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Past Marriageable Age
Koel is almost 40 years old and too old to be married — according to Indian society. She's happy living like a nun until she meets Ranbir Ray. Significantly older than her, can Ranbir teach Koel about life, love and happiness in this heartwarming, fun romance?
74 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 16, 2019
7 people are currently reading
14 people want to read
About the author
Sudesna Ghosh
35 books56 followersSudesna or Sue is an author based in India. When she isn't writing or reading, she is busy taking care of her rescue cats.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
September 17, 2019
The cover is beautiful.
The book has been written in first person from Koel’s point of view. I could relate to her feelings, I was unmarried at thirty and actually had to listen to people saying the same. The characters are realistic, relatable and so life like. And even the settings, the book shop, the restaurant, the home and the office could be easily picturised. The relationship between Koel and her mother is so realistic, so is the friendship between Koel, Aditi and Reema, the sibling love between Ranbir and his sister and the sweet romance between Ranbir and Koel.
The humour, is there, but it is subtle, imagine calling Facebook, Book site. The language is simple and the book is fast paced, I finished it in one sitting.
I loved the book, it is what I required after a bad day at work.
The book has been written in first person from Koel’s point of view. I could relate to her feelings, I was unmarried at thirty and actually had to listen to people saying the same. The characters are realistic, relatable and so life like. And even the settings, the book shop, the restaurant, the home and the office could be easily picturised. The relationship between Koel and her mother is so realistic, so is the friendship between Koel, Aditi and Reema, the sibling love between Ranbir and his sister and the sweet romance between Ranbir and Koel.
The humour, is there, but it is subtle, imagine calling Facebook, Book site. The language is simple and the book is fast paced, I finished it in one sitting.
I loved the book, it is what I required after a bad day at work.
September 22, 2019
A beautiful book, this is the first book written by Sudesna that I am reviewing. 'Past Marriageable Age' is a short, sweet, yet thought-provoking romance that directly hits on the issue of people, especially women, being judged for wanting to remain single until they find 'The One'. In India, with all it's modern trappings, many women are still subjected to snide remarks and harsh judgments for wanting to remain single. And, if that said woman falls in love at 40? What then? Will her love story be accepted? Or, will that only give room for more critical remarks?
Written in her very distinct style, Sudesna has hit the nail right on the head. This is a must-read for anyone who wants to read a sweet love story that's also unintentionally funny and completely unapologetic. Awesome read; I will definitely read and review her other books and soon!
Written in her very distinct style, Sudesna has hit the nail right on the head. This is a must-read for anyone who wants to read a sweet love story that's also unintentionally funny and completely unapologetic. Awesome read; I will definitely read and review her other books and soon!
September 17, 2019
As the author says, this is a 'feel good read'. I read the novella in one go, rooting for book-loving Koel and her unexpected heartthrob. The author provided just enough details to make it feel real and relatable, and there wasn't a single dull moment in their journey from first meeting to happy ending.
September 18, 2019
Sudesna Ghosh gives us yet another delightful romance novella. This one is about mature love. Koel is a divorce lawyer who is hitting 40 but is resigned to living a life of 'nunhood' -- as her best friends call it. But then along comes Ranbir, who makes her want to leave her nunhood behind. Peppered with fun moments, interesting characters and witty lines, this book is a feel good and yet thought-provoking read.
October 21, 2019
Ah, finally reviewing this one. If I remember correctly, I read this in the first week of Pen to publish, 2019. The title and the cover, both intrigued me equally. The length, however, was the deciding factor for borrowing this book on KU.
The story is about Koel, a 40-ish divorce lawyer who is content with her single status. She eventually finds someone. The story is okay but it had some terrific lines that just hits you hard and you say 'so true'.
Despite Koel's contentment, friends and family and society just wouldn't leave her alone. When do they ever? It's not just about the marriage. People around you find reasons to bother you about everything - your complexion (dark, very dark), your body (too thin, too fat), your hair (too short, too long), your height (too short, too tall).
Look at me ranting... It is a nice & quick read, fit to read during commute time. It spend 1.5 hours in a bus every day and it's getting worse by the day.
The story is about Koel, a 40-ish divorce lawyer who is content with her single status. She eventually finds someone. The story is okay but it had some terrific lines that just hits you hard and you say 'so true'.
