Set in Nepal, Samrat Upadhyay's The City Son explores the complex aftermath of a wife's discovery of her husband's illegitimate son. The narrative follows Didi's lifelong obsession with revenge and the profound, damaging impact it has on the young man at its center.

Didi discovers her husband, Masterji, has been secretly supporting a lover and their son, Tarun. She reasserts control over Masterji, leading to the expulsion of his second family. Tarun’s mother, heartbroken, slowly declines, leaving Tarun to seek motherly affection from Didi. As Tarun matures, Didi’s control evolves from emotional manipulation to physical abuse, threatening his prospects for true happiness.

Why You Should Read?

• Examines taboo subjects such as obsession, revenge, and the destructive nature of control.
• Provides a stark and unflinching portrayal of psychological manipulation and its generational impact.
• Set against the unique backdrop of Nepal, offering cultural depth to a universal story of human frailty.
• Features a compelling narrative that explores the complexities of family secrets and emotional abuse.