This is a humorous romp through Asia by a gentleman seeking enlightenment. A satire of the Eat Pray Love genre of travel/finding the meaning of life book, but far more realistic and very funny. The blurb says the book is great for fans of "Crazy Rich Asians", but it is far more acerbic, and not a rom com. To me it is more a Hunter S Thompson for the 21st Century. Perfect for people who hated Eat Pray Love.

An epic Homeric odyssey across southeast Asia that I struggled to get my arms around. Maybe readers with more experience in that part of the world will catch on quicker, but so much (literal) ground was covered so quickly, and so many inexplicable things happen right from the beginning that I wasn't sure if I was reading satire, dadaism or a sprawling narrative... Thankfully it turned out to be the latter, a complex braid whose pattern finally became clear as the strands began to reappear. I still have mixed feelings about the mc whose journey I tagged along on- was he sincere in his quest or a shallow wanderer trying to justify his own existence? A soul seeking its partner, honest in its desires, or a sex-obsessed lech? Maybe not knowing is a reflection of the anxieties we all suffer- or maybe I just didn't get it, lol.

I really appreciated the history and politics that became punctuation for his travels. It was much-needed context for me in the story in general and one of my favorite features of the book, getting to hear from a denizen of that part of the world and not just the western version of events that's so readily available here. Especially as relates to the interpersonal cultural tensions and responses, that it may be easy to overlook or never be exposed to as a white traveler. Look forward to finding more of this!

Many thanks to netgalley for my copy!

Unfortunately this was one book I DNF, I was enticed by the premise, the name and the caption that mentioned it was a book for fans of Crazy Rich Asians, unfortunately, it didn't deliver for me... I couldn't get past the first 100 pages, I was confused half the time for what was happening, who was who and what the story was even about, especially the beginning with all those cows and spirits and gods, I really wanted to like it because I've been obsessed with Indian culture and books on India since I visited earlier this year but unfortunately it heavily missed the mark in my opinion.

Note: received a free ARC in exchange for an honest and unbiased opinion.

Well written and engaging - "Saint Richard Parker" by Merlin Franco is an enthralling novel that plunges readers into a world of raw emotions, moral dilemmas, and spiritual exploration. Franco's storytelling prowess shines through in this thought-provoking narrative that centers on the complex character of Richard Parker, a man on the brink of a personal and existential crisis.

The novel weaves together elements of suspense, philosophy, and spirituality, as Parker grapples with the weight of his past and the uncertainty of his future. Franco skillfully develops his characters, making them feel incredibly human and relatable, while taking readers on a journey of self-discovery and redemption.

Please consider providing a kindle copy of books in the future. It’s tough to read fiction on a tablet or phone. This sounded good but I should have checked the file type before requesting. Due to the file limitations I found it hard to read.

A truly humorous book, brimming with chaos and contradictions, is like a rollercoaster ride through a carnival of laughter. It's a literary journey that keeps you on your toes, never quite knowing which direction the next punchline or plot twist will come from.

In the world of chaos, characters find themselves in bizarre situations that defy logic and reason. It's as if the laws of the universe have taken a coffee break, leaving room for delightful absurdities to flourish. Imagine a character trying to organize a formal tea party for a group of unruly squirrels, complete with miniature tuxedos and monocles. Or a plot where the protagonist is a forgetful detective, solving cases with a notebook full of doodles and nonsensical scribbles.

Contradictions abound in such a book. The hero might be a brilliant yet hopelessly inept inventor, creating machines that do everything but what they're supposed to. Relationships are built on the most incompatible foundations, like a romantic pair where one partner is a meticulous planner, while the other lives life on a whim. Each page is a canvas for the unexpected, with the serious interwoven with the comical, and the logical tangled up with the irrational.

The chaos and contradictions in this book are not mere distractions but the very essence of its charm. It's a world where chaos and order coexist, where the nonsensical contradictions of life are celebrated rather than avoided. In the end, this book leaves you with the laughter-induced realization that in the midst of chaos and contradictions, there's a unique and uproarious beauty to be found in the absurdity of it all.

The book offers an enthralling narrative, making it nearly impossible to put down. It guides readers on a rollercoaster ride through the comical and intellectually stimulating adventures of a journalist whose reputation has been tarnished, as he embarks on a quest for spiritual enlightenment. The author skillfully weaves humor into the storyline, making the book an amusing and engaging read.

This is a truly funny and thought provoking journey as well which is a rare combination.
Richard blunders his journey into various clashes however leaves the readers with a happiness at the end.