Despite Koel's contentment, friends and family and society just wouldn't leave her alone. When do they ever? It's not just about the marriage. People around you find reasons to bother you about everything - your complexion (dark, very dark), your body (too thin, too fat), your hair (too short, too long), your height (too short, too tall).
Look at me ranting... It is a nice & quick read, fit to read during commute time. It spend 1.5 hours in a bus every day and it's getting worse by the day.
September 29, 2019
I have read most of Sudesna Ghosh's books but this one really touched me as I identified myself with Koel. And the essence of the book is as the author wrote through Koel's words " we are not ever too young or too old to be loved and to love and to be happy". Do read it because it is a beautiful love story, it will not take you very long to finish it and you will certainly feel a warm glow in your heart at the end of it. A must read
December 22, 2019
With Almost Little Or No Doubt, It’s An Absolute Pleasure To Read Another New Book From Sudesna Ghosh More Popularly Known As ‘Sue’ To Those Who Have Known Her Well Enough Beyond Her Books. Me, Have Known Her Only Through Her Various Books That Have Found A Place Of Pride On My Read And Review Shelf.
Coming Back To A New Book Of Sudesna Ghosh, Is Almost Like A Homecoming Of Sorts. Simply Because Anything Fresh Flowing From Her Pen Is Eagerly Awaited By Her Strong Base Of Loyal Readers Across The 🌎.
The Quantum Of Joy Only Multiplies More So, If You Happen To Be Returning Back To Her Books After An Unexpected Prolonged Gap.
Past Marriageable Age Happens To Be My Sixth Book Of Sudesna Ghosh That I Have Relocated From My To Be Read Bookshelf To My Read And Reviewed Shelf.
Indeed Sudesna Ghosh’s Past Marriageable Age Is A Heart Warming Love Story Of Koel Who’s Almost 40 And Ranbir The Guy Who Comes Into Her Life And Changes Everything Just When She’s Almost Put Romance And Marriage Into Cold Storage.
Like Most Of Her Previous Works This One Too Warmly Surrounds The Reader Leaving Them With A Feel Good Aura Long After It Has Been Read As The Warmth & Joy Lingers On Fondly.
Coming Back To A New Book Of Sudesna Ghosh, Is Almost Like A Homecoming Of Sorts. Simply Because Anything Fresh Flowing From Her Pen Is Eagerly Awaited By Her Strong Base Of Loyal Readers Across The 🌎.
The Quantum Of Joy Only Multiplies More So, If You Happen To Be Returning Back To Her Books After An Unexpected Prolonged Gap.
Past Marriageable Age Happens To Be My Sixth Book Of Sudesna Ghosh That I Have Relocated From My To Be Read Bookshelf To My Read And Reviewed Shelf.
Indeed Sudesna Ghosh’s Past Marriageable Age Is A Heart Warming Love Story Of Koel Who’s Almost 40 And Ranbir The Guy Who Comes Into Her Life And Changes Everything Just When She’s Almost Put Romance And Marriage Into Cold Storage.
Like Most Of Her Previous Works This One Too Warmly Surrounds The Reader Leaving Them With A Feel Good Aura Long After It Has Been Read As The Warmth & Joy Lingers On Fondly.
September 21, 2019
Past Marriageable Age by Sudesna Ghosh is a delightful, feel good romance peppered with witty dialogues and peppy moments. Koel, an almost 40 divorce lawyer, prefers the company of books to men until she meets Ranbir at a bookstore. Never imagined I’d like to date a fictional hero at my age, but Ranbir is that kind of irresistible guy. Fit at fifty-two, he is a softie at heart who feeds birds, enjoys cooking, and is generous and kind. If that’s not enough to melt a skeptical Koel’s resistance to falling in love, he also has an endearing sense of humour. Romance is not a genre I usually read, but I am happy I picked up this novella. The story is contemporary, the characters are relatable, and the narration is lucid and realistic.
January 12, 2020
Koel lives in India and at nearly 40 worries she is too old to get married. She has a good relationship with her mother, she is happy at work - has great friends and is obsessed with reading and so her single status is not a problem. Enter the tall dark and... mature Ranbir Ray - let the fun and happy ending begin! A short novella that will uplift your mood
October 21, 2019
Yet another fun, mature romance from Sudesna Ghosh. Loved Koel and Ranbir. Also enjoyed the way the love has been portrayed in the story. Friendship, books, and bibliophiles play big parts in the story.
