Where Earth Meets Water

April 1, 2014

University student Karom Seth is haunted by the death of his parents in a tsunami from which he barely escaped. Only the love of his girlfriend, Gita, and the compassion of his college roommate, Lloyd, help him recover his equilibrium and a newfound sense of hope. Gita's grandmother, Kamini, abandoned by her abusive husband, pens children's stories under an alias. When her ex-husband attempts to reconnect, Kamini's final book cures her writer's block and allows her to vent a lifetime of anger and to conclude that karma, not control, steers our destiny. "Together," she writes, "we learn." VERDICT An American writer of Indian origin, Pudukone has created a rich cast of unforgettable characters who struggle to survive past disappointments, the deaths of loved ones, abandonment, and unrequited love. Her debut novel demonstrates an understanding and appreciation of the cultures of both America and India, a sense of the world as a powerful place, and the redeeming values of adoration and belief in the person you love. A powerful read for those who enjoy beautifully written multicultural fiction.--Jane Leder, Evanston, IL

Copyright 2014 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 1, 2014
Karom Seth lost his entire family in a tsunami. While going through his parents' belongings, he discovers that he was adopted after surviving the Bhopal chemical disaster. Now his guilt is almost too much to bear, and he's constantly tempting fate with risky behavior. He and his girlfriend, Gita, travel to India in the hope of Karom finding peace. They visit Gita's grandmother, Kamini, who writes children's fables, in which Karom finds meaningful lessons. Meanwhile, back in the U.S., Karom's best friend, Lloyd, is getting married soon, but first he must deal with his complicated feelings about Karom. As college roommates, the two grew close after Karom's family tragedy, and Lloyd's affection has become an obsession. Debut novelist Padukone's characters are unusual and intriguing, and though the story lines don't quite merge seamlessly, the tale is compelling as she writes with grace and wit about grief, moving on, and accepting love.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)