Bharath Krishna Bellamkonda

Guy on the sidewalk Bharath Krishna Bellamkonda

'Guy on the sidewalk' is the story of a young man who is constantly pulled back by some unknown force from doing what he really wants to do in life. Finally he breaks out of both his real and imaginary constraints and chooses to listen to his heart, which in turn impacts his choices both in his career and personal life. 'Sidewalk' is a metaphor that is used to mean something that's not main street or real world, from which this guy tends to keeps a safe distance without facing it head on, until he does one day. This story captures the drama in the life of the protagonist, Jay, through his six-year stay in the US, his relationships, conflicting emotions, and his motivations to return to India. The story is narrated in first person with even doses of wit, sarcasm and philosophy peppered from beginning to the end. This novel captures contemporary elements like the life of NRIs, return to India, changing pattern of relationships among Indians, and individual responsibility towards parents and the country, beautifully woven into an engaging story.