorous edge to a serious but mental story.
It ended too soon, I wanted another chapter to see how the crazy bitch took the news of Anoushkas final decision but I think i can take a good guess at how it went 🚑😉
Now, believe me, I’ve heard some wild mother in law stories, but this one honestly tops them all 😲
This was such an interesting read, not just for the insight into how the arranged marriage process happens and works, but also for showing the insane lengths people will go to when it comes to lies, control, and deception.
I can confirm I muttered 'ffs' under my breath quite a few times at the sheer level of madness 🙊
Suni Sumara also does a clever job of adding a humorous edge to a serious but mental story.
It ended too soon, I wanted another chapter to see how the crazy bitch took the news of Anoushkas final decision but I think i can take a good guess at how it went 🚑😉
January 12, 2026
What an epic first book to have out in the world. This is such a brilliant read for young adults, adults, millennials, anyone who is trying to define who they are or has ever been in a place where they just wanted to know who they were and what path they wanted, not when was chosen for them. This book has that insight and honesty to really being those moments and that feeling to you.
I did not love the life Anoushka did, but I had unb loveable expectations put on me and they were done so in a way where saying no was not an option. I felt similar to her, and then found myself, but lost myself again in motherhood, so have just started to try and redefine myself again. This book really touched me and I felt it really too you on an emotional journey and truly got to the core of what it feels like to not have your own life in hand. I really loved and connected with this book.
I did not love the life Anoushka did, but I had unb loveable expectations put on me and they were done so in a way where saying no was not an option. I felt similar to her, and then found myself, but lost myself again in motherhood, so have just started to try and redefine myself again. This book really touched me and I felt it really too you on an emotional journey and truly got to the core of what it feels like to not have your own life in hand. I really loved and connected with this book.
January 5, 2026
This is an incredibly powerful debut true story based on the author’s own life. It is the story of Anoushka Malhotra and her arranged marriage to Ravi Tilak. But she marries more than just Ravi, more so in fact, she marries her mother in law, the formidable, controlling, manipulative matriarch Dukkha. This book had me in a whole series of emotions - tears, enraged, sad and appreciative of my own freedoms and choices. I felt for Anoushka in so many ways and her prison of a marriage - her invisible cage. This is a captivating read highlighting an individual’s bravery, resilience, determination and strength.
January 8, 2026
I seriously read this book at the PERFECT time, and I truly believe that’s what helped me fully enjoy it. We are currently celebrating and discussing Indic Heritage Month in my classroom, and I constantly found myself referencing this book to help better discuss Indic culture.
I loved everything about it. I loved learning so much about the culture, I felt so many emotions, and I honestly found so much humor in Suni Samara’s writing.
The Invisible Cage is a powerful read based on true events. Anoushka’s story of an arranged marriage leads her to find needed courage, resilience, and a growing sense of self.
I loved everything about it. I loved learning so much about the culture, I felt so many emotions, and I honestly found so much humor in Suni Samara’s writing.
The Invisible Cage is a powerful read based on true events. Anoushka’s story of an arranged marriage leads her to find needed courage, resilience, and a growing sense of self.
January 11, 2026
have to say the Invisible Case is a very interesting and a really good important eye opener read. Every culture has different customs with it comes to how they handle life and sometimes people from outside that culture can have a very judgemental opinion. I must say I was very intrigued by this story. If you are the parent of a teenager I was strongly recommended having them read this book because it could have a postive impact. I know that when I read it I was very moved by the story and the characters surrounding it.
January 11, 2026
I wasn’t sure when I started reading this. Indian girl, studying for a biology Masters. Hoping to do a PhD. But what does any of it matter? She’s going to have an arranged marriage to a good Indian boy from a good family. The stars will be aligned and the gods will look favourably on the couple.
A match is found, a match made in heaven. But is it as it seems? Because once agreed, to go back would be shameful. And Ravi’s family are happy to move surprisingly fast.
Anoushka is swept away with the tide. She likes Ravi well enough, but his mother is the driving force. Her own mother is fully up for it, but she doesn’t know Dukkha yet. The woman is deranged.
I loved Anoushka’s sister, who is years ahead of her time. We have to remember the story is set over 30 years ago when Indian women had no voice.
