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Such Big Dreams
A savvy former street child working at a law office in Mumbai fights for redemption and a chance to live life on her own terms in this fresh, propulsive debut novel about fortune and survival.
Rakhi is a twenty-three-year-old haunted by the grisly aftermath of an incident that led to the loss of her best friend eleven years ago. Constantly reminded she doesn't belong, Rakhi lives alone in a Mumbai slum, working as a lowly office assistant at Justice For All, a struggling human-rights law organization headed by the renowned lawyer who gave her a fresh start.
Fiercely intelligent and in possession of a sharp wit and an even sharper tongue, Rakhi is nobody's fool, even if she is underestimated by everyone around her. Rakhi's life isn't much, but she's managing. That is, until Rubina Mansoor, a fading former Bollywood starlet, tries to edge her way back into the spotlight by becoming a celebrity ambassador for Justice For All. Steering the organization into uncharted territories, she demands an internship for Alex, a young family friend from Canada and Harvard-bound graduate student. Ambitious, persistent, and naïve, Alex persuades Rakhi to show him "the real" India. In exchange, he'll do something to further Rakhi's dreams in a transaction that seems harmless, at first.
As old guilt and new aspirations collide, everything Rakhi once knew to be true is set ablaze. And as the stakes mount, she will come face-to-face with the difficult choices and moral compromises that people make in order to survive, no matter the cost. Reema Patel's transportive debut novel offers a moving, smart, and arrestingly clever look at the cost of ambition and power in reclaiming one's story.
Rakhi is a twenty-three-year-old haunted by the grisly aftermath of an incident that led to the loss of her best friend eleven years ago. Constantly reminded she doesn't belong, Rakhi lives alone in a Mumbai slum, working as a lowly office assistant at Justice For All, a struggling human-rights law organization headed by the renowned lawyer who gave her a fresh start.
Fiercely intelligent and in possession of a sharp wit and an even sharper tongue, Rakhi is nobody's fool, even if she is underestimated by everyone around her. Rakhi's life isn't much, but she's managing. That is, until Rubina Mansoor, a fading former Bollywood starlet, tries to edge her way back into the spotlight by becoming a celebrity ambassador for Justice For All. Steering the organization into uncharted territories, she demands an internship for Alex, a young family friend from Canada and Harvard-bound graduate student. Ambitious, persistent, and naïve, Alex persuades Rakhi to show him "the real" India. In exchange, he'll do something to further Rakhi's dreams in a transaction that seems harmless, at first.
As old guilt and new aspirations collide, everything Rakhi once knew to be true is set ablaze. And as the stakes mount, she will come face-to-face with the difficult choices and moral compromises that people make in order to survive, no matter the cost. Reema Patel's transportive debut novel offers a moving, smart, and arrestingly clever look at the cost of ambition and power in reclaiming one's story.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published April 26, 2022
115 people are currently reading
15564 people want to read
About the author
Reema Patel
1 book90 followersReema Patel holds a B.A. from McGill University and a J.D. from the University of Windsor. After working in Mumbai in the youth non-profit sector and in human rights advocacy, she has spent the last ten years working in provincial and municipal government. Such Big Dreams is her first novel, an excerpt of which won the Penguin Random House Student Award for Fiction at the University of Toronto’s School of Continuing Studies. She lives in Toronto, where she works as a lawyer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 375 reviews
May 12, 2022
Such Big Dreams is now available!!
Wow, what a fantastic debut novel by Reema Patel!! This book was super enjoyable!! I loved Rhaki’s character so much and loved witnessing the blossoming of her character throughout the book. She was fierce and never gave up. Despite all the obstacles thrown her way, she stayed true to herself. This book is written in the present with flashbacks to the past, unraveling her story. This book takes you to India and within the book, you learn so much about the country and culture which I really enjoyed. I will definitely be reading any future books from Reema Patel. Highly recommend!!
Thank you Net Galley and Ballantine for an ARC of this book in return for my honest review.
Wow, what a fantastic debut novel by Reema Patel!! This book was super enjoyable!! I loved Rhaki’s character so much and loved witnessing the blossoming of her character throughout the book. She was fierce and never gave up. Despite all the obstacles thrown her way, she stayed true to herself. This book is written in the present with flashbacks to the past, unraveling her story. This book takes you to India and within the book, you learn so much about the country and culture which I really enjoyed. I will definitely be reading any future books from Reema Patel. Highly recommend!!
Thank you Net Galley and Ballantine for an ARC of this book in return for my honest review.
March 14, 2022
Such Big Dreams is a debut novel about Rakhi, a former street child who now works as an office assistant in the office of a legal nonprofit. She’s still poor and lives in a Mumbai slum. When Alex arrives from Canada as an intern for the nonprofit, he latches on to Rakhi and wants her to show him the “real India”, not the upper class bubble his aunt and uncle live in. Meanwhile, the head of the nonprofit is approached by an aging star to help raise the profile of the NGO.
Patel does a fabulous job of giving us a real sense of place. Rakhi may not have had much formal education, but she’s smart and understands things intuitively. She especially understands the logistics of being poor in India. As she tells Alex, “ You are reading…But you are not living here. You know nothing about India.” And, as the story goes on, she is one of the few that sees the hypocrisy of the rich and famous. “A procession of people with homes - some of them living in high rise luxury flats built on the remains of slums -shouting about how housing is a human right.”
As the book goes on, it gets darker. Rakhi sees just how evil people can be when money is involved. It’s a sad testament to how few people can be trusted.
Make sure to read The Author’s Note. I was unaware the Behrampada slum fire was a real event. She raises some interesting questions here and the book would make a fabulous book club selection.
My one problem with the book is she includes a large number of Indian words without providing a translation. While I could sometimes infer the meaning, I had to google quite a few of them to make sure I was grasping the definition. And some of those I googled were, let’s say, very colorful.
My thanks to Netgalley and Ballantine Books for an advance copy of this book.
Patel does a fabulous job of giving us a real sense of place. Rakhi may not have had much formal education, but she’s smart and understands things intuitively. She especially understands the logistics of being poor in India. As she tells Alex, “ You are reading…But you are not living here. You know nothing about India.” And, as the story goes on, she is one of the few that sees the hypocrisy of the rich and famous. “A procession of people with homes - some of them living in high rise luxury flats built on the remains of slums -shouting about how housing is a human right.”
As the book goes on, it gets darker. Rakhi sees just how evil people can be when money is involved. It’s a sad testament to how few people can be trusted.
Make sure to read The Author’s Note. I was unaware the Behrampada slum fire was a real event. She raises some interesting questions here and the book would make a fabulous book club selection.
My one problem with the book is she includes a large number of Indian words without providing a translation. While I could sometimes infer the meaning, I had to google quite a few of them to make sure I was grasping the definition. And some of those I googled were, let’s say, very colorful.
My thanks to Netgalley and Ballantine Books for an advance copy of this book.
May 11, 2022
Now Available.
A fantastic debut novel about a former street child in Bombay who is now working as an office assistant at a civil rights law firm. The book looks at Bombay slums, the impact of NGOs, celebrities, gangs, equal rights, and what it means to have dreams of a better life.
4.5-stars rounded up. I am not giving it a full 5-stars since the author used many Hindi words that I did not know, such as firanghis, kaamwali, bakvaas, Didi, Bilkul, chor, randi, and chutiyas. I got tired of having to look them up.
A fantastic debut novel about a former street child in Bombay who is now working as an office assistant at a civil rights law firm. The book looks at Bombay slums, the impact of NGOs, celebrities, gangs, equal rights, and what it means to have dreams of a better life.
4.5-stars rounded up. I am not giving it a full 5-stars since the author used many Hindi words that I did not know, such as firanghis, kaamwali, bakvaas, Didi, Bilkul, chor, randi, and chutiyas. I got tired of having to look them up.
