‘A Nepali’s American Odyssey’ by Ramesh Shrestha recounts the author’s two-year stint in the US as a Fulbright-Hays scholar, pursuing a master's in Linguistics at Michigan State University, East Lansing.

The narrative unfolds as Shrestha embarks on his educational journey, providing a glimpse into the early 70s with mentions of letters and the reliance on payphones for communication. The language used is direct and clear, maintaining simplicity throughout. Shrestha presents his experiences honestly, avoiding embellishments or romanticisation.

The book explores the challenges faced by international students, emphasising the impact of cultural shock and the complexities of adapting to a new environment, all while conveying a palpable sense of nostalgia for his homeland.

The book also provides a fascinating window into America in the 70s, as experienced by Shrestha. It paints a vibrant picture of students’ daily lives during that time—stereo music in the air, camaraderie over beers, and a laid-back weekend vibe. Shrestha’s narrative takes a distinctive turn as he separates himself from fellow Nepalis who saved their stipend money to send back home. In an unconventional move, Shrestha opts to use his stipend to explore this vast and unfamiliar country. This decision becomes a wellspring of memories that eventually shape the book. Reflecting on those times in later chapters, he remarks, “It seems so long ago when we were young and excited to be explorers of life.”

As Shrestha travels the country on a Greyhound bus, exploring different places, visiting friends, and partaking in holiday celebrations like Christmas, Thanksgiving, and the Fourth of July, the story adopts a light-hearted tone. The camaraderie between Shrestha and his friends, both American and Nepali, becomes a robust and integral part of the narrative.

Shrestha’s friends play a crucial role in his journey, generously extending their hospitality. The interconnectedness of the characters and shared moments contribute to the narrative's overall charm, making it an enjoyable read.

Amid the exciting experiences, Shrestha’s voyage carries a poignant undercurrent of loneliness, eloquently described as “a tearsome, chokesome, lump-in-the-throat kind of loneliness.” Any overseas student facing the challenges of being far from home can resonate with this feeling.

The harsh reality of loneliness is compounded by adverse weather conditions. The cold, unforgiving weather in his campus accommodation becomes a tangible obstacle, starkly contrasting with the refreshing mountain air of Shrestha’s homeland, Bhojpur. This environmental challenge adds another layer to the complexity of his experience, making mornings a struggle as the freshness of the mountain air becomes a distant memory.

These moments of vulnerability and homesickness enrich the depth and authenticity of Shrestha’s narrative, allowing readers to empathise with the universal struggle of international students navigating the complexities of loneliness and adapting to unfamiliar environments. Adding to this, he remarks, “I wondered if I could ever fall in love with America. The place was just too cold for me.” He yearned for a ray of sunshine, a gentle breeze, a spot of green grass where he could lie down and escape the loneliness of life. Perhaps such weather could have eased the “mad scream in his soul.”

During the term break, Shrestha embarked on travels from Tampa, visiting places like New Orleans, Austin, the Grand Canyon, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oregon, Utah, Iowa, Chicago, Madison and Lansing. His descriptions of these places are vivid and captivating, providing a sense of being his companion as he journeys through vast America in the 70s.

While there might be a few typos, the overall charm of the book remains intact, highlighting the engaging nature of the narrative. The author’s choice to use leisure during the lockdown to reflect and recount his experiences from the 70s proves fruitful, as the 108-page book offers an enjoyable read. This act of reminiscence not only transports readers back in time but imparts valuable lessons on life and the joy of discovering a new place.

Travelling broadens one’s horizons and contributes to a better understanding of how the world operates. Alongside education, exploration is equally crucial, and Shrestha’s story isn't merely about a young foreign student exploring the US—it is more about exploring life and getting to know oneself.

A Nepali’s American Odyssey

Author: Ramesh Shrestha

Publisher: Himal Kitab

Year: 2023