Running from the Dreamland

by Tulasi Acharya

"This novel sees America through the eyes of a visiting student from Kathmandu as he struggles to make a life in his new land. . . . Importantly, this story gives us insight into the immigrant experience and the difficulties and joys of adjusting to a new culture." (Anthony Grooms, author of Trouble No More and Bombingham)
Deepak comes to America immediately mesmerized by the immensity of its abundance. After leaving Nepal to earn a graduate degree in the U.S., his plan is to make his fortune in the land of opportunity. He quickly learns America is more than he bargained for, especially his newfound "friends." He questions whether he can even survive, much less succeed, in this new country. The challenge seems even more insurmountable when he settles into his new residence and job, where situations occur that test his resilience and will. In the midst of his agony, he finds one thing that could possibly make the experience ultimately worthwhile. Will she leave or betray him like everyone else has?
HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS NOVEL

202 pages, Paperback

First published December 27, 2013

About the author

Tulasi Acharya, PhD, originally from Nepal, began his American journey in 2008. He holds a Master’s in Professional Writing from Kennesaw State University, a Master’s in Women’s Studies, and a PhD in Public Administration from Florida Atlantic University. He also earned an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College. Dr. Acharya currently teaches English at South Georgia State College.

An accomplished multilingual author, Dr. Acharya has published over a dozen books across multiple genres. His debut English novel, Running from the Dreamland, received critical acclaim, and his bestselling Nepali novels, Mochan and Swapnabhumi, reflect his literary versatility in both Nepali and English. His academic and creative work has been published by leading publishers, including Routledge and Lexington Books, an imprint of Bloomsbury Academic.

Dr. Acharya’s short stories have earned honors such as the Certificate of Excellence from the University of New Hampshire and have appeared in numerous literary journals and newspapers, including The Kathmandu Post, The Himalayan Times, The Rising Nepal, and the MSU Roadrunner Review. In recognition of his literary achievements in the global Nepali community, he received the INLS (International Nepali Literary Society) Homanath Subedi Diaspora Best Literary Award.

In his most recent book titled, Like Water on Leaves of Taro, Acharya extends an invitation to readers to witness mourning as both personal and communal, grounded in ancient tradition yet deeply relevant in today’s fractured world.

His writing is driven by an unwavering passion for storytelling, cultural connection, and the written word.

Reviews

[Scott Spotson]

Wow, this is great. I'm a firmly established resident of Canada with my distant ancestors coming from an European heritage, so this was a very interesting perspective. The main character is humble, careful, determined--and human. He strives for the positive, but is not above doubting himself to the point where he just wants to pack up his bags and head home to Nepal, his home country.

It was a master stroke to have the major character, Deepak, start his stay in America in a flow-through room in an apartment leased by two amorous lovebirds, thus subconsciously further isolating him within his new country. He doesn't even start with a decent bedroom. The respectful, warm relationship between Deepak and the female roommate thankfully was never constructed in this novel to have any innuendo and was poignantly done.

I enjoyed the parts of the novel where Deepak--a college professor in his home country has to, like thousands of immigrants before him, sweep floors and serve take-out food, and has sincere regrets about doing so. This IS the situation for millions of immigrants, either today or a hundred years ago, and it is well recounted here. Heck, I even know of a few personally in that situation. I know a former corporate manager from India who now drives taxis for a living, in Canada. But work hard and push away their pride they do--in pursuit of the "American Dream."

The only mild criticism I have of the novel is that a few too many more chapters have Deepak going off to bed at the end of the chapter.

I also enjoyed the relationship between Deepak and a female classmate, a true-blood American herself. It goes on to prove that you don't need innuendo in a romantic relationship--or even anything beyond kissing--to have a terrific romance story.

Wonderful story!

[Shell]

Running From the Dreamland by Tulasi Acharya was unfortunately not a favorite for me. While the story had an interesting premise and explored experiences that may be very real for others, I had a hard time connecting with the main character. He came across as whiny and often unlikable, which made it difficult for me to stay emotionally invested in his journey.

The story also didn’t always feel realistic to me personally, though I recognize that, as an American reader, I may not fully understand or relate to the cultural and personal realities the protagonist experienced. That perspective gap may have affected my connection to the book.

Even though it didn’t fully work for me, I can appreciate that the novel attempts to tackle difficult experiences and emotions. Overall, it was an okay read, but not one that left a strong impression on me.

[Kalpana Shrestha]

This book carries truly powerful and raw narratives. As an international student myself here in the US, I found the stories of struggle, dedication, and triumph in each chapter profoundly relatable. Each chapter echoes the silent yet salient resilience that many of us in our dreamland are forced to build far from our homes and families. In this book, the author brings forward the complexities of identity, belonging, and perseverance with sincerity and grace, offering readers a nuanced view of what it means to chase the American Dream. I highly recommend this book for you to read, reflect on, and make meaning of your own experiences living in a foreign land as an in-between space.

[Ray Dan Parker]

I happened upon this delightful little book. It turned out to be a very easy read. What I liked most about it was the opportunity to see America through the eyes of a newcomer. I recommend it highly.

[Kunal Acharya]

Such a powerful and evocative story I have ever read. Highly recommended.

[Kripa Bhandari]

Must read if you are an immigrannt in the US, especially international students. Lucid writing. Enjoyed the story thoroughly.

[Jennifer Bowers]

This book is an important reminder to look at situations from other perspectives. It is a touching account of what it takes to achieve your dreams. Excellent read!

[Kay Traille]

I can simply say that it is an amazing story. A must read novel, indeed!