Abscond
books by Abraham Verghese
Fate challenges a boy to find his place in the world in a powerful short story from Abraham Verghese, the New York Times bestselling author of The Covenant of Water.It’s a New Jersey summer in 1967, and thirteen-year-old Ravi Ramanathan has the makings of a tennis prodigy. His surgeon father encourages his ambition, while his mother dreams of their only child following his father’s path. Surrounded by his parents’ love, Ravi chafes a bit at their daily routines and little traditions. Then one unexpected day, everything changes. Realizing how much he took for granted, Ravi must grow up overnight and find a new role in the life of his family. The book presents its ideas in a way that feels grounded and relatable. Even abstract concepts are connected to tangible experiences, making them easier to grasp. Readers who value thoughtful characterization often appreciate the depth found in this book. Characters are not defined by a single trait, but instead evolve in response to the events around them. This development adds layers to the story and encourages emotional investment. The narrative’s clarity makes it accessible to readers with varying levels of familiarity with the subject matter. This inclusivity broadens the book’s appeal and usability.