Description
Shaili Kapoor, a writer based in New York City, is stunned to learn of her mother, Meena Kapoor’s, demise. Meena had tragically drowned in Pashan Lake, located in Shaili’s hometown of Pune, India.
During Shaili’s youth, she and her mother frequently visited the lake, unbeknownst to her father, Suresh Kapoor, and younger sister, Tanisha. The news leaves Shaili shattered; her mother had been the sole link to India and her past over the past fifteen years, apart from her childhood friend Supriya. Shaili’s relationship with her traditional, alcoholic father had soured in her young adulthood. However, when he discovers Shaili’s divorce and new love, he reacts with fury, leading to estrangement from him and Tanisha. Despite this, Shaili always marvelled at her mother’s acceptance of her choices.
Between learning of her mother’s death and returning to India for the final rites, Shaili unravels a profound secret about the mother she revered and the father she grew to despise. Nothing is as it appears. Shaili realises the time has come to reconcile with her father. Will she find solace in understanding the mysteries surrounding Pashan Lake and the motives behind her mother’s tragic end? More crucially, can Shaili and her father come to terms with each other’s life choices? “Perfectly Untraditional” peels back the layers of unconventional and untold stories within families, friendships, love, loyalty, relationships, and tradition.
About the Author
Sweta Srivastava Vikram (www.swetavikram.com), featured by Asian Fusion as “one of the most influential Asians of our time,” is a best-selling author of 11 books, mindfulness writing coach, headstand-devotee, and a certified yoga & Ayurveda counselor who helps people lead creative, productive, and healthier lives. Louisiana Catch (Modern History Press 2018) is her debut U.S. novel and 12th book. Born in India, Sweta spent her formative years between the Indian Himalayas, North Africa, and the United States collecting and sharing stories. She writes about women, multiculturalism, wellness, and identity. Sweta, whose work has appeared in The New York Times, amongst other publications, across nine countries on three continents, is an award-winning writer and graduate of Columbia University. She lives in New York City with her husband and in her spare time, teaches yoga to female survivors of rape and domestic violence. You can find her in these online spaces: Twitter (@swetavikram), Instagram (@swetavikram), and Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/Words.By.Sweta)
