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botopsy 's review for:
The Inheritance of Loss
by Kiran Desai
What did I just read?!
It is difficult to write about The Inheritance of Loss. I read this book few dyas ago and I still find myself thinking about the characters from the book. This book follows the life of a retired judge, his orphaned grandaughter, their cook and the cook’s son who has immigrated to the United States in search of better life. The novel's setting in the politically tumultuous northeastern part of India during the post-independence era serves as a backdrop for the lives of a constellation of characters, each navigating the remnants of a colonial past and the unsettling currents of a globalizing present.
The narrative style is strikingly lucid, and the pacing of the novel is notably brisk. Desai's deft narration sweeps across continents and timelines, transitioning seamlessly from the judge's present life with Sai, his granddaughter, and his loyal cook, to Biju, the cook's son, who is navigating the complexities and challenges of life as an undocumented immigrant in New York City. The narrative then arcs back to delve into the judge's past, revealing the layers of his character and the historical forces that have shaped him.
The writing is infused with humor, irony, and a deep poignancy that resonates with the reader. Desai's wit shines through her portrayal of the characters' idiosyncrasies and the absurdities of their situations, while her irony often underscores the stark contrasts and injustices present in their lives. The poignancy emerges from the heartfelt desires and struggles of each character, drawing the reader into a world where laughter and sorrow coexist.
Although I was disappointed at the ending of the book, like I did not understand why it hasd to end like that. It’s like I’m reading the book, hooked to it from page 1 and when I reach the last pages, I’m left hung. It left me with a sense of longing and unfulfillment.
All in all, I will still recommend this book despite the ending the journey is worth it.
It is difficult to write about The Inheritance of Loss. I read this book few dyas ago and I still find myself thinking about the characters from the book. This book follows the life of a retired judge, his orphaned grandaughter, their cook and the cook’s son who has immigrated to the United States in search of better life. The novel's setting in the politically tumultuous northeastern part of India during the post-independence era serves as a backdrop for the lives of a constellation of characters, each navigating the remnants of a colonial past and the unsettling currents of a globalizing present.
The narrative style is strikingly lucid, and the pacing of the novel is notably brisk. Desai's deft narration sweeps across continents and timelines, transitioning seamlessly from the judge's present life with Sai, his granddaughter, and his loyal cook, to Biju, the cook's son, who is navigating the complexities and challenges of life as an undocumented immigrant in New York City. The narrative then arcs back to delve into the judge's past, revealing the layers of his character and the historical forces that have shaped him.
The writing is infused with humor, irony, and a deep poignancy that resonates with the reader. Desai's wit shines through her portrayal of the characters' idiosyncrasies and the absurdities of their situations, while her irony often underscores the stark contrasts and injustices present in their lives. The poignancy emerges from the heartfelt desires and struggles of each character, drawing the reader into a world where laughter and sorrow coexist.
Although I was disappointed at the ending of the book, like I did not understand why it hasd to end like that. It’s like I’m reading the book, hooked to it from page 1 and when I reach the last pages, I’m left hung. It left me with a sense of longing and unfulfillment.
All in all, I will still recommend this book despite the ending the journey is worth it.