Who is the author of the novel "Family Life", a semi autobiographical story about an Indian immigrant family living in the United States?

Introduction / Context:
This question tests your knowledge of contemporary Indian English fiction, especially novels about the immigrant experience. "Family Life" is a recognised semi autobiographical novel and you must identify its correct author from a list of well known writers.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The novel title is "Family Life".
• It tells the story of an Indian family in the United States.
• Four Indian origin authors are presented as options.
• Only one actually wrote this novel.

Concept / Approach:
Akhil Sharma wrote "Family Life", drawing on his own childhood in an Indian immigrant family. The novel explores themes of responsibility, tragedy and adaptation. While Jhumpa Lahiri, Vikram Seth and Amitav Ghosh have also written about migration and identity, their major novels have different titles. Identifying which title belongs to which author is central here.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Akhil Sharma is associated with the novel "Family Life". Step 2: Understand that the book is based on his personal and family experiences in America. Step 3: Check the other options: Jhumpa Lahiri is known for works like "The Namesake" and "Interpreter of Maladies". Step 4: Vikram Seth wrote "A Suitable Boy" and other long form novels, and Amitav Ghosh has his own series such as the Ibis trilogy. Step 5: None of these writers wrote a novel simply titled "Family Life", so the correct answer is Akhil Sharma.

Verification / Alternative check:
Book reviews and prize lists, including international awards, credit Akhil Sharma with this novel. Descriptions of the plot align with his life story, which further confirms the authorship.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Jhumpa Lahiri: Important voice in diaspora literature but author of different titles.
Vikram Seth: Known for large scale fiction and poetry, not this specific novel.
Amitav Ghosh: Writes historical and political fiction with other titles.

Common Pitfalls:
Because Jhumpa Lahiri also writes about Indian families in America, candidates sometimes select her by theme rather than by exact title. Always connect title and author together instead of relying only on subject matter.

Final Answer:
Akhil Sharma