May 14, 2022
**Many thanks to NetGalley, Kathleen Quinlan at Random House-Ballantine, and Reema Patel for an ARC of this book!**
🚨 OUTLIER ALERT! 🚨
Rakhi has had a tough upbringing, grittier than most, despite the fact that she lives in a slum in Mumbai, which some might argue is gritty enough. Her childhood left her abandoned, without family she could trust, and living on the street for some time, with nothing but determination and some fellow street friends for company. Ever the outsider, Rakhi is eventually given an opportunity by Gauri Ma'am, head lawyer at Justice For All (a human rights law firm) to work as an office assistant. Rakhi adapts to the environment, but her cynical attitude doesn't change much, and the arrival of a couple of flighty Dutch interns doesn't help to cheer her mood.
Meanwhile, Justice For All has adopted has-been Bollywood actress Rubina Mansoor as their poster child for a special project...but she insists on a place for her nephew from Canada, Alex, at the firm. Unlike the other interns that irk Rakhi, Alex warms to her and wants her to show him India as she sees it, and strictly on her terms. In exchange, he offers her money and a chance to pursue a future that seemed so far out of reach before. But will a dark secret from her past that has been holding her hostage to terrible memories keep her from dreaming the impossible dream?
I'm always open for a chance to learn about other cultures and become engrossed in a world very different from the one I've always known, and coming into this book, I'd hoped to gain a real sense of India. However, it was evident from the first chapter of this one that would be nearly impossible for me. For starters, Patel's narrative is full-to-bursting with Hindi words...which is fine....if you already know Hindi. Most other books I've read that use such large bursts of vocabulary either a) clue the reader in to the unknown words via context clues or b) provide some sort of glossary, footnotes, or the like to help an unfamiliar reader learn.
Not ONCE throughout this book can I think of a great example of Patel TEACHING me anything or immersing me in India's culture in a way that felt authentic, which was a bit frustrating. The word firangi, for instance, is used constantly and I looked it up out of frustration pretty early on and good thing I did or I STILL wouldn't be able to tell you what it means...and I've now finished the book. I completely understand that I can look up every word I don't know (and often do when reading a classic with jargon that's unfamiliar) but it isn't my favorite thing to do while reading and really takes me out of the reading experience.
That aside, my biggest issue with this book, aside from the slow-moving and not-that-interesting plot were the characters...namely, Rakhi herself. I absolutely could not connect with her, and actually actively disliked her for the whole of the book (until the Epilogue, where her character makes a random 180 degree turnaround into someone who is less abhorrent.) She acts more like a petulant and judgmental teenager than someone with a secret heart of gold that I felt compelled to root for, as harsh as that sounds. I wanted to like her, but I just couldn't find a single moment of this story where I could. I felt SORRY that bad things had happened to her, but that was about as far as it went.
I also found it ironic that Rakhi was so quick to judge everyone in her life, but then also was constantly annoyed by people judging her, and she didn't show an ounce of gratitude for anything she was given, or even the self-respect to be proud of what she accomplished on her own! Most of the other characters in this book are pretty selfish and untrustworthy too, even those you initially feel could be the ones Rakhi could count on...so I'm not sure why the author chose to go down that road, but it was incredibly depressing. I guess her point is everyone is terrible? I'm not sure I get it.
The author worked on this book for ten years (!) which is honestly a bit sad to me, as I don't think this is the story it could have been. I appreciate her inspiration for the tale, which she explores in her Author's Note, but this was not the powerful, emotional, or heartbreaking tale I was hoping it could be. Perhaps in this case, Such Big Dreams simply led to Such a Big Letdown.
3 stars
🚨 OUTLIER ALERT! 🚨
Rakhi has had a tough upbringing, grittier than most, despite the fact that she lives in a slum in Mumbai, which some might argue is gritty enough. Her childhood left her abandoned, without family she could trust, and living on the street for some time, with nothing but determination and some fellow street friends for company. Ever the outsider, Rakhi is eventually given an opportunity by Gauri Ma'am, head lawyer at Justice For All (a human rights law firm) to work as an office assistant. Rakhi adapts to the environment, but her cynical attitude doesn't change much, and the arrival of a couple of flighty Dutch interns doesn't help to cheer her mood.
Meanwhile, Justice For All has adopted has-been Bollywood actress Rubina Mansoor as their poster child for a special project...but she insists on a place for her nephew from Canada, Alex, at the firm. Unlike the other interns that irk Rakhi, Alex warms to her and wants her to show him India as she sees it, and strictly on her terms. In exchange, he offers her money and a chance to pursue a future that seemed so far out of reach before. But will a dark secret from her past that has been holding her hostage to terrible memories keep her from dreaming the impossible dream?
I'm always open for a chance to learn about other cultures and become engrossed in a world very different from the one I've always known, and coming into this book, I'd hoped to gain a real sense of India. However, it was evident from the first chapter of this one that would be nearly impossible for me. For starters, Patel's narrative is full-to-bursting with Hindi words...which is fine....if you already know Hindi. Most other books I've read that use such large bursts of vocabulary either a) clue the reader in to the unknown words via context clues or b) provide some sort of glossary, footnotes, or the like to help an unfamiliar reader learn.
Not ONCE throughout this book can I think of a great example of Patel TEACHING me anything or immersing me in India's culture in a way that felt authentic, which was a bit frustrating. The word firangi, for instance, is used constantly and I looked it up out of frustration pretty early on and good thing I did or I STILL wouldn't be able to tell you what it means...and I've now finished the book. I completely understand that I can look up every word I don't know (and often do when reading a classic with jargon that's unfamiliar) but it isn't my favorite thing to do while reading and really takes me out of the reading experience.
That aside, my biggest issue with this book, aside from the slow-moving and not-that-interesting plot were the characters...namely, Rakhi herself. I absolutely could not connect with her, and actually actively disliked her for the whole of the book (until the Epilogue, where her character makes a random 180 degree turnaround into someone who is less abhorrent.) She acts more like a petulant and judgmental teenager than someone with a secret heart of gold that I felt compelled to root for, as harsh as that sounds. I wanted to like her, but I just couldn't find a single moment of this story where I could. I felt SORRY that bad things had happened to her, but that was about as far as it went.
I also found it ironic that Rakhi was so quick to judge everyone in her life, but then also was constantly annoyed by people judging her, and she didn't show an ounce of gratitude for anything she was given, or even the self-respect to be proud of what she accomplished on her own! Most of the other characters in this book are pretty selfish and untrustworthy too, even those you initially feel could be the ones Rakhi could count on...so I'm not sure why the author chose to go down that road, but it was incredibly depressing. I guess her point is everyone is terrible? I'm not sure I get it.
The author worked on this book for ten years (!) which is honestly a bit sad to me, as I don't think this is the story it could have been. I appreciate her inspiration for the tale, which she explores in her Author's Note, but this was not the powerful, emotional, or heartbreaking tale I was hoping it could be. Perhaps in this case, Such Big Dreams simply led to Such a Big Letdown.
3 stars
March 28, 2022
4 stars for a realistic portrait of modern day Mumbai/Bombay. This book was written by a Canadian woman who lived and worked in Mumbai in her early twenties.
The book explores how a woman who was a street kid was able, with help, to transition from living on the streets, to becoming a woman with a job and income sufficient to support herself. The author says she was inspired to write this book by a 2 major fires in a slum named Behrampada. the first fire destroyed almost 300 huts, killing 3 and injuring 29. Twenty five hundred were left homeless, but they rebuilt. There was a 2nd devastating fire in 2011. The author explores the possibility that the fires were deliberately set.
There is a great deal of local color, i.e., descriptions of foods, and interactions between Western visitors/ temporary interns and employees of a public interest non profit law firm. I enjoyed reading it and liked the ending.
One quote: Rakhi's home: "Letting out one of those big yawns that almost unhinges my jaw, I roll onto my side. Last night, flash rains banged down on my leaky tin roof like a herd of sharp clawed cats, The steady sound of water dripping into a plastic bucket would drive anyone else to tears, but I was grateful to be kept awake a little while longer."
#SuchBigDreams #NetGalley.
Thanks to Ballantine Books for sending me this eARC through NetGalley.
Pub date 26 Apr 2022
The book explores how a woman who was a street kid was able, with help, to transition from living on the streets, to becoming a woman with a job and income sufficient to support herself. The author says she was inspired to write this book by a 2 major fires in a slum named Behrampada. the first fire destroyed almost 300 huts, killing 3 and injuring 29. Twenty five hundred were left homeless, but they rebuilt. There was a 2nd devastating fire in 2011. The author explores the possibility that the fires were deliberately set.
