The Three Muscat Years by K.M. Harikrishan chronicles three years in the life of a young Indian army doctor as he adapts and finds his footing in a foreign country. Life becomes increasingly more challenging as the doctor is faced with the death of his father and a devastating sense of loss and grief.

As the young doctor learns to adjust to his new life and career challenges, he seeks comfort and acceptance from unexpected people he meets, some of whom become close friends. The story reads like a memoir, but it is interesting how it captures the essence of character growth. I found the doctor’s life experiences relatable, much like that of an ordinary person, even with extraordinary circumstances. The author does an excellent job of recounting his life so that we look beyond our first impressions and collective ideas about army personnel and medically trained staff.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, having grown up with Indian culture and tradition. The narrator never wastes a chance to discuss unique characteristics of culture, Carnatic music, and other fond ideas and memories, which provide comfort for loneliness and becoming homesick. It’s an exciting book highlighting the personal impact of traveling and working abroad under stressful circumstances.

I enjoyed the author’s candid writing style and straightforward storytelling which encourages us to identify with the characters in the story while sympathizing with their feelings and hardships. The Three Muscat Years by K.M. Harikrishan is an easy book to read and enjoy, with lots of witty humor, relatable content, and the sensitive narration of one doctor’s journey.

Pages 274 | ASIN 9390882583