Tony D'Souza

A long line of Konkans, the “Jews of India” came from Portugal, and abandoned their Hindu traditions and became Catholics. Being a Konkan is something to be proud of.

Living in India, Lawrence D’Sai and his wife, Denise, who is originally from America,decide to move to Chicago for a better life. Soon Denise gives birth to Francisco who is the firstborn son of a firstborn son. Being born as such is important to the family and the Konkan history. The firstborn son of a firstborn son is responsible for the family. He is expected to look after the family.

Coming to America is a decision Lawrence makes for his family, feeling that it is the best for all. At the same time he wishes to carry on his family’s heritage and traditions.

Denise has always wished to stay in India and longs to go back. America is not where she wants to call home.

Lawrence tries hard to fit into the American ways, and will do anything to move up the corporate ladder when it comes to business. It isn’t long when he recognizes that he is treated differently from the others at work. His frustration leads to drinking alone in his basement, night after night.

Sam, Lawrence’s second brother, and Les, his third brother, also comes to American. Les goes off on his own, and joins the navy. Sam stays and gets closely involved with Francisco and Francisco’s mother.

Uncle Sam and Francisco’s mom, Denise, are always telling Fransico stories about India and the family’s history.

The bond between Uncle and Mother becomes stronger. They know that this affair must stop.

The affair stops and Uncle Sam does date and even later marries a girl from India. Sam is not enjoying the life that he has made for himself. Denise pleads with Sam to be nice to his young bride.

Throughout the book, Fransico is the narrative. Every character has a different outlook on things and remembers things their own way. It’s a story of family, migration, and how one chooses to live their life.… (altro)