The Interpreter of Maladies is one of the most popular pieces of literature from best-selling author, Jhumpa Lahiri. The collection of short stories provides a magical and entertaining glimpse into Indian lifestyle and culture. From death of a loved one to the arranged marriage of an Indian-American, Lahiri skips no life event.
Most of the main characters emigrate from India to America, and must find a balance between keeping Indian tradition, yet learning to assimilate into American culture. The parents struggle to fit into American culture, while their children appear to effortlessly abandon their history in exchange for rock music and blue jeans.
Lahiri's short stories are hidden treasures because she is able to transform reality into fiction. The author takes her past experiences, and those from friends, to create characters. At the end of the stories, the characters realize that in order to go forward, they must recognize and embrace the past.
Another thing Lahiri masters is providing readers with entertaining characters, who endure all emotions. From sadness to happiness to anxiety, there is no emotion or feeling Lahiri excludes. Because she provides a variety of themes for readers, Lahiri has created something special.
Additionally, Lahiri creates a diverse group of characters that range from a newly-married Indian wife, who was a mail-order bride from India, to the first-person narrative of a young college-bound man.
Overall, The Interpreter of Maladies is a short, yet inspiring piece of fiction, and all the stories are light, crisp and easy to read. Readers of this collection of short stories should find the book thoroughly entertaining and enlightening.
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