Flirting with Trouble

by Sita Bhaskar

Witty transcultural fiction by a prize-winning author who focuses on the impact of western (especially American) values in traditional India and the tribulations of traditional Indians when transplanted to the West.

Genres: Fiction

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2015

Reviews

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Flirting with Trouble is a wonderful new book written by Sita Bhaskar. The book starts with an engaging novella about a family that overcomes poverty with determination and family support, eventually their daughter, Subhadra, moves to California because her husband has been accepted to a doctorate program. Her family was relieved because Subhadra was a firebrand and had already been in jail for protesting. It was a bad time in India because there was a governmental emergency that was taking all civil rights away and protestors were shown no mercy. Later you meet Subhadra's son Abhimanyu at a crossroads in his life where he too was flirting with trouble, this time by being suspended from his college for a semester because he was caught with drugs. His parents respond to the crisis by sending him "home" to his grandparents. Of course that is really a challenge for their son, who is completely American, but also an opportunity for him to learn about his extended family and culture. Much to his surprise he learned more that he expected! As the book continues, there is an excellent collection of short stories with a variety of characters and situations. Each story is so well written you don't want them to end! With a touch of humor and a great deal of wisdom Sita Bhaskar entertains and informs us about how modern day Indians navigate between cultures.

[Pmalcpoet Pat Malcolm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Flirting with Trouble is a rare first book indeed. While comprised of a novelette and several short stories, the quality is excellent and interesting throughout. Even though some of the stories are set in India and some in the United States, and at different time periods, there are common threads among all of them, and without straining either credibility or patience. Nowhere is there a sense of an addition to meet book length, or a topic beaten to death by repetition. Entries unfold quite naturally, one might say organically, as cherished memories or cautionary tales. The last short story collection I read was unfortunately the opposite, with rather obviously contrived stories aiming at the bizarre, and only one seeming worth reading at all. Sita Bhaskar is a notable talent, and I'll be looking forward to reading more!

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an enjoyable reading experience!
I loved learning so much about other cultures in a book written by a friend from one of my book clubs, who is also a former coworker.
Quality writing and keen insight into human character, along with some moments of humor and with variety of storylines made for a worthwhile, pleasurable read.
Excellent job, Sita!

[Avocados · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful collection of stories about the modern life of Indians. I enjoyed the strong theme of love that ran through the book, especially the idea of an enduring love through hardship and over time. The characters were easy to relate to and the stories were engaging. I highly recommend.