Dayal, the protagonist of The Pleasure Seeker, is perpetually an outsider. Born to parents who were trafficked to Africa after WWII, he finds himself navigating a complex identity as a Sikh in Swahili Africa, where race and religion blend into a rich yet confounding tapestry. In Christian Europe, he is constantly explaining his African heritage and beliefs, further adding to his feeling of displacement.
Despite being on the Autism spectrum, Dayal’s professional and academic journeys thrive. His focus and determination lead him to unexpected success, including an accidental foray into rock stardom and the invention of “Magicscore.” However, his personal life is anything but straightforward. Torn between two Jewish sisters, with one he loves intensely, he ultimately marries Sita, a decision influenced by familial expectations. But as his children start to ask probing questions about their heritage, Dayal is forced to examine his choices and question whether he has compromised too much of himself for the sake of others.
Faced with pivotal decisions, Dayal must find a way to reconcile his personal truth with the expectations of his family, and perhaps, reshape the future for them all.
Book Description:
| Book | The Pleasure Seeker |
| Series | None |
| Parts | None |
| Publication Date | 15 jan 2024 |
| Author | Robyn Michaels |
| Publisher | Srishti Publishers |
| Pages | 365 pages |
| Publication Format | Paper Back, Kindle |
Bio of the Author:
Robyn Michaels, a retired dog groomer, has a unique and varied background. She has achieved notable success in training and titling dogs in both performance and conformation. Michaels didn’t begin her college journey until she was 30, earning credits through CLEP exams to bypass prerequisites. She holds degrees in anthropology, with a focus on African and Indian studies, and a master’s degree in urban planning. Michaels has served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Malawi and is diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome, a form of Autism. Her diverse experiences, including her time in the Peace Corps and her academic pursuits, deeply inform her storytelling.