There is a great deal of local color, i.e., descriptions of foods, and interactions between Western visitors/ temporary interns and employees of a public interest non profit law firm. I enjoyed reading it and liked the ending.
One quote: Rakhi's home: "Letting out one of those big yawns that almost unhinges my jaw, I roll onto my side. Last night, flash rains banged down on my leaky tin roof like a herd of sharp clawed cats, The steady sound of water dripping into a plastic bucket would drive anyone else to tears, but I was grateful to be kept awake a little while longer."
#SuchBigDreams #NetGalley.
Thanks to Ballantine Books for sending me this eARC through NetGalley.
Pub date 26 Apr 2022
February 14, 2022
This begins at night, as the recurring sleep terrors for Rakhi, a woman in her early twenties whose nights are haunted by dreams engulfed in flames that leave her clutching her throat, gasping for air even as she navigates the thin veil from night terrors to reality. She follows the instructions she’s been given for the panic that strikes her each time. She looks around her room, naming each object, ending with the words she’s been instructed to reassure her that she is safe. She’s been doing this for eleven years. Not every night, although they used to be, and although they don’t recur nightly these days, they happen several times most weeks. What hasn’t changed is how real they feel each time.
As this begins, twenty-three year old Rakhi is living in the Behrampada, a seven acre slum in Mumbai, where leaky roofs, fights, and rats abound. When she can finally sleep through the noises as they abate, she’s grateful for nights of uninterrupted rest which help refuel her for her job working for a human rights law firm, and the executive director, Gauri Ma’am as she refers to her, who found her soon after she was separated from her best friend, and was sent to the Asha Home. When it was time for her to leave the Asha Home, she was eager to prove that she was worthy of the job that Gauri Ma’am had waiting for her.
As an assistant, Rakhi is talked down to and treated as if she is invisible by the interns working for the firm, until a new, Canadian, intern arrives. Alex, who is half Indian, will be headed to Harvard soon. Until then he wants to fully immerse himself in the culture, and see the ‘real’ India with Rakhi as his friend and guide.
Rakhi is haunted by her past, both the things that have happened to her over the years, as well as the things she’s done. As a result, she seems to feel to some degree undeserving of the life she’s made for herself, and at the same time, somewhat resentful of the way she is treated at work - as though she is unworthy of recognition. The only one who treats as a person is Alex, who believes in her - until he doesn’t.
Her journey begins with shattered dreams, and a realization of the cost of all these years spent on someone else’s dreams, instead of following her own. She needs to take a risk, and choose a new dream to follow, one that will allow her to take back her story, and her life.
A moving, and powerful debut of second chances, believing in yourself, and following your dreams.
Pub Date: 26 April 2022
Many thanks for the ARC provided by Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine / Ballantine Books
August 25, 2022
Rakhi is a former street child taken under the wing of a civil rights lawyer in Mumbai/Bombay and eventually given a job and help finding a place to live which is in a slum but she's better off than many people. She has been working for Gauri Verma (Rakhi calls her Gauri Ma'am which I assume is a term of respect with Gauri being the character's surname) for 5 years when Alex, a Harvard-educated Canadian, comes to work as an intern for the law firm. Rakhi understands and reads English although she doesn't speak it very well and it becomes part of her job to acclimate Alex to life in India and improve her English at the same time.
I really enjoyed this well-written book and the characters introduced to us throughout the story. As someone else mentioned, the number of hindi words in the book was slightly distracting and a glossary would've been nice but after a while I just guessed what the words meant. Descriptions of living and working conditions pulled at my heartstrings and made me realize how many comforts I take for granted. Although I think most countries have groups of haves and have nots, the stark contrast between the two groups really stands out in this book. I learned many things from reading it and I'm impressed by the author's talent. I highly recommend this debut novel by another gifted Canadian.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway so my thanks to Penguin Random House Canada and to Goodreads. All opinions expressed are my own.
I really enjoyed this well-written book and the characters introduced to us throughout the story. As someone else mentioned, the number of hindi words in the book was slightly distracting and a glossary would've been nice but after a while I just guessed what the words meant. Descriptions of living and working conditions pulled at my heartstrings and made me realize how many comforts I take for granted. Although I think most countries have groups of haves and have nots, the stark contrast between the two groups really stands out in this book. I learned many things from reading it and I'm impressed by the author's talent. I highly recommend this debut novel by another gifted Canadian.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway so my thanks to Penguin Random House Canada and to Goodreads. All opinions expressed are my own.
March 2, 2022
Shouts out to Net Galley and Ballantine Books for the ARC.
There were certainly elements of this book I admired. We get a dynamic sense of Mumbai, in its many iterations, and Patel naturally weaves these settings into a (sometimes literally) colorful mosaic.
Our protagonist, as well, struck the rights chords and turned out to be a worthy follow. She had just enough flaws to keep her relatable, with just enough grit and charm to keep us cheering her on.
Other elements of this novel I found severely lacking. The secondary characters are thin enough to be slipped under a doorway. The writing is pedestrian for the most part and suffers from contemporary flatness--there is no subtext, we only have text, every gesture or motivation clearly spelled out on the page. We wouldn't, of course, want to be trapped in that scary world of ambiguity.
The greatest sin was the lack of stakes throughout, leaving us with a sludgy, plodding storyline. This is a good novel to skim through on the beach, several drinks in, lulling you into an afternoon nap. Later, when someone asks you what the book is about, you can shrug your shoulders because you don't really remember and say, "lots of things." Then you can keep living your life, unburdened, as it should be.
There were certainly elements of this book I admired. We get a dynamic sense of Mumbai, in its many iterations, and Patel naturally weaves these settings into a (sometimes literally) colorful mosaic.
Our protagonist, as well, struck the rights chords and turned out to be a worthy follow. She had just enough flaws to keep her relatable, with just enough grit and charm to keep us cheering her on.
Other elements of this novel I found severely lacking. The secondary characters are thin enough to be slipped under a doorway. The writing is pedestrian for the most part and suffers from contemporary flatness--there is no subtext, we only have text, every gesture or motivation clearly spelled out on the page. We wouldn't, of course, want to be trapped in that scary world of ambiguity.
The greatest sin was the lack of stakes throughout, leaving us with a sludgy, plodding storyline. This is a good novel to skim through on the beach, several drinks in, lulling you into an afternoon nap. Later, when someone asks you what the book is about, you can shrug your shoulders because you don't really remember and say, "lots of things." Then you can keep living your life, unburdened, as it should be.
May 2, 2022
4.5 stars
There are certain moments in this novel where it felt I was getting sucker punched straight in the heart. I thank the author for that because so often the best reads are when you feel something in regards to the story and characters whether it be sadness, anger, disappointment, happiness, pride, etc.. I got the opportunity to experience a bit of everything and that's why Such Big Dreams left a remarkable impression.
Rakhi lived on the streets as a child and did what she could to survive. After a horrific incident, Rakhi is separated from her best friend. At the age of 23, she lives in a Mumbai slum and works as an office assistant for a human rights law organization. She's a bit of an observer and the people there tend to overlook and underestimate her. But when a new intern form Canada starts working at the firm, Rakhi begins to dream of a better future. But sometimes your past has a way of catching up to you, for better or for worse.
Rakhi has this spirit about her that I was drawn to and I felt invested in her. You get glimpses of her childhood throughout and it's heartbreaking. It's a tale of survival from start to finish. In the end, aren't we all just looking out for ourselves? That's a recurring theme and as I think about the storyline and how it popped up in so many different ways, it's both fascinating and depressing. So much to discuss here that book clubs should give this one a look!
Thank you to Ballantine Books for providing me with and advance copy! All thoughts expressed are my honest opinion.
There are certain moments in this novel where it felt I was getting sucker punched straight in the heart. I thank the author for that because so often the best reads are when you feel something in regards to the story and characters whether it be sadness, anger, disappointment, happiness, pride, etc.. I got the opportunity to experience a bit of everything and that's why Such Big Dreams left a remarkable impression.
