Indian Magic

'I am absolutely bowled over by this novel ... Khanna delivers with the wisdom of a Naipaul, the dexterity of Vikram Seth and the honesty and observation of Zadie Smith.' Paul Pickering, novelist Packed with adventure and humour, endlessly entertaining, Indian Magic is a slice of 1960s life, served with a twist of lemon by our likeable hero, Ravi. London's dodgy streets are very different from Simla's peaceful hills. Fog, Teddy Boys and nuns are just some of the challenges the young man must confront – for the natives here are really rather restless! When Ravi Kumar Mehra steps off the train at Victoria station, London, in the autumn of 1962, he is fully equipped with the all-important work permit and a couple of pounds in his pocket. A brave new life lies ahead! He's 23, educated, good-looking—a real Star of India. What can possibly stand in his way? Disillusion sets in. The Mother Country is a hostile place in which non-whites are not welcome. But the kindness of strangers helps Ravi to walk tall—and after six days of sleeping rough, his luck changes, for the Indian Magic curry house is recruiting for a dishwasher... When Ravi falls in love life takes a more dangerous turn. For the girl in question is the English Rose next door, and her father is unhinged. Anything could happen. A brave new life lies ahead for Ravi Kumar Mehra! He's 23, educated, good-looking - a real Star of India. What can possibly stand in his way? The Mother Country is a hostile place. But the kindness of strangers helps Ravi to walk tall - and after six days of sleeping rough, his luck changes, for the Indian Magic curry house is recruiting for a dishwasher ...When Ravi falls in love - deeply and forever - life takes a more dangerous turn. For the girl in question is the English Rose next door, and her father is unhinged. Anything could happen. Packed with adventure and humour, endlessly entertaining, INDIAN MAGIC is a slice of 1960s London life. London's dodgy streets are very different from Simla's peaceful hills. Fog, Teddy Boys and nuns are just some of the challenges the young man must confront - for the natives here are really rather restless! When Ravi Kumar Mehra MA steps off the train at Victoria station, London in the autumn of 1962, he is fully equipped with the all-important work permit and a couple of pounds in his pocket. A brave new life lies ahead! Disillusion sets in. The Mother Country is a hostile place in which non-whites are not welcome.