The Object of Your Affections by Falguni Kothari tenderly and fearlessly examines dilemmas at the heart of motherhood: the loss of freedom and control, the expectations of society and the compromises demanded of all successful relationships.
Outspoken, ambitious Paris is an assistant district attorney in Manhattan with a strong aversion to motherhood. Her Scottish Indian husband, Neal, a world-famous jewelry designer, adores children. Conflicted over her maternal reluctance but eager to start a family for Neal's sake, Paris decides that surrogacy is their best option. The trouble is, who can she trust to carry their precious baby?
Shy, conservative Naira is an interior designer from a traditional Mumbai family. Friends since they attended New York University together, Naira and Paris reconnect after widowed Naira moves to New York City. As the two become closer and Neal helps Naira to get on her feet professionally, it occurs to Paris that her college friend would make a perfect surrogate. What could go wrong?
Kothari (My Last Love Story) has a fondness for intriguing love triangles that blur conventional lines. Fascinated by the complexities inherent in Paris's life-altering decision, Kothari explores the impact of surrogacy on friendship and marriage, and the additional stigma of surrogacy in traditional Indian society. On a lighter note, Neal's sexy Scottish accent and the backdrop of glittering Manhattan add cosmopolitan appeal to this compelling drama. The Object of Your Affections is a perfect read for fans of messy love stories, Indian style. --Shahina Piyarali, writer and reviewer