Nem was not like his college classmates. Instead of crowding around a TV
set, Nem opted for lonely walks where he could indulge his passion for
photography, until the night he saw Nicholas, a young professor from
London, with another male student. The affair is passionate and brief.
When Nicholas returns to London, Nem must move on. He graduates and soon
finds success as a critic in New Delhi's burgeoning art world. Then
comes an invitation to speak to artists in London, and the past is
suddenly resurrected. As London's cosmopolitan art scene envelops Nem,
he is haunted by the possibilities of a life with Nicholas. But Nicholas
eludes Nem, avoiding a reunion with his old student, but leaving clues
that lead to someone else: Myra, a woman Nem thought was Nicholas's
sister. Brought together by their love for Nicholas, Nem and Myra embark
on a surprising friendship.
Janice Pariat explores the concept of emotional memory with the
inquisitive mind of a scientist and the prowess of a poet. Rich,
immersive prose drives a story with international scope, one that seeks
answers to the age-old mystery of what binds us to others, and how we
can ever let them go.
