Himalayan Dhaba

by Craig Joseph Danner

Book Overview

In Craig Joseph Danner's engaging and compassionate debut novel, Himalayan Dhaba, an American seeking direction in her life reluctantly accepts the position of town doctor to a remote Himalayan... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 052594690X
• Release Date: June 2002
• Publisher: Dutton
• Length: 269 Pages
• Weight: 1.15 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.3" x 1.0" x 6.3"

Customer Reviews

Much More Than Expected

Mr.Danner asked me to read his novel, described as a novel about a woman doctor at a primitive hospital high in the Himalayas, based on the experience of the author and his wife one winter at a similar hospital. His hope was that I would share this find with my book group; I truthfully thought it would be 'Tom Dooley Goes to the Mountains.' Was I ever wrong! I read this slim novel in one day; I could not put it down! Every chapter brought a new surprising twist or emotion. This is true literary fiction, touching many genres: mystery, romance, travel, humor, social commentary, suspense. Suffice to say that this doctor wasn't a typical missionary and her little corner of these mystical mountains housed characters that will engender interest, empathy, disgust, and tenderness in many readers. This first time author takes his readers on an emotion packed ride with many curves and twists, just like the roads to the top of the Himalayas.

Our book club loved it!

We read this book AND were fortunate enough to meet the author and his wife, who lived much of the story...this book is an amazing experience! There was so much to talk about. My favorite parts were the beautiful characters. I loved all of them by the book's end, even the creepy ones. They'll haunt you forever. Also loved the education on religious practices and Indian Gods...treat yourself to this book! Don't pass it by! If you've ever wanted to travel or immerse yourself in another culture, this is your chance.

Medicine at altitude with an attitude

If you have not been up in the Himalaya, you will have the right details to sound like you have after reading this novel. The author uses compelling language to describe both the profound beauty, the disparities of wealth and culture, and the underlying religious beliefs of a village in the Himalaya. His story of the difficulties of delivering medical care under primitive conditions is based on his personal experience. I highly recommend this novel and look for more from this author.

A unique, bright new work

Craig Danner's debut novel, Himalayan Dhaba, is set in a remote Himalayan village. It is the story of a female American doctor running a small hospital, and who searches for the ghost of her husband. Meanwhile, a wounded traveller is kidnapped, and the waiter in the local dhaba finds a love he never imagined. This rich, original story spans the length of a year, and its complexities shift from poignant to fast-paced action at the turn of a page. Fascinating and involving, Himalayan Dhaba is a unique, bright new work for those who are tired of the same old, retread stories stories and settings.

A lyrical, compelling story by a sensitive writer

Let me say up front that I know Craig Danner and this book well--I'm his sister-in-law. But I'm also an avid reader, and this is an unforgettable book that demonstrates a rare understanding of women's experiences and a dazzling sense of place. The central character is Doctor Mary, who flees Baltimore after her husband's untimely death for a remote Indian village high in the Himalayas. As she struggles to make sense of her new life and her past experiences, Mary finds herself intertwined with a diverse cast of characters--the waiter in the local dhaba (cafe), a lonely and insecure British traveller, a desperate and aging addict, the unpredictable hospital nurses--and as they change her life, she influences theirs as well. The way Craig writes about Mary's emotions and experiences shows his deeply felt insight into women's lives, and is one of the strongest aspects of a compelling book. Craig knows from whence he writes. He spent more than a year working in India as a medical care provider, and his book resonates with the authenticity of a writer who has been there. His descriptions of the dynamics of village life, of the Himalayan tourist trade, and of the conflicts that occur when people of different cultures live and work together, all ring true. "Himalayan Dhaba"'s sense of place is lyrical and haunting, with gorgeous descriptions that make you feel like you're there as the story unfolds. "Himalayan Dhaba" is a story that will draw you in and stay with you long after you've put the book down. The characters are finely drawn and memorable--they're flawed, human, struggling and hopeful. The setting is exotic, yet the story sounds universal themes of human hope and triumph, and reminds us all of the beauty in everyday life. Don't miss this book!