The Sari Shop Widow by Shobhan Bantwal

THE SARI SHOP WIDOW

by Shobhan Bantwal

Commercial Literary Fiction
Kensington Publishing Corporation
www.ShobhanBantwal.com

3 Signed Copies will be given away on Friday, August 28, 2009



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This book releases on August 25! Enter to win one of the first released copies, autographed by the author!

About the Book:

Pungent curry. . .sweet fried onions. . .incense. . .colorful beads. . .lush fabrics. Shobhan Bantwal's compelling new novel is set on the streets of Edison, New Jersey's Little India, where a young businesswoman rediscovers the magic of love and family. . .

Since becoming a widow at age twenty-seven, Anjali Kapadia has devoted herself to transforming her parents' sari shop into a chic boutique, brimming with exquisite jewelry and clothing. Now, ten years later, it stands out like a proud maharani amid Edison's bustling Little India. But when Anjali learns the shop is on the brink of bankruptcy, she feels her world unraveling. . .

To the rescue comes Anjali's wealthy, dictatorial Uncle Jeevan and his business partner, Rishi Shah-a mysterious Londoner, complete with British accent, cool gray eyes, and skin so fair it makes it hard to believe he's Indian. Rishi's cool, foreign demeanor triggers distrust in Anjali and her mother. But for Anjali, he also stirs something else, a powerful attraction she hasn't felt in a decade. And the feeling is mutual. . .

Love disappointed Anjali once before and she's vowed to live without it-though Rishi is slowly melting her resolve and, as the shop regains its footing, gaining her trust. But when a secret from Rishi's past is revealed, Anjali must turn to her family and her strong cultural upbringing to guide her in finding the truth. . .

Exclusive Interview with the Author!

1) The Sari Shop Widow sounds very intriguing. Is it in any way based on your own life?

THE SARI SHOP WIDOW is a purely fictional story, with no autobiographical elements. It is set on the streets of Edison, New Jersey’s Little India, a place where my family and I frequently shop for clothes and jewelry, eat in restaurants, and buy groceries. I always wanted to set a book against that interesting backdrop of colorful saris and lush outfits, pungent curry, the mingled scents of incense and fried food, and Hindi music floating out of video and music stores.

2) Indian culture is becoming very popular in mainstream American entertainment. Why do you think that is? What is the fascination?

I believe Indian culture has become popular for a number of reasons. Here are just a few, in my opinion:

a. A record number of Indians have immigrated to the U.S. in recent years and introduced their unique culture to the melting pot of America.

b. Movies like Slum-dog Millionaire and Bend it like Beckham suddenly and unexpectedly shot to box-office fame, proving that American audiences can and do appreciate ethnic stories.

c. The high-tech industry with its large concentration of Indian workers is part of the American business scene.

d. The second generation of Indian-Americans has now entered the workforce in practically every sphere, bringing more awareness to Indian culture and the Indian subcontinent.

e. The fascination with the culture likely comes from the Bollywood (Bombay Hollywood) movie industry and also books, both fiction and non-fiction. I am merely one of several new Indian authors who have entered the literary arena in recent years.

3) This is now your third novel that deals with Indian/American culture. (Previously published are The Dowry Bride and The Forbidden Daughter) What’s the biggest challenge you’ve found in writing these types of books?

My biggest challenge has been to stay off the beaten path. Most every South Asian writer writes literary novels, while mine are mainstream stories with romance, high emotions, and drama. Since my stories did not fit into any genre as such, I was the proverbial square peg in the round hole. I am grateful to my literary agent for recognizing the potential for mainstream romantic Indian fiction (Bollywood in a Book) and to Kensington Publishing for taking a chance on a new author with an unusual writing style by offering me multiple book contracts.

4) I read on your bio that you were born in India. Is it correct to assume that English, therefore, was not your first language? If so, how did you come to write novels in a language that isn’t even your native tongue?

Although my mother tongue is not English, my sisters and I were educated in a parochial school where all the subjects were taught in English. For giving me an outstanding English education and preparing me for adult life in the U.S. and eventually becoming a published author, my sincere thanks go to my late parents and my teachers.

5) What’s up for you next? Will you write any more novels?

I am working on a fourth novel, slated for publication in 2010. This is the last book in my current contract with Kensington Publishing. I have no other contracts with them in the pipeline or with any other publisher at this time, but I will continue to write more novels. I also firmly believe in karma, which could take me anywhere at any time.

The Book Trailer:




About the Author:

Shobhan Bantwal calls her writing Bollywood in a Book, commercial fiction about India, women’s issues and hot-button topics, with romantic and cultural elements. Her articles and stories have appeared in various publications including Romantic Times and The Writer. Her short fiction has won honors/awards in contests by Writer's Digest, New York Stories and New Woman magazines. For information on author events, photos, and other drawings and contests, visit www.ShobhanBantwal.com

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