Imagine a family's dream life in the sunny suburbs of California shattered in an instant—because of a child's innocent invention and a misunderstanding that exposes deep cracks in society. That's the gripping heart of Shilpi Somaya Gowda's latest novel, and it's exactly why you won't want to miss this upcoming book club discussion. But here's where it gets controversial: How do we balance protectiveness for our kids with the harsh realities of systemic issues like police overreach? Stick around to dive deeper, because this isn't just a story—it's a mirror reflecting our world.
The Free Press Book Club, in collaboration with McNally Robinson Booksellers, is thrilled to host Toronto-native and California-resident author Shilpi Somaya Gowda for our next online gathering. Mark your calendars for Tuesday, October 28, at 7 p.m., when she'll share excerpts from and chat about her freshly released book, A Great Country.
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The Free Press Book Club, teamed up with McNally Robinson Booksellers, is excited to invite Toronto-born, California-based author Shilpi Somaya Gowda to our upcoming virtual session. Join us on Tuesday, October 28, at 7 p.m., for her reading from and conversation about her new novel, A Great Country.
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The Free Press Book Club, partnered with McNally Robinson Booksellers, is delighted to welcome Toronto-native and California-based author Shilpi Somaya Gowda to our next online event. Set for Tuesday, October 28, at 7 p.m., she'll read from and discuss her latest work, A Great Country.
Released by Doubleday Canada in April 2025, A Great Country centers on a short but intense period—roughly three weeks—in the lives of the Shah family, an Indian-American household that has just moved into the upscale Pacific Hills area of California. Priya and Ashok Shah, who immigrated to the United States about 20 years ago, have raised three children—Deepa, Maya, and Ajay—while advancing their professional careers. Their relocation aims to provide their kids with every possible edge in life. But everything changes when 12-year-old Ajay, who is autistic (though not yet formally diagnosed), tests a homemade drone near the local airport and ends up in police custody. This incident flips their world, forcing the family to unite in support of Ajay as he navigates the events leading to his court appearance. Along the way, they grapple with broader issues like instances of police brutality and their personal positions in the privileged yet complex world of Pacific Hills.
Even though the story unfolds over a brief timeframe in real-time, Gowda skillfully employs multiple viewpoints—one for each family member—to broaden the narrative. This approach reveals layers of past relationships, feelings, and motivations that give essential background, helping readers fully understand the characters' journeys. For beginners dipping into such multi-perspective novels, think of it like watching a movie from different camera angles; it adds depth without overwhelming confusion. Gowda's pacing is masterful, lingering on early scenes to build tension page by page, keeping readers hooked in suspense, yet she abruptly shortens the climax, which can leave you reflecting long after. And this is the part most people miss: Despite tackling heavy, thought-provoking topics like neurodiversity, immigration challenges, and societal inequality, Gowda infuses her writing with genuine warmth. This makes A Great Country surprisingly accessible and enjoyable, even for those new to literary fiction. To clarify for newcomers, autism in the story isn't just a plot device—it's portrayed sensitively, showing how undiagnosed traits can lead to misunderstandings, emphasizing the importance of awareness and early support.
Gowda will be joined by Free Press journalist Aaron Epp, McNally Robinson Booksellers' general manager Andrea Torgerson, and Free Press audience engagement manager Erin Lebar. Together, they'll cover readings from A Great Country, explore its central themes (such as family bonds under pressure or the immigrant experience in affluent America), offer reading recommendations, and answer questions from participants. It's a fantastic opportunity to engage directly with the author and delve into interpretations that might surprise you.
You can grab copies of A Great Country at McNally Robinson Booksellers, and best of all, there's no fee to participate in the book club or the virtual chat. A recording of the event will be posted for later viewing on the Free Press YouTube channel.
For details on joining the club, plus info on upcoming and past selections, head over to wfp.to/bookclub.
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Now, here's where things spark debate: Themes of police violence in the novel could be seen as a hot-button take on real-world issues like racial profiling and law enforcement practices. Do you think stories like this help foster empathy, or do they risk oversimplifying complex social problems? And what about the family's decision to chase the American Dream in Pacific Hills—does it critique privilege, or does it highlight the immigrant drive for betterment? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments: Agree or disagree with Gowda's approach? Share your own experiences or counterpoints—let's get the conversation going!
