Polite Society

In a whimsical but flimsy novel that’s part Emma and part Crazy Rich Asians, Rao (The Smoke Is Rising) uses his keen eye for the absurd to depict the petty intrigues and scandals that occupy the top echelons of Indian society. Ania Khurana feels superior to everyone in Delhi, and has the social connections, money, and free time to prove it. After engineering her aunt’s marriage, she sets her sights on a brilliant society match for her friend Dimple. Unlike Jane Austen’s Emma, Ania doesn’t quite transform from a meddling, bored socialite to a girl with good intentions, so there is no sympathy when her schemes fall apart. This India is a glamorous playground for the uber-rich. The characters are all caricatures, including Ania’s weak and foolish father, Dileep; American ne’er-do-well Nikhil, whom Ania is attracted to; secretive Mr. Nayak, who manipulates other people’s fears for his own ends; and serene Kamya Singh-Kaul, with whom Ania has a fierce rivalry. This romp through Delhi leaves behind broken dreams and exposed secrets, but the characters are surprisingly resilient, or maybe just extremely foolish. Brief mentions of heat and traffic jams do little to evoke the setting, as the wealthy characters are mostly insulated from the city’s grit; the story feels like it could take place anywhere. Only Rao’s bitingly funny commentary saves this from being a clunker. Agent: David Forrer, InkWell Management. (Aug.)