Unaccustomed Earth by Jhumpa Lahiri

This book is actually a compilation of several short stories. Each focuses on relationships the relationships and cultural divide between Indian-born parents and American-born children.

I especially liked the first story which explores some of the difficult gender roles in America, such as Ruma's decision to leave her successful legal career to raise children, while her husband works harder to support their family. It also explores the family issues associated with Ruma's Indian heritage, including her sense of obligation to care for her father and have him live with her and her immediate family. Both Ruma and her father have moved away from their culture of origin, but there is very limited communication between the two because each is hesitant to reveal these deviations to the other. Ruma's son Akash becomes fascinated with his grandfather and the two develop a special bond. This bond allows Ruma to see her father in a different light, more like the man she hoped for, but didn't experience, as a child due to his greuling work schedule. The story comes full circle, but not in a predictable way.

I also loved the final tale, Hema and Kaushik, as the two progress from childhood acquaintances with a strange attraction to their reconnection two decades later. The story is divided into three parts, each a separate, but connected part of the story. As told by Hema, the two meet when Kaushik's family moves back to America after several years in India and stays with Hema's family while they are looking for a house. The two families soon realize that they no longer have much in common. The second part is from Kaushik's point of view, focusing on his life after his mother's death. The final part brings the two back together after a chance meeting in Italy. Despite the fact that they lead very different lifestyles, the two feel a deep connection and spend a considerable amount of time together during Hema's final vacation before she marries.

I love Lahiri's style, which illustrates both the differences and consistency of human relationships, which are both cultural and universal. The variety of relationships--parent/child, siblings, lovers--showed her wide range of understanding in the ways in which we all connect with those around us.

Would I recommend this book? ABSOLUTELY!