Comments on: Book Review – Unaccustomed Earth

By: Vidya Pradhan

Vidya Pradhan — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 16:54:33 +0000

Lovely poem..and amazing insight for someone 11 years old.

By: Aparna Palit

Aparna Palit — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 17:31:37 +0000

Yes Vidya, I too enjoy reading your reviews. Both CBD and JL’s books are close to my heart for their simplicity, choice of words and because we can relate to them as an Indian immigrant.
Here is a poem written by Antara who like me can’t express our feelings in words unlike you. Lots of love to Naren and Lori.

Feelingless [Anatara Palit 11 years]

I don’t know whether I should smile, frown or cry,
I don’t know if I should start to complain or let out a contented sigh.

This feeling inside of me, I really cannot describe,
It doesn’t make me feel ashamed or make me swell up with pride.

You may ask me questions about this strange feeling of mine
But you’ll get only one answer-
“I really don’t know how I feel, but otherwise I’m fine!”

But now as I come to think about it, I think I’ve got the word,
Once you hear it I am sure you’ll think it’s absurd.

I think I ‘m FEELINGLESS- a very strange thing to be!
You’ve probabaly NEVER experienced it ‘cos it can only happen to ME.

By: vpdot

vpdot — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 03:30:58 +0000

Thanks Shreyasi,

That means a lot, coming from an accomplished poet.

By: Shreyasi Deb

Shreyasi Deb — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 03:23:18 +0000

Vidya,
This is one of the best reviews of this book that I have read! Beautiful.
I can understand your familiarity with the lives of the characters and hence you have a fresh perspective.For a reader like me who has never opened a window to the lives of the Indiasn diaspora, these characters and their lives at best, are topics of much reflection.
I agree that Lahiri can only get better from here!

By: Vi

Vi — Sun, 25 May 2008 15:52:00 +0000

I thought that some of the characters had found peace – perhaps not as profoundly as being with someone you love or having that ‘happy’ ending – but the father and the daughter, Ruma, made peace between themselves. The father found companionship, and the daughter accepted it.

I enjoyed the book thoroughly, but perhaps not as much as her other works. It was the understated simplicity that carried the stories through.

Came here via Desipundit.

By: More on Unaccustomed Earth | DesiPundit

More on Unaccustomed Earth | DesiPundit — Fri, 23 May 2008 19:15:26 +0000

[...] fact she could have easily gratified us with a eight beautiful presents.” Vidya Pradhan too did not enjoy the book. Perhaps it is just my brain on Bollywood, but I really wished at least one of the characters could [...]