Best selling romance authors Farah Heron, Sonya Lalli, and Taslim Burkowicz join the co-host of the Brown Girls Do It Too podcast, Rubina Pabani, to discuss being a South Asian woman in the publishing world and writing about family dynamics, gender roles, and what Farah calls, “brown people falling stupidly in love.”

Farah and Sonya’s novels Jana Goes Wild and Jasmine and Jake Rock the Boat take their protagonists outside their comfort zone and into the Serengeti for a destination wedding and an Alaskan cruise getaway, both with their judgmental families and potential lovers in tow. From falling back in love with an ex-husband to reconnecting with a childhood acquaintance, Jana Goes Wild and Jasmine and Jake Rock the Boat are breezy romps full of humour and heart.

Taslim’s Ruby Red Skies takes a different approach to the genre — at once historical fiction and political romance, it deftly navigates themes of mixed-race relationships, climate change, motherhood, body shame, death and the passage of time. The titular Ruby used to be a fiery musician but after becoming pregnant as a teenager and finding out that her husband is cheating, she embarks on a quest to unearth exciting secrets from her past.

Farah, Sonya, and Taslim talk with Rubina Pabani about the intersection between their writing and identities, and why all we need is love.

This event is part of our signature Salon Series, where we host local and international authors, artists and thinkers in conversation about their new books and big ideas.

It is also part of our Asian Heritage series, generously supported by TD Bank Group, through the TD Ready Commitment.

Toronto Public Library is committed to accessibility. Please call or email us if you are Deaf or have a disability and would like to request accommodation to participate in this program. Please let us know as far in advance as possible and we will do our best to meet your request. At least three weeks’ notice is preferred. Phone 416-393-7099 or email accessibleservices@tpl.ca

Brown Girls Do It Too: Romance Novels