Mother Land

Pete is a failed chef who has lost the joy of cooking. And that is just the start of his problems. He hates his job. He is loathed by his mother-in-law. Worst of all, his inability to have a child with his wife, Amy, has pushed their marriage to the brink.

But when Pete and Amy travel to Russia to adopt a little boy, their marital crisis explodes into a major catastrophe. Adrift in a strange Slavic land – where their only guide is a young interpreter with a weakness for vodka – a corrupt orphanage, a handsome Russian stranger, and a political revolution will threaten to destroy not only their chances for parenthood, but also their marriage and even their lives. Just how far will Pete and Amy go to become parents? "Mother Land" answers this question as it traces their antic journey into the heart of Russia.

"Mother Land" is a comedic, character-driven work with a wry wit, playful language, and a sharp eye for social satire. Beneath its humor, this energetic narrative probes universal questions of love, family, parenthood, and the frustratingly elusive quest for happiness. "Mother Land" is an intelligent, quirky comedy that will appeal to readers who enjoyed such works as "Absurdistan" and "Everything is Illuminated."