Rakhi lived on the streets as a child and did what she could to survive. After a horrific incident, Rakhi is separated from her best friend. At the age of 23, she lives in a Mumbai slum and works as an office assistant for a human rights law organization. She's a bit of an observer and the people there tend to overlook and underestimate her. But when a new intern form Canada starts working at the firm, Rakhi begins to dream of a better future. But sometimes your past has a way of catching up to you, for better or for worse.
Rakhi has this spirit about her that I was drawn to and I felt invested in her. You get glimpses of her childhood throughout and it's heartbreaking. It's a tale of survival from start to finish. In the end, aren't we all just looking out for ourselves? That's a recurring theme and as I think about the storyline and how it popped up in so many different ways, it's both fascinating and depressing. So much to discuss here that book clubs should give this one a look!
Thank you to Ballantine Books for providing me with and advance copy! All thoughts expressed are my honest opinion.
May 27, 2022
I don’t really have much to say about this one sadly. The story was good but the way it was written didn’t engage me into it as much as I felt like it should have..
Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book.
Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book.
May 21, 2022
With its clear-eyed depiction of life in the "Behind the Beautiful Forevers" world of Mumbai, Such Big Dreams finds a place on my favorites shelf. Reema Patel herself a lawyer in Canada spent time in a nonprofit law office there, and her experiences there gave her the basis for how such an organization works in India. Each of the characters is so well drawn that it's possible to imagine they were drawn from life. At the center is Rakhi, who narrates her history with unsentimental clarity. Having lived on the streets since she was nine, she's nobody's fool, and faces up to each challenge, harboring her very human guilts and channeling them into strengths. A very strong debut.
April 24, 2022
Reema Patel's debut book, Such Big Dreams, shows the resilience of the human spirit in the most challenging circumstances. This novel is very emotional and touches the core of your being.
Rakhi lived on the streets for five years before being placed in a girl's home. Rakhi is now 23 years old and works as an assistant to a well-known lawyer at Justice For All. Rakhi experiences reoccurring nightmares associated with a childhood trauma that took her best friend 11 years ago. Despite being very intelligent, Rakhi struggles with low self-esteem and feels she will never be worthy of a better life.
Rubina Mansoor is a washed-up Hollywood wannabe who becomes the spokesperson for Justice For All. By praising herself to others, Rubina immediately assumes control and changes the company's planning. In addition to making money, she sees this as a way to rebuild her career. The changes at "Justice For All" test Rakhi's moral standard. Will Rakhi's problematic situation force her to make complex, life-altering decisions?
It is with the highest praise that I commend Reema Patel for her outstanding five ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ debut novel, Such Big Dreams. The book is available for purchase on April 26th.
Thank you, NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballatine, for the opportunity to review Such Big Dreams. It will grab your heart.❤
Rakhi lived on the streets for five years before being placed in a girl's home. Rakhi is now 23 years old and works as an assistant to a well-known lawyer at Justice For All. Rakhi experiences reoccurring nightmares associated with a childhood trauma that took her best friend 11 years ago. Despite being very intelligent, Rakhi struggles with low self-esteem and feels she will never be worthy of a better life.
Rubina Mansoor is a washed-up Hollywood wannabe who becomes the spokesperson for Justice For All. By praising herself to others, Rubina immediately assumes control and changes the company's planning. In addition to making money, she sees this as a way to rebuild her career. The changes at "Justice For All" test Rakhi's moral standard. Will Rakhi's problematic situation force her to make complex, life-altering decisions?
It is with the highest praise that I commend Reema Patel for her outstanding five ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ debut novel, Such Big Dreams. The book is available for purchase on April 26th.
Thank you, NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballatine, for the opportunity to review Such Big Dreams. It will grab your heart.❤
April 14, 2022
I just finished this book and know that I will be continuing to think about it for quite a while. This was such an interesting journey into India, it's customs and it's injustices.
The story revolves around a feisty and street-smart homeless girl, turned office worker named Rahki, who reminisces about her prior years throughout this book. While fleeing from her father, Rahki became a child of the streets of India. She quickly met a young homeless boy, Babloo, who folded her into his group. After a devastating incident, she ends up in an orphanage run by nuns. She is introduced to Gauri, a social justice lawyer, who sees unrealized potential in Rahki and commits to hiring Rahki to work in her office and set her life on the right path. Although Gauri seems to have the best of intentions, she is controlling, and requires and expects much from Rahki.
The story explores the vastly different class systems in India. The law firm that Gauri runs has a big case involving the destruction of one slum area. Money always seeming to be behind so many of the many unfair situations discussed. Rahki builds a friendship with a summer intern from the US who leads her to believe that she achieve more. Which then begs the question, what is more? The measure of success and/or happiness is so different for everyone.
A life fraught with so much loss and destitution, I loved that Rakhi finally found her own sense of self. She was a master at picking herself up and starting over. She had no choice other than that. I really enjoyed becoming ensconced in the city of Bombay (although I definitely think that my claustrophobia would NOT do well there) and this story. Definitely recommend!
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House/Ballentine for the ARC to read and review.
The story revolves around a feisty and street-smart homeless girl, turned office worker named Rahki, who reminisces about her prior years throughout this book. While fleeing from her father, Rahki became a child of the streets of India. She quickly met a young homeless boy, Babloo, who folded her into his group. After a devastating incident, she ends up in an orphanage run by nuns. She is introduced to Gauri, a social justice lawyer, who sees unrealized potential in Rahki and commits to hiring Rahki to work in her office and set her life on the right path. Although Gauri seems to have the best of intentions, she is controlling, and requires and expects much from Rahki.
The story explores the vastly different class systems in India. The law firm that Gauri runs has a big case involving the destruction of one slum area. Money always seeming to be behind so many of the many unfair situations discussed. Rahki builds a friendship with a summer intern from the US who leads her to believe that she achieve more. Which then begs the question, what is more? The measure of success and/or happiness is so different for everyone.
A life fraught with so much loss and destitution, I loved that Rakhi finally found her own sense of self. She was a master at picking herself up and starting over. She had no choice other than that. I really enjoyed becoming ensconced in the city of Bombay (although I definitely think that my claustrophobia would NOT do well there) and this story. Definitely recommend!
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House/Ballentine for the ARC to read and review.
May 24, 2022
This was a pretty good read for me, despite the fact that I didn't understand all the terms used in this story. Normally, that would bug me, and I would look for a glossary that would help me understand the words, but for the most part, it just added flavor to the story without taking me away from what was happening. The main character is Bansari/Rakhi, a girl on the streets of Mumbai/Bombay, who is placed in a home for orphan girls after she and her best friend on the streets are caught setting a fire. While you don't know the details until later in the book, you do know that she ended up with an office job in a place called Justice for All, a non-profit legal organization that helps fight for the rights of the poor.
Rakhi is not the most likable of characters, and yet, I felt drawn to her and invested in her journey. Along the way, you learn quite a bit about the area and the people, both the residents and the rich firanghi (foreigners). Alex is one of these firanghi who comes to do an internship with Justice for All and he says he wants to see the "real India" but Rakhi is not so sure. He makes a deal with her--if she shows him the "real India", he'll help her go to realize her dreams and go to college to have a "real job". As she shows him around and gets glimpses of his real life, and she sees some of the things that her boss at Justice for All does to help their organization, she starts to question what she knows, what she believes, and what her real dreams are. She also realizes that no matter what one's intentions might be, money can corrupt even the most well-intentioned people, and that ultimately, she needs to decide where her own lines are. The ending gave me a little hope for her and I also appreciated the author's note, which talked about the inspiration for this novel.
What would have really helped for me would be if the author had included a glossary of all the Hindi terms she used. Some of them I was able to look up, but I couldn't find the definition of others. That definitely would have helped and I hope that later editions include such a thing.
