My Father's House - Paperback

by Mathew Daniel (Author)

My Father's House is set in the bustling Bombay of the 1950s and narrated by Mathew, the youngest in an Orthodox Christian family. Led by his generous and resilient parents, Daniel and Rachel, the family of five and two or three job-seeking guests at a time live in a cramped, third-floor tenement whose windows overlook the city's engaging chaos, which, in Mathew's observation, imitates their own lives, the quiet confidence running in the background like a silent river, amidst the joys and struggles of daily living. Despite their limited means, his parents welcomed the less fortunate to stay in their one-room tenement while job-seeking.

Mathew witnesses his parents' unwavering selflessness, even as it strains their family's resources and creates tensions, especially among his older siblings, much older than Mathew and who have a clearer picture of the mechanics of their parents' selfless philanthropy. In contrast, to young Mathew, every new face is a potential playmate. His father's clerical salary barely covers their basic needs, let alone the constant stream of less fortunate guests who rely on their generosity. To maintain this lifestyle, his father must borrow money left and right, casting a long shadow over their family's future.

When a tragic car accident severs his father's arm, their lives are irrevocably changed. The once vibrant family centers first around his father's recovery and then his continued well-being, with Mathew taking on a significant role in supporting his mother. Between 9 and 12, he becomes her able assistant, filling the void left by the oldest sibling, John, and then Elisabeth, who go out-of-state to pursue medical degrees.

Despite the challenges they face, Mathew's resilience shines through. At 11, he narrowly escapes death while crossing a commuter railway track, a harrowing experience that tests his courage and determination. At 17, his father's passing leaves a deep void in his life, but he finds solace in his memories and the legacy of his parents' selfless spirit.

Mathew's older brother's non-conforming interfaith marriage further compounds the family's trials. His choice to marry a classmate from a different faith sets off a societal tinderbox, igniting tensions within the extended family and beyond. The backlash is a stark reminder of humanity's original sin, the deeply ingrained prejudices and cultural tenets that can hinder personal freedom, progress, and happiness.

With a deep passion for reading and storytelling, Mathew brings his eventful childhood to life in My Father's House. His unique perspective, combined with vivid descriptions and emotional depth, creates a compelling narrative that explores themes of resilience, sacrifice, and the enduring, unbreakable power of family bonds.

Author's Notes: I'm also working on three other books exploring themes of identity, culture, and the complexities of human relationships.

Simpli Ma is about my mother, mainly anecdotes and vignettes, celebrating her unique qualities and profound impact on my life.

Beyond My Father's House (nearly complete) is a novel about a friendship forged in India and renewed in the USA. It delves into the complexities of cross-cultural relationships, personal growth, and the enduring power of friendship.

Steeplechase and Other Stories is a collection of short stories and essays. One story, Walking My Baby Back Home, features my granddaughter after her first day in kindergarten when we encountered a cicada with a broken wing and how a teaching moment reversed roles. Another is about a church I helped build, which ended up without a steeple, and the somewhat hilarious steeplechase aftermath.