Cover of The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny

The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny

by Kiran Desai

2025 · adult

Set in 7 places · 4 primary
Sense of Place
5/5
Description · Open Library (CC0)

When Sonia and Sunny first glimpse each other on an overnight train, they are immediately captivated yet also embarrassed by the fact that their grandparents had once tried to matchmake them, a clumsy meddling that served only to drive Sonia and Sunny apart. Sonia, an aspiring novelist who recently completed her studies in the snowy mountains of Vermont, has returned to her family in India. She fears that she is haunted by a dark spell cast by an artist to whom she had once turned for intimacy and inspiration. Sunny, a struggling journalist resettled in New York City, is attempting to flee his imperious mother and the violence of his warring clan. Uncertain of their future, Sonia and Sunny embark on a search for happiness together as they confront the many alienations of our modern world.

Set in

  • Delhi · India
    Sunny's family home
    ★ primary
  • Allahabad · India
    grandparents and a funeral
    ★ primary
  • Goa · India
    their first companionship by the sea
    ★ primary
  • New York City · United States
    immigrant alienation at the millennium
    ★ primary
  • Jackson Heights · United States
    Sunny's NYC neighborhood
  • Vermont · United States
    Sonia's homesick college years
  • Mexico · Mexico
    showdown with the former lover

Also set in Delhi

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