"Saint Richard Parker" is an engaging novel by Franco that follows the journey of Richard Parker, a smug and egocentric journalist, through the chaotic setting of New Delhi in 2014. As Parker navigates through his unconventional career path and attempts at spiritual enlightenment, the story is filled with misadventures and humorous moments. Franco's skill in creating vibrant characters and lively dialogue shines through as we join Parker on his journey across South Asia. Although the novel's length may pose a challenge, it offers readers an entertaining and fast-paced narrative that explores themes of purpose and conflicting intentions.

"Saint Richard Parker" is a literary voyage that unveils a brilliant fusion of humor and social commentary. As we accompany the hapless journalist, Richard Parker, on his quest for enlightenment, Franco's prose captivates with its sharp wit and incisive perspective.

In a contemporary subcontinent rife with religious and cultural turmoil, Parker embarks on a series of pilgrimages, each filled with comic misadventures and thought-provoking encounters. The novel delves deep into the commercialization of spirituality and the exploitation of marginalized groups, offering a poignant reflection on these issues.

While the episodic structure and relatively low stakes occasionally stretch the narrative, the story remains compelling thanks to Franco's ability to provoke both serious and laughter-filled contemplation. "Saint Richard Parker" is a brilliant exploration of the absurdities of our world, making it a literary journey you won't want to miss.

Embark on a wild ride with 'Saint Richard Parker,' a novel that combines humor and incisive satire to explore the pursuit of enlightenment. Franco's narrative is brimming with amusing incidents and clever social commentary, providing a window into the complexities of modern life and spirituality. A truly funny and thought-provoking adventure.

Franco's novel, "Saint Richard Parker," takes readers on a hilarious and self-discovery journey with the smug and egocentric journalist, Richard Parker. Amid the chaotic backdrop of 2014 New Delhi, we witness Parker's unorthodox career path from investigative journalist to CEO of Cow 'n' Roots, all while trying to maintain a sense of self-importance.

As the story unfolds, Parker's attempts at spiritual rejuvenation and enlightenment lead him on a rollercoaster of misadventures and misguided attempts at sainthood. From failed pilgrimages to the pursuit of love, Franco's narrative paints a vivid picture of a man in search of purpose against the rich tapestry of Hindu spiritualism and tradition.

While the novel's length occasionally becomes a challenge, Parker's character remains a captivating and self-absorbed figure throughout the story. Franco's talent for characterization and lively dialogue shines as we follow Parker through a series of hilarious and culturally rich escapades across South Asia.

In the end, "Saint Richard Parker" is a spirited and ambitious tale of one man's quest to find meaning in a world filled with conflicting intentions, offering readers a fun and frenetic journey that's hard to put down.

In Franco's book, a South Asian man travels spiritually for the purpose of personal rejuvenation.

In 2014, Richard Parker continues to work as a struggling journalist for the Indian Republic newspaper in New Delhi despite his humorously arrogant and selfish attitude. In addition to running Cow 'n Roots, a company that outsources the selling of sun-dried organic cow waste products at a 300 percent profit margin, the busy bachelor also moonlights as its CEO. A local kingpin who was meant to be exposed by a failed media spectacle is promptly and brutally executed. In order to change his life's course through enlightenment and go on a "passage into sainthood" through a pilgrimage with seven other people, Parker temporarily retires to his native hamlet while unemployed and with a damaged career. This purification of the soul

It is a humorous and thought-provoking exploration of a man's quest for spiritual enlightenment in a world filled with chaos and contradictions. This comedic travelogue is both entertaining and deeply insightful.

In 'Saint Richard Parker,' Franco's writing is something I would describe as brilliant, offering a sharp critique of commodified enlightenment and the exploitation of the vulnerability made me fall in love with this book. The novel's episodic structure and low stakes may make it seem long at times, but Franco's ability to infuse serious and often pained laughter into the narrative keeps readers engaged in this thought-provoking journey.

"Saint Richard Parker" is a wacky and captivating journey that blends mystery, humor, and spirituality. The plot of the book centers on Richard Parker, an investigative journalist who, after disclosing the sinister secrets of his newspaper's CEO, finds himself in a difficult situation. There are many challenges and unanswered issues in his road as he tries to remake himself and find enlightenment. The book also discusses the effects of one's previous acts on one's present, as well as prejudices in society. Richard's battle to overcome his reputation as a con man, kidnapper, and colonial stereotype offers a thought-provoking perspective on how the past can influence the present.

Saint Richard Parker is an uproarious adventure that takes you on a wild journey through the absurdities of modern life and the pursuit of enlightenment. Franco's satirical wit shines as Richard Parker's misadventures in Southeast Asia unfold. A laugh-out-loud, thought-provoking read.

3.75. This is a really solid book that I had a fun time with. It was pretty well written and I found myself to be laughing at multiple points! Enjoyable!