Citizen By Descent

by Kritika Arya

"The two constants in my life have always been my passport and my anxiety, they have travelled the world with me."

Citizen by Descent is a collection of illustrated autobiographical essays exploring the ideas of home, belonging, identity, anxiety, and being a third-culture kid. Born and raised in Dubai with an Indian passport, Kritika always felt like a nomad. In the past decade alone, she has lived in 8 different houses in three different countries, all the while trying to settle down. But none of them ever fully felt like home, there was always a piece missing. The book attempts to answer the age-old question of the diaspora, “Where do I belong?” Kritika’s response to that question is a timely reminder that a sense of belonging is not so much found as made.

240 pages, Hardcover

First published October 22, 2023

About the author

Kritika received her master’s degree (MA) in Dramatic Writing from the University of the Arts London in 2015. While in London, she worked in theatre and production, and on a documentary called 'India in a Day'. In 2017, she moved to Mumbai to pursue a career as a writer. Since then, she has written for an award-winning international web series called 'Bhak', worked on 'Life in a Day 2020', and worked in a writers’ room for a web series in 2022. She is presently a part of the team making a global documentary about mental health called 'I Hope This Helps'.

Reviews

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kritika is a dear friend and this book shows just how generous she is. It is such a generous insight into her life and experience and a generous display of wonderful illustrations from such a wide range of artists. I often think that you find the universal in the very local, and how more local can you get than an autobiography? Within these personal essays I think everyone will find a bit of themselves. I certainly did. Kritika has played with form and genre in each essay so beautifully and crafted something really special here. Very affective, hopeful and heartbreaking, a joy and a chance for quiet reflection. Isn’t this what books are for? Magic!

[Yashika Doshi]

Kritika Arya's labour of love is all things relatable, and sweet and holds a feeling of bitter-sweet nostalgia. The description says it all - Citizen by Descent is a collection of illustrated autobiographical essays exploring the ideas of home, belonging, identity, anxiety, and being a third-culture kid. The uniqueness of the book comes from the fact that each illustration is done by a different artist, from all over the world. It enabled them to add their own voice to the chapters.

While 'Home Centred' speaks about childhood memories and how much they can affect us, 'Rani from Dubai' is relatable because even I spent some time studying in the UK and was always first asked about where am I from. The writer manages to deal with her own anxiety in different tried and tested ways but manages to keep it witty.

One of my favourite lines is "The two constants in my life have always been my passport and my anxiety, they have travelled the world with me." A soul searcher, Kritika's writing is poignant and teleports you to stand by her with each new curve her journey takes.

Kritika is currently a part of the team making a global documentary about mental health called 'I Hope This Helps'. I would recommend her book to every third culture reader and anyone else who loves descriptive, autobiographical writing.

[Raghava · Rating 5 out of 5]

Citizen by Descent is a fantastic book. Kritika brings an unmatched blend of wit, wisdom, and relatability to the forefront, making this book an absolute gem for anyone who has ever grappled with anxiety. This book not only manages to be smart and funny but also offers a unique and beautiful visual experience through its stunning artwork (Yes, the illustrations can only be described as artwork). A must read!

[Karan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful read from start to finish. Kritika Arya artfully navigates complex themes while maintaining a sense of wit and humour. The beautiful illustrations that accompany every chapter reflect each artist's respect and understanding of the stories they are bringing to life.

I highly recommend this to anyone who struggles with anxiety or finding their place in the world, as walking with the author through her memories is a warm reminder that you are not alone.

[Pallavi Gupta · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book pulls out all the raw emotions one feels as a third culture kid, always trying to fit in, but never really managing it well enough. It shines a mirror on how growing up really is about accepting one's own identity (whatever mish mash of cultures that might be) and letting go of that otherness and imposter syndrome one feels in a room filled with people who know what "home" is geographically.
I recommend savouring one story a day, let it sink in. Beautifully written.

[Rakesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kriti’s book is a roller coaster ride of a millennial gen youngster seeking answers on what is home to people of Indian origin born and brought up in an altogether different world. She has described her life in three different continents- her inner most feelings and thoughts- no holds barred and brutally honest. Hats off. We read about celebrities coming out of closet and talking about depression, but never realise how difficult they may have found in encountering it and making meaning in lives. A must read book.

[Sumika · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read! Kritika’s "Citizen of Descent" masterfully weaves together the nostalgic and poignant realities of being a third-culture kid. Her exploration of the sense of belonging—or the profound lack thereof—is exceptionally articulated. The book's quirky and witty humor enhances each narrative, making it an engaging and heartfelt read.

