A buzzy book from former Milwaukeean Sarah Thankam Mathews brings readers on a tour around our city, with stops at Bay View’s LuLu Café and the East Side’s Y-Not II Tavern among other local faves. The debut novel, All This Could Be Different, follows the story of a young, queer Indian immigrant who’s trying to navigate her job, relationships, nasty property manager and complicated family life.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
When protagonist Sneha graduates during the recession, she luckily gets a corporate job that lands her in Milwaukee. She begins dating women and makes a few friends in the city, but has difficulty opening up to anyone about the struggles she’s facing: a family funeral brings up painful memories, the lucky-to-have job isn’t quite what it seems, potential eviction hangs over her head.
Her friend Tig ultimately comes up with an over-the-top solution to (hopefully) solve all their problems. And Sneha realizes that maybe she can trust the people closest to her – and herself.
Through her vivid descriptions of Milwaukee and lyrical prose, Mathews shows the power of found family – both in people and place. Released last year, the novel is getting plenty of national attention, including a nomination for the National Book Award and inclusion on reading guides from Vogue, NPR, The New York Times and more.
