Soliloquy

Whereabouts is a work of epic proportions from Jhumpa Lahiri, although it does not weigh much and consists of hardly 200 pages. It is momentous due to the fact that she has pivoted greatly from her usual narrative of the Bengali immigrant story set in America. This is also the first book that she wrote in Italian; interestingly she translated it herself to English. 

Lyrical and flowing, Whereabouts is a piece of work that can be construed both as a novel and a piece of non-fiction. Quite often, the bizarre marries the obvious as Lahiri tries to gain some clarity, for which her protagonist is extremely thankful. Following the story of a middle-aged college professor, this book weaves itself into the sensibilities of the reader, leaving her more confused than ever before.

Also read: Review of Kill ‘Em All by Metallica

The plot moves in concentric circles, although we might often make the mistake of assuming that it cruises in straight lines, and that is where the magnificence of Lahiri’s genius lies. Despite not naming the city where the story pans out, the reader is often reminded of the crucial part that it plays, almost that of an anti-hero, that which both awakens and drowns the protagonist.  

And then, there is the shadow of ‘him’, who, as stated in the blurb, both consoles and unnerves her, and the reader is left whimpering in pain for the protagonist to finally get the strength to wrap herself up in the shawls of comfort and if possible, closure. Then there is the sceptre of Lahiri lurking over this piece de resistance of hers, both unnerving and comforting the reader and guiding the latter towards more turbulent waters. Read this- you will seldom read anything better this year. Or any other year. 

Rating: 5/5

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