The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny: A Novel
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(as of Sep 29, 2025 07:11:13 UTC – Details)
A spellbinding story of two young people whose fates intersect and diverge across continents and years—an epic of love and family, India and America, tradition and modernity, by the Booker Prize-winning author of The Inheritance of Loss
“A spectacular literary achievement. I wanted to pack a little suitcase and stay inside this book forever.”—Ann Patchett
“A novel so wonderful, when I got to the last page, I turned to the first and began again.”—Sandra Cisneros
“Devastating, lyrical, and deeply romantic . . . an unmitigated joy to read.”—Khaled Hosseini
“A grand and stirring love story, written in exquisite prose.”—Namwali Serpell
“Magnificent . . . A masterpiece.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review
One of Publishers Weekly’s Top 10 New Books of the Fall One of Book Riot’s Three Most Anticipated Books of the Fall
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.
The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny is the sweeping tale of two young people navigating the many forces that shape their lives: country, class, race, history, and the complicated bonds that link one generation to the next. A love story, a family saga, and a rich novel of ideas, it is the most ambitious and accomplished work yet by one of our greatest novelists.
*Includes a downloadable PDF of the family trees in the book
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.
pjhatchett –
Exceptional already
I do not normally review a book until I’ve finished it. I’m only 23 pages into this book and it’s already clear this is a fine piece of writing. I have entered the story and want to get to know these people.. I read a lot, but it is rare that I find a book that is hard to put down. This one certainly is. I read a review in the NYT. Frankly I was not familiar with Kiran Desai. I’m approaching 80 and do not follow closely literature of recent writers. I tend to read and reread those books, that have stayed with me. Joseph Conrad’s “Lord Jim”, Saul Bellow’s, “Henderson the Rain King,” so many writers from the classrooms of English literature and creative writing classes. Stryron’s” Confessions of Nat Turner”, “Sophie’s Choice”, of course. Jhumpa Lahiri’s short stories, “Cutting for Stone” by Verghese. You get the idea. Highly recommended. I’ll get back to you when I finish.
Sandra C Hinson –
Brilliant, immersive, cross-cultural voyage.
I’m enjoying this new book from Kirin Desai immensely.
Ellen –
A complex and beautiful read
I will hold this book near my heart always. It shows complexity with the emotions and struggles of life. Sonia and Sunnyâs characters were both amazing and as we learn more about each of them, and it helps their connection makes sense. Theyâre just two people trying to find happiness in a very complex world, and that is one of the most relatable themes in this story. The author shows how the themes of country, class, race, history, and generational bonds can burden the spirit. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.