A tribute to the potential for a happy co-existence between the British "stiff upper lip" and the dizzying Indian "head-nodding", this multicultural novel set in London tracks the fast changing fortunes of three Indian immigrants - a heartbroken software programmer from Kolkata torn between wanting to fly the nest and remain with her family, a struggling chef from Kerala burning with a desire to open a global chain of enlightened eating Ayurvedic restaurants and a beleaguered banker from Bombay caught between a psychotic, demanding "bling-loving" wife and a punishingly stressful job.
Their reasons for leaving their homeland are varied, as are their experiences and struggles in London. The story not only highlights how blustery Blighty can be for the "fobs" but also shines a light on the phenomenal opportunities that exist if one expands ones' heart, steps outside ones' comfort zone and integrates with society at large, striking the right balance between casting aside clannishness and preserving national pride.
The slightly politically incorrect chapters take us through the often irrational biases and phobias the three protagonists develop, the discrimination they face - sometimes at the hands of their own people, the choices they make during personal crises and the risks they take to stand true to their beliefs.
In the process, they forge several unlikely friendships, learn to change cultural gears, break through the walls of self-imposed limitations and truly win amid imperfect circumstances. The plot reaches a crescendo when their paths to victory get unexpectedly intertwined in a twisted turn of fate.
Their reasons for leaving their homeland are varied, as are their experiences and struggles in London. The story not only highlights how blustery Blighty can be for the "fobs" but also shines a light on the phenomenal opportunities that exist if one expands ones' heart, steps outside ones' comfort zone and integrates with society at large, striking the right balance between casting aside clannishness and preserving national pride.
The slightly politically incorrect chapters take us through the often irrational biases and phobias the three protagonists develop, the discrimination they face - sometimes at the hands of their own people, the choices they make during personal crises and the risks they take to stand true to their beliefs.
In the process, they forge several unlikely friendships, learn to change cultural gears, break through the walls of self-imposed limitations and truly win amid imperfect circumstances. The plot reaches a crescendo when their paths to victory get unexpectedly intertwined in a twisted turn of fate.
