What I've Been Reading - January and February

2014 is starting out right. Exercise is getting done. Eating is healthy. And books are being read.

Here's a list of books I've completed recently:

The Lowland by Jhumpa Lahiri

Lahiri is one of my favorites. I was upset that I wasn't able to see her when she visited Chicago recently to do a Q&A for her latest work, The Lowland. I read this one for my the book group I joined when I moved up and we had a great time discussing the characters, plot, and meaning of this heavy novel. Two bothers in India follow very different paths as young men and the shocking consequences of those decisions haunt all those involved for a lifetime.

The End of Everything by Megan Abbott

Not for the faint of heart, this novel tackles some pretty disturbing issues and contains a fair share of graphic language. Another pick from my book group, some participants were a little uncomfortable reading, and I may have felt guilty suggesting it without knowing exactly what I was recommending. However, Abbott produces a story bursting with shock value and discussion-worthy material. Think Gone Girl relayed through insinuation rather than straightforwardness. Read it. 

The Apartment by Greg Baxter

I requested this novel after seeing it mentioned in the newsletter for my local library. I didn't know much going in other than it was an American man looking for an apartment in an undetermined European city. The novel is exactly that, but also very political. If you, like me, are cynical and love a good game of devil's advocate, check it out. Presented through stream of consciousness, the narrator muses on his former life in the military, his work as a contractor in Iraq, and the complexities of life. If you enjoy people watching, you'll definitely love it because Baxter's main man spends quite some time doing just that, and it's rather entertaining. Note: I spent nearly the entire novel trying to determine what city he was actually in, like wikipedia and google at the ready; however, I read an interview that suggested Baxter pulled from many European cities to create a fictional retreat for his narrator.

What have you been reading lately?

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A Review: Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri

"The noise was constantly distracting, at times suffocating."

Once again, I've been blown away by Lahiri's work. My introduction to Lahiri's work was The Namesake, which I will tell you, I absolutely adore. I found that often, when I discussed really enjoying said title, I'd receive an automatic recommendation for this collection of short stories. I was so glad to be able to share the experience with my reading group, because it was such a beautiful work, and was really enjoyed by all. I feel that even with the amount of time we devoted to discussing this collection, there is much to be ascertained upon subsequent reads.  (And I will be rereading it.)

Lahiri is certainly a master of language.  She so brilliantly constructs a very real environment, with a large and varied cast of characters. Her constructions are fastidious without being superfluous and taxing. I felt that each character was smartly designed and used to help maintain a certain flow from one story to the next.

This title, comprised of nine short stories, moves between the lives of those living in India, those from India that have recently relocated to America and those with interactions with these individuals. Once again, Lahiri's work heavily focuses on the changes that one experiences when moving out of their comfort zone. Individuals facing a culture that is so very foreign, while remaining loyal to their own traditions and expectations. Because Lahiri sets the reader up with glimpses into the lives of those within the confines of a static community, and those moving outside of these constructions, the reader recognizes this dichotomy for comparative purposes. Furthermore, Lahiri effectively brings attention to intimate details of daily life that are often overlooked.

Lahiri is also able to manipulate the perspective of the Christian reader, when she introduces a young, second generation Indian couple, who purchase a home in New England. When Twinkle, an eccentric wife, finds small religious relics throughout the house, and begins to display them on the mantle, the Christian objects become exotic and "collectible." Despite protestations from her husband, who begins questioning the marriage, Twinkle does not relent. We see that our character simultaneously begrudges his more "Americanized" wife, and fears losing his Indian identity, despite being out of touch with many traditions himself. It speaks volumes about millions of second and third generation Americans, who battle maintaining an identity through tradition, while growing up in another society. "This Blessed House" quickly became one of my favorite stories of the book.

Lahiri manages to seize the reader and explore worlds of love and loss, fear and despair.  The last story manages to really pull the whole thing together, with a heartfelt conclusion, while juxtaposing two characters that represent very different ways of moving through life.  All in all, I really believe that Lahiri wanted to stress that while you may encounter many changes in your life, there are some things you'll never let go of, and those that you'll embrace with arms wide open. And that is the beauty of this collection.

One of my favorite passages:

Whenever he is discouraged, I tell him that if I can survive on three continents, then there is no obstacle he cannot conquer [...] Still, there are times I am bewildered by each mile I have traveled, each meal I have eaten, each person I have known, each room in which I have slept. As ordinary as it all appears, there are times when it is beyond my imagination. 

I highly recommend Jhumpa Lahiri's Interpreter of Maladies.

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William Trevor's "A Day"

I'm not sure if I proclaimed my love of The New Yorker's Fiction Podcast. If not, here it is: I absolutely love The New Yorker Fiction Podcast.

There are a number of reasons I love this podcast. One, it's accessible (I have an iPhone), which makes it possible for me to listen while working, driving home from work or making meals in the kitchen. Not only is it incredibly easy to download and carry with me at all times; it's also entertaining and highly informative (I wouldn't expect anything less from The New Yorker). I can't cite the number of writers I've been introduced to through the program.

The New Yorker, as many of you may already know, publishes short stories in the magazine from talented and respected writers from all over the world.

The podcast features contemporary writers who have chosen a favorite short that has been featured in The New Yorker at some point in time. For many, this may have been a writer that inspired them particularly.  The writer reads the story, and discusses the plot-- the intricacies and beauty of the stories with NY's fiction editor, the brilliant, Deborah Treisman.

So, without saying more, hope you enjoy: Jhumpa Lahiri reads "A Day" by William Trevor

I’ve listened to this particular story again and again. Admittedly, I was unfamiliar with Trevor’s work and was drawn in because I saw the short had been chosen by Jhumpa Lahiri, a writer I happen to favor. I’m not using this post to critique the piece; instead, I'd like to ask you to listen or find the story in The New Yorker's archives, and post your opinions. 

"A Day" can also be found in Trevor’s collection After Rain.

Other links of interest:
"The Woman of the House"
The Shadows of William Trevor

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