Literature Reviews - 2025

Book Review: When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon

Introduction

When Dimple Met Rishi is a 2017 young adult contemporary romance novel by Sandhya Menon. The book gained widespread attention for its representation of Indian-American culture and its fresh take on the arranged marriage trope. It follows Dimple Shah, an ambitious young woman passionate about coding, and Rishi Patel, a traditionalist who embraces his Indian heritage and is eager to meet his arranged match. Their paths cross at Insomnia Con, a summer program for aspiring web developers, where their families have secretly planned for them to meet. What follows is a clash of ideals, cultural expectations, and unexpected romance.

The novel has received a mix of praise and criticism, and this review will explore its strengths and weaknesses in detail.

Strengths of the Novel

1. Representation and Cultural Identity

One of the book’s most lauded aspects is its representation of Indian-American culture. Menon weaves cultural references into the story naturally, highlighting the generational tensions between immigrant parents and their children. The novel provides a nuanced look at how different individuals approach their heritage—Dimple resists traditional expectations, while Rishi embraces them. The portrayal of an arranged marriage as something positive and consensual challenges many Western stereotypes, adding depth to the romance.

2. Engaging Characters

• Rishi Patel emerges as a standout character. He is kind-hearted, respectful, and romantic, with a strong connection to his family’s traditions. Many readers appreciated how he openly expressed his emotions and remained devoted to his cultural values.
• Dimple Shah, while sometimes controversial among readers, is an independent, headstrong young woman who is determined to succeed in STEM. She challenges gender expectations and refuses to conform to traditional beauty standards.

3. Lighthearted and Fun Tone

The book has a charming, almost Disney movie quality, as noted in some reviews. The romance unfolds in a sweet and entertaining way, making it a feel-good read. The humor and witty dialogue contribute to the book’s accessibility, making it enjoyable for younger audiences.

Criticisms of the Novel

1. Writing Style and Lack of Depth

Some reviewers found the writing style simplistic and lacking depth, particularly in descriptions and emotional complexity. The book’s execution has been described as juvenile in some critiques, with dialogue and character interactions that occasionally feel underdeveloped.

2. Dimple’s Characterization

Dimple’s portrayal has been polarizing. While some appreciate her strong-willed personality, others criticize her for embodying the overused “I’m not like other girls” trope. The book frequently emphasizes her rejection of makeup and traditional femininity in a way that appears dismissive of other women who embrace those aspects of their identity. Additionally, her act of throwing iced coffee at Rishi upon their first meeting has been criticized as an overreaction that makes her come across as needlessly aggressive.

3. The Lack of Focus on Coding

Given that Insomnia Con is supposed to be a prestigious summer program for web developers, there is surprisingly little attention given to actual coding. Many readers expected the novel to highlight Dimple’s journey as a young woman in STEM, but instead, much of the plot revolves around romance and a talent show. This lack of focus on the supposed central theme was disappointing for those who hoped for a more empowering STEM-based storyline.

4. Predictability and Clichés

The plot follows a conventional YA romance structure with few surprises. Several reviewers noted that the book leans heavily on common tropes: opposites attract, hate-to-love romance, and a last-minute misunderstanding leading to temporary separation before the inevitable happy ending. While these elements can be enjoyable, they make the novel feel formulaic and lacking in originality.

5. Underdeveloped Side Characters and Themes

The supporting characters, including the so-called "Aberzombies" (privileged rich kids), are one-dimensional. Their only function is to serve as antagonists without any real depth. Similarly, the novel briefly touches on important issues like racism, sexism, and immigrant family expectations, but does not explore them in detail. The relationship between Dimple and her mother, for example, is an interesting conflict that could have been more deeply explored.

Final Verdict

When Dimple Met Rishi is an enjoyable read, particularly for fans of lighthearted YA romances. It succeeds in representing Indian-American culture and provides an engaging romantic dynamic between its two protagonists. However, its flaws—predictability, underdeveloped themes, and the missed opportunity to highlight women in STEM—prevent it from being a truly outstanding novel.