Chapter 4 Summary

Bobby meets the executive committee of the writer's union. The drive gives him his first daylight view of Calcutta, intimidating but not fear- and anger-provoking as in the dark. Director Gupta emphasizes the privilege of receiving Das' manuscript, but refuses to let Bobby interview Das. Chatterjee reads aloud Das' explanation of why he disappears in 1969 and is now anxious to expedite publication of his new manuscript. The committee agrees to give Harper's the rights and will turn the manuscript over next day.

Chapter 4 Analysis

Chapter 4 formally introduces Chaterjee and other members of the Bengali Writers' Union. According to stereotype, Bobby cannot cope with long Indian names and has difficulty with the singsong accent. He wishes Amrita were along to translate. Chatterjee appears to be an urbane fellow, but the Director, Mr. Gupta, is all business. Another stereotype is invoked when, as the meeting...