Are You Enjoying?: Stories

In Sethi’s striking debut collection, strong women face myriad challenges. Set in Pakistan, “Mini Apple” depicts the relationship between Javed and his neighbor, Marianne, an American from Minneapolis who works at the embassy in Islamabad. Javed becomes intrigued by Marianne’s decision to live off-campus from the sequestered “Diplomatic Enclave” and they become romantically involved. While Javed hopes to marry, Marianne is devoted to her peripatetic lifestyle. In “A Life of Its Own Part 1,” newlyweds Farah and Kashif are poised to move to Manhattan, but after Kashif’s mother, ZB, has a heart attack, they remain in Pakistan to help her recuperate. ZB is a gifted storyteller and entertainer, but she admonishes Farah in front of company and is possessive of Kashif. In the witty and moving title story, Soni, 27, is having an affair with 40-something Asher, a famous former squash player who now runs a gym, is married with children, and can’t believe his luck. “My being with you is like that man getting a visa to America,” he tells her, pointing to a street sweeper. She exults in her power over him, but a surprising turn reverses their relationship’s dynamic, making for a fascinating character study. Sethi’s writing brings a fresh view to Pakistani life. (Apr.)