by Writing Workshops Staff
A month ago
Congratulations to Mansi Shah, whose novel A GOOD INDIAN GIRL is now available and is a Lilly's Library Pick!
Born in Toronto to Indian immigrants, Mansi Shah is the author of A Good Indian Girl, The Taste of Ginger, and The Direction of the Wind, which center on Gujarati characters and speak to generational differences across the Indian diaspora. Now based in Los Angeles, Mansi left her long-time career as an entertainment attorney in Hollywood to travel the world and write full time. She loves to cook, and food often plays a prominent role in her books. When she's not writing and traveling, you can find her swimming laps or playing tennis.
Mansi attended Writing Workshops Paris with Christine Pride and we couldn't be more excited for her! Congratulations, Mansi! We can't wait to read your new novel!
About A Good Indian Girl:
Jyoti is the “perfect” Indian American daughter: She stayed out of trouble, looked after her younger sisters, and married a man her parents approved of. So when her husband, Ashok, pushes her to quit her dream job as head chef to focus on conceiving, she obliges, knowing this will please her parents—only for Ashok to leave her when she cannot carry to term. Now unemployed, childless, and divorced, a disgrace to her Gujarati family, Jyoti books a ticket to Tuscany for the summer to visit her best friend (and fellow social outcast), Karishma.
Carbs, chianti, and la bella vita slowly restore Jyoti’s confidence, inspiring her to experiment with Indian-Italian fusion recipes. But when she unexpectedly goes viral for her impromptu cooking vlogs—and candid vent sessions—her gossiping aunties have a field day. And when a shocking reveal comes to light, Jyoti must choose between family acceptance, a fulfilling career, and even motherhood, all before the summer ends…
Describe your work (influences, interests, etc.) and what you're working on now:
My main goal as a writer is to increase representation on the shelves, and that comes in many forms: racial, gender, sexual orientation, lifestyle, etc. My latest novel A GOOD INDIAN GIRL delves into the cultural and societal stigmas around women who opt to be childfree, with the goal of expanding the universe of messaging about what boxes people need to tick in order to have socially acceptable lives. I'm currently deep into work on my fourth novel, which is called SAVING FACE and is forthcoming from Park Row Books in Summer 2025.
What are your short term (1 year) and long term writing goals (5 years from now)?
My one year goal is to get my fourth novel SAVING FACE ready for publication, because publishing a book a year is a lot to juggle. My long term writing goals are to continue to shape representation within the writing and publishing industries, both through my own storytelling and helping other aspiring writers from marginalized backgrounds have their voices heard. I'd love to give as much back to that community as I can through teaching and workshopping so that our shelves can begin to look more like the communities we live in.
What class(es) did you take/are you taking with Writing Workshops?
The Fiction Workshop with Christine Pride in Paris in September of 2023.
What did you enjoy most about your class(es) with Writing Workshops?
Getting feedback from an established author and developing connections with other writers in the Fiction Cohort.
Praise for A Good Indian Girl:
“Mansi Shah’s latest novel is a recipe for success: engaging, heartfelt characters who challenge expectations about what a woman’s life should be, sumptuous food that awakens your taste buds while also highlighting the cultural balancing faced by immigrants, and eloquent prose that keeps you turning the pages, all set against a stunning Italian backdrop. This one is not to be missed.” —Jo Piazza, international bestselling author of The Sicilian Inheritance
“A heartfelt exploration of learning to first survive and then thrive after finding your life plan turned upside down. With mouthwatering food descriptions and an escape into the beauty of Italy, Shah digs into what it takes to unravel all you’ve learned about yourself and find your true purpose. A deeply honest tale of letting go and starting over.” —Sonali Dev, USA TODAY bestselling author of The Vibrant Years
“This heartfelt novel will have you wanting to move to Florence and learn to cook Gujarati food at the same time. As Jyoti balances how to honor the sacrifices of her immigrant parents while also being true to herself, she learns to let go of a lifetime of people-pleasing. A celebration of food, friendship, and living an authentic life.” —Marjan Kamali, bestselling author of The Stationery Shop
Born in Toronto to Indian immigrants, Mansi Shah is the author of A Good Indian Girl, The Taste of Ginger, and The Direction of the Wind, which center on Gujarati characters and speak to generational differences across the Indian diaspora. Now based in Los Angeles, Mansi left her long-time career as an entertainment attorney in Hollywood to travel the world and write full time. She loves to cook, and food often plays a prominent role in her books. Learn more about Mansi here.
