The Caretaker: A Ranjit Singh Novel
*Starred Review* This fine thriller debut views disturbing political realism through the lens of Ranjit Singh, a newly immigrated Sikh fleeing danger in India after a politically explosive mistake ends his military career. Ranjit’s hope to settle in Martha’s Vineyard becomes reality when his landscaping work for a powerful senator’s wife grows into an unexpected relationship, opening doors for him to work as winter caretaker for the island’s wealthiest residents. When Ranjit’s cottage is damaged, the only housing option is a clandestine short-term move onto the senator’s property. But this brief flirtation with luxury is abruptly ended one night by armed men who break in and begin searching the house. Ranjit’s military training ensures his family’s escape, but the intruders track them to Boston and orchestrate his wife and daughter’s detention for illegal immigration. Stealthily tracking his pursuers, Ranjit discovers that they are the senator’s security personnel, desperately searching for something tucked inside a doll his daughter has taken from the house. Ranjit goes underground to decipher the doll’s secret and strategize using it to secure his family’s safety. Ahmad laces Ranjit’s voice with sadness, creating beauty as he spins a cynically smart political thriller that draws parallels of political expediency between Washington deal-brokering and Ranjit’s tragic past. Beyond the masterfully crafted, high-adrenaline story, readers will be fascinated by Ranjit’s strong Sikh faith, rarely seen in American fiction. --Christine Tran