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All the Tomorrows

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Sometimes we can’t escape the webs we are born into. Sometimes we are the architects of our own fall.

Akash Choudry wants a love for all time, not an arranged marriage. Still, under the weight of parental hopes, he agrees to one. He and Jaya marry in a cloud of colour and spice in Bombay. Their marriage has barely begun when Akash embarks on an affair.

Jaya cannot contemplate sharing her husband with another woman, or looking past his indiscretions as her mother suggests. Cornered by sexual politics, she takes her fate into her own hands in the form of a lit match.

Nothing endures fire. As shards of their past threaten their future, will Jaya ever bloom into the woman she can be, and will redemption be within Akash’s reach?

308 pages, Paperback

Published November 6, 2017

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About the author

Nillu Nasser

10 books28 followers
Nillu Nasser is a writer of literary fiction, a tea drinker and a book hoarder. Her stories take place in rich settings and explore the search for identity from an outsider’s perspective. After graduating, Nillu worked in politics, but eventually reverted to her first love: writing. She lives in London with her husband, three children, two cats and a dog. If you fly into Gatwick and look hard enough, you will see her furiously scribbling in her garden office, where she is working on her next story.

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5 stars
34 (27%)
4 stars
56 (45%)
3 stars
24 (19%)
2 stars
4 (3%)
1 star
5 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
Profile Image for Bianca Bowers.
Author 12 books19 followers
December 3, 2017
If I had to sum up this book with a quote, I would quote the protagonist, Jaya:

“When I love, I don’t give up easily. That is my weakness, and maybe my strength.”

Jaya is a woman who has been burned by love - figuratively and literally. And the scars that deform her feet, skin, and mind manifest themselves most obviously by the way she relates to potential suitors and general social situations after she catches her husband cheating and makes a decision that forever changes the trajectory of her life.

Jaya could be seen as a madding character on occasion, but, if you’re a romantic like me, you will find her to be sympathetic and easily relatable. We have all been wounded by love to some degree and erected protective defences as a result. And the Author certainly has her finger on the pulse in this regard, skilfully and lyrically writing Jaya’s deeply wounded interior world as she navigates a painful journey from lover scorned, to licking her wounds, to healing. A journey which parallels her personal journey from broken self-esteem to an empowered woman who rejects those cultural values of female subservience inherited by the women who came before her.

If you’re looking for an epic love story, set in a mystical location, then be sure to pick up Nillu Nasser’s debut novel, All The Tomorrows. You are in good hands and I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Heidi Lynn’s BookReviews.
1,176 reviews99 followers
January 20, 2019
First, I want to thank Nillu Nasser for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review.

All The Tomorrows by Nillu Nasser was a book a book a little out of my comfort zone as the tone of the book was written from a different culture than I was used to reading. So, some of the wording and dialect were different than I am used to. Once I got past that I really enjoyed the story.

This book was dedicated to Jan who believed and who was patient.

This book had everything from arranged marriages, infidelity, being caught, a terrible accident, a coward of a husband, recovery period, etc.

Nillu brought out so many emotions and so many feels to this book. You could tell she was extremely passionate about this subject matter and about the characters. So many times, I wanted to reach into the book and give her Jaya a hug! Don’t even get me started on how much I loathed Akash.
Profile Image for Jessica Mitchell.
2,053 reviews17 followers
April 18, 2019
All the tomorrows

It's always hard to read a author's work that you never read before. I was totally engaged in this story. The characters are very memorable. You definitely won't be forgetting their bouts in life and how a city like Bombay and traditions it holds scarce will shape their lives forever. An adventure I was proud to read for a change.

Jaya is a knowledgeable woman who has been to college and will continue her studies. She is excited to be married even if it's not a love match, but her parents did what they thought was best for her and approved the match. She hopes that eventually her husband will come to love her...but she's been wondering why he sneaks away each morning....
Profile Image for C.E. Clayton.
Author 13 books254 followers
June 13, 2018
“All the Tomorrows” is a lovely dive into a culture I am unfamiliar with outside of popular movies and music. Nasser brings the reader immediately into an authentic portrayal of India with its buzzing streets, fragrant foods, beautiful clothing, and traditional Indian family values such as arranged marriages and daughters caring for their parents if they are unwed. You have to be willing to accept those cultural differences or Jaya’s subservient behavior to her cruel mother will immediately anger you and make it hard to continue on. But that’s also what makes this book important: to see and be exposed to a real look at a different culture, not one that selectively shows you the good and fun bits like the Holi Festival. I really appreciated that in Nasser’s book and the author does a lovely job of describing the sights, sounds, and smells of Bombay to where I felt like I was on the streets with Jaya and Akash. I just wished I loved the characters themselves as much as I loved the rest of Nasser’s writing.

