Book Review: Amreekandesi - Masters of America

Written by: Atulya Mahajan

Published by: Random House India

ISBN: 978-8-184-00395-6

Genre: Fiction

Price: INR 199

No. of Pages: 310

Synopsis: Akhil Arora, a young dorky engineer in Delhi, can't wait to get away from home and prove to his folks that he can be on his own. Meanwhile in a small town in Punjab, Jaspreet Singh, aka Jassi, is busy dreaming of a life straight out of American Pie. As fate would have it, they end up as a room mates in Florida. But the two boys are poles apart in their perspectives and expectations of America. While Akhil is fiercely patriotic and hopes to come back to India in a few years, Jassi finds his Indian identity an uncomfortable burden and looks forward to finding an American girl with whom he can live happily ever after.

Laced with funny anecdotes and witty insights, Amreekandesi chronicles the quintessential immigrant experience, highlighting the clash of cultures, the search for identity, and the quest for survival in a foreign land.

Review: If at all you are planning to go to Amreeka or in that matter any foreign country for higher studies, then Amreekandesi - Masters of America is a must read. This book will come across as a complete bible or as a reference guide to the students as well as the parents - What can and will students do and what things the parents must do. The story is mainly about two Indian students, Akhil and Jassi and their encounters with life outside India, pressure of scoring, room-mates, some unwanted friends, some sighs and smiles, fun and frolic and love.

The plot is perfectly etched starting from those Nirupa Roy scenes to the flight journey to the classrooms to confidently eating non-veg to various trips to seeking Love and eventually earning both Love and Degree and triumphantly acquiring a job. Not even once you feel that the plot is bit stretched and could do away with some.  There is never a dull moment while reading. With some witty and humorous incidents, pages will flip automatically once started to read.

Writing: The characters are beautifully written. You will see your someone's someone or probably your parents, friends and yourself in the characters. That for me is the strength of the book and displays the author's writing prowess. The situation where Akhil becomes 'Devdas' and almost kills himself is superbly written, bringing out the necessary emotions in me. Yes, even I did a Nirupa Roy! Humor comes with ease to the author and that is what that sets the pace. There weren't any glimpses of proof reading errors. 

Overall: I would definitely recommend this book to all the students flying for further studies. And also to those who are at the age of Uncle and Aunt to relive some younger days of fun. A light hearted book with some 'happened exactly with me' incidents is not to be missed!

Ratings on:

• Plot - 4/5
• Characterization - 5/5
• Writing - 4/5
• Entertainment - 4/5
• Overall - 4/5

Takeaway from the book - Be clear, focused and dedicated. Rest will follow.

This review is for Random House India