Diamond Dust: Stories

Upon the recent publication of Fasting, Feasting, critics raved about Anita Desai: "Desai is more than smart; she's an undeniable genius" (Washington Post Book World). The Wall Street Journal called Fasting, Feasting "poignant, penetrating . . . a splendid novel, " while the Boston Globe celebrated Desai's "beautiful literary universe." Now, in this richly diverse collection, Desai trains her luminous spotlight on private universes, stretching from India to New England, from Cornwall to Mexico. Skillfully navigating the fault lines between social obligation and personal loyalties, the men and women in these nine tales set out on journeys that suddenly go beyond the pale -- or surprisingly lead them back to where they started from. In the mischievous title story, a beloved dog brings nothing but disaster to his obsessed master; in other tales, old friendships and family ties stir up buried feelings, demanding either renewed commitment or escape. And in the final exquisite story, a young woman discovers a new kind of freedom in Delhi's rooftop community.
With her trademark "perceptiveness, delicacy of language, and sharp wit" (Salman Rushdie) in full evidence here, Anita Desai once again gloriously confirms that she is "India's finest writer in English" (Independent).

Author: Anita Desai
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin
Published: 05/01/2000
Pages: 224
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.48lbs
Size: 8.00h x 5.25w x 0.57d
ISBN: 9780618042135

Review Citation(s):
Publishers Weekly 03/27/2000 pg. 48
Kirkus Reviews 04/15/2000 pg. 495
New York Times 05/21/2000 pg. 20
Booklist 05/15/2000 pg. 1728
Library Journal 06/01/2000 pg. 206
New York Times 06/04/2000 pg. 40
New York Times 12/03/2000 pg. 67

About the Author
Desai, Anita: - ANITA DESAI is the author of Fasting, Feasting, The Art of Disappearance, The Zig Zag Way, Clear Light of Day, and Diamond Dust, among other works. Three of her books have been shortlisted for the Booker Prize. Desai was born and educated in India and now lives in the New York City area.