Narsimhan,
Mahtab. Mission Mumbai. Scholastic Press 2016
261p. $16.99 ISBN 978-0-545-74651-9 ms
Multicultural E-BN
In this unusual story, political correctness is thrown
out the window as the author, a Mumbia-born and raised Canadian, describes the
friendship between two New York City boys, Dylan and Rohit. When his family
takes a trip to India, Rohit invites Dylan to come along. In India, the boys
embark on a series of adventures and misadventures, and Dylan gets a real
education in the workings of a foreign culture. Many of the scenes are
hilariously funny, and others are poignant, but there is a singular lack of
sentimentality in the writing, and a freshness and frankness that are not
usually encountered in middle-school novels. The friendship survives many
misunderstandings and slights as Dylan walks a fine line between Rohit’s
parents and Rohit himself, who is less than enthusiastic about the trip. All
the while, Dylan is comparing Rohit’s family with his own, especially because
his parents’ marriage appears to be spiraling downward and he is very upset
about it.
The writing is direct, with the word “crap” used
liberally, but it works as a style because of Ms. Narsimhan’s understanding of
12-year-old boys and their unsentimental view of the world. The one will appeal
particularly to American children of Indian descent, as well as to their
friends.
Summary: Dylan is a 12-year-old New York City boy who
travels to India with his best friend Rohit in this rollicking story of
cultural clashes, adventures and misadventures.
India-Fiction, Friendship-Fiction --Carol Kennedy
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