I received an advance review copy from NetGalley for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Rakhi is not the most likable of characters, and yet, I felt drawn to her and invested in her journey. Along the way, you learn quite a bit about the area and the people, both the residents and the rich firanghi (foreigners). Alex is one of these firanghi who comes to do an internship with Justice for All and he says he wants to see the "real India" but Rakhi is not so sure. He makes a deal with her--if she shows him the "real India", he'll help her go to realize her dreams and go to college to have a "real job". As she shows him around and gets glimpses of his real life, and she sees some of the things that her boss at Justice for All does to help their organization, she starts to question what she knows, what she believes, and what her real dreams are. She also realizes that no matter what one's intentions might be, money can corrupt even the most well-intentioned people, and that ultimately, she needs to decide where her own lines are. The ending gave me a little hope for her and I also appreciated the author's note, which talked about the inspiration for this novel.
What would have really helped for me would be if the author had included a glossary of all the Hindi terms she used. Some of them I was able to look up, but I couldn't find the definition of others. That definitely would have helped and I hope that later editions include such a thing.
I received an advance review copy from NetGalley for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 9, 2022
I'll be honest: reading the first half of Such Big Dreams, I kept wondering if this was a title I should put aside without finishing. At the midpoint of the novel, however, the action and conflict picked up, and at the end I was doing that reading-as-fast-as-I-can thing because I *had* to know what would happen next. Such Big Dreams is a novel the most definitely rewards a bit of stick-to-it-ness. The novel takes a cynical, but not necessarily negative view of NGOs: non-governmental organizations established to try to remedy a country's ills, think of Doctors without Borders or the International Rescue Committee.
Such Big Dreams' central character—and the narrator of the book—is Rakhi, a former street child living in a Mumbai slum and working as an office assistant for an NGO, Justice for All, that fights to prevent the unannounced, uncompensated razing of exactly the sort of "unofficial" neighborhood in which Rakhi lives. As is true for most NGOs, funding is tight. Justice for All has had to recently cut staff and satellite offices, and is still in a financially precarious state. One of the ways Justice for All tries to make ends meet is by accepting unpaid interns from wealthier nations—interns who generally become disenchanted with NGO work fairly quickly.
Rakhi, as a former street child, is presented by Justice for All as a success story—a girl in trouble with the law and with no prospects for earning an honest living, who has risen to lead a responsible life. That's how her employer likes to tell Rakhi's story, but in the organization itself she gets little respect, runs endless errands and is often asked to work late into the night. With little control over her own circumstances, Rakhi feels like anything but a success.
This set-up quickly becomes complicated as Justice for All pairs up with a "celebrity" spokesperson, Rubina Mansoor, an aging, second-string performer in Bollywood movies who is best known for a highly sexualized dance number from one of those films. At the same time, Rubina's wealthy Canadian "nephew" Alex joins Justice for All as an unpaid intern. From the start, both are awkward fits with the NGO. Rubina is much more interested in promoting herself and garnering headlines than she is in addressing the problems Justice for All focuses on. Alex, meanwhile, alienates most members of the organization with his unearned privilege and lack of knowledge about Justice for All—and of life in India overall.
Rukhi finds herself in the middle of these awkward transitions. Alex supports her aspirations, but has almost no understanding of her actual life circumstances and the challenges she's up against. This set-up takes the first half of the book and moves along in prose that is capable, but lacks liveliness. As, I mentioned at the outset, this changes, the pace quickens, and the stakes grow higher as the novel progresses.
If you're someone who can launch themselves into a book knowing the payoff will be delayed—but that it *will* come—you should get your hands on a copy of Such Big Dreams. The economic realities, political shenanigans, and individual struggles it presents will stay with you long after you've finished reading.
I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley; the opinions are my own.
Such Big Dreams' central character—and the narrator of the book—is Rakhi, a former street child living in a Mumbai slum and working as an office assistant for an NGO, Justice for All, that fights to prevent the unannounced, uncompensated razing of exactly the sort of "unofficial" neighborhood in which Rakhi lives. As is true for most NGOs, funding is tight. Justice for All has had to recently cut staff and satellite offices, and is still in a financially precarious state. One of the ways Justice for All tries to make ends meet is by accepting unpaid interns from wealthier nations—interns who generally become disenchanted with NGO work fairly quickly.
Rakhi, as a former street child, is presented by Justice for All as a success story—a girl in trouble with the law and with no prospects for earning an honest living, who has risen to lead a responsible life. That's how her employer likes to tell Rakhi's story, but in the organization itself she gets little respect, runs endless errands and is often asked to work late into the night. With little control over her own circumstances, Rakhi feels like anything but a success.
This set-up quickly becomes complicated as Justice for All pairs up with a "celebrity" spokesperson, Rubina Mansoor, an aging, second-string performer in Bollywood movies who is best known for a highly sexualized dance number from one of those films. At the same time, Rubina's wealthy Canadian "nephew" Alex joins Justice for All as an unpaid intern. From the start, both are awkward fits with the NGO. Rubina is much more interested in promoting herself and garnering headlines than she is in addressing the problems Justice for All focuses on. Alex, meanwhile, alienates most members of the organization with his unearned privilege and lack of knowledge about Justice for All—and of life in India overall.
Rukhi finds herself in the middle of these awkward transitions. Alex supports her aspirations, but has almost no understanding of her actual life circumstances and the challenges she's up against. This set-up takes the first half of the book and moves along in prose that is capable, but lacks liveliness. As, I mentioned at the outset, this changes, the pace quickens, and the stakes grow higher as the novel progresses.
If you're someone who can launch themselves into a book knowing the payoff will be delayed—but that it *will* come—you should get your hands on a copy of Such Big Dreams. The economic realities, political shenanigans, and individual struggles it presents will stay with you long after you've finished reading.
I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley; the opinions are my own.
March 24, 2022
SUCH BIG DREAMS
by Reema Patel
Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine
Pub Date: Apr 26
SUCH BIG DREAMS moved me to tears as I became immersed in the story of Rakhi, who lived on the streets of Mumbai from age seven to twelve. Through amazing resilience and help from a famous attorney who hires her as an assistant in a legal advocacy firm, Rakhi holds on to dreams that even the most wretched life circumstances can't extinguish. Heartbreaking and inspiring!
Thanks to the author, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Ballantine Books, and NetGalley for the ARC. Opinions are mine.
#SuchBigDreams #ReemaPatel #RandomHousePublishingGroupBallantine #NetGalley #muticulturalfiction #fictionsetinmumbai #humanresilience #bookstagramcommunity
by Reema Patel
Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine
Pub Date: Apr 26
SUCH BIG DREAMS moved me to tears as I became immersed in the story of Rakhi, who lived on the streets of Mumbai from age seven to twelve. Through amazing resilience and help from a famous attorney who hires her as an assistant in a legal advocacy firm, Rakhi holds on to dreams that even the most wretched life circumstances can't extinguish. Heartbreaking and inspiring!
Thanks to the author, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Ballantine Books, and NetGalley for the ARC. Opinions are mine.
#SuchBigDreams #ReemaPatel #RandomHousePublishingGroupBallantine #NetGalley #muticulturalfiction #fictionsetinmumbai #humanresilience #bookstagramcommunity
February 18, 2022
A young woman rises from the streets, with dreams of moving beyond the slums of Mumbai, but learns that class divisions are hard to scale.
I loved the character Rakhi. After the death of her parents she ran away from a cruel uncle. As a child of the streets, she is welcomed into a gang of children lead by her perceived savior Babloo. After their involvement in a crime, Rakhi is sent to a school run by nuns where a lawyer for Justice For All discovers her and takes her on as a pet project.
Now an adult, Rakhi’s mentor treats her like a servant while offering hope for freedom and self-determination without trusting she is ready for them. Then, the Canadian Alex comes to intern at Justice For All. He notes Rakhi’s innate intelligence and pushes her to think for herself and reach for her dreams.
What must it be like, being a starched-shirt Pali Hill rich boy like Alex? Or these white girls with yellow hair, all of them coming to India to dip their toes into our shit, pretending like our problems are their problems, then going home and never coming back?
from Such Big Dreams by Reema Patel
A series of events build to a dramatic conclusion. An aging movie star wants to rebrand herself and chooses Justice for All as her pet project. It could help the floundering NGO back on its feet. The star takes over control. Alex’s rich family will do anything to advance their business. Babloo reenters Rakhi’s life and she discovers he is not the hero she believed him to be. Rakhi is inspired to claim her future. It all leads to disaster.
