There are few books you read because you are addicted to reading. Then some others because everyone else has read it but you, and then there are those books that you read because you know that somewhere between the pages, you will remain forever. Books that you eagerly wait for; like that distant music which falls on the ears, so sweet yet agonizing and wants you to get closer and feel it, revel in it. Such books are rare.
With Lahiriβs books, I have always experienced this poignant feeling. Having read all of her books, I sometimes feel, I am too prejudiced. Like a friend said, βIf it is a Lahiri book, it has to be 5 stars and maybe more from you even before youβve finished it.” Iβm not surprised.
About reviewing Lahiriβs latest book, the Man Booker prize nominee, The Lowland, I am torn between doing it the right way and doing it the best way. The same sickly-sweet tugging feeling that leaves your heart slightly rattled. I mean I could scribble down pages but then that would seem cruelly overdone.

The Lowland is the story of Subhash, Udayan, and Gauri. Running through decades and stretched over a vast expanse from West Bengal in India to Rhode Island in the United States, this is a heart-wrenching tale of love, life, family, sacrifices and more.
The lowland, a small plot of land that floods during monsoons and houses the neighborhood debris and yet life for Tollygunge boys surrounds this pond which is witness to memories that have pooled up for years. Growing up in Calcutta, born just fifteen months apart, Subhash and Udayan Mitra are inseparable brothers, one often mistaken for the other. But they are also opposites, with gravely different futures ahead of them. It is the 1960s, and Udayanβcharismatic and impulsiveβfinds himself drawn to the Naxalite movement, a rebellion waged to eradicate inequity and poverty: he will give everything, risk all, for what he believes. Subhash, the dutiful son, does not share his brotherβs political passion; he leaves home to pursue a life of scientific research in a quiet, coastal corner of America.
Life takes a turn after Udayan is killed and Subhash has to come back to Calcutta. Subhash marries Udayanβs widow Gauri after he learns that she is pregnant with Udayanβs child and takes her to Rhode Island with him. Life in Rhode Island both for Subhash and Gauri take such turns that they rather start drifting apart than growing close as one. Udayanβ ghost is always present between them and as a result, Gauri is never really able to live a life beyond him. Even as Bela is born, Subhash is torn between admitting the truth about not being her father and sharing the same roof and betraying Bela day and night by hiding it from her.
Bela grows up to be an environmentalist. Somewhere around all this, Gauri leaves both Bela and Subhash uninformed, never to be contacted. Bela finally learns about the truth, about Udayan, about Subhash and the untold tragedy of her life. Gauri tries to put together the bonds she severed once by returning to Bela but Belaβs hostility only pushes her beyond the edge, making her realise the mistake sheβd committed for life.Toward the closure, we are left with fickle ends about the lives of Subhash, Bela, and Gauri. Each stuck amidst time past and that which is yet to come.
The Lowland is an incredible confirmation that Lahiri is a writer of extraordinary calibre who makes seem even the tryst of times and the most complex human emotions quite effortless to be captured on paper and delivered to readersβ hearts. This remains in my memories, as Subhash feels,
βAnd yet he had loved her. A bookish girl heedless of her beauty, unconscious of her effect. Sheβd been prepared to live her life alone but from the moment heβd known her heβd needed her.β
Lahiri dips the nib in history dripping with myriad catastrophic situations and very carefully has written a prose that is due to remain with you for long even though it hangs on the edge of monotony and the very predictable style that she is known for. But should that stop you from exploring the poignant lives of her characters so brilliantly crafted in The Lowland? I donβt think so.
You can buy your copy of βThe Lowlandβ by clicking on this link.
Have you read βThe Lowlandβ? How did you like it? Share your thoughts in comments below.
Happy reading till we meet next.
Until then, carpe diem! π
~~~~~
Β© Asha Seth
Stay in touch.
Subscribe Now: Youtube| Twitter| Instagram| Facebook| Tumblr
I bought The Lowland just a couple of days back (havenβt started reading it yet). I loved The Namesake; your review gives me a feeling that I will love this one too.
LikeLike
Well, if you loved Namesake, you WILL love this one too. It’s got Lahiri’s flair and finesse as a Lahiri follower expects. Do review it once you’re done reading.
LikeLike
I will start reading it after completing my current read Poirot Complete Collection…am a ardent follower of Jhumpa Lahiri and my wildest dream is to lunch with her and interview her along side…
LikeLike
I’m her admirer too and only wish to read to her a little something I’ve written for her. A lunch prospect would be awesome. π
LikeLike
Wow…we both on same boat…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds to be a very interesting read.. π All I need now is more time for reading.. So many interesting books being reviewed right now π Wishing you a beautiful week.. π Asha
LikeLike
Thanks, Sue. Yes, books demand a lot of time and attention. But that’s all they ask for. π
Happy a splendid week too. π
LikeLiked by 1 person
You too π
LikeLiked by 1 person
Going for book shopping this weekend. Suggest me all the books that you can.
Will send you a text reminder too. π
All Jhumpa Lahiriβs books that I havenβt had chance to read yet, they already are there in my TO-READ list. She is love! β€
LikeLiked by 1 person
Read my today’s post An Invitation…you may find few names…right Asha?
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s a lovely way to spend the weekend. Aditi. π
And quite some books may come your way. Do text me and I shall share a few miss-me-nots. π
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are recommending very good books so that we can feel life in it …will definately add it to my wish list
LikeLike
That’s what I hope you do. Never miss the good books, else you may never get to read them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I couldn’t have written a review of this book in such a poetic way. You nailed it, Asha. I read ‘The Lowland’ in November 2016 and I couldn’t stop thinking about it even after I finished the book. Something about it lingers with you long after you read it. Jhumpa Lahiri weaves the plot effortlessly and it is clearly one of her ‘best’ works. I feel that, the reason why this book’s theme keeps resonating in your mind is because it’s bewitching and Lahiri really entrances her reader into her world. I loved this review, Asha! π
LikeLike
I totally agree, Anj. The first book I’d read was Interpreter of Maladies and I said to myself, how does she write stuff like that? And with each of her books, I said that to myself again and again. She’s good and she knows her stuff all too well. Some find her stories stagnant and mundane. Well. to each his own.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m totally looking forward to reading her other works too! I’m surely in for a feast. β€
LikeLike
Have you read Interpreter of Maladies or Unaccustomed Earth or Namesake?
LikeLike
Lost in these five books at the moment
Mathematics -3
Integrated circuits
Analog communications
Control systems
Object oriented programming ππ
LikeLiked by 1 person
βΊ you let me remember my college days…story books gathering dust…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha!
Hope it’ll be over soon.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes but these times long more than leisure times
LikeLike
Yes, of that I am sure. π
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for sharing the review! Adding the book on my wish list .
LikeLike
Sure, Swalia. And once you’ve read it, do share how you like it.
LikeLiked by 1 person