Out of Hanoi to America: By Arts Editor Pamela Faye

Shoba is believed to be the first novelist of an Asian backdrop romance to be published in America. The Kuala Lumbur born author will be present at the Treble Heart Books’ booth at the BookExpo America, for publishers and authors from around the world.

Set in Vietnam, Prodigal Child unfolds when the protagonist, Kim, steps out of the world of crystal and chandeliers after the drug-related death of her parents, Judge and Mrs Cao. Kim enters the dust and chaos of working class Hanoi with no money and a stubborn streak, and ends up under the roof of her one time chauffeur, Bryan.

An Amerasian, Bryan is already grappling with his complex life. Unflatteringly called Bui Doi or “child of the dust” by the local Vietnamese, he is the illegitimate son of an American GI, and a local woman, both of whom desert him in his childhood. Hence, commitments and relationships are but transient clouds for Bryan. However, amidst the couple’s personality conflicts and differing ideologies, the walls between them crumble and they form a marriage of convenience.

Shoba Mano was asked about the Asian romance Prodigal Child. “For me the backdrop, ambience, and the whole stage on which Prodigal Child is set, contribute to its strong storyline. In fact, as far as romance goes, Asia has a lot to offer, such as its unique customs and thought patterns. These elements present raw and fresh conflicts that have never been explored before in the romance genre.”

Prodigal Child offers a glimpse of what life can be like for Amerasians in Vietnam. Shoba went on to say, “If you take novels such as Gone with the Wind, Thorn Birds, and other memorable stories, you’ll find that the backdrop is just as important as the chemistry between the hero and heroine. What I’m doing is exploring an Asian backdrop as it has rarely, if ever, been highlighted in the romance genre.”

Shoba’s first work, Love’s Treacherous Terrain, was published in 2003 by OM Books in India and received wide attention there. She is now in the midst of writing her third Asian novel, Echoes of Angels, which is set partly in Thailand and partly in Cornwall, England.



Prodigal Child is published by Arizona-based Treble Heart Books, the Asian romance novel is scheduled for release in the first week in May.

From a country that has had its share of conflict, Vietnam is now shown in a new light, the light of a beautiful Asian culture with its colourful traditions and friendly people willing to share this culture with all who venture across her borders.

Shoba will be autographing copies of her Asian romance at the New York Book Expo. To arrange interviews with Shoba Mano while she is in New York, please contact the undersigned or write to Shoba directly at shobamano@yahoo.com.

Submitted by:
Pamela Faye
Arts Editor

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