A fantastic read, this immersive novel has great characters, a propelling story line, and insight into contemporary life in India.
I received a free egalley from the publisher through NetGalley. My review is fair and unbiased.
I loved the character Rakhi. After the death of her parents she ran away from a cruel uncle. As a child of the streets, she is welcomed into a gang of children lead by her perceived savior Babloo. After their involvement in a crime, Rakhi is sent to a school run by nuns where a lawyer for Justice For All discovers her and takes her on as a pet project.
Now an adult, Rakhi’s mentor treats her like a servant while offering hope for freedom and self-determination without trusting she is ready for them. Then, the Canadian Alex comes to intern at Justice For All. He notes Rakhi’s innate intelligence and pushes her to think for herself and reach for her dreams.
What must it be like, being a starched-shirt Pali Hill rich boy like Alex? Or these white girls with yellow hair, all of them coming to India to dip their toes into our shit, pretending like our problems are their problems, then going home and never coming back?
from Such Big Dreams by Reema Patel
A series of events build to a dramatic conclusion. An aging movie star wants to rebrand herself and chooses Justice for All as her pet project. It could help the floundering NGO back on its feet. The star takes over control. Alex’s rich family will do anything to advance their business. Babloo reenters Rakhi’s life and she discovers he is not the hero she believed him to be. Rakhi is inspired to claim her future. It all leads to disaster.
A fantastic read, this immersive novel has great characters, a propelling story line, and insight into contemporary life in India.
I received a free egalley from the publisher through NetGalley. My review is fair and unbiased.
April 16, 2023
If you loved WHITE TIGER you will be enamoured by this book!
In SUCH BIG DREAMS we are taken to Mumbai where we meet Rakhi, who grew up on the streets where she got a big break by a Human Rights Lawyer who basically took her out of the system and got her a job at her firm. Things are going well for Rakhi, she’s got a place to live, a little savings and is learning English. That is until a new intern starts working for Justice For All and they get a self-appointed brand ambassador.
A lot happens and fast in this book, but what doesn’t get overlooked is the humanity at is at the core of this plot. This book a great remainder that sometimes the odds are never in your favor, and what you do with that very hard true! I loved the internal monologue of Rakhi, she’s truly a character I enjoyed reading.
If such big dreams is not on your reading list…. Why?
In SUCH BIG DREAMS we are taken to Mumbai where we meet Rakhi, who grew up on the streets where she got a big break by a Human Rights Lawyer who basically took her out of the system and got her a job at her firm. Things are going well for Rakhi, she’s got a place to live, a little savings and is learning English. That is until a new intern starts working for Justice For All and they get a self-appointed brand ambassador.
A lot happens and fast in this book, but what doesn’t get overlooked is the humanity at is at the core of this plot. This book a great remainder that sometimes the odds are never in your favor, and what you do with that very hard true! I loved the internal monologue of Rakhi, she’s truly a character I enjoyed reading.
If such big dreams is not on your reading list…. Why?
June 4, 2022
"Such Big Dreams" is author Reema Patel's debut novel. It offers a fresh look at life in contemporary India from the perspectives of its characters. The story centers around 22 year old Rakhi. Her life has been difficult. Losing her parents at a young age, she lived on the streets from age 9 to age 12 and then was sent to an orphanage by the police. When the story begins, Rakhi is working as a poorly paid office assistant to an imperious attorney, whom Rakhi calls "Gauri Ma'am". The attorney is the director of a human rights legal practice for impoverished people. While Gauri's staff of attorneys and foreign interns respect her, they do not like her.
The story is peopled with interesting, well-drawn characters, including:
Babloo - the 10 year old boy who looks out for the 9 year old Rakhi when she comes to live on the rough streets of Mumbai.
Alex - the Canadian intern who takes an interest in Rakhi and encourages her to think about college.
Vivek - an attorney whose warmth and good nature shines through the book's pages.
Tazim - Rakhi's neighbor and only friend.
The story is all about Rakhi's coming of age. Starting with nothing, she must learn what is truly important to living a good life and how to gauge who is trustworthy.
The author's writing is original and creative, peppered with Hindi words. * The book becomes darker as it progresses - a bit too bleak for me. This is not a "feel good" story, as it examines some of the ugly aspects of human behavior.
Personal Notes: I met my friend Shantha when we were both the same age as Rakhi, 22 years old. We were Social Work students together. Shantha had worked with the street kids in India before coming to the U.S. to study. I remember her telling me about her experiences, including sharing her salary with them.
As a birder, it interested me that crows were featured so many times in the book.
The story is peopled with interesting, well-drawn characters, including:
Babloo - the 10 year old boy who looks out for the 9 year old Rakhi when she comes to live on the rough streets of Mumbai.
Alex - the Canadian intern who takes an interest in Rakhi and encourages her to think about college.
Vivek - an attorney whose warmth and good nature shines through the book's pages.
Tazim - Rakhi's neighbor and only friend.
The story is all about Rakhi's coming of age. Starting with nothing, she must learn what is truly important to living a good life and how to gauge who is trustworthy.
The author's writing is original and creative, peppered with Hindi words. * The book becomes darker as it progresses - a bit too bleak for me. This is not a "feel good" story, as it examines some of the ugly aspects of human behavior.
Personal Notes: I met my friend Shantha when we were both the same age as Rakhi, 22 years old. We were Social Work students together. Shantha had worked with the street kids in India before coming to the U.S. to study. I remember her telling me about her experiences, including sharing her salary with them.
As a birder, it interested me that crows were featured so many times in the book.
May 24, 2022
“You’re not born only once, on the day your mother gives birth to you. Life forces you to give birth to yourself over and over again”
Reema’s debut novel is a memorable and heartbreaking story about the resilience of a former street child working in a law office in Mumbai fighting to live her life on her own terms while showcasing all the cards at play when fighting for justice.
Rakhi is 23 but has experienced more hardships than most could ever bare. She is constantly reminded how she is ‘an other’ due to her upbringing in the streets and now her living alone in the slums in Mumbai.
Reema’s storytelling allows you to feel the hardships the characters experience without getting too graphic and leaves you reflecting on the necessary dialogue around socio-political issues in India but in overall developing countries such as ‘do we find we find ways to shape public policy and law from inside government? Or do we come up with more entrepreneurial fixes?’
We meet an array of characters through Rakhi who teach us a lesson in humanity that we learn doesn’t always mean a happy ending when people have to navigate creating the life they want when they feel unseen or unheard.
Prepare to feel transported directly to India with the vivid descriptions surrounding the culture, landscape, and language. I saw some critics about having to google a lot of Hindu terms since there isn’t a translation included but I didn’t have a problem with that at all. It felt authentic to how conversations are had which I appreciated. Not all information needs to be handed to you.
The author's inspiration for the book was based on true events that happened in India which I won’t reveal since it could be considered a spoiler but it was an interesting exploration at attempting to find out answers.
Overall, I would recommend this page-turner that will have you reflecting on what is necessary when survival is on the line and what dreams and people accompany it.
Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Random House for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
Reema’s debut novel is a memorable and heartbreaking story about the resilience of a former street child working in a law office in Mumbai fighting to live her life on her own terms while showcasing all the cards at play when fighting for justice.
Rakhi is 23 but has experienced more hardships than most could ever bare. She is constantly reminded how she is ‘an other’ due to her upbringing in the streets and now her living alone in the slums in Mumbai.
Reema’s storytelling allows you to feel the hardships the characters experience without getting too graphic and leaves you reflecting on the necessary dialogue around socio-political issues in India but in overall developing countries such as ‘do we find we find ways to shape public policy and law from inside government? Or do we come up with more entrepreneurial fixes?’
We meet an array of characters through Rakhi who teach us a lesson in humanity that we learn doesn’t always mean a happy ending when people have to navigate creating the life they want when they feel unseen or unheard.
Prepare to feel transported directly to India with the vivid descriptions surrounding the culture, landscape, and language. I saw some critics about having to google a lot of Hindu terms since there isn’t a translation included but I didn’t have a problem with that at all. It felt authentic to how conversations are had which I appreciated. Not all information needs to be handed to you.
