“The great California novel been written, in verse (and why not?): The Golden Gate gives great joy.”—Gore VidalOne of the most highly regarded novels of 1986, Vikram Seth’s story in verse made him a literary household name in both the United States and India.John Brown, a successful yuppie living in 1980s San Francisco meets a romantic interest in Liz, after placing a personal ad in the newspaper. From this interaction, John meets a variety of characters, each with their own values and ideas of “self-actualization." However, Liz begins to fall in love with John’s best friend, and John realizes his journey of self-discovery has only just begun.“A splendid achievement, equally convincing in its exhilaration and its sadness.”—The New York Times“Seth pulls off his feat with spirit, grace and great energy.”—The New Yorker"A marvelous work . . . bold and splendid . . . Locate this book and allow yourself to become caught up, like a kite, in the lifting effects of Seth's sonnets."—Washington Post Book World