Thank you to the author and publisher for providing me with a digital ARC via Net Galley.

Intemperance is a book for those who love whimsy and interiority. As our protagonist plans the most unexpected 55th anniversary celebration, the book becomes a collage of her thoughts and memories from a life of loves (more or less successful). For readers driven by action, this might make the book drag, but for those who don’t mind facing many small moments across a book, this is what makes you root for her as we get to the event at the end of the book.

Strange coincidences within her family tree and interactions with acquaintances, friends, and family play a wonderful role in planning the swayamvar. This book is rich in whimsy, from her approach to tackling the birthday that quickly becomes major pop culture news to the chapters organized around the many details of the wedding.

I really enjoyed this book for its look at love and aging and how our protagonist’s culture and experiences remind us that there is no right way to be, and that you can’t pick who will come into your life or how (this review would be wasted without acknowledging the many characters that come along to help plan the swayamvar and bring new perspective, joy, and support she thought she didn’t need).

"Intemperance" is a compelling novel with searing rumination and insight on the identity: ageism, ableism, classism, sexism, misogyny, racism. I enjoyed Jha's deft exploration of the aforementioned intersectionality in all her signature subtle yet razor-sharp commentary; the writing not only reveal the characters and story piece by piece, but the reader's unconscious perception as well. A special mention to the protagonist's relationship with her best friend, whose complexity is depicted in a manner rarely seen in fiction. My one major caveat, however, is I wish the ending was longer and less abrupt.

A satirical feminist folktale featuring: a wedding planner, a disability rights activist, goddesses, princesses, a generational curse, angry men’s rights activists, and a dog. Along with themes of identity, love, and defying tradition.

A Seattle woman celebrates her 55th birthday by holding a swayamvar. An ancient custom in her Indian culture, where suitors compete in feats of strength and will to win a princesses hand in marriage. The woman, a respected intellectual, knows that she is setting herself up for ridicule, but her self esteem and libido are flourishing as she herself withers from disability and age. To her surprise, an ensemble of characters show up to support her call. As her plans spiral into a wonderful spectacle, she must decide who is worthy to take her hand.

What made this book for me was the way the exploration of identity and feminist ideals were portrayed in a humorous and quest-like way while talking into account the history of the MC. She is an older woman who is not looking for love, but is asking for love to find her as a test for herself as much as it will be a test for her suitors. A journey of self discovery. The side cast add such value to the story, through their told stories we see more and more into the MC and her decisions.

It integrates and challenges many topics throughout the story. It all felt natural and beautifully written. By the end of the book I was smiling so hard my cheeks hurt.

I first off would like to say that I was ecstatic to read find & be offered to read this book solely based on my love for Jha’s “The Laughter” that was published a few years back. I truthfully read that book in one sitting and adored it, so I was pleased to see a second book of Jha’s being published!

This story was absolutely stunning and Jha’s weaving of feminist ideals, humor, history, and exploration of identity truly made this book shine. The main character’s quest for love as an older woman with a disability in a seemingly uncharacteristic way (based on the story that is weaved about her identity throughout) seemed to me to not only be a conversation about the act of looking for love as a woman BUT as a test to herself. Similarly, the characters throughout the book add great value and conversation to the story, often through the discussion of the main character’s underlying expertise in gender studies and through the history of her culture.

This book was truly is a shining star at integrating many complex topics into a story and overall conversation in a way that felt natural, beautiful, and necessary. And the ending truly had me grinning from ear to ear.

Thank you to NetGalley & HarperVia for an opportunity to read the ARC of this book!

*Intemperance* follows a bold and unconventional woman who, on her 55th birthday, decides to hold a swayamvar, an ancient Indian contest where suitors compete for her affections. A celebrated intellectual who has long dismissed love, she now challenges societal norms in a fierce act of defiance, despite her physical decline. As her plan spirals into chaos, the woman must confront her family’s painful history, societal expectations, and her own desires, ultimately questioning what it takes for love to be real and what masculinity truly means. A satirical feminist tale that blends humor, culture, and deep personal reflection, *Intemperance* explores the complexity of love, identity, and the courage to defy tradition.