An Armenian-American woman rediscovers her roots and embraces who she really is in this vibrant and heartfelt queer rom-com by debut author Taleen Voskuni.
When Nar’s non-Armenian boyfriend gets down on one knee and proposes to her in front of a room full of drunk San Francisco tech boys, she realizes it’s time to find someone who shares her idea of romance.
Enter her mother: armed with plenty of mom-guilt and a spreadsheet of Facebook-stalked Armenian men, she convinces Nar to attend Explore Armenia, a month-long series of events in the city. But it’s not the mom-approved playboy doctor or wealthy engineer who catches her eye—it’s Erebuni, a woman as equally immersed in the witchy arts as she is in preserving Armenian identity. Suddenly, with Erebuni as her wingwoman, the events feel like far less of a chore, and much more of an adventure. Who knew cooking up kuftes together could be so . . . sexy?
Erebuni helps Nar see the beauty of their shared culture and makes her feel understood in a way she never has before. But there’s one teeny problem: Nar’s not exactly out as bisexual. The clock is ticking on Nar’s double life, though—the closing event banquet is coming up, and her entire extended family will be there, along with Erebuni. Her worlds will inevitably collide, but Nar is determined to be brave, determined to claim her happiness: proudly Armenian, proudly bisexual, and proudly herself for the first time in her life.
Praise for Sorry, Bro
“Voskuni fills the book with details about [Armenian] food, history, dances, songs, etiquette, stereotypes, politics and even artistic motifs…The overall effect is celebratory and defiant, and it pairs beautifully with Nar’s journey to fully accept who she is.” —The New York Times Book Review
“Voskuni’s debut is equal parts comic, heartfelt, and profoundly rooted in Armenian culture, with a lead you’ll want to befriend and a romance you’ll want to cheer on in equal measure. A sparkling story about love, family, and identity.” —Kirkus, starred review
“With this radiantly ravishing debut, Voskuni beautifully illustrates the courage it can take to be your own true self and risk everything for love.” —Booklist, starred review
“Featuring a slow-burn, chemistry-driven relationship,
the book also beautifully depicts and celebrates Armenian culture
and traditions throughout the story.” —Library Journal
“Voskuni debuts with a bighearted queer rom-com uniquely inflected with Armenian American culture…This is a treat.” —Publishers Weekly
“Sorry, Bro is a beautiful love letter to Armenian culture wrapped up in a warm and witty romance that absolutely sizzles with chemistry. Like heroine Nareh, Voskuni is forging a remarkable path, and I will gladly follow wherever it leads!” —Dahlia Adler, author of Cool for the Summer and Out on Good Behavior
“The most heartwarming tale of family, heritage, loving bravely, and loving yourself, with a humor that adds a light touch to the poignant themes and a vivid San Francisco setting that brings the whole story to life. Sorry, Bro made me laugh and touched me deeply in equal measures.”—Kyla Zhao, author of The Fraud Squad
