The Secret Diary of an Arranged Marriage

A British-Bengali girl looking for Mr Right.  A motley crew of men, some hoping it’s them.  A mum on a mission to match make.  And an age-old tradition with a twist. 

Welcome to the world of the arranged marriage.   

“While I’m young, (somewhat) free and single, time is - by Bengali standards - marching on.  I’ve got to meet my dream man, or at least someone I can grow to like, and get married.  The trouble is, I don’t really know what - or who – I’m looking for.       

Luckily (or not) for me, arranged marriages are still a thing.  So alongside my own dating efforts, it’s everyone’s business - from my adorable yet overbearing mum, to pretend aunties and profiteering opportunists - to find me a match.  With all this help, I’m pretty sure I’ll land a husband, but will he be ‘The One’?”                          

The Secret Diary of an Arranged Marriage lifts the lid on the intriguing world of British-Bengali matrimony.  The debut novel from former journalist Halima Khatun explores family, identity and belonging with acerbic humour. 

It’ll change your view of matchmaking for good…