Saint Richard Parker

His search for love and enlightenment across India, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia

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Pub Date Oct 24 2023 | Archive Date Dec 01 2023

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Description


In this witty satire, a Brown man travels to Southeast Asia in search of love and enlightenment. Saint Richard Parker is perfect for fans of Yellowface, Less Is Lost, The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared, Eat Pray Love, and Crazy Rich Asians.

Ace businessman, writer, and investigative journalist Richard Parker loses his job when he exposes the CEO of his newspaper as a beef exporter. Accused of misconduct and forced to dissolve his company, he retreats to his wretched little village.

Attempting to resuscitate his life, Richard realizes that attaining enlightenment is his calling.

What holds him back?

Well, he does not know if spirituality or sexuality comes first. He must also avoid the attentions of Isakki, the dark witch, and her menacing buffaloes. Desperate and confused, Richard consults an astrologer, who predicts that his destiny lies in the exotic East.

Richard sets out on a spiritual journey—an odyssey of self-discovery that takes him through the market streets, ballrooms, tantric retreats, and pristine jungles of Southeast Asia. Between running for his life and trying to prove he is not a con artist, child snatcher, or Man Friday material, Richard discovers his true love—in the least expected place. And yes, he also discovers the path to enlightenment.

Saint Richard Parker is a humorous travel adventure across the famed spiritual and romantic region of Southeast Asia, with an ensemble of unforgettable characters and a keen eye for the absurdities of modern life.


In this witty satire, a Brown man travels to Southeast Asia in search of love and enlightenment. Saint Richard Parker is perfect for fans of Yellowface, Less Is Lost, The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed...


A Note From the Publisher

Merlin Franco is an Indian-born academic with a PhD in Ethnobiology. He currently lives in Borneo with his imaginary girlfriend and a gang of feral monkeys. Merlin’s hobbies include staring at the ceiling, stroking his greying beard, and running away from stray dogs.

Merlin Franco is an Indian-born academic with a PhD in Ethnobiology. He currently lives in Borneo with his imaginary girlfriend and a gang of feral monkeys. Merlin’s hobbies include staring at the...


Advance Praise

"This novel is witty and sharp, and it’s comically and intentionally reminiscent of Eat, Pray, Love...the reader is allowed to laugh at themselves through Richard Parker’s misfortunes and can thoroughly enjoy the novel’s vivid scenery and constant, animated dialogue. Parker’s unique, albeit naïve and self-centered, personality is entertaining to follow as he struggles to keep up in fast-paced situations, but these struggles capture a brief message for the reader: An answer may be hiding where you least expect it; follow it if you choose, but do not be afraid to let it pass." The Independent Book review

"Truly funny novel of a South Indian man's journey toward enlightenment...Franco's prose and perspective are continually arresting, and the novel bursts with amusing incident and food for thought, especially on the subjects of commodified enlightenment, the exploitation of women and the global poor, and the (hilarious, troubling) flexibility of its narrator's ideas...as Parker ducks bees, endures misunderstandings, and encounters (but doesn't quite suss out) the hypocrisies of rulers and faith leaders, Franco stirs serious, often pained laughs."—Booklife

"Franco excels at keen characterization and effervescent dialogue. The globetrotting, vibrant, culturally rich adventures of Richard Parker are hard to resist."—Kirkus Reviews

"This novel is witty and sharp, and it’s comically and intentionally reminiscent of Eat, Pray, Love...the reader is allowed to laugh at themselves through Richard Parker’s misfortunes and can...


Marketing Plan

Seeking ARC reviewers, to leave feedback on Goodreads and Amazon. 

Seeking ARC reviewers, to leave feedback on Goodreads and Amazon. 


Available Editions

ISBN 9798223473961
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Available on NetGalley

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Average rating from 17 members


Featured Reviews

"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.

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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.

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"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.

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"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.

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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!

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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.

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