The author's inspiration for the book was based on true events that happened in India which I won’t reveal since it could be considered a spoiler but it was an interesting exploration at attempting to find out answers.
Overall, I would recommend this page-turner that will have you reflecting on what is necessary when survival is on the line and what dreams and people accompany it.
Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Random House for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
September 15, 2022
Main character Rakhi ran away from abusive relatives after her parents died, and ended up living on the streets for years before being taken in by nuns. Then, she's hired by the head of an NGO dealing with legal problems of the poor in Mumbhai.
Rakhi watches as the head of the NGO struggles with the mountain of apathy and difficulties of dealing with the legal system, but at the same time the woman hectors and abuses Rakhi, constantly reminding the young woman that she had lived as a thief previously.
Then, a young Indian Canadian man joins the NGO at his actor aunt's behest, and takes Rakhi on as a rehab project. His aunt, meanwhile, inserts herself into the NGO, coopting its marketing and fundraising plans.
There is so much condescension occurring throughout this book, with everyone claiming to care about the poor's welfare, but really mired in their own biases and agendas, with the poor they are claiming to help getting lost in company infighting, one-upmanship and patronizing attitudes. Biting, ironic, and wonderfully satirical, Reema Patel brilliantly shatters the myths of people living in poverty, and the intentions of some of those purportedly working to alleviate poverty. I liked this book and particularly liked Rakhi, consummate survivor and vastly more intelligent than everyone around her imagines.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Penguin Random House Canada for this ARC in exchange for my review.
Rakhi watches as the head of the NGO struggles with the mountain of apathy and difficulties of dealing with the legal system, but at the same time the woman hectors and abuses Rakhi, constantly reminding the young woman that she had lived as a thief previously.
Then, a young Indian Canadian man joins the NGO at his actor aunt's behest, and takes Rakhi on as a rehab project. His aunt, meanwhile, inserts herself into the NGO, coopting its marketing and fundraising plans.
There is so much condescension occurring throughout this book, with everyone claiming to care about the poor's welfare, but really mired in their own biases and agendas, with the poor they are claiming to help getting lost in company infighting, one-upmanship and patronizing attitudes. Biting, ironic, and wonderfully satirical, Reema Patel brilliantly shatters the myths of people living in poverty, and the intentions of some of those purportedly working to alleviate poverty. I liked this book and particularly liked Rakhi, consummate survivor and vastly more intelligent than everyone around her imagines.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Penguin Random House Canada for this ARC in exchange for my review.
March 9, 2022
In many ways, Such Big Dreams reminds me of A Burning and Honor. These three books tackle head on the injustices of the legal system in India. In the case of Such Big Dreams, we're introduced to Rakhi, who grew up on the streets of Mumbai, but finds herself working at Justice For All, a human rights NGO engaged in public interest litigation, as an office assistant after meeting Gauri Ma'am, the head of Justice For All, who becomes Rakhi's patron of sorts.
If you're looking for character development, Such Big Dreams is not the book for you. I also had a slight issue with the jump between the ending and the epilogue. But if you're looking for more insights into the NGO world and corporate-government collusion through the medium of a fiction novel, then you'll probably love it. Having taken a sabbatical from corporate law to do human rights work for the past year, I can attest to the accuracy of Patel's portrayals -- honestly, Such Big Dreams can only come from someone who is jaded after getting up close and personal with the "ugly" of the NGO world. The foreign interns who think they're better than local lawyers? Check. The unpaid internships? Check. NGOs selling out for funding? Check. Corporate-government collusion? Check.
Such Big Dreams didn't shock me because of my own personal experiences with the NGO world, but it is a memorable book about money, power, and injustice nonetheless and I can tell the author put alot of heart and research into it (do read the author's note at the end). Such Big Dreams is a testament to how flimsy the legal system is, how frequent it bows down to money and power, and how ethics disappear when money comes into the picture.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC from the publisher, Ballantine Books, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
If you're looking for character development, Such Big Dreams is not the book for you. I also had a slight issue with the jump between the ending and the epilogue. But if you're looking for more insights into the NGO world and corporate-government collusion through the medium of a fiction novel, then you'll probably love it. Having taken a sabbatical from corporate law to do human rights work for the past year, I can attest to the accuracy of Patel's portrayals -- honestly, Such Big Dreams can only come from someone who is jaded after getting up close and personal with the "ugly" of the NGO world. The foreign interns who think they're better than local lawyers? Check. The unpaid internships? Check. NGOs selling out for funding? Check. Corporate-government collusion? Check.
Such Big Dreams didn't shock me because of my own personal experiences with the NGO world, but it is a memorable book about money, power, and injustice nonetheless and I can tell the author put alot of heart and research into it (do read the author's note at the end). Such Big Dreams is a testament to how flimsy the legal system is, how frequent it bows down to money and power, and how ethics disappear when money comes into the picture.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC from the publisher, Ballantine Books, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 22, 2022
I enjoyed this book and read it quickly. The author's descriptions brought me back to India and its poverty, caste system, turmoil, overcrowding, danger, diversity, color, and vivid culture. Rakhi, the main character, is tough and very likable, with a subtle sense of humor and determination. Rakhi's story of growing up on the streets and turning her life around to make her way is filled with hope, resolve, and justice.
Thank you to Netgalley, author and publisher for this ARC.
Thank you to Netgalley, author and publisher for this ARC.
May 14, 2022
Strength in the face of overwhelming odds. Mumbai today!
This is a BIG gutsy story. The real world behind slum Dog Millionaire is whatI kept thinking. We follow aspects of the life of a street kid in Mumbai, from the moments she arrives there as a child of seven, until she finds her voice.
Colorful, honest, and often confusing, Rakhi’s (Bansari) story moves from simple humor in the small things, to outrage and compliance when forced, but never to acceptance. Rakhi never loses sight of who she is despite the many things that happen.
I was absolutely engaged with her story, her friends, her living accommodations, the Farangis she comes into contact with and their ridiculous double standards (the reality of India seen through a hazy screen of misunderstanding and arrogance).
Little by little Rakhi’s life is explained. We first meet her undergoing treatment as part of her rescue by Gautier Verma (Gauri Ma’am) head of the NGO Justice for All. An organisation dedicated to helping those from the slums. For those coming from these lower echelons of society that assistance can be a huge step up on the ladder towards self determination, but Rakhi finds this life has its own set of burdens, it’s own double standards.
Patel loosely based this book on real life happenings in the “Behrampada slum, over seven acres in the middle of Mumbai.”
A strong story with an engaging heroine, easy to relate to. I cheered for Rakhi. I grieved for her.
She is so much more than a fictional character. Rakhi a real person facing real challenges, the enormity of which, we as privileged persons find hard to comprehend, and yet through Patel’s words we are given insights.
A Random House - Ballantine ARC via NetGalley
Please note: Quotes taken from an advanced reading copy maybe subject to change
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
This is a BIG gutsy story. The real world behind slum Dog Millionaire is whatI kept thinking. We follow aspects of the life of a street kid in Mumbai, from the moments she arrives there as a child of seven, until she finds her voice.
Colorful, honest, and often confusing, Rakhi’s (Bansari) story moves from simple humor in the small things, to outrage and compliance when forced, but never to acceptance. Rakhi never loses sight of who she is despite the many things that happen.
I was absolutely engaged with her story, her friends, her living accommodations, the Farangis she comes into contact with and their ridiculous double standards (the reality of India seen through a hazy screen of misunderstanding and arrogance).
Little by little Rakhi’s life is explained. We first meet her undergoing treatment as part of her rescue by Gautier Verma (Gauri Ma’am) head of the NGO Justice for All. An organisation dedicated to helping those from the slums. For those coming from these lower echelons of society that assistance can be a huge step up on the ladder towards self determination, but Rakhi finds this life has its own set of burdens, it’s own double standards.
Patel loosely based this book on real life happenings in the “Behrampada slum, over seven acres in the middle of Mumbai.”
A strong story with an engaging heroine, easy to relate to. I cheered for Rakhi. I grieved for her.
