TRANSPLANTED From 110 Degrees in the Shade to 10 Degrees Below Zero in the Sun

by Shakuntala Rajagopal

My memoir named Transplanted, from 110 Degrees in the Shade to 10 Degrees in the Sun, recounts my experiences as a young doctor of 23 years old who left the South Indian tropical town, Thiruananthapuram, and got dropped into a ten degrees frigid Chicago winter forty-eight hours later. Despite the strange foods I had to adjust to, the strange clothes that I needed to survive the cold, and even the strangeness of the English language (which I had hitherto believed I was well versed in, ) I was able to mold my life and likes, and establish myself as a successful pathologist, a dedicated wife, strong yet kind and loving mother and grandmother, and now a Matriarch to an extended family of fifty two in Chicagoland. I can do it attitude, an open mind and willingness to grow, and the vigor with which I faced my challenges made me successful in accepting and assimilating the American heritage for my own. How I contributed to the melting pot of America while becoming part of it, is itself a story worth reading. Anybody displaced from a place of comfort, whether 100 miles or 10,000 miles, anyone seeking guidance to overcome adversities, and anyone interested in "the Immigrant story" will find my book helpful to survive adversity and prosper in a strange land or a strange town.

292 pages, Hardcover

Published March 11, 2019

Reviews

[T.D. Arkenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Transplanted is a delightful read. The memoir takes the reader on a fabulous voyage to 1940s India, deliciously complex nation on the verge of independence. Against that historical backdrop, the writer takes us inside her lovely family home where we meet her lovely family. Among these are her very successful grandmother and aunt. The scene when the family gets their first automobile is a gem. In addition to sharing her rich, loving upbringing, the author enriches the reader with scenes of India's rich culture... gods and goddesses; temples; prayers and devotions; and the best of all...the fabulous food. It's a visit you don't want to see end. But end it must as the author and her husband leave family and home for further medical training and eventually careers in America where they begin their own family and tradition.
This is a love story about family, home, culture and country as well as a story that speaks to tradition, duty, and perseverance.
You'll finish the book with a bigger knowledge bank as well as a bigger heart.

[April Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read each of Shakuntala Rajagopal's book and they draw me in. Her stories of growing up in Southern India then moving to the U.S. as a young bride are full of memories of a simpler time. I especially enjoyed learning more about India and Hindu cultures. The food, festivities, prayers, traditions and customs are interesting to me.

The photos in this book really added to the stories. As Shakuntala told her story, I could visualize the scene around her childhood home or visiting family.

The dramatic change in temperature from tropical Southern India to January Chicago winters was shocking. To immerse herself into the foreign foods and traditions of the Midwest was difficult.

Shakuntala and Raj were strong and resolute. They were determined to be successful here and they were.