Train to Agra

By Vandana Khanna

Calling upon two cultures, Vandana Khanna's Train to Agra meditates on the effects of displacement and expatriation on the construction of a young Indian American woman's identity. The physical journeys undertaken by the speaker reflect her inner journey from immigrant child to Indian American woman, struggling to find her place between India and America, Krishna and Jesus, samosas and hamburgers. The speaker constantly tries to recapture visions, smells, and sounds of her childhood and her travels, but cannot do so without imagination. Her memory fails her, so through metaphor she invents her past as it should have been. Traveling through her reflections on childhood, fate, faith, death, and belonging, she comes to accept her reality as a construct of lived memories and wished-for fantasies.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0809324059
• ISBN13: 9780809324057
• Release Date: August 2001
• Publisher: Southern Illinois University Press
• Length: 64 Pages
• Weight: 0.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.2" x 5.5" x 8.8"

Customer Reviews

A Spicy and Spiritual RIde

What a moving and inspiring poet! Ms. Khanna's literary power is her ability to majestically carry you right with her on her literal and revelatory journey. She successfully captures the reader in her struggle for understanding of her Indian and American backgrounds. I felt priveleged to have privy to her thoughts, and hope for a time again to enjoy her savory prose.What do we have to look forward to, Van?!Thanks.Barbara R. AkinFalls Church, VA.

A wonderful journey from your own home

What a incredible poet! You could feel the heat, smell the street and see the sights of India through Ms. Khanna's potent descriptions.