An unpopular critique of Abraham Verghese’s epic. Unpacking the idyllic portrait of colonial India, the realities of caste, and the savior complex of medicine
The Symphony of Sibling Grief
What does it mean to be biologically tethered to another adult when nothing else brings you naturally together? Sally Rooney’s Intermezzo isn’t a short or easy read, but it is a deeply moving exploration of duty, estrangement, and the isolating nature of family grief. Read my full thoughts on why this book proves Rooney is a true master of her art.
Life and Political Reality: Two Novellas by Shahidul Zahir
From a breathless, single-paragraph masterpiece about the 1971 war to a quiet study of human compromise, Shahidul Zahir’s Life and Political Reality is a triumph of translated fiction. Discover how this Bengali heavyweight balances magic realism with devastating political truth in my latest review.