What Would the Aunties Say?

Amazing, relatable and warm, every Brown girl should give this a read!

Quite a sob fest of a story of a British Indian chick talking about her challenges and roadblocks as a young adult from her extended family members.

One of the best books I have ever come across ! A must read for every brown girl ! Loved it !

What Would the Aunties Say?: A brown girl's guide to being yourself and living your best life is a debut novel by Anchal Seda that focuses on one of the most prevalent beings in any South Asian household - the nosy, meddling, all along the way - super judgemental AUNTIES that almost every one of us has come across so many infinite numbers of times in our daily lives.The informal narration suits the premise of the book so aptly that you feel like talking face to face with the author as you proceed with each page. This book serves as a guide to the whole lot of problems brown girls face owing to these 'aunties', how to overcome them, and break stereotypes that have been deeply ingrained in the South Asian culture. The best part, as the title of the review suggests, was Seda categorizing these 'aunties' into Mild, Spicy, and Hot! Had me laughing for so many days after I finished reading the book.Rather than just a guide, I feel this book opens up a new avenue for the modern generation of brown girls to step up and take the charge of how they can change the mindsets of the older generations. So, definitely recommended for all brown girls as well as these 'aunties' so that they get some new perspective!

Anchal Seda's debut novel "What would the aunties say?" is a mix of satire, humor, a little bit of biography, self-help, and a unique-in-itself account of the problems brown girls face worldwide because of these aunties. Born and brought up in London, Anchal's take is mostly from the viewpoint of a South Asian brown girl living in a foreign country. However, the majority of the issues mentioned are true to all the South Asian girls in different capacities. Deeply rooted in the cultural background of South Asian families, regardless of religion and nationality, there are few things common in all the south Asian households which knowingly - unknowingly force certain expectations and social obligations on their children, especially girls. While things are changing for good, there is still a long way to go.Anchal Seda is to the point and honest in her views on different expectations which are forced on South Asian girls with regards to their choice of career, boyfriend, marriage, attire, and everything else. Drawing examples from her own life and her own family, through simple language, and engaging narration, the author has turned her take on a sensitive topic into one of the most humorous books you will read. True to the title, this book is indeed a guide for every South Asian girl to help them make their choices wisely. However, there are chances that one may not agree with everything written in this book, and that's okay. The teens and young adults from South Asian families may be able to relate to this book more and would love it if taken in light spirit.

What is the most unsolicited advice you have received from those nosy neighbours, aunties and relatives? And, I would also love to know the sassiest reply you have given in such situations?If I start making a list of comments from these people, I will have to write a book as @anchal did.Based on her podcast with the same name @whatwouldtheauntiessay, Anchal wrote a book about us, the brown girls. It is her semi-memoir with the element of self-help. The book begins with how Anchal paved her way to the makeup industry and then gradually covers the brown girl problems around different topics like body positivity, beauty standards, career, education, personal life, mental health,choices, big life decisions, etc. Each chapter per topic covers relevant brown girl dilemmas with some personal anecdotes from Anchal.As for the help, I would love to appreciate how Anchal has not made this book sound too rebellious or impractical with her bits of advice. Because I was afraid that this book should not turn into just another “just do this and that” sort of book with the advice that is difficult to follow. Anchal has suggested some super practical ways out of the mentioned problems, like the golden means out of certain situations. Primarily, the book is about the immigrant brown girls from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, but nowhere it feels like that. Because you know, aunties are aunties, no matter where you are. All I mean to say is, it is highly relatable.I also loved how the aunties are classified in this book, based on the types of judgements they pass. Because, of course, not all of them are similar. *Winks. Jokes apart, but Anchal has considered the element of why aunties behave the way they do. That is making me recommend this book to all the brown girls and aunties as well.The most fun part is, I listened to this book on storytel in Anchal’s voice while reading from the physical copy. The experience was top-notch. I could feel the wit even more through narration.A light and essential read for brown girls. I am sure you will find solution to some of your dilemmas, because I surely did.

Anchal is breaking barriers and raising the bar for brown girls all over the world. I laughed and I cried as I read this. I could relate on so many levels and this book felt like I was talking to a best friend. Anchal is open and honest- you can tell she has poured her heart into these pages and it really resonates. Talking and shining a light on taboo topics within the south Asian community, but with a humourous and empowering way is what EVERY girl needs! A must for every bookshelf, a truly enjoyable and relatable read! Well done Anchal, there has never been anything like this and you should be so proud!

I am quite disappointed after having read the first half of this book. Being a young brown woman myself, for someone to categorise/group brown girls and also the ‘aunties’ in this way just doesn’t sit right with me - especially in that level of detail.The book didn’t move me in any way and I definitely wouldn’t say it’s a must read.

I think Anchal eloquently writes about the brown girl experience, struggles and Asian culture. There are many things she writes about that are relatable to everyone. I like how the book is informal, as if you were hearing from a friend. Overall it is a good book, and it doesn’t take long to read at all!

An easy read, and totally relatable to the Asian community. It’s witty and funny, but also provides serious insight into what “brown” girls still endure at the hands of toxic aunties and the judgement they face by the South Asian community. Definitely worth buying and reading. I might even gift this to a few of my aunties who can learn a thing or two haha!Well done Anchal 👏🏽

As a South Asian woman, I found this book relatable!! Such a great book and I feel that the author hit the nail on its head with this book! I highly recommend it!!!