The Matchmaker’s List by Sonya Lalli: Book Review

The Matchmaker’s List is Sonya Lalli’s debut. First published in August 2017, it introduces readers to Raina Anand, a young woman trying to find her way. Nani is pressuring her to settle down and finally marry. What is Raina to do when she’s still in love with her ex and bored to tears with Nani’s matches?

Synopsis from Goodreads

Raina Anand may have finally given in to family pressure and agreed to let her grandmother play matchmaker, but that doesn’t mean she has to like it–or that she has to play by the rules. Nani always took Raina’s side when she tried to push past the traditional expectations of their tight-knit Indian-immigrant community, but now she’s ambushing Raina with a list of suitable bachelors. Is it too much to ask for a little space? Besides, what Nani doesn’t know won’t hurt her…

As Raina’s life spirals into a parade of Nani-approved bachelors and disastrous blind dates, she must find a way out of this modern-day arranged marriage trap without shattering her beloved grandmother’s dreams.

My Opinions

The Matchmaker’s List was originally published as The Arrangement in 2017. Honestly, I feel that The Arrangement is the more appropriate title. Why? Because Nani, Raina’s grandmother, is trying to arrange a marriage for Raina. The difference between Nani’s arranged marriage decades before and the one she’s trying to set up for Raina is that she’s allowing Raina to choose her suitor from a list.

The problem is that Raina is still in love with her ex-boyfriend, so no one on Nani’s list is good enough for her. As the novel progresses, Raina grows and realizes that maybe she’s the problem with Nani’s matches.

My biggest issue with the book is Raina’s lie of omission. She allows Nani to believe something about her so Nani would stop pushing suitors in her direction. Raina encourages Nani to keep the secret, as not everyone in their community would be so accepting and welcoming. Tired of the way others in the community speak about Raina, Nani lets the secret out. In the process, they both become pushed out by many in their community.

The story is about a modern young woman from a tight-knit Indian community who may not accept modern ideals. Throughout the year, Raina learns she can be who she wants to be and still be accepted by the community.

Are you looking for some more books to read? Check out my bookish lists, book reviews, and monthly reading wrap-ups.