This story of an Indian-American family has deservedly landed on many "Best of the Year" lists. It is the story of the Eapen family told in chapters that jump from the 70s to the 90s. The story revolves around Thomas, a brain surgeon who has begun acting strangely; his wife Kamala who copes with everything by cooking; Akhil, the gifted son; and Amina, the daughter who is the only American born member of the family. The story is narrated by a thirty year old Amina who comes back to Albuquerque when her forceful mother insists something is wrong with Thomas. As the story evolves multiple family tragedies are revealed including Thomas' possibly terminal illness, a suicide that caused Amina to give up a promising career as a photojournalist, and a deadly fire. While all this death, destruction, and illness sounds like a fodder for a morbidly depressing book, there is much humor, usually provided by Kamala and her malapropisms and futile attempts at being in control. In the end it is a book about the importance of family, even when they get on your last nerve. And you can't help but come away from this book craving Indian food. I listened to the audiobook version and the reader captures the characters perfectly.
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