Kiran

Kiran is the novel’s central character, its protagonist and first person narrator. At the time novel begins, he is 12 years old: the voice of his narration, however, tends to seem more mature and insightful, as though an adult Kiran is writing about himself as a 12-year-old with all the understanding, compassion, and clarity that time and experience seem to have given him. Kiran’s narrative voice is also laced with humor, with wordplay and jokes, which are sometimes juxtaposed with moments, or phrases, of sensitive poetry.

Kiran is South Asian, from India: throughout the narrative, he uses the term “Indian” to describe himself, his family, and his community. He is an only child. Narration suggests his mother had a miscarriage before he was born, which suggests that on some level, he is perhaps more precious to his parents than another child might be. Combine that possibility with...