“All the Tomorrows” is, at its core, a story about how betrayal, regret, and constricting cultural obligations shape Akash and Jaya, and how they learn to move beyond their traumatic pasts in order to forgive and love again. I loved the message Nasser has about the changing roles in India for women and how Jaya struggles with being an abandoned married woman, and what that does to her and forces her to endure. I liked seeing her growth after her encounter with Akash where she impulsively decides to light herself on fire—a practice that isn’t unheard of unfortunately. I also liked parts of Akash’s journey towards redemption, but he was so unlikeable for a big chunk of the book even with the penance he pays by living on the streets that I had little sympathy for him for a vast majority of the novel. That did eventually change, but it kept me from embracing his struggle and path towards forgiveness.

The book primarily takes place twenty-one years after the explosive event at the start of the story. It seemed like a long time for both Akash and Jaya to come to terms with their life, the choices they made, and moving on. Jaya’s struggle made more sense to me as she was left with physical limitations and scars based on her choices. Akash’s less so. There were so many complications thrown in that I had a hard time believing as well, especially as everyone seemed to find each other again all at the same time. It felt too convenient even though I found the new difficulties the characters faced interesting. I just felt like it could have been presented in a way that didn’t feel as contrived to me.

Also, the book spends most of its time lamenting the past, showing the characters hurts, their struggles, and the pain they still endure because of the event that tore Jaya and Akash apart over two decades ago. It felt a little drawn out to me, however, I enjoyed Jaya’s emotional journey, especially with how she finally stands up to her mother. But given that the novel spends most of its time dealing with rather sad topics as the characters fight to regain what they lost or felt was beyond their reach forever—like love—I hoped that once things started to turn out for the better that we’d be shown how Jaya and Akash grow to accept their new roles and revel in their new joy. But that’s not what happens. I’ll avoid spoilers but the end felt so sudden given the slow pace of reflection the main characters go through. I wanted to see them interacting and re-learning how to be the people they hid away, but instead it just ends abruptly—and pretty tragically—which left me feeling a bit unsatisfied come the books conclusion.

Nasser writes beautifully and she weaves in important and uplifting messages throughout the novel that I thought were perfect for women in today’s society all over the world. One that tradition, culture, being married, or having children doesn’t define your worth to society nor does it have to encompass your whole being to where that’s all you are: a mother, a wife, a daughter. Such a great message and its woven expertly into Jaya and Soraya’s story arc making these two very different women strong warriors in their own way. And again, the descriptions of India were lovely! I just wish that Akash had been a stronger character, the organization of the major life events organized differently, and more time spent on the redemption side of the relationship rather than the abrupt and violent ending we’re presented with. Still, the author is extremely talented and I enjoyed most of the book so this is a 3.5 star for me. And thanks to the author for providing a review copy!
Profile Image for Melanie S.
1,742 reviews28 followers
January 27, 2019
Odysseus and Penelope transplanted to modern India?

Nillu Nasser's novel is a different take on the "love of a lifetime" story. Grounded in modern Indian culture and set in Mumbai, it chronicles roughly three decades in the lives of Akash, the husband, and Jaya his wife. Early in the marriage, Akash is unfaithful. When Jaya discovers him with his lover Saraya, her response is a spontaneous (and appalling) echo of the ancient Indian widow's custom of suttee -she sets herself on fire. Akash happens to see it, through a window, and runs away in panic. The novel chronicles Jaya's survival and metamorphosis into a spiritually freed independent woman, contrasted with Akash's journey of self-condemnation, penance, and eventual redemption. Overtones of cultural tensions and spiritual unrest in modern India are mirrored in their individual transitions from typical and traditional Hindus to independent thinkers who redefine for themselves the meaning of family, friendship, loyalty and love. The outcome of it all may not resonate with western readers whose concepts of love and family do not match Jaya's or Akash's, but their evolution in character and point of view is fascinating. So are the sidebar vignettes of life in Mumbai, a modern metropolis in flux between western ideas and values and the ancient traditions which still govern the attitudes and behaviors of its citizens. Ms. Nasser's strength as an author is in the beautiful unfolding of character and relationships, and it gives the novel both emotional immediacy and continuity. 4 stars for this compelling glimpse into the age-old love triangle's resolution in a different world. My thanks to Candid Book Reviews for the ARC. This review is voluntary, independent, and uncompensated.
Profile Image for Alison.
Author 2 books14 followers
December 8, 2017
Jaya is trying to make her arranged marriage to Akash work. She loves him, but he is cold towards her. When she discovers his affair, her reaction is horrific and extreme. Her recovery sees her grow in strength and she discovers her own mind, though she is haunted by her past and restricted by the constraints society places on women. Akash, however, is sent on a downward spiral, into the depths of the city, experiencing degradation, cruelty and shame.
This is an exceptional story; it covers so many human emotions – betrayal, loss, friendship, love, redemption. Jaya and Akash are beautifully drawn and it is easy to sympathise with them both. The other characters are realistic and three-dimensional, Jaya’s sister Ruhi, and Akash’s friend Tariq, in particular. And the settings are described so eloquently, so authentically, that it is easy to picture each scene.
The author is certainly a talented story teller and a skilled writer. Some of the writing is beautiful and there were parts of this book that were really page-turning. However, I do feel that it is too long. There are elements of the story that could have been condensed and other parts that could have done with more detail. It is a fine balance in a story with so much going on, and covering such a long period of time, but I did feel that there were places where things needed tightening up. That said, this is a lovely book, and I’ll certainly read more by this author.
Four and a half stars
Profile Image for Karen.
Author 3 books22 followers
November 12, 2017
This book introduces you to Jaya and Akash, brought together in an arranged marriage. Jaya does not feel loved and - finds out that Akash is having an affair.

