Reckless at the Border: a dual memoir

by Jane Parhiala, Pradeep Parashar

After thirty-four years of no contact, a divorced couple from two different cultures come together to tell their story of travel, traditions, dreams and deceptions. Disillusioned with his country’s culture, Pradeep left India in 1970 to fulfill his dream of owning a travel agency. Eventually, he made it to Denver, Colorado and opened World Ways Travel Co. In 1968, Jane, an American, uninspired with her future as a nurse, hopped on a cruise ship for Sweden to reorganize her life and find balance in the spinning world of the sixties. They met in San Francisco, California. It was 1978. Jane’s carefree spirit attracted Pradeep. Pradeep’s exotic past and the fact he owned a travel agency piqued Jane’s interest. Both hungered for adventure. After three months of “courting” ignoring cultural differences, they married. However, right before their honeymoon a series of events took a robbery and a fire at Pradeep’s agency, a suitcase full of cash and a quick exit on a flight to London. On their return at customs in Honolulu, the police were waiting. Pradeep was arrested and led away. Jane watched in disbelief. Reckless at the Border explores the relationship between a man from the East and a woman from the West. Pradeep wanted an obedient wife and Jane wanted romance and her independence. Theirs is a story filled with the enigma of a culturally diversed relationship that spanned two very different worlds.

284 pages, Paperback

Published December 10, 2019

Reviews

[Marga · Rating 4 out of 5]

What happens when an adventurous but naïve young teacher meets a charming entrepreneurial rogue? Each of them had wandered the world solo in the 1970s, yet they find their common passion for travel is still strong. They close the decade with a rolicking romp of romance and misadventures across three continents. Told from the prespectives of both Jane and Pradeep, the often tongue-in-cheek narrative is a fun read that will keep you chuckling at their dedication to the “seemed-like-a -good-idea at the time” pattern of decision making., frequently followed by the “what was I thinking” reflection. Overall a very enjoyable read!

[deborah Loewenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Memoir

Two such different people exploring the world together took me with them on their interesting adventures. Their difficult turn of events was written with great respect for one another. Loved that they both found stability in their future lives. Great Memoir!!

[Mary O · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great memoir
Easy to read
What a journey for both of them!

[Una A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was engaging. What an experience !