In this class we will read and discuss short stories by two highly acclaimed writers of different backgrounds: Anita Desai, born and educated in India to a German mother, and Deborah Eisenberg, whose adult life has been centered in New York City. Both have taught for many years at American universities. They are both sharp observers of class and cultural differences and both excel at delineating often uncomfortable characters at transition points in their lives. The settings range from urban and rural India to Manhattan and Western Massachusetts, from Toronto and Cornwall to Mexico and Central America.

Format: For each story, one of the class members will provide in advance a few questions to help guide our reading, and will then lead the class discussion. Each week we will read one story by each author. Please note that this class involves a fair amount of reading, as some of the “short” stories are 30-50 pages long.

Resources/Expenses: Participants will be asked to obtain the following two books, both available new or used online, or at local libraries: Deborah Eisenberg, All Around Atlantis (1997) and Anita Desai, Diamond Dust (2000). Each book about $13 new on Amazon, $3-4 used on Abebooks.