Chicago has chosen Interpreter of Maladies by noted Indian American author Jhumpa Lahiri for its programme, 'One Book, One Chicago'. This is an annual event, which encourages residents of the city to read the same book and discuss it with friends and neighbours.
Much of Lahiri's short fiction is based on the lives of Indian-Americans, particularly Bengalis, played out in the backdrop of northeastern United States and India, particularly Kolkata.
The book comprises nine short stories, which deal with problems faced by Indian immigrants including marital difficulties, miscarriages and the disconnect between first and second generation immigrants. Lahiri won the Pulitzer Prize for it.
With its selection for the programme, Lahiri's book joins highly acclaimed works including To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Night by Elie Wiesel, My Antonia by Willa Cather.
In a letter to the people of Chicago, Mayor Richard M Daley says Lahiri's book allows the readers a glimpse into the experience of immigrants, expatriates and first generation Americans living in America yet celebrating their cultural roots.
Lahiri was born in England in July 1967 and brought up in Kingstown, Rhode Island. Her parents, a teacher and a librarian, taught her about her Bengali heritage which influenced her writings.
