When does a book become truly memorable? Perhaps when it resonates deeply, evoking a sense of familiarity and reflecting one's own experiences. ‘The Gurkha’s Daughter’ by Prajwal Parajuly left a lasting impression on me precisely for this reason—it exuded a comforting familiarity that lingered long after I turned the final page.

This collection of eight short stories revolves around the common theme of ‘dis-belonging’, a sense of not quite fitting in. Parajuly, himself a Nepali-Indian who was raised in India, explores this theme with profound understanding. Throughout the stories, the intricate layers of mixed identity and the palpable feeling of being out of place resonate powerfully.

In each of his stories, Parajuly guides us through the everyday lives of his characters, weaving in larger societal issues that impact their existence. While some characters may be more endearing than others, Parajuly possesses a remarkable talent for breathing life into each of them, ensuring they remain etched in our memories. He refrains from resorting to clichéd writing tactics to achieve this; instead, his characters feel authentic, like individuals we might encounter in our own lives.

Parvati, featured in ‘The Cleft’, embodies the archetype of the Nepali aunty, grappling with a strained relationship with her mother-in-law. Rajiv, portrayed in ‘Mixed Blessing’, mirrors the struggles of a once-promising engineering student who finds himself adrift and burned out. Ravi, from ‘No Land is Her Land’, embodies the archetype of the distant relative plagued by anger issues, trapped in societal expectations. And Gita, in ‘The Gurkha’s Daughter’, resonates as the childhood friend who drifted away, leaving a void in our lives. Through these characters, Parajuly crafts a narrative that feels deeply personal and universally relatable.

All of Parajuly’s characters are inherently relatable and easy to empathise with, as he avoids embellishing or vilifying their personalities. Instead, he presents them as raw and unapologetically human. This approach allows readers to connect with them on a deeper level, recognising the nuances in their interactions, prejudices, inclinations, choices, and backgrounds. Despite the multitude of characters introduced in this collection of short stories, Parajuly demonstrates a rare talent for making each one memorable. This ability to craft distinct and memorable characters within the confines of short-story fiction is a testament to his skill as a storyteller.

The book also delves into significant cultural and social issues, addressing topics such as child labour, caste-based discrimination, gender prejudices against female children, the Bhutanese refugee crisis, and the phenomenon of brain drain. Parajuly approaches these themes without adopting a saviour complex; he refrains from offering solutions or assigning blame. Instead, he observes his characters grappling with these complex issues, humanising them poignantly. As the narrator, he doesn’t position himself above the characters; rather, he simply tells their stories as they unfold.

People are shaped by their circumstances, and Parajuly captures this truth eloquently. The progression of his characters through life events feels natural and authentic. An excellent example of this is his portrayal of Anamika in ‘No Land is Her Land’. Anamika stands out as a strong female character; her self-awareness threatens the men around her, yet she remains unapologetic about her identity and choices. Despite acknowledging that her decisions may invite differential treatment, she exudes confidence and makes bold decisions. This portrayal not only endears Anamika to readers but also embodies a compelling depiction of a resilient female character—one who embraces her identity amidst challenges and choices.

In ‘The Immigrants’, Parajuly’s narrative echoes his own experiences as a Nepali-Indian living abroad. The character of Amit emerges as particularly approachable, embodying the archetype of the successful immigrant thriving in New York City with a six-figure salary and his own apartment in Manhattan. Amit’s tendency to casually mention his achievements, especially to a white woman he encounters, exudes a subtle vanity and boastfulness which reads in a very comical manner. As the story unfolds, Amit’s desperate attempts to assimilate into his new environment provide both entertainment and a mirror to the immigrant experience.

When he encounters Sabitri, another Nepali immigrant woman who hasn’t achieved the same level of success financially or academically, their unequal footing becomes apparent. Despite Amit’s initial superiority, his world is shaken when his visa application is rejected, thrusting him into a shared sense of desperation with Sabitri. At this moment, regardless of their achievements, they are both immigrants grappling with a sense of not belonging. Amit’s visa troubles and Sabitri’s linguistic challenges highlight the universal struggles faced by immigrants, reminding readers that, despite their efforts, they may always feel like outsiders in their adopted homeland.

All the stories in this collection are marked by clever, synchronised endings. A notable aspect is the consistent use of open-ended conclusions, which add to the intrigue of each narrative. What sets Parajuly’s stories apart is the unexpected behaviour of his characters in these concluding moments. This pattern of contradictions between expectation and action emerges as a recurring theme throughout the book. While this stylistic choice may have been effective in some stories, it feels somewhat overdone and detracts from the collection’s playful and cheeky tone. In particular, the ending of ‘The Immigrants’ feels forced and inorganic, as the author attempts to impose a synchronised conclusion. This departure from the natural flow of the narrative diminishes the impact of an otherwise engaging story.

Overall, ‘The Gurkha’s Daughter’ offers a captivating and effortless read, characterised by delightful characters navigating the intricacies of their everyday lives. Parajuly’s skilful portrayal of these characters, with all their quirks and complexities, adds a layer of charm to the narrative, making it a truly enjoyable experience from start to finish.

The Gurkha’s Daughter

Author: Prajwal Parajuly

Year: 2012

Publisher: Quercus