Hugo Baumgartner, a German Jew, finds himself a perpetual outsider, too dark for Nazi Germany and too fair for India. After escaping the Nazi regime and losing his parents, he builds a new life in India, only to face further disruption from war and partition. He eventually settles in Bombay, a city that becomes his home. The narrative introduces him as an elderly, gentle man who frequents teashops to gather food for his many cats. His routine is shattered by an encounter with a volatile young German, a drug-addled hippie, at his usual haunt, the Café du Paris, forever altering his existence.

Why You Should Read?

• Explore a poignant narrative of displacement and the search for belonging across continents and cultures.
• Delve into a character study of Hugo Baumgartner, a survivor who navigates the tumultuous events of the 20th century.
• Experience a rich tapestry of settings, from Berlin and Venice to Calcutta and Bombay, offering a vivid backdrop to the protagonist's journey.
• Gain insight into the complexities of identity and the lasting impact of historical events on individual lives.

About the Author

Anita Desai is an Indian novelist and short story writer. She is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature, and has been a recipient of the Sahitya Akademi Award as well as the Padma Bhushan. She has been shortlisted for the Booker Prize three times. Her works often explore themes of identity, alienation, and the complexities of human relationships, set against the backdrop of Indian society.