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415
Novel • Fiction
Calcutta, India • 1960s
2013
Adult
18+ years
860L
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
102,583 ratings
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Mixed feelings
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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.
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.
102,583 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Udayan Mitra
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.
Gauri Mitra
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.
Bela Mitra
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.
Richard Grifalconi
Subhash’s college roommate in Rhode Island who helps him adapt to American life and rekindles their friendship years later.
Holly
Subhash’s first romantic interest in America, with whom he shares weekly visits; she eventually ends the relationship due to their uncertain future.
415
Novel • Fiction
Calcutta, India • 1960s
2013
Adult
18+ years
860L
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