Leave and Come Back

A Novel

By: Lavanya Lakshmi

Family drama meets romantic comedy when a young woman's new boyfriend accidentally shows up in the midst of a two-week-long wedding, kicking off a comedy of errors in this funny, colourful and heartwarming debut.

You're invited to the most romantic, dysfunctional wedding of the season

For the first time, Simran Gopal is living out her own swoon-worthy romance to rival the beloved Bollywood films of her childhood... until she receives her cousin's wedding invitation. Now, Simran finds herself returning to the family home she's been avoiding for the last seven years to take part in a two-week-long Indian wedding.

Family drama is already at a high when Leo Bridgers, Simran's new boyfriend, accidentally crashes the engagement party. To avoid full crisis mode and provoking the ire of Veena Perima, Simran's aunt and judgmental family matriarch, the cousins need to rally. Commence: Operation DDLJ.

Following the lead of their favourite Bollywood movie, they need to trick Veena into adoring Leo. In a mess of misdirection and chaotic hijinks, Leo must prove himself to be the most charming, helpful wedding guest imaginable, and he certainly can't give away that he’s ever met—let alone currently in love with—Simran.

For Simran, being back with her family also brings memories of the difficult years after her parents died. As old grievances and new secrets arise—along with nosy aunties—will Simran finally be able to have her own love story, and find the closure she’s been looking for from her past?

Charming, tender and hilarious, Leave and Come Back asks what it means to open up to love, what makes a family and how to honour the past while embracing the present.

Critic reviews

"Leave and Come Back is a phenomenal debut. I cannot remember the last time I smiled this much while reading! Prepare to fall in love with the entire cast of characters while Lakshmi expertly weaves humour, heart and tenderness onto every page.” —Hannah Bonam-Young, New York Times bestselling author of People Watching

Leave and Come Back is the kind of book that stays with you. Lavanya Lakshmi has created characters who feel so real it’s like you can hear their hearts beating through the page. A deeply moving, supremely witty, simply phenomenal debut.”—Jessica Joyce, bestselling author of You, with a View and The Ex Vows

“Leave and Come Back is a gorgeous debut—wildly romantic, wise and deeply redemptive. This was a five-star read for me.” —Annabel Monaghan, New York Times bestselling author of It’s a Love Story

“Hilarious and deeply romantic, Leave and Come Back is a gorgeous exploration of grief, culture and community. Lakshmi’s heartfelt debut reminds us that home isn’t just a place; it’s the people who hold space for us when we leave, and the knowledge that we can always go back.” —Regina Black, USA Today bestselling author of August Lane