Play Book Tag discussion

The Sleepwalker's Guide to Dancing by Mira Jacob - 4 stars

PBT Comments: This is Mira Jacob's debut in fiction. She had previously written non-fiction. I know some of you are sensitive to particular content: (view spoiler)[This book contains subject matter related to death of a child. Also contains lots of profanity, a couple scenes of graphic sex, references to suicide, and a character with cancer. (hide spoiler)]

In Mira Jacob’s impressive debut novel, Amina Eapen is living is Seattle in 1998 when she gets a call from her mother saying her father, a brain surgeon, has been conducting full conversations with deceased family members. Amina is concerned and decides to see for herself what is happening. At first everything seems fine but, as the story unfolds, she realizes her father is in distress. A substantial subplot concerns Amina’s change in career from photojournalist to wedding photographer, due to the notoriety of a photo she had taken. Another major segment revolves around Amina’s brother, Akhil, and his impact on the family’s struggles. The Eapen family experiences more than its fair share of suffering and heartbreak. The story is told in multiple timelines from the 1970’s in Salem, India, to the 1980’s in New Mexico to the 1998 present, portraying the Eapens’ individual secrets and family tragedies.

The author appears to be a keen observer of human nature. The characters are complex, nuanced, and memorable. Jacob uses elegant prose and well-crafted dialogue that expresses a wide range of emotions. The East Indian-American culture is vividly evoked. This dysfunctional family felt very real to me. Themes include the devastation of profound loss, the importance of coming to terms with the past, and the dangers of sleepwalking through life. Although the novel is filled with pain, loss, and grief, it also contains a thread of hope. Recommended to those who appreciate multi-generational family dramas (unless currently dealing with family illness or loss).

Link to My Review

I read this book some time ago and loved it! It is a memorable book for me. Thank you for your review.

Holly R W wrote: "I read this book some time ago and loved it! It is a memorable book for me. Thank you for your review."
My pleasure, so glad you enjoyed it too!