Finding Arun

by Marisha Pink

If you live your whole life being who everybody else wants you to be, how do you know who you really are?



Nineteen-year-old Aaron Rutherford is already reeling from the loss of his mother, when the unexpected revelation of a dark secret from her past changes his world forever.



Forced to question everything that he has ever believed, should he simply follow the path that has been laid out for him, or will pursuing the truth help him to find what has always been missing?



As the tangled web of lies unfolds and uncertainty takes over, a startling chain of events are set in motion that will see Aaron make the journey of a lifetime to discover not only who he really is, but ultimately who he wants to be.



Awarded a B.R.A.G. Medallion and shortlisted for the inaugural Quagga Prize for Literary Fiction, if you love engrossing books that will take you on a journey, buy Finding Arun now.

338 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2013

About the author

Marisha Pink is a twenty-something-year-old rat race escapee turned author and entrepreneur.

Born and raised in London, from a young age she had an unhealthy obsession with books and always dreamed of one day writing stories with the magic and power to take readers on a journey.

After five years of working at some of London’s top marketing and advertising agencies, in July 2012, when unfavourable changes were proposed at work, she realised that she was faced with two options: get another, same-same-but-different, 9-5 job or take the opportunity to follow her dreams.

In September 2012 she decided that it was finally time to take the leap and, backpack in hand, she left everything behind to travel around Southeast Asia and complete the first draft of her debut novel, Finding Arun. She’s been on a mission not to live life by the book ever since.

Eventually returning to the UK in February 2013, Marisha successfully raised the finance to self-publish Finding Arun through crowdfunding website Kickstarter and the book will be published on Monday 30th September 2013 in paperback and ebook.

Always inspired by the world’s entrepreneurs and their ideas, Marisha is also spearheading the launch of three of her own business ventures within the publishing, technology and event catering industries.

Reviews

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought Marisha’s debut novel was a wonderful, absorbing debut. It’s a tale of Arun finding out the truth about his family and his past, but it’s also a journey into an India of rich culture, searing heat, and spicy aromas. As well as the beautifully written story about life and love, what stayed with me after reading it was the portrayal of India – you become immersed in the vibrant colours, chaotic noise and its deep history.

An excellent debut, and I look forward to reading more from Marisha.

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is an enthralling, vivid story about discovery and growing up. You get truly immersed in the exotic life of India, a world full of colors and depth.

I haven't read any other book from such tropical countries, but I believe this one really pictures the exuberance and richness of the Indian culture.

[gj indieBRAG · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are proud to announce that FINDING ARUN by Marisha Pink is a B.R.A.G. Medallion Honoree. This tells a reader that this book is well worth their time and money!

[Bob · Rating 1 out of 5]

If you're looking for mushy, undemanding romantic nonsense, then this is exactly right for you. Sadly, the writing is adolescent (can't see the wood for the adverbs) and the characters barely make two dimensions. The occasional sniff of jeopardy is crushed within a paragraph or two by some unlikely intervention or unbelievable twist. I wanted to like it, I really did, but I just couldn't. I feel guilty being so harsh, especially as it was free on Kindle. Not a great start to the new year but at least it can only get better.

[Gaby · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review... So here it goes: (Reseña en Español más abajo)

I really liked this book :) I mean, self discovery novels often end up being flat and boring, but not this one. Ok, I'll admit there was a point where I felt like the story was getting a bit too long, but I was never really bored by it. I love the fact that it is divided into two parts, Aaron and Arun, it reflects very well the changes that the main character goes through along his journey.

This isn't the kind of book that I usually read, so I didn't find myself loving it. Still, the author really knows India and its livestyle, so I actually felt transported there with Arun. The plot had a few turns I was not expecting, but the ending didn't surprise me at all. Nonetheless, the book is very carrefully written and the story is well told. Plus the cover is gorgeous!

A lot of people will enjoy this book and (I hope) will learn something from it:

Aaron had to wonder whether he has really been fortunate at all. Was fortune being torn away from your real family and home, denied the chance to know them both? Was fortune having all of the things that money could buy, but little of what it could not?

This is a slow paced but rich and profound book... I just don't think it was the right one for me.




Ahora en Español:
Recibí una copia de este libro de parte de la autora a cambio de una reseña honesta.. Así que aquí va:

Realmente me gustó este libro :) Quiero decir, las novelas de auto-descubrimiento a menudo terminan siendo planas y aburridas, pero esta no. De acuerdo, admito que llegó un punto en el que pensé que la historia se estaba poniendo un poco demasiado larga, pero en ningún momento me aburrió. Me encantó el hecho de que está dividida en dos partes, Aaron y Arun, eso refleja muy bien los cambios por los que pasa el protagonista a lo largo de su viaje.

Este no es el tipo de libros que normalmente leo, así que no lo pude amar. De todas maneras, la autora realmente conoce India y sus estilos de vida, así que me sentí transportada allí con Arun. La trama tuvo algunos giros que no me esperaba, pero el final no me sorprendió para nada. Sin embargo, el libro está escrito muy cuidadosamente y la historia está muy bien contada. Además, la portada es hermosa!

