47 pages • 1 hour read
Jhumpa LahiriThe Lowland
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2013A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Lowland by Jhumpa Lahiri follows the lives of brothers Subhash and Udayan Mitra as they navigate diverging paths from childhood in Calcutta to adulthood. Udayan's deep involvement in the Naxalite movement contrasts with Subhash's academic journey in the United States. After Udayan's untimely death, Subhash marries Udayan’s widow, Gauri, and raises her daughter, Bela, as his own, while Gauri, struggling with her past, leaves them. The novel explores themes of family, identity, and the far-reaching effects of political unrest and personal decisions across generations. The book includes depictions of violence and loss related to political activism.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Jhumpa Lahiri's The Lowland receives acclaim for its lyrical prose and intricate exploration of family dynamics and cultural identity. Critics praise its emotional depth and vivid characterizations. However, some note a slow pace and predictability in the plot. Overall, it is considered a poignant and thought-provoking read, reflective of Lahiri's storytelling prowess.
Who Should Read The Lowland?
Readers who cherish introspective, multi-generational family sagas will relish The Lowland by Jhumpa Lahiri. Fans of Arundhati Roy's The God of Small Things or Khaled Hosseini's The Kite Runner will appreciate its intricate exploration of personal and political upheavals set against the backdrop of Indian history.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsLexile Level
860L