With All the Tomorrows, Nillu Nasser has created a remarkable, well elaborated story - one plot line focussing on Jaya, one on Akash. It was easy to get into the story; the author guides you through the Indian setting while tenderly taking you closer to the characters and their lives. Jaya and Akash become very complex, likeable; their family members and friends are of sufficient depth. Nillu Nasser created a remarkable story that offers food for thought on traditions. The story proceeds at a steady pace, carefully portraying the main characters and their feelings; it comprises some interesting turns, and has a great flow.

This is a book for you if you like stories with a meaning, as well as carefully elaborated plots with memorable characters.

Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Isis Ray-sisco.
725 reviews
September 20, 2017
This was an intense read. There was so much to the story. The plot was good. I wasn't sure I would like the book based on the description but I am always willing to give a book a try. I am glad I did because I couldn't put this one down. The characters are well rounded and real. I may not understand every decision that was made by Akash and Jaya but I can understand their struggles. I enjoyed the relationship between Jaya and her younger sister. I love the fact that she helped Jaya in her time of need. She wouldn't let her give up on herself. I can't say that I cared for the ending but the story was a good one. It came around full circle and there was resolution to the issues they faced. I would high recommend this book to others. Normally I don't give 5 star ratings to books where a spouse is unfaithful but this one was hard to dislike. It has its redemptive qualities.
Profile Image for Martin Haworth.
11 reviews
November 2, 2017
I really enjoyed this first novel from Nillu. It is impeccably written and has a great storyline which makes it a real page turner.

There are the ups and downs of any good novel and shares a really interesting backdrop of the culture of India. It gave me a wonderful insight into the country and the people in a real bird's eye view of family life.

There are twists and turns from the start to the very last page, so watch out for the unexpected! It is really easy to read, yet is able to stimulate thinking around what's going on and how the well described characters play out.

Looking forward to the next one already!
Profile Image for Helen.
553 reviews
December 5, 2018
Beautifully written. A story of spurned love, infatuation. Horror, hate, it is all there. At the end there is redemption but for such a short time. Jays and Akash. EAch of them went through 20 years of such deprivation of love and loss that you end up loving each of these characters despite a weakness that tore them apart. I really liked this book and how many of us lead a ragged and unloved life until a second chance comes along.
Profile Image for Richard Robbins.
Author 4 books1 follower
November 8, 2018
All the Tomorrows is a fascinating exploration of love and pain, as well as sibling relationships. The novel transports you to a well described vision of modern London, exploring the worlds of the haves and have nots. The book explores universal themes of loss and redemption, and is a most enjoyable read. I look forward to future works by this excellent author.
Profile Image for Bella.
693 reviews32 followers
January 9, 2018
A poignant and beautifully written story, and one that threads its way through some fascinating cultural and social norms and expectations with an inquisitive eye. Perhaps a little slow and loose in some small parts, but overall a great read.
5,701 reviews35 followers
November 7, 2017
This was interesting... its not my normal genre but overall it was really good.. it was fast paced.. had some mystery in it.. had some intrigue and so much more. i am glad i got to review it
Profile Image for vvb.
557 reviews17 followers
January 12, 2018
This story sweeps you up into an Indian family drama with a melancholy tinge. It was interesting to learn about various ways of life in Bombay especially in regards to street living.
Profile Image for Karen.
149 reviews
June 7, 2018
I loved this story. The characters are well developed and there aren't too many to keep track of. I really cannot say more without giving away some of the story. I highly recommend.
Profile Image for Ruth Phillips.
176 reviews
February 6, 2019
Wonderful

A great book about love lost, friendship, and reconciliation with a lost love. Couldn't put the book down. So glad I "discovered" this author!👍👍
31 reviews
March 10, 2023
TW self harm

A beautifully written story about the complexity of being human. I listened to the audio book which is wonderfully performed by Daki De Akwis.
Profile Image for Hannah.
215 reviews1 follower
October 31, 2017
All the Tomorrows was a wonderful read. It's full of rediscovering oneself, as well as heartbreak, passion and healing. I really loved reading this book. It has such a powerful message, and such a great story. I highly recommend this book to everyone.

When faced with the heartbreak of her husband Akash, Jaya is lost. She doesn't know who she is anymore, or even what to live for. As a way of self punishment, she decides to cleanse herself with fire, hoping to die. Instead she learns how to be a stronger woman and discovers so much about herself she never knew.

Akash is forced to watch his wife burn, with no way to save her. He runs and just keeps running from his life. With a lot of forgiving himself and some unexpected friendships, he knows he must go back and make things right.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews

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