Interpreter of Maladies - [short] Book Review

Lahiri’s Pulitzer Prize winning debut book Interpreter of Maladies is a collection of short stories that follows poignant exploration into the lives of the characters that are searching for acceptance, love and appreciation. The sensory observations of its readers are unlocked in every story; from smelling cumin and mothballs from Mrs. Sen to visualizing the Indian tour guided by Mr. Kapasi. Each story evoked emotions and urges that were hidden in the depths of my heart but were brought back to the surface after every story gently examined these feelings and finally released them.

I thoroughly enjoyed all the stories crafted by Lahiri’s expressive way of writing. I could keep reading her paragraphs over and over again, savoring the words and recalling the bittersweet moments within the stories. Her manner of writing is so gentle and mild but each word she writes also carries just as much weight that one has to be careful not to neglect it. It is for this very reason all the nine short stories are undeniably distinguishable and equally memorable.

While all the stories are remarkable and enjoyable, “A Real Durwan” is my favorite. The story is crafted in a way that it appears as though it really is a true story. Boori Ma, the main character in the story, consistently reminds the people in the apartment complex of her prosperous background before the Partition. This is explained by the mere possession of a skeleton key and some savings that she ties to the end of her sari. No one really believes her, because she is not well-off as she claims. Towards the end, she eventually loses her only possessions and her place in the apartment due to a mistaken belief. Boori Ma is unable to move on from her past and continues to dwell there, making it challenging for her to proceed with her new life after the Partition. She finds comfort in the old things and is distressed at the sight of innovations. This is how the life of so many people was after the Partition, lost and homesick, naïve and confused. While most learn to march on, people like Boori Ma are stuck in the past, in the constant cycle of nostalgia that brings not only pleasant memories but pain as well.

Lahiri’s writing is so mesmerizing that you cannot help but admire it by rereading select paragraphs or even the entire story. I find myself picking this book up again in the near future, and would recommend everyone to read this at least once. In a way, all the stories in the book are about moving on from tragedies, and towards the end it gives the reader hope that the characters will move forward, and urges the reader to do the same as well in their own lives. Moving ahead in life appears intimidating and uncomfortable but the book reassures its readers that it only provides strength.