What did I read this week? The Lowland by Jhumpa Lahiri.
If you love reading, and even if you don’t, you have probably heard of Jhumpa Lahiri. But despite being a Pulitzer Prize winner (among other awards), I had not read one of her books.
On a recommendation, I got The Lowland. The story follows two brothers that grow up practically as twins. Subhash is older and more cautious. Udayan is slightly younger and more reckless. The story follows their boyhood in post-WWII Calcutta to present-day America.
The story pivots at multiple points as tragedy and decision change the course of the characters’ lives, generation to generation.
My honest opinion about The Lowland…
The Lowland kept me up late. At times I read it because it was too good to put down. Other times, I just wanted it to be done.
It wasn’t the difficult circumstances under which these characters lived, but the often selfish and joyless way they lived. If I had met them at a dinner party, I might feign sickness to bail out early.
My trouble connecting to the characters had nothing to do with the writing of the author or a failure on her part. In fact, I think the reason I couldn’t connect with them was because of the skill with which they were written. Anyone can create a one-dimensional, likeable character. It takes talent to create one whose flaws reach out of the story and touch the reader.
The Lowland was practically poetry. Seriously, despite my lack of love for the characters, there is no denying the beauty of the writing. Her use of symbolism and the way she weaved together her descriptions was amazing.
I don’t know if I could recommend The Lowland to just anyone. It’s an easy read that is also heavy, and stays with you long after you’ve finished it. But it is worth your time and I will absolutely read more of Lahiri’s work in the future.
So, if you are looking for a deep read that crosses cultures and delves deep into familial conflict, then The Lowland is your book. If you love spectacular writing and don’t need the characters to be your best friends, you’ll love this book.
Summer is coming, and while The Lowland isn’t what I would consider a beach read, add it to your shelf for the darker nights of fall. I think it would fit right in there.
Happy Reading!
(The Lowland is available for FREE in audiobook form. Just sign up for the FREE AUDIBLE trial and cancel whenever you want!)
So, what are you reading this week? Have any suggestions for me?
Interested in more on books? Then check out these posts:
Why I Read So Much & How You Can Read More, Too
What I’m Reading… The Enchanted April
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