Em and the Big Hoom

First published by a small press in India, Jerry Pinto'sdevastatingly original debut novel has already taken the literary world bystorm. Suffused with compassion, humor, and hard-won wisdom, Em and the BigHoom is a modern masterpiece, and its American publication is certain to beone of the major literary events of the season.Meet Imelda and Augustine, or-as our young narrator callshis unusual parents-Em and the Big Hoom. Most of the time, Em smokesendless beedies and sings her way through life. She is the sun aroundwhich everyone else orbits. But as enchanting and high-spirited as she can be,when Em's bipolar disorder seizes her she becomes monstrous, sometimes withcalamitous consequences for herself and others. This accomplished debut isgraceful and urgent, with a one-of-a-kind voice that will stay with readerslong after the last page.