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Interpreter of Maladies

Jhumpa Lahiri’s characters are distinctively Indian, not in the curry-brewing, idol-worshipping way, but in the way that they carry remnants of their homes, families, heritage, and memories, wherever they go. In most stories, these Indian characters find themselves away from a place they call home, often ending up in various states of America. There are few references to the causes of these displacements, but we know that India’s political history has an impact.

The theme of identity is a constant one, whether it is the battle between dual Indian and American identities, or between the personal and family identity. There are two stories which I couldn’t help but like, as they are based in my home-city, Calcutta, dealing with sensitive issues of caste and class. ‘The Treatment of Bibi Haldar� was a particularly touching one, dealing with issues of weddings in the Indian society, and depicting the relationships between women. However, it is not the origin of the characters that make them so instantly relatable. It is the nature of their relationships, which could be found anywhere. For example, Mr. Kapasi from title story, ‘Interpreter of Maladies� could be any cab driver in the world who struggles with the semi-permanent nature of his relationship with his passengers. ‘Sexy� is a story that explores the unsettling emotions that come with a lustful affair, yet it does so in a delicate matter. There are characters who pine for love, lust, belonging, discovery, and more.

Lahiri’s short stories are flawless in all of their aspects, whether it is the plot or the tone. And it is her placid, constant voice that melts all elements together so seamlessly that you can only perceive them as one whole, an experience. A short story is supposed to reach the very heart of the matter, not make a journey there. And that is truly what Lahiri’s stories do, starting at the heart of these themes, and letting the readers make their way around. And the most significant indicator of this characteristic is the fact that even though I read these stories only once, they have stayed with me. I remember the characters, the voice, the plot, of every single story, and that is rare. It only goes to prove how the collection captures you completely, and one will surely find themselves immersed in these brilliant lives and stories.