Interpreter of Maladies

Indian food is used in many stories as a symbol of comfort and belonging, and the preparation of Indian food carries the weight of heritage for the characters in this collection. In “A Temporary Matter,” for example, the stored-up Indian ingredients in the cupboard and freezer are a testament to the characters’ attempts to build a life together; the fact that it’s all been eaten after six months of grief foreshadows their spent reserves as a couple. In other stories, such as “When Mr. Pirzada Came to Dine” and “Mrs. Sen’s,” the preparation and serving of Indian food is an act of welcome. In “Sexy,” Miranda begins engaging with Dev’s Indianness by seeking out Indian food, only to be told that what she wants is too spicy. In “This Blessed House,” Twinkle has an aversion to carefully planning a meal and dislikes the work involved in making Indian food, which drives Sanjeev’s feelings that he has married the wrong person. In each instance, the presence of Indian food is linked to parts of Indian culture that are honorable and worthy—family loyalty, belonging, and caretaking.