The Lowland

PREFACE

“The Lowland” is a novel by Jhumpa Lahiri, published in 2013. It is a poignant tale that spans continents and generations, exploring themes of family, politics, love, and loss.

Plot Summary

The novel begins in the 1960s in Calcutta (now Kolkata), India, and follows the lives of two brothers, Subhash and Udayan Mitra, who are very close despite their differing personalities. Subhash is the more responsible and academic of the two, while Udayan is rebellious and passionate about politics. Udayan becomes involved in the Naxalite movement, a radical communist uprising in India.

Udayan’s political activities lead to his tragic death, an event that shatters his family. Subhash, who has moved to the United States for his studies, returns to Calcutta to console his grieving parents. In an attempt to piece together what remains of his family, Subhash decides to marry Gauri, Udayan’s pregnant widow, and bring her to the United States.

The story then shifts to Rhode Island, where Subhash and Gauri try to build a new life. Their relationship is strained, as Gauri remains haunted by her past and the memory of Udayan. Subhash raises Bela, Udayan and Gauri’s daughter, as his own, but the family dynamics are complicated by secrets and unspoken emotions.

As Bela grows up, the novel delves into her perspective, exploring her struggles with identity and belonging. Gauri, unable to escape the shadow of her past, makes a drastic decision that impacts everyone around her. The narrative spans several decades, tracing the characters’ journeys through life, and their attempts to reconcile with their past and each other.

Themes

1. Family and Identity: The novel examines the bonds of family, the search for identity, and the impact of secrets on personal relationships.
2. Politics and Ideology: The backdrop of the Naxalite movement and its influence on the characters highlights the intersection of personal lives with political ideologies.
3. immigration and Displacement**: The story explores the immigrant experience, the sense of displacement, and the struggle to find a place in a new country.
4. Grief and Loss: The novel portrays the different ways individuals cope with grief and loss, and how these experiences shape their lives.

Setting

The novel is set in two primary locations: the bustling city of Calcutta in the 1960s and 1970s, and the quieter, more suburban setting of Rhode Island in the United States. These contrasting settings highlight the cultural and emotional landscapes the characters navigate.

Style

Jhumpa Lahiri’s writing is characterized by its lyrical prose, rich detail, and deep emotional resonance. She skillfully captures the complexities of her characters’ inner lives and the intricate dynamics of family relationships. The narrative is structured in a way that weaves together different timelines and perspectives, providing a multi-faceted view of the characters’ experiences.

“The Lowland” is a moving and thought-provoking novel that delves into the human heart and the ties that bind us, even as we are pulled apart by time, distance, and circumstance.