Abscond

*Abscond* is a 38-page coming-of-age story by Abraham Verghese that follows thirteen-year-old Ravi Ramanathan as his life in 1967 New Jersey is upended by sudden loss. The reviewer praises the author's precise and poetic prose, describing the work as a powerful, quiet exploration of grief, identity, and family. While noting that the ending feels slightly rushed, the reviewer highly recommends the story as an impactful introduction to Verghese's literary style.