Jump for Jhumpa

She’s at it again. Jhumpa Lahiri of The Namesake fame has recently released Unaccustomed Earth, a collection of short stories once again focusing on Bengali immigrants. Alcoholism, adultery, arranged marriages, and aging parents are just the tip of the iceberg.

What I love Lahiri’s books is her ability to reach deeper than the typical ABCD lit. She explores the bi-cultural identity of first generation Indian children, without pandering to stereotypes. The burden of family wishes and yet the desire to follow your own dreams, the guilt, and the expectations that many Indian-Americans can relate to, are themes which Lahiri makes so poignant and real in her stories.

Ruma must learn to get along with her father without the comfort of her deceased mother. Hema confronts her feelings for an old crush when she is on the eve of entering an arranged marriage. An American man falls in love with unavailable Indian roommate.

Heart wrenching, delicious, and soulful, Unaccustomed Earth is a delight to the senses. So put away your Us Weekly and read something substantial this summer.

Buy it here Unaccustomed Earth