A quietly witty book about marriage and travel.

Indians on Vacation follows Bird and Mimi through the streets of Prague where they look for signs of Mimi’s Uncle Leroy, who decades ago sent postcards to the family from around the world.

Mimi loves to travel. For her, it’s an adventure. And she is never arm’s length from her travel guidebook. Bird likes his creature comforts, and travel isn’t comfortable. The room is hot. The train trip too long. The river is no better than the one at home. He has quite the share of personality quirks, and his “demons” natter at him throughout the trip. If you’ve travelled, you know this couple–you might even be this couple 😉

The pair’s wanderings through Prague bring up chatter and memories of past trips, of how they met, of home, of that sense of belonging, family and identity. It’s a simple plot that unfolds a complex history.

I enjoyed the subtly of this novel. The small jabs at tourists, the need to see things other people have seen, to buy the thing or memento. There are funny moments mixed with poignant insights, and overall it’s an enjoyable read.

Here’s a representative quote: “I’m sweaty and sticky. My ears are still popping from the descent into Vaclav Havel. My sinuses ache. My stomach is upset. My mouth is a sewer. I roll over and bury my face in a pillow. Mimi snuggles down beside me with no regard for my distress.

‘My god,’ she whispers, ‘can it get any better?'”

Indians on Vacation is perfect for fans of Canadian Literature (Thomas King is an icon). If you enjoyed Less by Andrew Sean Greer, you’ll probably enjoy this too.

And if awards are important, this book kicked butt:

CBC Books: Best Canadian Fiction of 2020

Globe & Mail 100: Our Favourite Books of 2020

Indigo Best Books of the Year

Scotiabank Giller Prize, Canada

Writers’ Trust Fiction Prize