A review by misspalah
The Inheritance of Loss by Kiran Desai

challenging emotional reflective sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

"Recite us something, won't you?" "Where the head is held high, Where knowledge is free, Where the world has not been broken up into fragments by narrow domestic walls. ... Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let me and my country awake." Every schoolchild in India knew at least this. The judge began to laugh in a cheerless and horrible manner. How he hated this dingy season. It angered him for reasons beyond Mutt's unhappiness; it made a mockery of him, his ideals. When he looked about he saw he was not in charge: mold in his toothbrush, snakes slithering unafraid right over the patio, furniture gaining weight, and Cho Oyu also soaking up water, crumbling like a mealy loaf. With each storm's bashing, less of it was habitable. The judge felt old, very old, and as the house crumbled about him, his mind, too, seemed to be giving way, doors he had kept firmly closed between one thought and the next, dissolving. It was now forty years since he had been a student of poetry.

• The Inheritance of loss by Kiran Desai

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I'm struggling to determine whether this book was commendable or not. It's often lauded as one of the finest examples of postcolonial literature, and I can certainly recognize its significance in that regard. It vividly depicts the repercussions of English colonialism in India and explores the pursuit of the American dream amidst societal divides. However, I also believe that a deep understanding of Indian culture and values is necessary to truly appreciate its depth. The narrative encompasses a multitude of themes, from the struggles of illegal immigrants to identity crises and the Gorkhaland movement, spanning across settings in America, India, and Nepal. Through the intertwined stories of Sai, the orphaned granddaughter of a retired judge, and Biju, the son of the judge's longtime cook, Desai crafts a poignant tale of reflection, aspiration, and longing. While I found the exploration of divisions—be they geographical, national, or religious—fascinating, and admired Desai's skillful prose and insightful observations, I felt that the plot lacked momentum. Despite this, I was captivated by the beauty of Desai's writing and the intricate portrayal of her characters' hopes and regrets.