Madras to Manhattan speaks to the challenge of maintaining one's sense of self when confronted by a different culture. The story, about a young Indian studying in 1950's New York, deftly engages the reader in the struggles to remain true to one's family values while simultaneously living in a new and exciting world. All who have left their family to live in a new land will recognize Ramu's story, and cheer for him to grow into his own person.