Arresting God in Kathmandu

Arresting God in Kathmandu is a collection of nine short stories set in Kathmandu, the capital and largest city of Nepal. Upadhyay, who emigrated to the United States and teaches creative writing at Indiana University, was the first Nepalese author writing in English to have his work published in the west. The stories deal with family relationships, generational dynamics of more traditional parents and their globalized youth, and the ever-present class consciousness.I struggled reading this book, because many of the characters and their relationships just seemed mean-spirited (there probably is a better word for what I'm feeling here) and unrelieved by joy or progress. But otherwise it does provide an unsentimental look at everyday life show more in contemporary Nepal. show less

The collection comprises nine stories that take us into contemporary Nepal, offering an impressive range of themes and perspectives. The reading is light and engaging—an excellent addition to my project of exploring the world through literature. The author allows us to glimpse the lives of characters from different social backgrounds and environments, inviting us into their homes and revealing their daily routines, concerns, and hopes. In this way, a multilayered and vivid portrait of modern Nepali life emerges.

If you don’t mind short stories with zero resolution, this is the book for you. The stories convey a lot about life in #Nepal, but other than that, every story disappoints—they just end. The author also includes at least one se*ual act, whether the story needs it or not, in almost every story. I can’t recommend this book, but it may work for others. Fortunately it’s a pretty quick read.

Nine stories of life among every-day folk in Kathmandu (Nepal), each tale rich with detail and lovingly presented without a wasted word. I was mesmerized by the characters and their religious and cultural connections, as well as the universality of their worries and problems. Highly recommended.

Most of the stories in this collection look at the intertwining between spirituality/religiosity and passion/sex/adultery in the lives of the characters. All but one story involves a cheating spouse. Some of the imagery appeared exotic while looking at it, but upon reflection seems somewhat cliche - the smells of spices from a kitchen, chaos and noise from a market, generational strife in the face of modernity, etc. Nevertheless, the prose is well written and delightful, and the book overall was a fun, quick read despite maybe or maybe not reflecting actual life or religion in Kathmandu.

Nepali.

A very readable short story collection by the first Nepali author writing in English. The stories are related by geography and culture. As in Lahiri's Interpreter of Maladies, they are also related by their focus on interpersonal tension, remorse, and failure. Do read the collection in order for the ebb and flow of emotion.