Once married Anoushka learns the truth about her husband’s ‘perfect’ family and they are more dysfunctional than she could ever have imagined. But how can she jump off the roller coaster without disgracing herself and her family. A wonderful book which I adored and read well into the night. And surprisingly there is a lot of humour amongst the feeling of being trapped and having no voice, mainly between Anoushka and her sister.
Many thanks to @lovebookstours for inviting me to be part of #TheInvisibleCage blog tour.
A match is found, a match made in heaven. But is it as it seems? Because once agreed, to go back would be shameful. And Ravi’s family are happy to move surprisingly fast.
Anoushka is swept away with the tide. She likes Ravi well enough, but his mother is the driving force. Her own mother is fully up for it, but she doesn’t know Dukkha yet. The woman is deranged.
I loved Anoushka’s sister, who is years ahead of her time. We have to remember the story is set over 30 years ago when Indian women had no voice.
Once married Anoushka learns the truth about her husband’s ‘perfect’ family and they are more dysfunctional than she could ever have imagined. But how can she jump off the roller coaster without disgracing herself and her family. A wonderful book which I adored and read well into the night. And surprisingly there is a lot of humour amongst the feeling of being trapped and having no voice, mainly between Anoushka and her sister.
Many thanks to @lovebookstours for inviting me to be part of #TheInvisibleCage blog tour.
January 12, 2026
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4 ⭐️
Some cages don’t have bars… they have expectations. 🕊️
This is a book that sneaks into your mind & lives there rent free. It’s a slow, emotional kind of read that makes you pause & think about your own life. It follows Anoushka, a uni student who looks like she has everything together, but underneath it all, she feels trapped… by her family, her culture, & the version of herself everyone else wants her to be. Honestly? That hit me harder than I expected.
This book isn’t about physical bars or locks… it’s about the small, quiet pressures that pile up without you noticing. Be good. Be grateful. Don’t ask for too much. Don’t rock the boat. Samara captures that feeling of gentle suffocation so perfectly, the way it grows until you suddenly realise how small your world feels.
What I loved most is how relatable this book is. You don’t have to share Anoushka’s background to understand her struggle. If you’ve ever felt torn between who you are & who people expect you to be, this book will see you. It’s introspective, emotional, & the kind of story that makes you curl up with a warm drink & just disappear into for a while.
It’s the kind of book you’ll tab, underline, & come back to because certain sentences just hit… a little too hard.
The utmost thanks to @lovebookstours and @suni.samara for having me on this tour!
4 ⭐️
Some cages don’t have bars… they have expectations. 🕊️
This is a book that sneaks into your mind & lives there rent free. It’s a slow, emotional kind of read that makes you pause & think about your own life. It follows Anoushka, a uni student who looks like she has everything together, but underneath it all, she feels trapped… by her family, her culture, & the version of herself everyone else wants her to be. Honestly? That hit me harder than I expected.
This book isn’t about physical bars or locks… it’s about the small, quiet pressures that pile up without you noticing. Be good. Be grateful. Don’t ask for too much. Don’t rock the boat. Samara captures that feeling of gentle suffocation so perfectly, the way it grows until you suddenly realise how small your world feels.
What I loved most is how relatable this book is. You don’t have to share Anoushka’s background to understand her struggle. If you’ve ever felt torn between who you are & who people expect you to be, this book will see you. It’s introspective, emotional, & the kind of story that makes you curl up with a warm drink & just disappear into for a while.
It’s the kind of book you’ll tab, underline, & come back to because certain sentences just hit… a little too hard.
The utmost thanks to @lovebookstours and @suni.samara for having me on this tour!
January 23, 2026
I can’t believe this is a debut novel!
Suni Samara takes you on a journey with Anoushka, an Indian biology student in Edinburgh.
We follow Anoushka as she comes of age and agrees to an arranged marriage. Everything looks great with her match, Ravi.
Looks can be deceiving.
I didn’t realise what went into an arranged marriage. The family politics involved.
A captivating read that left me rechecking the last page looking for more.
I can’t wait to see what Suni Samara brings us next.
Suni Samara takes you on a journey with Anoushka, an Indian biology student in Edinburgh.
We follow Anoushka as she comes of age and agrees to an arranged marriage. Everything looks great with her match, Ravi.
Looks can be deceiving.
I didn’t realise what went into an arranged marriage. The family politics involved.
A captivating read that left me rechecking the last page looking for more.
I can’t wait to see what Suni Samara brings us next.
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