Sumati speaks through her character Sanjana, who struggles to find a balance between her Indian ethnicity and Bangkok living culture. She yearns to find a sense of belonging as she wishes to live a life that's a perfect mix of Bangkok culture with Desi lifestyle.
Throughout her life in Bangkok, Sanjana has felt as if she's standing at a crossroad where one road leads to protecting her family’s feelings while the other leads to the acceptance she desires from the people around her. She felt “unwelcomed” while growing up yet she repeatedly suppressed her frustration in the fear of disappointing her family.
From being forbidden to wear the clothes she desired to facing repeated disapproval about her relationship, Sumati calls out the toxicity in the name of dignity & culture that is forced upon Indian Women no matter where they are. The audience resonates with Sanjana as her everyday struggles were something all Indian girls can relate to.
The rooted patriarchy preached in Indian households is called out in the novel.
Moreover, Sumati shares her love-hate relationship with her family, mostly her mother. The desi-ness that is portrayed thoroughly in the book is highly relatable for all Indian girls, especially the ones living abroad. In her own words she states “It was difficult for me to identify with my Indian-ness because I didn't understand it.”
“Not Indian Enough” is a personal yet collective journey that every desi girl lives through. Drawing inspiration from her own experiences, Sumati dedicates this book to her parents, husband and children and creates a wonderful narrative that captures life where her independence was often dictated by the beliefs of others. The narrative depicts an insight of personal perspectives that keeps evolving as Sumati becomes an adult woman from a young teenage girl.
Sumati Huber is a Bangkok-based editor and columnist. Raised in a multicultural environment, she uses her humor and experiences to navigate her Indian heritage and foreign cultural influences.
After graduating from Emory University, she joined Guru magazine in Bangkok, becoming its youngest editor and making her space in a popular satirical column on the thai politics and society, even earning recognition from The New York Times.
Not Indian Enough is an ideal fast-paced and easy-going book to read for those who are looking for a light diaspora. Throughout the novel, Sumati provides the readers with a detailed yet light perspective of all the things that goes around Desi Families.
In conclusion, just like a typical Dharma film, Not Indian Enough is a perfect blend of drama, reputation, dignity and romance.
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