A soul-warming love story, nestled in an inspiring tale of the American Dream and an Indian Dream shattered by the evils of globalization—that pays homage to a generation of immigrants who held their heads low so one day, their children lift could theirs high.
When Aanya arrives in India, ready for a new beginning, she is in awe of the glitz and glamour of expat living. But on her very first day, in the still of her apartment, tears salt her welcome cake. The cake is supposed to be a celebration, a symbol of her career accomplishments, a salute to her triumphs—and yet she has never felt more alone, not even on her darkest days.
Luckily, when she pitches her work to Abhimanyu, the self-made, down-to-earth Director of Events at the Taj Palace Hotel in Mumbai, he is charmed. But before Aanya can find the strength to reciprocate, she is thrust into reconciling her past: a coming of age at a roadside motel in Georgia, where her Indian-immigrant parents and their best friends manifest the American dream by turning over a thirty-four-room motel as their children, Aanya and Ayaan, develop a bond and fate as entwined as their anagrammed names. Now, in Mumbai, thousands of miles from home, can the fear of another loss help Aanya move forward?
“Grishma Shah writes an achingly beautiful story of lost love . . . While Anagram Destiny takes us on a journey through loss and grief, it is ultimately a compelling story of hope and of second chances.” —Joani Elliott, author of The Audacity of Sara Grayson
"Shah brings together two love stories that serve as brilliant mirrors for one another . . ." —Kirkus Reviews
"In a complex, often dark, sometimes terrifying world, it is good to know we can take comfort in new love, that the heartaches of adulthood have roots in tender youth, and that there are storytellers, like Grishma Shah, ready to capture both the hard reality of our world and the sweet bonds that hold us together." —Alida Winternheimer, author of A Stone’s Throw and the Story Works series
“Anagram Destiny is a poignant immigrant story that delves into the deep-seated pains prompting people to seek refuge in a new land. Through its vivid storytelling, I was transported to India, experiencing its rich sights, scents, sounds, culture, and architecture from the comfort of my living room. This novel is a profound exploration of love and grief, offering a heartfelt and immersive journey that stays with you after the last page is turned.” —Beth Biss, author of Redolent
