The Grand Samara – The new novel by Trisha Das
Trisha Das‘s latest novel, The Grand Samara, a witty and thought-provoking romantic comedy that delves into themes of identity, belonging, and the modern woman’s struggle with societal expectations.
There’s a new novel on the block, and it’s not your average Mills & Boon love story. Trisha Das, measured and unflinchingly candid, recently introduced her latest work, The Grand Samara (published by Bloomsbury India). Known for her confident voice and knack for blending romance with depth, Das’s new romcom spins more than a few yarns about identity, belonging, and the rather peculiar notion of “home.” Drawing on her own transcontinental upbringing, Das weaves a tale that’s equal parts laugh-out-loud funny and delicately poignant.
Das’s own wanderlust-laden youth served as a springboard for The Grand Samara. Growing up between West Africa, India, and the US, she often found herself contemplating just what made a place “home.” For Das, “home” isn’t bricks and mortar but more of an ephemeral thing—a mix of friends, family, and little comforts that stay with you wherever you are. This idea finds its way seamlessly into her work, with her protagonist constantly grappling with where she truly belongs. Much like Das herself, the main character, Samara, learns that belonging can be a tricky business.
From Mythology to Mills & Boon
Now, Das’s shift from mythology to romance may have raised a few eyebrows among her fans. Known for her Mahabharata-inspired novels like Ms Draupadi Kuru and The Misters Kuru, she’s taken a distinct detour into the land of love and laughter. Das credits her taste for romance to her mother and grandmother, both avid readers who practically smuggled Mills & Boon books into the household. “Back then, lending libraries were the treasure troves. We’d devour eight to ten books in a week,” she chuckles, recalling the days when romance novels were passed around like contraband.
In a literary world that often places romance on a lower rung, Das makes no apologies for her choice. She’s keen on smashing the notion that romance novels are mere “fluff” or just “second-string literature.” She explains, “Everyone’s over the moon about heavy-hitters like Yuval Noah Harari, but let’s give some credit to the romance authors who bring joy, humour, and light to our lives.” She argues that these authors deserve their time in the spotlight.
Homage to a Classic and a Dash of Feminism
At its heart, The Grand Samara is a tip of the hat to Georgette Heyer, one of Das’s favourite writers. Drawing inspiration from Heyer’s The Grand Sophy, Das’s latest tale dives into Samara’s world—a young woman in an Indian middle-class family, battling societal expectations, career hurdles, and the relentless pressure to marry. What gives The Grand Samara a unique twist, however, is its feminist undertone, which Das explores through women who, ironically, are often perpetrators of their own internalised patriarchy. It’s a real chuckle and a thought-provoker, all rolled into one.
Her characters are complex and nuanced, reflecting society as Das sees it. The women in her book sometimes don’t even know what feminism is, a blind spot that makes them inadvertently uphold traditional gender norms. “I’m not here to hold a banner or bash people over the head with it,” says Das. “I want to show it as it is but also challenge it a little.”
Writing Isn’t for the Faint of Heart
For those hoping to put pen to paper, Das doesn’t romanticise the craft. Her approach to writing is as no-nonsense as it gets. “Forget waiting for a muse,” she laughs. “Writing is a job. You’ve got to show up, whether you’re knackered or not.” Her advice? Set a routine, treat it like work, and ditch any notion of a fairy-tale flash of inspiration. Above her desk hangs a note reminding her, “Inspiration is for amateurs; professionals get the job done.” It’s this unflinching discipline that has steered her career and, perhaps, helped her through the heartbreak of losing her first romance manuscript to a computer crash years ago.
Trusting the Tale
Amidst the market-driven literary world, Das champions organic storytelling over algorithm-led narratives. “Every book has a will of its own,” she says. “Write as the story wants to be told; your readers will find you.” Her books are crafted with a touch of whimsy, seasoned with a love for storytelling that doesn’t chase trends but revels in being true to itself.
As Trisha Das ventures further into romcom, The Grand Samara promises to be the first of many, with two more lined up, ready to roll. One thing’s for sure: with her blend of romance, wit, and social insight, Das’s stories are bound to keep readers thoroughly entertained and thinking twice about the genre of romance. Whether you’re an ardent Heyer fan, a Jane Austen devotee, or simply someone looking for a good laugh, Das’s latest may just be the perfect addition to your bookshelf.
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