God in Drag

“God in Drag” is the story of Micah, a young man from California who travels to India in search of his stepfather, Raj, whom he remembers as a magical guardian from his childhood. While in India, an unfortunate incident occurs that leads Micah to volunteer at a hospice for dying patients. The author fosters immediate empathy for the protagonist, sustaining a narrative pull that carries the reader through the story. As bleakness and disillusionment descend upon him, Micah forms a connection with another volunteer, Kate, despite the fact that she is engaged to someone in another country. Their love story provides an emotional anchor, softening the austerity of the narrative. As the story unfolds, Micah learns the truth about his stepfather and repeatedly encounters revelations that challenge the beliefs he once held true. This is a story of stark truths and the ways people console themselves through moments of ambiguity. Madera does a wonderful job as she offers a nuanced and immersive portrayal of Indian culture and lived realities.