The Matchmaker

A debut novel full of charm, wit and sharp observation.

Who Weekly

Full of life, charm, and wonderfully observed detail, The Matchmaker is an utterly delightful debut.

Jodi McAlister

Shad explores what it feels like to straddle two worlds, and to belong to a culture that sits between them, with beautiful fluency. This story reminds us of the powerful relationship we have with our culture and, in turn, the way that it shapes us.

Mary-Louisa Horrigan, Readings

The 'desi' (South Asian) culture of matchmaking makes for a sweet and spicy subject in this debut novel of 'Parramatta meets Pakistan'. Matchmaker, Saima, is paid by Kal's parents to secretly set him up with chance encounters in Sydney. When Saima mistakes Kal's car for her Uber, a little bit of stardust has been sprinkled.

Australian Women's Weekly

My favourite scene in any romantic movie is when the leads realise their discord is an act of verbal foreplay that masks their true feelings for each other. Shad executes this build-up with endearing coyness, following a tradition that stretches back to Mr Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet. The Matchmaker’s conversational style and relatable depictions of family dynamics, diasporic communities, and finding love and friendship make it easy to devour.

Vyshnavee Wijekumar, The Saturday Paper

Saman Shad breathes fresh life into the romance genre, weaving a funny, charming and insightful love story against the background of Sydney's desi community. Shad has crafted a must-read with endearing desi characters, quippy dialogue and a thoughtful exploration of culture and identity, with a stunning depiction of the vibrancy and nuance of the desi diaspora in all its warm, complex and chaotic vibrancy.

Sarah Mohammed, The Big Issue

The heady magic of first romance, drawing on the lightness and quandaries of early 2000s movie rom-coms such as Bridget Jones’s Diary and Maid in Manhattan, shapes this work into the classic that first-generation kids have been craving. The witty dialogue and realistic descriptions of culture and class (‘Yes, Saima, I have been to the West before,’ says North Shore-dwelling Kal with a grin) draw on complex themes of generational trauma and internalised racism. For a light read that still delves deep into the complexities and heartbreak of immigrant and first-generation experiences, The Matchmaker is a wonderful addition to Australian romance literature.

Raveena Grover, Books + Publishing

Saman Shad has delivered a contemporary rom-com brimming with humour and heart.

Amal Awad, author of The Things We See in the Light

You know when you're reading a romance novel and you can't help but grin like an idiot because everything is just so damn cute? Well, that's what will happen when you read Shad's debut novel The Matchmaker.

Life Hacker

It's classic romcom trope and we know how it will end up, but getting to that point is all the fun. I absolutely loved the cultural references, which lent itself to this genre perfectly. and i loved how Shad explained her culture, not shying away from the social frustrations, but adding some nice warmth as well. A refreshing newcomer to the romance genre and well worth the read.

mercsbooknook

A vibrant, entertaining novel that mixes romance and humour with interesting insights into the Australian Desi community. A polished and engaging read.

Canberra Weekly

Shad has written a delightful dual narration Cinderella desi love story with tones of Jane Austen and a great meet-cute and i am here for it. Honestly I think i had a smile on my face the entire time I read this book. Rom-com readers, this one is for you.

Jaclyn Crupi

It's so refreshing to read a romcom where both of the protagonists are culturally diverse. And so refreshing to read a romcom based in Sydney's western suburbs. Hunt this book out, you'll be glad you did.

mercsbooknook

It's a classic rom-com trope and we know how it will end, but getting to that point is all the fun. This is a refreshing newcomer to the Australian romance genre.

Mercedes Maguire, The Herald Sun