I Wish We Weren't Related is the story of Reeva, a 34 year old woman who was just trying to survive her relatively complicated but semi-normal life. Until our story starts and Reeva's semi-famous Bollywood mother calls to tell her that she's been lying for decades- her husband and the father of her three girls is dead. Well of course says Reeva, but her mother means that he just died recently not when they were all kids. 

And now despite all the distance Reeva has intentionally created between herself and her family, she must attend all of his funeral prayers- a many day process in their culture. So now the sisters Reeva, Sita, and Jaya will spend two uninterrupted weeks together with relatives they never knew existed. This story is emotional, humorous, and very much like a Bollywood movie. Read by Tania Rodrigues

who has roots in Britain, Portugal, and India, the narration is authentic and true to the author's intentions. It comes across beautifully. 

It goes without saying that there is a big hidden secret about why their mother said their father was dead, and Reeva, Sita, and Jaya go through many conversations to find the whole truth. For a book that takes place at a two week funeral, it feels surprisingly well paced and I think the estrangement was realistic and the emphasis on family reunification was healthy and not overly simplified. Estrangement is a tricky subject for me. It's a part of my life and I don't like it as a plot device, and I also don't like books that hail family above all else including one's own safety and mental wellbeing. This book tread that fine line for me perfectly. I recommend this one to anyone who loves a family drama but maybe wants some humor and a palate cleanser that still has some depth.