Polite Society

May 20, 2019
In a whimsical but flimsy novel that’s part Emma and part Crazy Rich Asians, Rao (The Smoke Is Rising) uses his keen eye for the absurd to depict the petty intrigues and scandals that occupy the top echelons of Indian society. Ania Khurana feels superior to everyone in Delhi, and has the social connections, money, and free time to prove it. After engineering her aunt’s marriage, she sets her sights on a brilliant society match for her friend Dimple. Unlike Jane Austen’s Emma, Ania doesn’t quite transform from a meddling, bored socialite to a girl with good intentions, so there is no sympathy when her schemes fall apart. This India is a glamorous playground for the uber-rich. The characters are all caricatures, including Ania’s weak and foolish father, Dileep; American ne’er-do-well Nikhil, whom Ania is attracted to; secretive Mr. Nayak, who manipulates other people’s fears for his own ends; and serene Kamya Singh-Kaul, with whom Ania has a fierce rivalry. This romp through Delhi leaves behind broken dreams and exposed secrets, but the characters are surprisingly resilient, or maybe just extremely foolish. Brief mentions of heat and traffic jams do little to evoke the setting, as the wealthy characters are mostly insulated from the city’s grit; the story feels like it could take place anywhere. Only Rao’s bitingly funny commentary saves this from being a clunker. Agent: David Forrer, InkWell Management.

Deepti Gupta narrates a novel loosely inspired by Jane Austen's EMMA. Beautiful, rich, and more than a little bored, Delhi socialite Ania Khurana is always on the lookout for a new "project" to keep busy. Currently, she is searching for a match for her friend Dimple. Gupta does an excellent job bringing the members of ultrarich Delhi society to life, subtly distinguishing between old money and the nouveaux riches. Ania is certainly spoiled and occasionally clueless, but she is not malicious. Her basic decency is underscored in Gupta's portrayal of Kamya Singh-Kaul, Ania's rival, who is in many ways her opposite. The multitude of characters are never confusing or interchangeable, thanks to Gupta's skill. While the story may not end in a way all find satisfying, Gupta's narration truly shines. K.M.P. � AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine