Book Reviews

Unaccustomed Earth: Jhumpa Lahiri

by Sanjana Shrestha 30 March 2009

Jhumpa Lahiri, the acclaimed author of Interpreter of Maladies and The Namesake strikes a perfect cord with Unaccustomed Earth with a strong collection of short stories that speak to you about your life. Why you should read her new book?

One, she is at her best when she is writing short stories of human existence and the Unaccustomed Earth will not disappoint you.

Two, her characters are so ordinary that it feels like you have met them somewhere or you will see snapshots of your own existence in her stories. Her insight into people’s lives is so accurate; you find yourself re-reading and nodding in agreement.

Three, she writes a lot about Bengali characters, immigrant experience, being born and growing up in western countries, and moving between cultures. But these characters can be set anywhere in the world and it would makes sense. This is the universal appeal of her stories.

Four, her writing will win you over. Her style is simple and confident.

Finally, it’s what you call a good read…something that makes you think and want to take the book beyond one read.

Sanjana Shrestha

Sanjana Shrestha is a book reviews editor for V.E.N.T! Magazine. She has a Master's degree in Literature in English, and discovered books rather late in life. She was 15 when she stepped into a library first and was 16 when she picked up her first book to read. She thinks reading is a 'way in' and a 'way out'. This defination is subject to interpretation. An avid world cinema and theatre enthusiast, she also likes taking pictures of bridges but hates looking down at the river that flows under it.

Mahesh ( Apr 3rd 2009, 08:11 PM ) says:

I had read that book long ago. Good choice Sanjana!!

Jiniya ( Apr 6th 2009, 12:36 PM ) says:

I wanted to read the book for many days. This article is tempting me to go to the book store right now!

Sangam ( Apr 12th 2009, 10:23 AM ) says:

I enjoyed reading this book. Very simple yet very nice.....

Abhi ( Apr 13th 2009, 06:06 PM ) says:

Its an amazing book!

Shekhar KC ( Apr 17th 2009, 10:32 PM ) says:

Thinking to read but no time. Still thinking to read but still no time.

Sanjeet ( Apr 18th 2009, 11:34 PM ) says:

I know this book. I am about to grab it again.

Sanjeet ( Apr 18th 2009, 11:35 PM ) says:

I know this book. I am about to grab it again.

anjhero ( May 12th 2009, 02:58 PM ) says:

Had read this 4-5 months back .. its a good read.

Dash ( May 13th 2009, 02:27 PM ) says:

Hey Sanjana, you know my feelings on this as we have discussed it in detail in the past. I have to disagree, I don't believe there is a universal appeal to her writing or her characters. Perhaps I need to pick up another of her books, but the experience of this one makes me think it could be some time before that happens. I found the ordinariness of the characters draining and difficult to associate with as I make no attempts to be 'ordinary' in my own life. See you round like a rissole.
Dash