Saint Richard Parker
His search for love and enlightenment across India, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia
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Pub Date Oct 24 2023 | Archive Date Dec 1 2023
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Description
In this witty satire, a Brown man travels to Southeast Asia in search of love and enlightenment. Saint Richard Parker is perfect for fans of Yellowface, Less Is Lost, The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared, Eat Pray Love, and Crazy Rich Asians.
Ace businessman, writer, and investigative journalist Richard Parker loses his job when he exposes the CEO of his newspaper as a beef exporter. Accused of misconduct and forced to dissolve his company, he retreats to his wretched little village.
Attempting to resuscitate his life, Richard realizes that attaining enlightenment is his calling.
What holds him back?
Well, he does not know if spirituality or sexuality comes first. He must also avoid the attentions of Isakki, the dark witch, and her menacing buffaloes. Desperate and confused, Richard consults an astrologer, who predicts that his destiny lies in the exotic East.
Richard sets out on a spiritual journey—an odyssey of self-discovery that takes him through the market streets, ballrooms, tantric retreats, and pristine jungles of Southeast Asia. Between running for his life and trying to prove he is not a con artist, child snatcher, or Man Friday material, Richard discovers his true love—in the least expected place. And yes, he also discovers the path to enlightenment.
Saint Richard Parker is a humorous travel adventure across the famed spiritual and romantic region of Southeast Asia, with an ensemble of unforgettable characters and a keen eye for the absurdities of modern life.
A Note From the Publisher
Advance Praise
"This novel is witty and sharp, and it’s comically and intentionally reminiscent of Eat, Pray, Love...the reader is allowed to laugh at themselves through Richard Parker’s misfortunes and can thoroughly enjoy the novel’s vivid scenery and constant, animated dialogue. Parker’s unique, albeit naïve and self-centered, personality is entertaining to follow as he struggles to keep up in fast-paced situations, but these struggles capture a brief message for the reader: An answer may be hiding where you least expect it; follow it if you choose, but do not be afraid to let it pass." — The Independent Book review
"Truly funny novel of a South Indian man's journey toward enlightenment...Franco's prose and perspective are continually arresting, and the novel bursts with amusing incident and food for thought, especially on the subjects of commodified enlightenment, the exploitation of women and the global poor, and the (hilarious, troubling) flexibility of its narrator's ideas...as Parker ducks bees, endures misunderstandings, and encounters (but doesn't quite suss out) the hypocrisies of rulers and faith leaders, Franco stirs serious, often pained laughs."—Booklife
"Franco excels at keen characterization and effervescent dialogue. The globetrotting, vibrant, culturally rich adventures of Richard Parker are hard to resist."—Kirkus Reviews
Marketing Plan
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Available Editions
| ISBN | 9798223473961 |
| PRICE | |
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Featured Reviews
Reviewer 854813
3.75. This is a really solid book that I had a fun time with. It was pretty well written and I found myself to be laughing at multiple points! Enjoyable!
Hannah R, Reviewer
Well written and engaging - "Saint Richard Parker" by Merlin Franco is an enthralling novel that plunges readers into a world of raw emotions, moral dilemmas, and spiritual exploration. Franco's storytelling prowess shines through in this thought-provoking narrative that centers on the complex character of Richard Parker, a man on the brink of a personal and existential crisis.
The novel weaves together elements of suspense, philosophy, and spirituality, as Parker grapples with the weight of his past and the uncertainty of his future. Franco skillfully develops his characters, making them feel incredibly human and relatable, while taking readers on a journey of self-discovery and redemption.
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