Monday, April 26, 2010

Book Review:Insrutable Americans




The Inscrutable Americans is a comical take on Americans and their way of life. It is also a take on immigrants( in the story-an Indian) whose way of living , thought process and priorities change when they are faced with the "incomprehensible" American idea of life. The novel is satirical where the american logic vs. Indian logic is tested. It is a story of the protagonist ,Gopal, who lands in America from a small town , Madhya Pradesh, India to spend one year in the American University dreaming to make big. He is linguistically challenged, but excels in numbers -an attribute which makes his professors go gaga over him.His discovery of the American way helps him in growing up and tackling situations with maturity.His friend Randy helps him through thick and thin. He is pursued to play a constant tug of war between his maternal teachings of maintaining the pure Indian values versus the urge to sacrifice his virginity. The tale is a celebration of both Indian and American life without any prejudices. Gopal shows his shrewdness in judging situations which baffles one and all and succeeds in earning affection and respect to the end of exasperation.The storyline is simple and hilarious. It is thoughtful and astute. The author has simply shown a matured understanding of the two cultures with great finesse.Overall a very good read.
 
I"m against reservation. Are you?