Cultural Understanding

This post wishes to discuss the elements of the Bengali-Indian culture that Lahiri has introduced throughout her stories. What are some of these elements, whether of food, attire, or customs, that have been utilized to create a typical Bengali background for her characters and settings? How distinctive do these traditions seem from those characteristic of a standard American household? Are there similarities inspite of differences? Does she mention any cultural practice, or way of life, that you would like to know further about?

Basic reaction to the readings so far?

Those who have read either of these two books, or are reading them for the first time, please provide your reaction to the readings so far. Do you like them, or not? Are they difficult to understand and relate to, or has the author been successful in crossing boundaries and reaching all her readers?

Welcome

Dear visitors,



On behalf of the College Novel Committee, 2008-2009, I would like to welcome you all to this blog: http://jhumpalahiri.blogspot.com/ created for discussions related to the two works chosen for this year; namely Jhumpa Lahiri's short story collection "Interpreter of Maladies" and novel "the Namesake."

Professors and students who are interested and using these two books in their classes are strongly urged to use this site to converse on any topic related to these works.

Hope this starts some lively discussion.

Sophia Mitra
Chair of the College Novel Committee