She is so much more than a fictional character. Rakhi a real person facing real challenges, the enormity of which, we as privileged persons find hard to comprehend, and yet through Patel’s words we are given insights.
A Random House - Ballantine ARC via NetGalley
Please note: Quotes taken from an advanced reading copy maybe subject to change
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
June 12, 2022
This is Reema Patel’s debut novel and based on her clarity in describing human nature alone, I see a bright future for this author.
Rakhi grew up a street kid in the slums of Mumbai. The flashbacks to her childhood are sad and difficult to read, so imagine how the kids feel that live this life every day while we sit and read our books. It’s that moving. Ms. Patel has devoted years of her life working in Mumbai, so her depiction of the children’s daily struggle to live is brought to life in her words.
After a petty crime goes horribly wrong, Rakhi is saved from the orphanage and certain death in prison when she catches the eye of her benefactor, the executive director of a human rights law firm, Gauri Ma’am. Rakhi does well in school and begins working as an intern at Gauri Ma’am’s establishment.
The stark difference between Rakhi and other employees at the firm is as vast as night and day. They enjoy meals, a roof over their head that doesn’t leak, and nice clothing that is always clean. Rakhi struggles to keep up the facade. This aspect alone insinuates the point, that once homeless and expendable, always that way in India. When a new intern takes a job at the law firm, these differences are suddenly smeared in Rakhi’s face. As she struggles to trust those who want to help her, she sees cracks in their facade that are reminiscent of lessons she painfully learned as a child on the streets.
Full of colorful descriptions of Indian food, habits, and social lives, and what living in a city the size of Mumbai entails (think transportation, restaurants, sanitation), Reema Patel’s first novel is a must-read for anyone who appreciates sincere human drams stories.
Sincere thanks to Random House- Ballantine for an ARC in exchange for my honest review. This book is now available.
Rakhi grew up a street kid in the slums of Mumbai. The flashbacks to her childhood are sad and difficult to read, so imagine how the kids feel that live this life every day while we sit and read our books. It’s that moving. Ms. Patel has devoted years of her life working in Mumbai, so her depiction of the children’s daily struggle to live is brought to life in her words.
After a petty crime goes horribly wrong, Rakhi is saved from the orphanage and certain death in prison when she catches the eye of her benefactor, the executive director of a human rights law firm, Gauri Ma’am. Rakhi does well in school and begins working as an intern at Gauri Ma’am’s establishment.
The stark difference between Rakhi and other employees at the firm is as vast as night and day. They enjoy meals, a roof over their head that doesn’t leak, and nice clothing that is always clean. Rakhi struggles to keep up the facade. This aspect alone insinuates the point, that once homeless and expendable, always that way in India. When a new intern takes a job at the law firm, these differences are suddenly smeared in Rakhi’s face. As she struggles to trust those who want to help her, she sees cracks in their facade that are reminiscent of lessons she painfully learned as a child on the streets.
Full of colorful descriptions of Indian food, habits, and social lives, and what living in a city the size of Mumbai entails (think transportation, restaurants, sanitation), Reema Patel’s first novel is a must-read for anyone who appreciates sincere human drams stories.
Sincere thanks to Random House- Ballantine for an ARC in exchange for my honest review. This book is now available.
March 12, 2022
This book is heartbreaking yet so incredibly hopeful. It shines such a bright light on the slums and underprivileged in India. Rakhi is a character that will stay with me. She wiggles and works her way into your heart through the whole book and at the end you are hurting with her and pulling for her to achieve her big dreams.
March 20, 2023
This is a debut novel that I absolutely enjoyed. Rakhi is a 23 year old former street child that is now working at a civil rights law firm in Bombay. So many subjects were touched on here, I thought they were all very well done and I really learned a lot about India, its culture and the resiliency of its people. The story was captivating, I loved Rakhi and her fierce spirit, both from her time on the streets to her time at the law firm. I loved how she questioned everything but yet still took nothing for granted, and oftentimes she was both misunderstood and very naive and trusting. Alex is a Harvard-educated Canadian that comes to work as an intern and has a LOT to learn but yet still never quite seems to ‘get’ it and I loved that he was also naive and trusting, but learned a hard lesson with that as well. He connects with Rakhi as he helps her get stronger with her English and she helps him learn more about India and its culture.
I really loved this story, the characters and the setting were brought to life by Patel’s writing, I could not believe this was a debut. It is heartbreaking at times but also incredibly inspiring. I loved the audiobook for this one, the narrator did an amazing job with the story. I cannot wait to see what Patel writes next, I will definitely be adding it to my list.
Thank you to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for the digital copy to review.
I really loved this story, the characters and the setting were brought to life by Patel’s writing, I could not believe this was a debut. It is heartbreaking at times but also incredibly inspiring. I loved the audiobook for this one, the narrator did an amazing job with the story. I cannot wait to see what Patel writes next, I will definitely be adding it to my list.
Thank you to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for the digital copy to review.
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July 26, 2022I think I’ll come back to this one at a later time. It just wasn’t for me/my mood when I picked it up.
November 27, 2022
This novel has everything I look for in a great read: a strong sense of place, an engaging heroine to root for and enough tension to keep me immersed in the story. I read it in one long gulp.
October 22, 2023
“The first dead bodies I ever saw belonged to my parents. They lay stiff, side by side, on a sheet in our thatched-roof hut in Umaidpur, white cotton balls plugging their ears and noses… Eventually, she fainted, and I crawled out of her lap to pick the cotton balls out of my father’s nose. “Bansari, no!” someone screamed at me as a pair of hands yanked me away by the waist. Others joined in to slap me and call me a shameless girl, and I cried that I was only trying to help him breathe”.
In Such Big Dreams, we meet the protagonist, Rakhi. Not her original name but the nickname given to her as she ended up on the streets of Mumbai at a very young age. With her parents dead and her relatives abusive, she runs away and meets Babloo. A boy who becomes her best friend takes her virginity to protect her and teaches her how to survive on the streets until an incident they create separates them for over a decade. Shipped off to an all-girls home, Rahki is rebellious but settles down when she is offered a type of freedom that is ultimately a lie. Now working for Gauri Ma’am at an NGO, Justice For All, but still living in the slums, she is treated as a mere servant with no value seen by many. While at work, she meets a new intern, Alex, who is from Canada and does not know his way around India and what it hides. She shows him around, and he offers to help her with college, but in between, she reunites with her best friend Babloo.
Rahki is mistreated repeatedly, and though her heart is big and pure, she is overlooked and undervalued. Though she works for a cause to ensure justice, she never gets any. She suffers more loss, encounters more fire, and goes without a home again. This story is slow-burning and unravels much more for me as a reader. Classism and corruption are at the forefront, and people never turn out to be who they say they are. Reema Patel wrote this story as it was inspired by the Behrampada fire of 2009 in India, and just like in the story, political gain may be at the forefront. The greed of Mumbai speaks volumes about poverty and how disposable human life is.
In Such Big Dreams, we meet the protagonist, Rakhi. Not her original name but the nickname given to her as she ended up on the streets of Mumbai at a very young age. With her parents dead and her relatives abusive, she runs away and meets Babloo. A boy who becomes her best friend takes her virginity to protect her and teaches her how to survive on the streets until an incident they create separates them for over a decade. Shipped off to an all-girls home, Rahki is rebellious but settles down when she is offered a type of freedom that is ultimately a lie. Now working for Gauri Ma’am at an NGO, Justice For All, but still living in the slums, she is treated as a mere servant with no value seen by many. While at work, she meets a new intern, Alex, who is from Canada and does not know his way around India and what it hides. She shows him around, and he offers to help her with college, but in between, she reunites with her best friend Babloo.
Rahki is mistreated repeatedly, and though her heart is big and pure, she is overlooked and undervalued. Though she works for a cause to ensure justice, she never gets any. She suffers more loss, encounters more fire, and goes without a home again. This story is slow-burning and unravels much more for me as a reader. Classism and corruption are at the forefront, and people never turn out to be who they say they are. Reema Patel wrote this story as it was inspired by the Behrampada fire of 2009 in India, and just like in the story, political gain may be at the forefront. The greed of Mumbai speaks volumes about poverty and how disposable human life is.
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