Description

 Mother Land

“Author of America for Beginners”

“Lively and evocative, Mother Land is a deftly crafted exploration of identity and culture, with memorable and deeply human characters who highlight how that which makes us different can ultimately unite us.”—Amy Myerson, author of The Bookshop of Yesterdays…

From the critically acclaimed author of America for Beginners, a wonderfully insightful, witty, and heart-piercing novel, set in Mumbai, about an impulsive American woman, her headstrong Indian mother-in-law, and the unexpected twists and turns of life that bond them.

When Rachel Meyer moved from New York to Mumbai with her Indian-born husband, Dhruv, it seemed like an exciting adventure. As a thirtysomething foodie with an independent spirit, Rachel was determined to embrace her new surroundings and learn about the culture of her husband’s homeland. But when her mother-in-law Swati arrived unexpectedly from Kolkata, everything changed. Swati had left her husband of more than forty years and was now moving in with the newlyweds. Despite their protests, Swati refused to budge, and Rachel found herself in an uncomfortable situation that was only made worse when Dhruv had to go away on business.

As Rachel and Swati tried to navigate their new living arrangements, it became clear that they were very different people with vastly different perspectives. Rachel was used to making her own decisions and running her household as she saw fit, while Swati was more traditional and set in her ways. With both women determined to have things their way, tensions quickly rose and things became increasingly difficult. Rachel began to question the things she thought were perfect and permanent in her life, while Swati struggled to come to terms with the changes she had made.

Despite their differences, however, Rachel and Swati ultimately found a way to connect and understand each other. Through their shared experiences and struggles, they began to realize that they weren’t so different after all. Heartfelt and insightful, Mother Land is a touching portrayal of two very different women from different cultures who learn to bridge the divide and find common ground. With a charming and wise narrative, this book is a must-read for anyone who has ever been in the position of navigating cultural differences and learning to see things from a new perspective.

Getting to Know- Leah Franqui

Additionally, she ventured into the world of web series and achieved great success. Her web series was so remarkable that she was awarded the Alfred Sloan Foundation Screenwriting award, further solidifying her status as a gifted writer. To learn more about her work, you can visit her website aftereverafterwebseries.com.

Franqui’s background is a unique blend of Puerto Rican and Jewish heritage, with roots in Philadelphia. However, she has found her home in the vibrant city of Mumbai, where she resides with her husband, who hails from Kolkata. This multicultural environment has undoubtedly influenced her perspective and enriched her storytelling abilities. It is fascinating to see how her diverse background and experiences have shaped her writing style and allowed her to bring a fresh and authentic voice to her debut novel, “AMERICA FOR BEGINNERS.”

“AMERICA FOR BEGINNERS” marks Franqui’s foray into the world of novels. As her first literary work, it is an exciting milestone in her career. Readers can expect a captivating narrative that explores themes of identity, culture, and the complexities of navigating life in a foreign land. With her background in playwriting and web series creation, Franqui’s storytelling is sure to be engaging and dynamic, making “AMERICA FOR BEGINNERS” a must-read for anyone seeking a thought-provoking and immersive literary experience.