Get ready for a thought-provoking evening as the Free Press Book Club, in partnership with McNally Robinson Booksellers, proudly announces their next virtual gathering on Tuesday, October 28th at 7 p.m. But here's where it gets exciting: they're hosting none other than Shilpi Somaya Gowda, the Toronto-born, California-based author, who will be discussing her latest novel, A Great Country. This isn't just any book club meeting—it's a deep dive into a story that challenges perceptions and sparks conversations about family, identity, and societal norms. And this is the part most people miss: the novel, set to be published by Doubleday Canada in April 2025, unfolds over just three weeks in the lives of the Shah family, yet it spans years of emotional depth and relational complexity.
The Shahs, an Indian family who’ve recently moved to the affluent Pacific Hills in California, are no strangers to hard work and ambition. Priya and Ashok, having spent two decades in the U.S., have built careers and raised three children: Deepa, Maya, and Ajay. Their latest move is a strategic one, aimed at providing their kids with every possible advantage. But when 12-year-old Ajay, who is autistic but undiagnosed, innocently flies a drone he built near the local airport and is detained by police, their carefully constructed world begins to unravel. This incident forces the family to confront not only Ajay’s immediate crisis but also broader issues of police violence and their place within the privileged community of Pacific Hills. Here’s the controversial part: Gowda doesn’t shy away from exploring the complexities of privilege, race, and neurodiversity, leaving readers with plenty to ponder.
What makes A Great Country truly stand out is Gowda’s narrative technique. She writes from the perspective of each family member, peeling back layers of their past to provide essential context. Her pacing is masterful—she stretches early scenes to build tension, only to abruptly shorten the climax, leaving readers both satisfied and reflective. Despite tackling dense and challenging themes, Gowda’s writing is infused with warmth, making the novel accessible and engaging. But here’s the question: Does her approach to these heavy topics strike the right balance, or does it leave some aspects unexplored? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
During the virtual event, Gowda will be joined by Free Press reporter Aaron Epp, McNally Robinson Booksellers general manager Andrea Torgerson, and Free Press audience engagement manager Erin Lebar. She’ll read excerpts from the novel, delve into its themes, and answer questions from the audience. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Gowda’s work or new to her writing, this is an opportunity you won’t want to miss.
Copies of A Great Country are available for purchase at McNally Robinson Booksellers, and joining the book club or virtual discussion is completely free. Can’t make it live? No worries—the event will be recorded and available for replay on the Free Press YouTube channel afterward. To join the club and stay updated on future selections, visit wfp.to/bookclub.
Final thought: In a world where stories often simplify complex issues, A Great Country dares to dig deeper. But does it go far enough? Let us know what you think—we’re eager to hear your take!
