Title: The Lowland
Author: Jhumpa Lahiri
Publisher: Knopf
Genre: Literary Fiction
Year of Publication: 2013
Date of Publication: September 24, 2013
Pages: 352
ISBN-10: 0307265749
ISBN-13: 978-0307265746
Summary of The Lowland by Jhumpa Lahiri
The Lowland is a novel that revolves around two brothers, Subhash and Udayan Mitra. The brothers grew up in Calcutta during the 1960s. While Subhash pursues a quiet academic life in the United States, Udayan becomes deeply involved in the Naxalite movement, a radical political uprising.
Udayan believed that violence against the state can be justified as part of rebellion. Tragedy strikes (no spoiler here), leading Subhash to return to India to care for his brother’s widow and child. This sets the stage for a tale of sacrifice, love, and redemption.
The novel itself spans decades and continents. What the author does is to explore the bonds of family and the lasting effects of political and personal decisions, through the lives of one family.
Main Themes
The novel is about family and the impact of political ideologies on personal lives. Lahiri examines the choices that shape individuals and how those choices impact not only that individual but the ripple effects across generations.
For example, Udayan made the choice to join the rebellion but in the end he left behind a pregnant wife (Gauri) and a daughter (Bela). Feeling like it was his responsibility to take care of Gauri and Bela, Subhash makes the decision to marry Gauri and bring them back to the U.S.
Themes of displacement and belonging are also central in this book as the characters deal with the challenges that often arise with immigration.
Writing Style
Jhumpa Lahiri truly paints a picture that allows readers to visualize the settings in each chapter and understand how each character feels and their thought process.
As a reader you quickly get a sense of what led Udayan to choose the part he did and the level of poverty being discussed.
There is a lot flashback that allows readers learn more about Subhash and Gauri’s childhood. Jhumpa also does a great job in showing the transformation of Gauri from a shy personality to a confident woman.
Impact of The Lowland
The Lowland has received and being shortlisted for several awards. It was shortlisted for the 2013 Man Booker Prize. The novel was also shortlisted for the Baileys Women’s Prize for Fiction in 2014. It also earned the DSC Prize for South Asian Literature in 2015.
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