One of The Washington Post's 10 Best Books of 2021 * One of NPR's Best Books of 2021 * New York Times Book Review Editors' Choice * Long-listed for the Center for Fiction First Novel Prize“Dizzyingly original, fiercely funny, deeply wise.” (Celeste Ng, number one best-selling author of Little Fires Everywhere)“Sanjena Sathians Gold Diggers is a work of 24-karat genius.” (Ron Charles, The Washington Post) How far would you go for a piece of the American dream?A magical realist coming-of-age story, Gold Diggers skewers the model minority myth to tell a hilarious and moving story about immigrant identity, community, and the underside of ambition.A floundering second-generation teenager growing up in the Bush-era Atlanta suburbs, Neil Narayan is funny and smart but struggles to bear the weight of expectations of his family and their Asian American enclave. He tries to want their version of success, but mostly, Neil just wants his neighbor across the cul-de-sac, Anita Dayal.When he discovers that Anita is the beneficiary of an ancient, alchemical potion made from stolen gold - a “lemonade” that harnesses the ambition of the golds original owner - Neil sees his chance to get ahead. But events spiral into a tragedy that rips their community apart. Years later in the Bay Area, Neil still bristles against his community's expectations - and finds he might need one more hit of that lemonade, no matter the cost.Sanjena Sathians astonishing debut offers a fine-grained, profoundly intelligent, and bitingly funny investigation into what's required to make it in America. Soon to be a series produced by Mindy Kaling!
Gold Diggers, a compelling novel by Sanjena Sathian, delves into the complex world of ambition, friendship, and the sacrifices one makes in pursuit of success. Set in the cutthroat world of New York City publishing, the story follows two friends, Nancy and Rina, as they navigate the challenges of their careers and personal lives.
Nancy, a driven and ambitious editor, is determined to make her mark in the industry. She finds herself torn between her desire for success and her loyalty to her friend Rina, who struggles to find her footing in the competitive world of publishing. As they navigate the ups and downs of their careers, their friendship is tested and their lives become entangled in a web of ambition and betrayal.
Sanjena Sathian's writing is sharp and insightful, capturing the essence of the publishing world and the characters' struggles. She skillfully weaves together their personal and professional lives, exploring the sacrifices they make and the consequences of their choices. The novel delves into themes of friendship, ambition, and the pursuit of success, leaving readers questioning the price one is willing to pay for their dreams.
Gold Diggers is a thought-provoking and engrossing read that will resonate with anyone who has ever chased their dreams or struggled to balance their personal and professional lives. Sanjena Sathian's novel is a must-read for fans of contemporary fiction and those interested in the inner workings of the publishing industry.
