THE Foreigner by Arun Joshi is a story immensely identifiable. There must be hundreds of Indians who are in the shoes of the protagonist Surrinder Oberai, (Sindi). Born in Kenya to Indian parents, Sindi is brought up by his aunt and uncle, educated in England, working in America and has never ever been to India. He feels he does not belong anywhere and remains detached. When he falls in love too he refuses to marry because he feels he cannot be bound to a place. A decision he later regrets. Intertwined into his life is the story of a rich boy Babu who comes to America for studies. He develops infatuation with June, who was in relationship with Sindi. Babu dies in an accident after a row with June. Oberoi makes his visit to India, to Delhi. He lands a job with Babu’s father. As the story moves, one gets the feeling that Sindi is nearly ‘home’ or isn’t he? A good read.
—DVN
(Orient Paperbacks, 5A/8, Ansari Road, New Delhi 110 002)