[Shohani Senanayake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Citizen by descent is a well thought out collection of autobiographical essays partnered with illustrations that will keep you wishing for more.
Personally, memories were brought back for me from living in Dubai, going to university in the UK and adulthood. I was able to connect on many levels , life, mental wellbeing and how it can impact one’s health and importance of family during tough times. My favourite was the last essay and I will leave it at that to avoid any spoilers.
Congratulations on your debut as an author Kritika, definite recommendation!

[Jamie McKinlay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic collection of essays that explores universal themes of home, identity, and belonging, while remaining grounded in the particular experiences and reminiscences of the author. Kritika writes with characteristic wit and candour, in a voice that is uniquely her own. This is a beautifully crafted book in every sense, shot through with stunning artwork and illustrations. Well worth a read!

[Sharan]

I met Kritika at a writing workshop she conducted about spaces and how it affects us. It was a wonderful experience and having gotten to know her a little during the course of the workshop, I decided to read her book. In 'Citizen By Descent', Kritika explores themes of identity and belonging while navigating the spaces we inhabit, both physical and mental. She bares her soul in these pages as she writes about growing up in Dubai, going to university in the UK, and living in Mumbai and Jaipur as an adult.

The search for identity is a universal struggle. We search for that trace of ourselves in the history books, in the colours our favourite sports teams, and sometines in darker places like our prejudices. But it helps to remind yourself that you can find it, that shared sense of humanity, in someone else's life. Kritika guides you through hers in gentlest way possible. Whether she's telling you about her anxiety and her phobia or about her family and her pet dog, she never seems to take herself too seriously. Even when she's talking about difficult parts of her life, the emotional maturity is evident. But it's not without humour. She playfully calls herself out constantly for her failings as she recognises her growth as a person and lets you be a part of that experience.

The artwork is absolutely stunning and is thoughtfully placed in each section adding so much value to the reading exprience. Kritika doesn't restrict herself to the essay and boldly explores different forms as she puts together her life in this book.

[Malavika Ravi · Rating 5 out of 5]

If any of you are third culture kids like I am, this book is a MUST READ. From the moment this book begins, you're swimming in the author's memories, experiences and everything in between. I didn't think it was possible to relate to a book this much, but here we are-teary eyed and introspecting all of Kritika Arya's beautifully laid out words.

The illustrations in this book are nothing short of genius, displaying such a wide range of perspectives and stories. So really, this is not just a book written by a single person, but a beautiful tapestry of multiple voices coming together to tell such a beautiful story. If you want a feel-good book that makes you laugh, cry, think, wonder, reminisce all at once? Read this book now.

[Chandra Lekha · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s a soul- searching book. An eye opener for all the Non-resident Indian parents .
‘ The two constants in my life have been my passport and my anxiety .’
Kritika Arya, the Innocent abroad, makes you sit up. An enigma, which twists your heart. Almost Hamlet like. Oscillitating between different countries, Kritika opens her heart for you to see.
There are several characters who make up her story. Her parents, her siblings, her partner, her friends. Not to forget the phobia creature. And the most loved one Hibiki, the dog.
It is a very well illustrated book. Well designed, colourful,a feast to the eyes. Kudos to the whole team.
The message in the book is:
The whole world could be your home
But
Home is where the heart is !

[Makram Saati · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who grew up in the diaspora, this book is both nostalgic and highly relatable. Kritika's journey of inner struggles, self-critique and anxiety around belonging and adapting to various cultures feels all too familiar.

There is beauty and sadness in her search for the meaning of home. The book has encouraged me to dig up my own definitions (a work in progress). The illustrations by collaborating artists are heartwarming, wonderful and at times visceral.

The author's love and affection for her family and especially Hibiki (their dog) is infectious and heartfelt. There are moments of joy, fear and calm as well as expressions of strong family bonds that transport me to memories of my own.

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read for those who are looking for a place to fit in (us third culture kids). Kritika lets you in from home to home over time, feelings and fears. I remember having some of those, but never thought to publicise it. She really pulls you in close and gives you a shot of the 'feels'. To top it all off, there are some beautiful illustrations accompaning each essay. Quite wonderfully wraps each chapter. Grateful to have read this!

[Anushkha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most insightful, heartfelt books I’ve read.
Kritika is brutally and brilliantly honest and witty, making the writing relatable all the way through. The artwork is a pleasure to experience, as a different illustrator has worked on each chapter. This book is for anyone who’s ever moved homes, felt emotional or felt anxious.
I can’t wait to read it again!

[Vaneezeh Hassan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this!!! Couldn’t put it down — the perfect vacation read. A touching and beautifully written story about the journey to find home and identity. The illustrations added such a heartfelt and vivid dimension to the experience. Highly recommend!!!!

[S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Relatable, authentic and hilarious with beautiful artwork. Highly recommend!