Of the entire lot of novels which talk about cross cultures, The
Inscrutable Americans is a, i would say not entirely worth
the read. Reason?? 1) Anurag Mathur the author depicts America as a sex-driven world and nothing else. 2) its readers become deperate for some freshness in the novel as it progresses...almost every chapter has got something to do with Gopal's madness for sex. Now that having said what is this book about??
Well Gopal is this rich guy's son, a chemical engineering graduate from a small town in India who leaves to The States for his highers, as an exchange student. Being from a more conserved India Gopal is exposed to the rude reality of this first world country, its racial dicriminations, openness toward sex and all. Gopal finds it tough to just fit in. His only friend is Randy who is also his classmate. Aquiring so much inspiration from this guy and the American society itself Gopal realises that he has not yet laid down a gal!!! Common man...he is in America where sex is a religion in itself. So passion-driven rather desperation-driven Gopal tries, tries and tries only to be humiliated and hurt most times. Although the story flounders here and there, its strength lies in the depiction of Gopal's character. Thoroughly innocent,
intelligent and ofcourse desperate, his is one character with which the readers laugh, cry and sympathise with honestly. Also the narration is wound into a blend of humor, substance and varied emotions alike. For instance the kind of friendship Gopal shares with Randy. The plot moves slowly tracing a year in Gopal's life, his bitter and few good moments in this country who toward the end tranforms into a more emotionally balanced guy. Finally does Gopal achieve his goal?? Yes. Just that the act which would approve his manliness happens with a total stranger, his co-passenger on the flight back to India. Great!!! Gopal is happy with this and the readers??? well happy that the novel ended actually!!! Go for it only if you REALLY have the time.