Finding Your Way: A Review of I Will Blossom Anyway by Disha Bose
When I first stumbled across I Will Blossom Anyway, I couldn’t help but be drawn in by its title and the promise of a poignant exploration of identity and belonging. New-to-me authors often pique my curiosity, and Disha Bose certainly seemed to encapsulate themes that resonate deeply: self-discovery, cultural duality, and the intricate dance of familial expectations. With its release on June 5, 2025, this story of Durga’s journey from Calcutta to Ireland has all the makings of a compelling read.
At the heart of I Will Blossom Anyway is Durga, a quietly introspective young woman learning to navigate her new life after emigrating to Ireland. Bose does an admirable job of capturing the complexity of Durga’s existence, balancing the weight of her past with the freedoms of her present. Durga’s relationships, especially with her best friend Joy and sister Tia, are enriching and layered, yet there were moments where I wished I could dive deeper into her character. While the supporting cast is vibrant and beautifully fleshed out—particularly Joy, whose warmth and complexity shine—I found Durga’s internal conflicts at times left me yearning for a more profound connection to her journey.
One of the most compelling themes in the book is self-discovery. As Durga states: “I liked liking him, living in this feeling of not knowing him well enough to be disappointed by the details of him.” This captures the essence of her emotional landscape and the hesitation that often accompanies blossoming into one’s true self. While I appreciated the authentic portrayal of the struggles faced by young adults going through these transformative experiences, I sometimes felt that the plot itself trudged a little too slowly. There were moments when the pacing lulled, reminding me to refocus my attention, though this could be attributed to the novel being aimed at a younger audience—one that may find themselves more immersed in Durga’s emotional rollercoaster.
Bose’s writing style is a breath of fresh air. She immerses readers in the cultures and settings of Calcutta and Ireland, evoking sensations that are both nostalgic and foreign. I particularly appreciated how each locale is imbued with emotional significance; it’s not just about the geography but also the sentiments tied to each place. It’s clear that her experiences inform her words, as she captures the confusion and exhilaration of living in a new country with such thoughtfulness.
Yet, the story’s flaws linger in its character development. While Durga’s indecisiveness is relatable, it sometimes detracts from the richness of her journey and made her struggle for autonomy feel a bit one-dimensional. The emotional connection I sought didn’t quite crystallize in Durga’s character, leaving a slight gap in my overall experience.
I Will Blossom Anyway is undoubtedly a heartfelt coming-of-age novel, perfect for readers who enjoy stories of self-discovery and culturally rich narratives. Though I may have outgrown some of the experiences portrayed, the emotions within Durga’s journey echoed my own quest for identity, and I am certain younger readers, especially those in their 20s, will find much to relate to.
In a world full of noise, Bose invites us to embrace the quieter moments of self-exploration, hinting that growth doesn’t always come with dramatic revelations but through the gentle unfolding of our true selves. I left this book feeling grateful for Durga’s journey, the universal quest for belonging, and, of course, the wildflowers that blossom anyway.
Happy reading, friends!
- Hailey