Status Updates From Interpreter of Maladies

Such good commentary on the state of education in so many countries. First, we see the contrast between her family closely following the war while school continues in oblivion. Then, I was struck by the scene where the librarian says that there’s no need to consult a book since it’s not for her book report. Because that’s the only reason a book is worth reading, right?

It’s fascinating how Lahiri creates this division between the character and her parents “who were from India.” “A glass for the Indian man,” forgetting that she too is Indian just because she was born in a different country.

The description of her dad “eating spiced cashews from a cupped fist” brought me back home right away.

“His fingers were curled shut, just like yours.” What a beautiful, bittersweet short story. Very easy to read yet descriptive storytelling.