I was really gunning for this book to win the Booker this year, for how beautiful a story it was. But in retrospect, I think I can see it’s flaws and now that I am reading the Luminaries I hope it shocks and awes me.
The Lowland is the story of two brothers Subhash (being the elder brother) and Udayan, born in the British India but soon making it’s way into independence. It is the story of the differences in nature and yet their irrevocable bond, which binds them even after Udayan’s death. Subhash, is shown to be a person who is more cautious and believes in taking the beaten path while Udayan on the other hand is the kind who is feisty and wears his heart on his sleeves. Udayan is greatly influenced by the Naxal movement in the Kolkata of the 60’s and decides to join forces with them, while Subhash chooses to go Rhode Island for his higher studies. While in the US, he learns of Udayan being killed by the Police and it is this tragedy, which gives the depth to Subhash’s character which till now was all of Udayan’s. And you suddenly realize it was Subhash’s story all along.
You are touched by the sacrifices he keeps making again and again, demanding nothing from anybody. Life tests him to the fullest and you realise we most often end up admiring people like Udayan more in the first instance, taken in by their zest for life, their desire to change the world and while individual’s like Subhash end up being cornerstone of most people’s lives.
More than the patriotic feeling of wanting a fellow Indian to win, it was story which really made me want it to be read by one and all. But the flaws I think lay in the second half of the story, where it seemed a little loose ended. What rankles you in this story are certain character’s and their inability to move on with their lives or rather their inability to give themselves unto a person who does so much for them. You empathize with Subhash and his quandaries. My favourite character no doubt ends up being Subhash, I remember feeling very disturbed by the indifference that gets doled out to him by people for whom he ends up altering his whole life.
It is a must read and recommend everyone to pick it up, so what if it did not win the Booker.
