This month’s book club was held at Golfer’s Terrace @ KLGCC on the 27th of September. We had full attendance with 14 members who actively participated in the lively discussion over the various interesting questions.

“Together Tea” by Marjan Kamali follows the journey of Mina, a young Iranian American woman navigating the challenges of living between two cultures. Mina’s mother, Darya, is determined to find her daughter the perfect husband using spreadsheets to match potential suitors. When a trip back to Iran bridges past and present, both women embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery. The story is a poignant exploration of family dynamics, tradition, and the immigrant experience, painting a vivid picture of longing and belonging that transcends geographical boundaries.

Marjan Kamali’s “Together Tea” prompted engaging discussions around its central themes. The group was intrigued by the insightful contrast between arranged and love marriages. Kamali deftly explores how cultural expectations shape these choices, with several members reflecting on the tensions and harmonies between tradition and modernity within our own lives.

The mother-daughter relationship between Darya and Mina stood out for its depth and authenticity. Many of us related to the push and pull of familial bonds, as Darya’s determination often clashed with Mina’s quest for independence. This dynamic sparked a lively exchange of personal stories within the group, highlighting the universal challenges and love inherent in such relationships.

The novel also captures the complexities of resettling as an immigrant. Mina’s and Darya’s experiences of cultural dislocation and adaptation resonated with many members, particularly in how Kamali portrays the balancing act of maintaining one’s heritage while embracing a new life. This theme encouraged thoughtful discussion on our own experiences or observations of migration and assimilation.

Overall, “Together Tea” was well-received by our book club, leading to meaningful conversations about arranged versus love marriages, the intricacies of mother-daughter dynamics, and the immigrant experience among other topics. As a collective, we rated the book positively, appreciating its rich narrative and cultural insights.

Rating: 7.5/10

Review thanks to Gurmeet Sidhu