September 8, 2020
A unique Title for a Book in the Romance genre, right? I picked up Past Marriageable Age by Sudesna Ghosh for the same reason.
Book Review: Past Marriageable Age by Sudesna Ghosh
What I liked:
The story plot. It is actually a few lines long. But Sudesna weaved an entire story out of it. I have mentioned this in an earlier Book Review too. Sudesna weaves stories which can be ramblings of our mind.
The story is short and sweet. But it is well fleshed out and gives each character a good part. The flow is consistent. The language is good.
The concepts of Self-love, love has no age, Age is just a number are integrated beautifully.
I liked the background details of a lawyers life. I loved to see how Koel's day-to-day life is shown. It was a delight to see how sorted life is for a Single women :D This is a joke. A sarcastic one. So if you are married and have kids, this would seem like an ideal life ;).
Me being at the same age as the protagonist Koel, I could relate to her life as a Single Women staying with her mother. I could understand her theory about life, love and marriage. I say Theory as it is Theory in the real sense. I am married, have two kids, loving husband and family to adore. I am glad Koel understood the Practical or Real life part of it too.
I loved Ranbir as a person a lot. Talk about Mr.Perfect, who cooks too ;) I also loved Koel's mom. She was mean to Koel and didn't mince words at all. Loved her for her character portrayal. Koel's friends were good too. But I found Koel more mature.
I wish there are more Book shops like Book Haven and owner's like Mrs. Smith. Also loved the idea of the proposal. You must read the book to know that :D
I read this book few days ago. Again. Had read it last year and forgot to write a review. But I had loved a few quotes from this book. So on the pretext of searching for those quotes, I ended up re-reading this book.
Look out for the Quotes I liked in the Review.
Book Review: Past Marriageable Age by Sudesna Ghosh
Book Review: Past Marriageable Age by Sudesna Ghosh
What I liked:
The story plot. It is actually a few lines long. But Sudesna weaved an entire story out of it. I have mentioned this in an earlier Book Review too. Sudesna weaves stories which can be ramblings of our mind.
The story is short and sweet. But it is well fleshed out and gives each character a good part. The flow is consistent. The language is good.
The concepts of Self-love, love has no age, Age is just a number are integrated beautifully.
I liked the background details of a lawyers life. I loved to see how Koel's day-to-day life is shown. It was a delight to see how sorted life is for a Single women :D This is a joke. A sarcastic one. So if you are married and have kids, this would seem like an ideal life ;).
Me being at the same age as the protagonist Koel, I could relate to her life as a Single Women staying with her mother. I could understand her theory about life, love and marriage. I say Theory as it is Theory in the real sense. I am married, have two kids, loving husband and family to adore. I am glad Koel understood the Practical or Real life part of it too.
I loved Ranbir as a person a lot. Talk about Mr.Perfect, who cooks too ;) I also loved Koel's mom. She was mean to Koel and didn't mince words at all. Loved her for her character portrayal. Koel's friends were good too. But I found Koel more mature.
I wish there are more Book shops like Book Haven and owner's like Mrs. Smith. Also loved the idea of the proposal. You must read the book to know that :D
I read this book few days ago. Again. Had read it last year and forgot to write a review. But I had loved a few quotes from this book. So on the pretext of searching for those quotes, I ended up re-reading this book.
Look out for the Quotes I liked in the Review.
Book Review: Past Marriageable Age by Sudesna Ghosh
July 20, 2020
Past Marriageable Age is about a thirty-eight year old woman called Koel. She is a successful divorce lawyer who prefers spending her time reading and visiting her favourite book seller and coffee shop. She has not contemplated dating since her last relationship soured when she was much younger. Koel has never married, and still lives in the family home with her mother, a rather objectionable woman who manages to find fault with everything Koel does.
People who know her are keen for her to find love and put men in her path, hoping something will come of it. When the book seller asks her to help Ranbir find some books for his nephew, the older man ignites her interest in romance. What happens next is delightfully told in this charming novella.
Told in the first person from Koel's perspective, Past Marriageable Age is a humorous and well-written story. I loved the insight into the Indian culture - The idea that there comes a time when a woman is too old to marry, and on reaching forty, the matchmakers will cease trying to find her a husband. There is also a point where she is too old to wear dresses, and should wear saris instead.
