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47 pages 1 hour read

The Lowland

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2013

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Book Brief

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Jhumpa Lahiri

The Lowland

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2013
Book Details
Pages

415

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Calcutta, India • 1960s

Publication Year

2013

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

860L

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Super Short Summary

The Lowland by Jhumpa Lahiri follows the lives of brothers Subhash and Udayan Mitra as they navigate diverging paths from childhood in Calcutta to adulthood. Udayan's deep involvement in the Naxalite movement contrasts with Subhash's academic journey in the United States. After Udayan's untimely death, Subhash marries Udayan’s widow, Gauri, and raises her daughter, Bela, as his own, while Gauri, struggling with her past, leaves them. The novel explores themes of family, identity, and the far-reaching effects of political unrest and personal decisions across generations. The book includes depictions of violence and loss related to political activism.

Melancholic

Bittersweet

Mysterious

Contemplative

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

4.0

102,583 ratings

70%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Jhumpa Lahiri's The Lowland receives acclaim for its lyrical prose and intricate exploration of family dynamics and cultural identity. Critics praise its emotional depth and vivid characterizations. However, some note a slow pace and predictability in the plot. Overall, it is considered a poignant and thought-provoking read, reflective of Lahiri's storytelling prowess.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Lowland?

Readers who cherish introspective, multi-generational family sagas will relish The Lowland by Jhumpa Lahiri. Fans of Arundhati Roy's The God of Small Things or Khaled Hosseini's The Kite Runner will appreciate its intricate exploration of personal and political upheavals set against the backdrop of Indian history.

4.0

102,583 ratings

70%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Character List

Subhash Mitra

A conservative and obedient man from Tollygunge, Calcutta, who moves to the United States for his PhD and becomes a dedicated father figure to his brother's daughter.

Subhash's rebellious younger brother who becomes involved with the Naxalite movement and marries Gauri, the same woman who later moves to the United States with Subhash.

An independent and academically driven woman who marries Udayan and later relocates to the United States with Subhash, as she continues to seek personal freedom through education.

The spirited daughter of Udayan and Gauri, raised by Subhash in Rhode Island, who is unaware of her biological father's identity for much of her life.

Subhash’s college roommate in Rhode Island who helps him adapt to American life and rekindles their friendship years later.

Subhash’s first romantic interest in America, with whom he shares weekly visits; she eventually ends the relationship due to their uncertain future.

Book Details
Pages

415

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Calcutta, India • 1960s

Publication Year

2013

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

860L

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