this time a live chat from the Washington Post archives. Here is the transcript.
bq. I can answer some of that question! My upbringing was essentially being raised by parents who came from one part of the world and who were learning to live in another part of the world. I have two influences all the time. I spoke two languages on a daily basis, I ate two kinds of food, I knew two parts of the world, in a way. I think one of the things that drew me to writing was the opportunity to create my own world. I felt somehow inadequate in both my Indian side and my American side. I always felt I was coming up short somehow because I was not fully one thing. In writing, I felt I didn’t have to answer to anyone’s expectations other than my own.
My god! How exotic and difficult growing up. You poor thing. [ thanks George for the link]
To the poster above me…
Well the book shouldn’t offer much insight to you, seeing that your parents or grandparents were probably Indian, and thus you’re aquainted with the culture. Many of my American friends either have huge misinterpretations about Indian culture or are completely indifferent towards it. So in that sense, I think the book fills in a lot of gaps for us. For a 2nd generation Indian such as myself, it helps us realize a lot about our lifestyle and the consequences of our dual upbringing.