Books by Gita Audhya
ALL THOSE TEARS WE CAN'T SEE follows a successful, liberal, Indian-American family in California as they live out their American Dream. It was marked by history as "Brain Drain around the World" where the entire intellectual population, like doctors, scientists, engineers, and IT professionals joined from many countires to achieve the "American Dream" between 1970 and onward. America was in the driver's seat allowing gain the most financial opportunity for the newcommers. But it didn't come easily for the immigrants. After many years of financial hardships, readjusting to the culture shock, and sacrificing their country's most precious values and the Ist generation's offspring they ultimately achieved the so-called American Dream.
This novel isn't just the emotional depth but the analytical lens through which Audhya examines cultural assimilation versus cultural preservation. From my perspective, this book isn't your typical immigrant story. It dives deep into the psychological and emotional costs of migration, which Audhya portrays with a raw honesty that's both refreshing and heart wrenching.
"All Those Tears We Can't See" explores the story of Samantha, a Bengali immigrant, and her daughter Monica as they navigate the cultural divide between their Indian heritage and American lifestyle. As Samantha endeavors to uphold her traditions, Monica wholeheartedly adopts Western values from her upbringing, leading to a complex dynamic in their relationship. As Monica delves into journalism, exploring her Indian roots, she uncovers new insights about family dynamics, culture shock, and personal identity. Through vivid storytelling, this novel explores themes such as immigration experiences, generational conflicts, love, and struggles faced when reconciling two disparate worlds.
Gita Audhya's "All Those Tears We Can't See, 3rd edition" intricately portrays the tension between cultural heritage, roots, and modernity through the lives of Samantha and Monica. The setting is split between the vibrant yet challenging landscapes of India and the promise-filled but complex terrain of the United States. The interplay between these two countries becomes a backdrop for the personal dilemmas faced by the characters particularly how one's cultural identity can evolve in the immigrant experience.
Additionally, the inclusion of both Western and Eastern romantic relationships broaden its appeal to younger readers. It will captivate fans of literary fiction that explores themes of cultural contrasts, family ties, and identity struggles. Not only is impressive that taken on an international odyssey for a first-hand look at India in the modern day (and also much of the past), but taken on an internal, emotional, and contemplative journey with Monica, and Samantha who must confront their preconceived notions of life and love .
As we follow Samantha on her journey of self-reflection in pursuit of acceptance, love, open-mindedness, and adaptation as the times change she and Monica are able to reestablish their connection with each other, offer their forgiveness, and reaffirm their special love for each other. Samantha bends her hard-held faith to receive Brandon as her family. Monica recovers and goes back to America with Brandon. With burning eyes, Samantha promises to return to India.