The Invitation

In this poignant exploration of family, friendship, and the immigrant experience, Anne Cherian's novel follows Vikram—an accomplished first-generation Indian immigrant—who invites his college friends to celebrate his son’s graduation from MIT. As they gather at Vikram's Newport Beach mansion, the long-anticipated reunion takes a turn when each friend confronts personal struggles: unfulfilled career aspirations, family tensions, and the realities of their own lives. Against a backdrop of high expectations, the story delves into the complexities of success and connections that challenge their perceptions of happiness.