THE INVITATION

The Invitation is a moving story that redefines the meaning of family, friendship, and success among a group of first-generation Indian immigrants.

When Vikram invites three college friends to his son's graduation from MIT, they accept out of obligation and curiosity, viewing the party as a twenty-five year reunion. Village genius Vikram, founder of a profitable California computer company, is having the party against his son's wishes. Frances and Jay regret accepting. Frances hasn't sold a house in a year, Jay's middle management job isn't brag-worthy, and their daughter is failing 11th grade. Lali plans to hide the fact that her once-happy marriage is crumbling because her American husband is discovering his Jewish roots. Each had left UCLA expecting to be successful and have even more successful children. At Vikram's Newport Beach mansion, the showmanship they anticipate dissolves as each is forced to confront the actualities of their existences. The follow-up to A Good Indian Wife, Anne Cherian's emotional novel resonates with the poignancy of real life colliding with the complications of expectations unmet. Anne Cherian is the author of A Good Indian Wife. She lives in Los Angeles, California.