Muchas personas disfrutarán de este libro y (espero) aprenderán algo de él:

Aaron tuvo que preguntarse si realmente era afortunado en lo absoluto. ¿Era suerte el haber sido arrebatado de su verdadera familia y hogar, el habérsele negado la oportunidad de conocerlos a ambos? ¿Era suerte el haber tenido todas las cosas que el dinero puede comprar, pero muy pocas de las que no puede?

Este es un libro de ritmo lento pero rico y profundo... Es sólo que no creo que fuera el indicado para mí.

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very nicely executed story of a young man, Aaron Rutherford, adopted by his physician mother from India, who learns that what he had always believed about his origins---that his biological mother had died at his birth---was, in fact, not true. After the sudden death of his adoptive mother, and over the protests of his father, he sets off to find his birth mother, and ultimately finds family, acceptance, and a new life in the land of his birth.

Along the way, he learns that his adoptive mother kept disturbing secrets about his adoption, copes with the fact that his birth mother died only weeks before his arrival, and finds that his lifelong plan to follow in his adoptive mother's footsteps into the medical profession might be jeopardized by his desire to remain with his Indian family.

Marisha Pink has captured the insecurities of a young adult faced with life-altering decisions with sensitivity and clarity. Her descriptions of Indian life feel accurate; the insights into Hindu religious practices are not overwhelming to Western readers, but clearly convey the impact on Arun (who has adopted the spelling and meaning of his Indian name) as he seeks to understand who he is, and his place in the world.

I would have liked to give this book 3.5 stars, as I feel it deserves more than 3. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in Indian culture, as well as to those readers who enjoy stories about the love and loyalties that exist among family members.

[Richa · Rating 3 out of 5]

A gripping tale of a boy in search for his origin

A good read. It narrates the tale of a boy who in search for his biological mother ultimately discovers himself and settles for his happiness leaving the more comfortable and luxurious behind..

[Uma Blacher · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a debut novel I thought Marisha has done a fabulous job! Loved it and would recommend!

[Mimi Davis Hopkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life connections

I totally enjoyed this story. It's a life journey to finding yourself and who you are. Great dialogue, the characters are excellent. The words used gives the reader visual pictures of the scenes. I loved it. GREAT JOB!!!

[Freakie Deakie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Enjoyable Read

Heartwarming, fun, and characters that are real and engaging. You really get to know Aaron/ Arun as you ride this emotional roller-coaster with him. This would make a great book to take on vacation with you.

[Ysy A · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely amazing. The journey of Arun kept me hooked with every turn of the page. I loved learning about India as everything was so beautifully described. The decisions made and the adventures that they brought. Simply amazing!!!

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Worth reading

Beautiful well-written story with lovable characters. If you enjoy a good story this is worth reading. Looking forward to reading more from this author.

[Linda Stock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story!

I loved this book. The story is testament to the importance of a loving and accepting family! Aaron/Aron is a main character to remember and admire!

[C.C. Miranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an excellent book. I loved it.

[n balasubramanian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting

Good narration and clear style.Interesting read.Looking forward to her next book soon.
Thanks for making it available on line for free

[C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

What a very different type of story. Written well and has you following this characters life very closely to see what's next.

[Jane Duchacek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding Arun

This was an uplifting reminder that we need to do what is best for us not to placate others. Well worth the read!,

[Peter Malcolm · Rating 5 out of 5]

good story worth a read

[Bookmuseuk]

Aaron has grown up in Britain, the adopted child of two white parents. He has always known that his biological mother was an Indian woman from the clinic where his adoptive mother was working as a doctor. But it is only when his adoptive mother dies, and he finds evidence in her papers that his biological mother might still be alive, that he decides to travel to India to explore his unknown roots.

The clues he finds lead him to Puri, a coastal city in Eastern India, home of Ratha Yatra, or the Festival of Chariots, when statues of the gods Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are paraded annually on vast chariots (which, incidentally, is where we derive the word ‘juggernaut’).

What Aaron uncovers there is both wonderful and disturbing and will change his life forever, enabling his to reclaim his birth name: Arun.

The story of Finding Arun began, for author Marisha Pink, when she gave up corporate life in London to backpack to southeast Asia. Two years later, she raised the money to self-publish her book on Kickstarter, making her a true indie pioneer.

The novel blends a sweet tale of self-discovery and sibling love with the unfolding of a dark family secret, all set against the background of one of India’s most holy cities.

It is a pleasure, too, to be taken inside ordinary village life – one that is neither of extreme poverty nor extreme wealth, but which is nevertheless precarious.

The story is gently paced and the conflicts more like ocean swells than tsunamis. But if you like a family story in a setting that is more than just a casual backdrop, then this could be one for you.

[Madhura · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book speaks about the most beautiful relationship in the world - relationship between mother and child. The emotions of two mothers and a child with them.

An Indian boy struggles to finds himself lonely in London society and happiness only with his doctor mother. The boy suddenly realises his mom had hidden his birth and his birth mother being alive (he was informed his birth mother had died) with his siblings. The boy travels to India only to find his mother is also dead.

[Michelle Holyfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written

This story kept me reading late into the night because just when I thought I knew what was happening, something changed. Loved the intricate descriptions. It is such a great story of familial love and pain caused by so many lies.