A Journey Out of India

By Anna K. Chacko

A JOURNEY OUT OF INDIA is a touching memoir, which describes the author's life experiencing the joys and vicissitudes of growing up in a world of affuence followed by a period of privation. The book touches upon many issues relevant in today's world: childhood, family, identity, sexual awakening, women, culture, and religious differences. Using events, memories, and pain and discovery as multiple colours on her layered palette, the author creates a sensual, impressionistic account of her life as a young woman. The wistfully nostalgic flavour is captured through the eyes of the child raised by a Dalit servant, Lakshmi, who inspires her to pursue her dreams. The surrounding cast of characters includes an imperious grandmother, a resolute mother, a gentle and ineffectual father, and a wealthy and exotic aunt. The central figure is moulded by a smorgasbord of experiences through sexual awakening at the hands of a paternal uncle, disease and death in one of the busiest hospitals in India while studying to become a doctor, and the customary but disastrous traditionally arranged marriage.When her life's dream of immigrating to the United States is finally realized, she finds that this is a Pyrrhic victory- in the process she has lost her father. The author's story is an elaborate choreography of life weaving a rich tapestry, culminating in the final product - a complex woman who has learned humour and compassion, tolerance and fortitude, empathy and wisdom through suffering, sorrow and mostly laughter.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 8129110822
• ISBN13: 9788129110824
• Release Date: February 2006
• Publisher: Rupa
• Length: 361 Pages
• Weight: 0.90 lbs.