Mrs. Pival Sengupta is newly widowed, and finally free to do as she pleases. For her, that means a trip to America on her own to see what captivated her late son Rahi about this place, if in fact, he really is dead. Not being used to moving about on her own, she books herself on a tour of America with a guide and a companion. It's a voyage of discovery for all three travelers, and an entertaining and moving read. Leah Franqui's debut novel is America For Beginners (#768).
Satya Roy, the Bangladeshi guide who has never left New York City since he smuggled himself into the country is searching for his friend whom he betrayed by taking the guide job. Rebecca Elliot, an out-of-work actress hired sight unseen as a companion is stuck in a treadmill life of failed auditions and meaningless one-night stands. For her, civilization ends at the New York City border, but money is tight. Ronnie Munshi runs the tour company for wealthy Indians, promising luxury accommodations, authentic Indian cuisine and visits to all the top attractions, but under no circumstances should guides/companions admit they do not know the answers to their clients' questions, or that they are Bangladeshi. What could possibly go wrong?
It's a life-changing experience for them all, and for the reader as well. Recommended.
No comments:
Post a Comment