Abscond Audiobook By Abraham Verghese cover art

Abscond

A Short Story

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Abscond

By: Abraham Verghese
Narrated by: Fajer Al-Kaisi
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Fate challenges a boy to find his place in the world in a powerful short story from Abraham Verghese, the New York Times bestselling author of The Covenant of Water.

It’s a New Jersey summer in 1967, and thirteen-year-old Ravi Ramanathan has the makings of a tennis prodigy. His surgeon father encourages his ambition, while his mother dreams of their only child following his father’s path. Surrounded by his parents’ love, Ravi chafes a bit at their daily routines and little traditions. Then one unexpected day, everything changes. Realizing how much he took for granted, Ravi must grow up overnight and find a new role in the life of his family.

©2025 by Abraham Verghese. (P)2025 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved. Anthologies & Short Stories Coming of Age Family Life Genre Fiction Short Stories
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Young man’s point of view about father’s death and his new responsibilities as the man in the family

Traditions

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Well done short story. In the midst of the cadence of normal family life there is a sobering pause in the pace and reorder occurs. A beautiful story about a close Indian family and profound readjustments they face. Beautifully written and told.

Rhythms of life

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I would love anything written by Abraham Verghese, and this short story does not disappoint. Lovely, sad, and so very human. Wonderful narration.

beautiful and poignant

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Thoughtful but YA 15 word minimum minimum minimum and and and and and and and and and

This should be a YA book

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I loved this. I ironed while I listened to it. The story of an Indian boy and his mother grieving the loss of the father entranced me, especially the Hindu rituals around death and the new things the bereft do to move on. I had listened to The Covenant of Water and decided to try this novella. I was not disappointed.

Fantastic Storytelling

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A beautiful story, beautifully told. A coming of age moment, with cross cultural traditions, communities, and kindnesses that make a difference during a time of crisis. With these angels in the whirlwind of our lives, we are comforted, and able to move forward.

Angels in the Whirlwind; the value of community

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wow, absolutely beautiful story of love/heartbreak/loss. I didn't think such a short story would evoke so many emotions.

such a moving story

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I liked the cultural exchanges. The readers ability to switch accents. Made it easy to know which character was speaking.

A well put together story line about humanity. Delivered in an hour

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Love! Writing and narration are excellent. In keeping with his other works. Can’t wait to see what he gives us next.

Another great one from Verghese!

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The authenticity, and ability to relate to Ravi and him mom's personalities. It felt like I know them and was experiencing the moments right besides them...

I know them.

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