A Temporary Matter: Review



Title: A Temporary Matter
Author: Jhumpa Lahiri
Genre: Short Story

This short story is a part of 'The Interpreter of Maladies'- a book that I read many years ago. 

It was nice to revisit this particular story as it happened to be a part of my course curriculum. Interesting how you perceive the story with a different lens and delve deep into its analysis. 

A Temporary Matter is the story about a married couple who confess some truths to one another during a power outage.  Shoba and Shukumar receive a notice which says that there would be a power cut for an hour every night for five consecutive days. The story goes on to showcase the couple's strained relations due to Shoba's miscarriage. It unearths their several complexes that they are battling with. 

It is interesting to note how the author has used darkness as a metaphor to describe the same in the couple's lives. She certainly has a knack for details, bringing the reader's attention to the little things about the couple. This is apparent especially in the description of the smells and flavors of food.  It also helps in showcasing the subtle changes that comes over the couple after the tragedy. The revelations of the couple in the dark grips the reader even more. It remains to be seen if a reconciliation occurs. 

Largely focusing on the theme of human relationships and human emotions, the author weaves a tale that is complex and one that lingers on the minds of the readers. 


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