Reviews of America for Beginners by Leah Franqui

19
New York

Although it was unusual for him, Ronnie had decided that he would accompany Satya and Rebecca on their first day with Mrs. Sengupta. As it was Satya's first tour, and Rebecca's first experience with the company, he told himself that he was being a responsible boss, but in reality he was excited to be back on the Circle Line. It was the one tourist activity he actually enjoyed. Looking at himself in the bathroom that morning, he giggled in anticipation as he combed his thinning hair. It was six thirty but he had to leave soon if he was to be there at eight forty-five, his customary fifteen minutes early for clients.

Getting out of the train, Ronnie followed a slim but round pair of buttocks up the subway stairs and out into the sea of people that was Times Square. He liked following women up the stairs, especially when the weather was nice and their bodies weren't restricted by bulky coats. He enjoyed the denim-clad view for a full two minutes before ...

Please be aware that this discussion guide will contain spoilers!

1. "Mrs. Sengupta was traveling scandalously alone, without a husband or a gaggle of women her own age…" Many people in Pival's orbit are shocked by her decision to go to the US by herself. What about a woman—especially an older woman—traveling alone is so alarming to them? Is it really about safety—as Pival's maid insists—or about propriety? Are solo women travelers viewed with the same concern in other cultures?
2. "Nothing would erase the sense of continued shame" that Satya feels for abandoning his friend Ravi and edging him out of a job. How do you feel about Satya's betrayal of Ravi? Is it understandable or unforgiveable?
3. Mr. Ghazi sees Rebecca's "early enthusiasm become a hardened ...

Please be aware that this discussion guide may contain spoilers!

Here are some of the comments posted about America for Beginners.
You can see the full discussion here.


Authors use of threat of suicide
I do think this was an important part of the story. Pival was mourning, angry, depressed and conflicted about many things. I think Pival had partial hope that her son was still alive, and that kept her going, and even making the travel arrangements. ... - teachlz

Do you consider Ram's behavior to his wife and son abusive? What is the line between an unhappy relationship and an abusive one?
There are cultural differences, but Ram's behavior was more psychologically abusive than cultural to both his wife and son. His wife lost herself trying to make Ram happy, and his wife lost her son, trying to agree with Ram's decisions. - teachlz

Do you feel that you have more 'stuff' in your life than you need? Can societies achieve a better balance between the haves and have nots?
I definitely have more than I need. Each time I travel to another country, I realize how wasteful we are in this country. A couple of years ago in Vietnam, I saw people making very creative toys and other objects from scraps. In Africa, women were ... - pennyp

Does the distinction between Bangladeshis and Indians matter in America? Do "illegal immigrants" in America face the same stigma as those Bangladeshis in India?
I believe if the author didn’t want us to think about immigration in America today, she wouldn’t have written a novel where most of the characters are immigrants, and she would have used a different title. So the question is relevant and appropriate ... - JLPen77

Have you had the opportunity to show overseas or out of state visitors around your area? If so, did it cause you to look differently at places you already knew?
Yes. My daughter lived for 2 1/2 years in Kazakhstan and we both visited her and hosted some of her friends who were able to travel to this country. I have also served as docent for the Chicago History Museum giving tours to many visitors. We live in... - beckyh