The Fortunate Child by Archana Mishra

It is difficult to look at one's self for the first time in High Definition.  You see every imperfection, every line, every discoloration.  I can only postulate that reading the first draft of this compelling story was like that for new Alaskan Archana Mischra.  In their first book an author will write what they know, and Mischra has an interesting perspective that colors her worldview.

Set in the busy otherworld of modern India, we follow an idealistic child as she grows into a pragmatic woman, then is forced to re-evaluate her the belief structure of her youth and determine if it is, in fact, a more appropriate reflection of the person she should choose to be.

Plot twists abound, and I wish there was another chapter.  The loaded topic of sexual abuse was broached, but the line of causation - which could heavily influence multi-generational character development - never was explored.  Such activities are learned, and we are left wondering how and from whom.

The importance of education and the opportunity that it brings is the obvious theme, but to me, of far more interest, was how a strong woman was formed.  Her life journey is distinctive but understandable, exotic yet very close to home.  The importance of family and how family is defined resignates in a land like Alaska where such boundaries are often blurred.

This isn't the India of Kipling and the Travel Channel.  It's a more meaningful journey.  To purchase this novel, click here.