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Jay Antani is a Los Angeles-based film journalist, fiction writer, and graphic novelist. Jay's film articles and reviews have appeared in Paste Magazine, Moving Pictures, Boxoffice Magazine and many others as well as on his own blog, Cinema Writer. Jay also wrote The Mysterians, a sci-fi fantasy graphic novel published in 2008 by TokyoPop. The Leaving of Things is Jay's first novel. To learn more or contact Jay, visit jayantani.com
Reviewed by Maria Victoria Beltran for Readers' Favorite
Jay Antani’s “The Leaving of Things” is the story of Vikram, an eighteen-year-old Indian-born and American-raised high school senior, who is determined to make a bold move for his future. A rebellious Indian-American teenager, Vikram starts his compelling journey of culture shock, loneliness and self-discovery when his family decides to return to India. College life proves to be very challenging to Vikram because of social rules but there is no way to head back to America. Vikram has to muster courage if he wants to survive the daily Indian life and stay true to himself. How can he remain true to himself when he is faced with the realities of who he really is? Will Vikram find the courage and confidence he needs in order to gain a strong sense of identity?
Jay Antani is an Indian-born and American-raised author himself. The book may sound autobiographical in tone but the story line definitely represents the same experience to those who belong in two cultures. The difficulties of feeling part of two extremely different cultures can be very confusing. The journey of understanding yourself can be really tough. Antani takes us on this journey and what a delightful ride it is! This is one of the best novels I have read recently. Antani manages to weave issues of identity and culture with ease, making “The Leaving of Things” an interesting and insightful read. He goes into his characters’ souls. And as Vikram opens his heart, which belongs to America and to India- he finds his soul reclaiming its equilibrium.
