The Invitation: A Novel
The Invitation: A Novel by Anne Cherian, published by W. W. Norton & Company on May 14, 2012, is a first edition work comprising 295 pages. This narrative explores the complexities of family, friendship, and success through the lens of first-generation Indian immigrants. When Vikram invites three college friends to his son’s graduation from MIT, their attendance is driven by obligation and curiosity, setting the stage for a reunion that reveals deeper personal struggles.
Readers will find a poignant examination of the characters’ lives as they confront their own disappointments and the realities of their relationships. Frances, Jay, and Lali each grapple with their individual challenges, from career setbacks to marital issues, all while navigating the expectations they once held. The story unfolds at Vikram’s Newport Beach mansion, where the anticipated celebration transforms into a moment of reflection and reckoning. Through its exploration of themes such as cultural heritage and the intricacies of family life, this novel presents a nuanced portrayal of the immigrant experience.
Official synopsis Publisher
A moving story that redefines the meaning of family, friendship, and success among a group of first-generation Indian immigrants.
When Vikram invites three of his college friends to his son’s graduation from MIT, they accept out of obligation and curiosity, viewing the party as a twenty-fifth reunion of sorts. Village genius Vikram, now the founder of a lucrative computer company, is having the party against his son’s wishes. Frances and Jay regret accepting: Frances, a real estate agent, hasn’t sold a house in a year; Jay’s middle management job isn’t brag worthy; and their daughter is failing the eleventh grade. Lali plans to hide the fact that her once-happy marriage is crumbling because her American husband is discovering his Jewish roots. Each had left UCLA expecting to be successful and have even more successful children. At Vikram’s Newport Beach mansion, the showmanship they anticipate dissolves as each is forced to deal with his or her own problems. The follow-up to A Good Indian Wife, Anne Cherian’s novel resonates with the poignancy of real life colliding with expectations unmet.
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