Remy Wadia has little room in his new American life for visits to his home in India, where his elderly mother, Shirin, remains. She lives in the family home in Bombay, under the watch of Remy’s cousin, Roshan. He’s busy building his business, busy with his wife, Kathy, and busy with his American friends and in-laws. But when the promise of a potential adoption beckons — coming after a quick change in family plans for Remy and Kathy — Remy boards a plane, bound for his hometown.
When he arrives, a sudden shift leaves him addressing an unexpected issue, as his mother’s care is in need of some extra attention. As Remy reacquaints himself with his mother, friends, and city, old feelings rise to the surface, and a reckoning is very much required. As his mother begins to soften in her weakened state, and as Remy riffles through corners of his childhood home, long buried secrets slip out. Slowly and then all at once, Remy is compelled to face the complexities of his fraught relationship with his mother alongside his own mission to become a father.
The Museum of Failures
by Thrity Umrigar
Two Delicious wine Pairings for The Museum of Failures
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| Donnafugata Sedara Nero d’Avola | Familia Torres Celeste Verdejo Sur Lies |
| The Donnafugata Sedara Nero d’Avola is certainly a nice pairing to our recipe this week, but we’re really reaching for it because it’s so lively and a little bit spicy, bringing up all sorts of responses when we take a sip. Indeed, it’s complicated and beautiful and affecting, very much like Remy’s experience in The Museum of Failures. | For white wine fans, The Museum of Failures is best read while sipping a wine that is dry and herbaceous, something that will keep one grounded while navigating a life experience that might feel like whiplash. This Familia Torres Celeste Verdejo Sur Lies is just the bottle for the job! |
Chicken Chutney Recipe Pairing
By Rachael Ray
Remy’s memories of his childhood with his mother are bittersweet — and, well, often plain bitter. He does, however, think fondly back to her chutney chicken sandwiches. She would make them on occasion and Remy gobbled them up, finding moments of bliss within his tension-filled home. As he tries to reconnect with his mother, ailing and uncommunicative, he sees a spark of acknowledgment in her eyes when he brings up the sandwiches. Inspired by this moment, we’re sharing Rachael Ray’s Chutney Chicken recipe. Enjoy it as is — and then turn the leftovers into a sandwich on sourdough or rye with an extra dollop of chutney.
Get the recipe.
Want to explore the world of Indian cooking? Look no farther for the classics and then some with Madhur Jaffrey, one of the best Indian cookbook authors out there. Her timeless cookbook has just been revised and re-released, and features chutneys, curries, dal, and more.
Indian Cookery: A Cookbook
by Madhur Jaffrey
Lots to discuss in The Museum of Failures
With themes of expectations, family, the bonds that keep us tied to our homes, friendship, and more, The Museum of Failures is packed with so much you’ll want to discuss or consider. Start with these questions to kick off your contemplation or consideration. Beware: Spoilers await.
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India is a nation so rich in history, culture, and heart. As you might come to expect, so much fabulous fiction is set there, written by some of the country’s most effective and affecting voices. As you turn the last page of The Museum of Failures, you might be feeling like lingering in the vicinity for a little longer. We’ve got you covered with a few of our favorite India-set novels.
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