Quarterlife: A Novel by Devika Rege 2023 Paperback NEW

In the critically acclaimed novel Quarterlife by Devika Rege, readers are taken on a journey through the secret history of a nation as it grapples with the aftermath of a divisive election. The Bharat Party has risen to power in India, and Naren, a disillusioned Wall Street consultant, is drawn back to his homeland by the party's economic promises. Accompanying him is Amanda, a young woman seeking to escape her small New England town by embarking on a teaching fellowship in a Muslim-majority slum. As Naren and Amanda navigate the complexities of their new lives in Mumbai, Naren's younger brother Rohit embarks on a personal quest to explore his cultural roots in the heartland of India. It is here that he becomes entangled with a group of fervent young men who are fueled by the Hindu nationalist machine. Each character in this gripping narrative represents a hypothesis, embodying different aspects of identity politics, corporate greed, and the limits of idealism. Rege skillfully weaves together these disparate storylines, creating a tapestry of a deeply fraught and complex milieu. Quarterlife is not only a political bildungsroman but also a profound social and philosophical inquiry. Through her characters, Rege explores the new India and the challenges it faces in a rapidly changing world. The novel delves into the themes of identity, power, and the clash between tradition and progress. Naren, disillusioned by his experiences on Wall Street, is drawn to the Bharat Party's economic mandate, hoping to find purpose and meaning in his homeland. Amanda, on the other hand, seeks to make a difference through her teaching fellowship in a marginalized community. As they navigate their respective journeys, they are confronted with the harsh realities of a society grappling with its own contradictions. Rohit's exploration of his cultural roots takes him on a transformative journey, as he befriends the fiery young men who are caught up in the Hindu nationalist movement. Throu