Plot Summary

The Lives of Others

Neel Mukherjee
Guide cover placeholder

The Lives of Others

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2014

Book Brief

Neel Mukherjee

The Lives of Others

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2014
Book Details
Pages

528

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Calcutta • 1960s

Publication Year

2014

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

The Lives of Others by Neel Mukherjee traces the downfall of the wealthy Ghosh family in late 1960s and early 1970s India, as they struggle with internal strife and external challenges like politics and social justice movements. The novel alternates between first-person and third-person perspectives, chronicling the complex lives of the family's members and their interactions with society. Sensitive topics such as incest, rape, and suicide are present.

Gritty

Challenging

Contemplative

Melancholic

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

3.8

6,155 ratings

62%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

12%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Neel Mukherjee's The Lives of Others is praised for its intricate portrayal of a Bengali family's struggles and the socio-political backdrop of 1960s Calcutta. Reviewers commend the novel's rich character development and vivid storytelling. However, some find its dense narrative overwhelming. Overall, it is a compelling but demanding read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Lives of Others?

Readers who appreciate expansive family sagas and intricate social dynamics, reminiscent of Rohinton Mistry's A Fine Balance and Arundhati Roy’s The God of Small Things, will be captivated by Neel Mukherjee’s The Lives of Others. This novel is ideal for those interested in post-colonial literature and nuanced narratives of Indian society.

3.8

6,155 ratings

62%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

12%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

528

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Calcutta • 1960s

Publication Year

2014

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Buy This Book

We’re just getting started

Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!