Anagram Destiny: Grishma Shah’s Debut Novel Unfolds the Ties of Identity, Love, and the Immigrant Dream
If there’s one thing Grishma Shah knows intimately, it’s the power of stories to bridge worlds-having lived them herself, from the motel rooms of her childhood in the American South to the bustling streets of Mumbai and the classrooms of Manhattan College, where she now teaches and inspires the next generation. As a professor, author, and daughter of Indian immigrants, Shah’s life is a tapestry of movement, adaptation, and a deep curiosity about the ties that bind us across borders and generations.
Shah’s debut novel, Anagram Destiny, published in September 2024 by SparkPress and Simon & Schuster, is much more than a plot-it is an emotional tribute to her parents’ immigrant journey and a reflection of her own life experiences. The story centers on Aanya, who arrives in India ready for a new beginning, only to find herself overwhelmed by the glitz of expat life and the loneliness that can accompany achievement. On her very first day, “tears salt her welcome cake”-a poignant moment that captures the bittersweet reality of success when it is shadowed by longing and displacement. As Aanya pitches her work to Abhimanyu, the self-made Director of Events at the Taj Palace Hotel in Mumbai, she is forced to confront her past: a childhood spent at a roadside motel in Georgia, where her Indian-immigrant parents and their best friends labored to manifest the American Dream, and where she and Ayaan developed a bond as entwined as their anagrammed names.
Grishma Shah’s background as the daughter of Indian immigrants and her expertise in globalization, culture, and cross-cultural management infuse the novel with authenticity and depth. “There are tidbits of my parents’ immigrant journey throughout the novel, and it really is an ode to their generation,” she shares. Her research and teaching at Manhattan College have focused on the impact of globalization, gender equity, and the human stories behind economic change-themes that are woven into the fabric of Anagram Destiny.
Shah’s approach to storytelling is deeply personal; she believes that “nothing educates, enlightens, or propels us forward like a good story,” and this philosophy is evident in the way she brings complex global issues to life through the intimate experiences of her characters.
Anagram Destiny is a sweeping story of love, loss, and new beginnings, exploring the resilience and determination of an immigrant family as they confront the challenges and opportunities of globalization. The novel pays homage to generations of immigrants who “held their heads low so one day, their children could lift theirs high,” while also highlighting the sacrifices, cultural identity, and hope that define the immigrant experience. Through Aanya’s journey, readers are invited to reflect on the power of memory, the pain of loss, and the possibility of starting anew-even in the face of uncertainty.
Grishma Shah’s debut is not just a story, but an invitation to see the world-and ourselves-with deeper awareness and connection. Whether you are drawn to stories of love, family, or the search for belonging, Anagram Destiny promises to stay with you long after the final page.
Would you like to know more about the inspirations behind the novel, or how Grishma’s academic work shapes her storytelling? Follow The Sunflower Seeds for more.