Ghosh's characters are likeable and relatable, and despite concerns about their age difference, I could feel that these two could work as a couple.
Truly a charming novella with a happy ending, and the message that you are never too old to fall in love!
People who know her are keen for her to find love and put men in her path, hoping something will come of it. When the book seller asks her to help Ranbir find some books for his nephew, the older man ignites her interest in romance. What happens next is delightfully told in this charming novella.
Told in the first person from Koel's perspective, Past Marriageable Age is a humorous and well-written story. I loved the insight into the Indian culture - The idea that there comes a time when a woman is too old to marry, and on reaching forty, the matchmakers will cease trying to find her a husband. There is also a point where she is too old to wear dresses, and should wear saris instead.
Ghosh's characters are likeable and relatable, and despite concerns about their age difference, I could feel that these two could work as a couple.
Truly a charming novella with a happy ending, and the message that you are never too old to fall in love!
April 5, 2023
Sweet, most unique story I've ever read!
This book appealed to me because it was an unconventional novel written by an Indian author, whose other book, "Mira", I've already read and loved.
"Past Marriageable Age" was something I came across on my Twitter feed for a long time and I finally decided to buy it a few months ago; when I was in the mood for it, I started reading it. And despite how busy my schedule was, I simply couldn't put it down! – it was that good!
I enjoyed reading how mature and open-minded the main characters were. The plot also portrayed real life situations that Indian men and women face everyday – I could relate very well.
Hence all five stars for this book by Sudesna Ghosh! I highly recommend this book to any reader who is interested and doesn't mind reading a romantic story between a younger woman and an older man.
This book appealed to me because it was an unconventional novel written by an Indian author, whose other book, "Mira", I've already read and loved.
"Past Marriageable Age" was something I came across on my Twitter feed for a long time and I finally decided to buy it a few months ago; when I was in the mood for it, I started reading it. And despite how busy my schedule was, I simply couldn't put it down! – it was that good!
I enjoyed reading how mature and open-minded the main characters were. The plot also portrayed real life situations that Indian men and women face everyday – I could relate very well.
Hence all five stars for this book by Sudesna Ghosh! I highly recommend this book to any reader who is interested and doesn't mind reading a romantic story between a younger woman and an older man.
October 2, 2019
Past Marriageable Age. It used to be such a stigma when I was growing up. Author Ghosh encompasses the whole concept beautifully in this short read. I empathized with the book-loving Koel, a professional woman, whose mother always seems to have an upper hand no matter how successful Koel is as a lawyer. Immersed in her love of books Koel finds a romantic interest. He is much older and her mother will no doubt have issues. But to Koel, he is perfect. How will she manage to walk the tightrope between her disapproving mother and her suspicious friends, holding the hand of a divorcee? This is a feel-good-romance between older protagonists and is sweet and poignant as it relates to today's world. Great read!
September 20, 2019
I really needed a feel good book and the author rightly said, ‘this is a feel good book’. I have been reading the author’s previous books and have found her style lucid. It’s funny and serious in the right amount. Recommend it to everyone. 40 is definitely the new 30!!
October 3, 2019
Sweet, funny, tongue-in-cheek!
Sudesna writes romance with flair, but she also subtly introduces the reader to philosophical, existential, sexual and social issues that are part and parcel of being an unmarried woman in India.
Fab read!
Sudesna writes romance with flair, but she also subtly introduces the reader to philosophical, existential, sexual and social issues that are part and parcel of being an unmarried woman in India.
Fab read!
November 29, 2019
Often we are caged into the rules set by the society. With this novella author breaks those myriad pre-conceived notions and chains which binds and suffocates people who do not tow the line. Fluent and simple narration. Enjoyable!
January 27, 2020
The author has approached the stigma of commitment after a certain age that is much prevalent in our society. This story is a fiction tale that is not only adorable thanks to the characters, but she has been able to put the wagging tongues to rest when the duo decides to commit. A cozy take!
October 2, 2019
Absolutely delightful
This story does make one believe in love and that age is but just a number. Absolutely loved this one by this Bengali queen of novellas
This story does make one believe in love and that age is but just a number. Absolutely loved this one by this Bengali queen of novellas
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews