OnlineBookClub.org

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Everything Here Belongs to You" by Saborna Roychowdhury.]

“Everything Here Belongs To You” by Saborna Roychowdhury is a passionate tale of love, acceptance, diverse religions, and betrayal. Parul was an impoverished young girl brought to live with Mohini’s Hindu family in exchange for monthly wages. Parul and Mohini grew up to become an inseparable pair even though Parul was just their maid.

The story takes an unexpected turn when Parul crosses paths with Rahim, a meeting that changes the course of her life. Their relationship unfolds spontaneously, leading Parul down a path filled with emotional complexity. Tensions rise further with the arrival of Michael, an American boy connected to Mohini’s family. Did Rahim and Parul eventually succeed? Did fate eventually smile at Parul? Did Michael achieve his goal of coming to India? Read on to discover the cascade of events that followed and how Mohini navigates the two conflicting sides of her world.

I particularly enjoyed how naturally the story unfolded. It was well structured, and each part connected smoothly from one to another. I love the perfect blend of the Indian and American cultures, as both were elaborately discussed. I also enjoyed how words written in Hindi were followed immediately by their explanations. The author wrote so coherently and descriptively, making it easier to paint vivid images of the characters as I read. The book was written with warmth and experience; thus, the ideas and scenes were very relatable.

I found nothing I disliked in this book. There were only a few errors, which did not affect my reading experience in any way. Therefore, I’ll give this book an excellent rating of five out of five stars. The author’s storytelling skills are superb, and it is evident in every section of the book.

I recommend this read to all lovers of fiction, as it will keep you hooked until the last chapter. It is laced with loads of lessons on how to relate to people of different religions and backgrounds.

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Everything Here Belongs to You
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My Review of Everything Here Belongs to You by Saborna Roychowdhury

Reading Everything Here Belongs to You was an emotional and thought-provoking experience. What stood out to me the most was how Roychowdhury managed to portray the stark contrast between tradition and personal freedom in contemporary Indian society. The story, centered on Moushumi and her struggles, felt painfully real at times—especially the way she was caught between the expectations of her conservative family and her own dreams and individuality.

I appreciated how the novel didn't try to romanticize the setting or shy away from difficult truths. The harsh realities of class, religion, and gender inequality were handled with honesty and nuance. The characters felt layered and complex, particularly Moushumi and the domestic worker, Sajida, whose relationship added depth and tension to the story.

That said, I did feel like some parts dragged a little, especially in the middle, and there were moments where I wished the narrative would dig even deeper into Moushumi’s internal conflict. Still, the prose was beautiful—poetic without being overdone—and the cultural richness of the setting pulled me in completely.

Overall, Everything Here Belongs to You is a powerful novel that lingers in your mind long after you finish it. It made me reflect on identity, societal pressure, and what it truly means to belong.