The Lowland by Jhumpa Lahiri

Primarily- The Lowland is about three characters- Subhash, Udayan and Gauri. While the story of Lowland is deep and layered, its premise can find similarity in the 1981 Yash Chopra classic- Silsila.

However, what makes The Lowland a brilliant book- for me- are two things- 1) The writers ability to understand each and every character that makes an appearance in the narrative and 2) The manner in which each characters thoughts, desires, actions and conflicts are articulated in the book.

By setting the story's beginning and hence the back drop in the 1950's Calcutta with its volatile Naxalite movement, the author gives this tale of human distress and survival, a well intended dramatic uplift that enhances its experience.

In a tale like this where there isn't any place for edge of the seat thrills or time ticking page turners, the hold that the author has is impeccable. And this appears to come from a sincerity with which she knows her characters.

At times, the manner in which they behave infuriates you, you want to scream at them for being so rigid. At other times you can't help be proud for the actions they have taken or choices they have made. The damage that life has done to them is believable, the manner in which they cope seems commendable.

All in all as you turn each page and know more of them, you realize how they have become a large part of you.

However, as the book comes to an end and you sit stunned- drowned & immersed- you realize that all through this while... a large part of you has been turned over to them!!!

Do Read.