Not even 25 pages into this book, I was on Google Earth searching for the towns and landmarks mentioned within. It is based on real places, and it is hard to believe the characters are not real as well. Summaries suggest that the protagonist is a doctor named Mary who leaves her life behind in the United States; however, I feel that the real protagonist is the small, unnamed Himalayan town loosely based on the real town of Manali in Himachal Pradesh. Mary is a central figure but so is Amod, the waiter, Meena, a struggling young woman, Philip, an injured tourist, Ravi, a surgical patient, Tamding, a hospital employee, Antone, an opioid addict, and Kali, a stray dog.

It is a rare author who can create morally gray, imperfect characters that the reader still cares about. I was even concerned for the "villian" of the story.

Also, I did not find this to be one of those stories where a Westerner goes to India to "find themselves". Mary went to India because she had no other place to be. She does struggle with her purpose there, but Himalayan Dhaba lacks the preachiness, predictability, and somewhat racist stereotypes of those other tales.

Overall, it was an enjoyable read.

Notice: the story depicts sexual assault, violence, surgical procedures, and tragic deaths-- It is not overly graphic, however, but I feel is included to show real life in the area for better or worse. ( )

A newly-widowed woman physician goes to the small Himalayan town her husband loved, and works in thier hospital. Spiritual and humanistic, with good picture of life in this mountain village, and a lively plot. ( )