Book Review: “Next Door” by Jahnavi Barua

Buy the book

Jahnavi Barua’s debut collection of short stories, “Next Door,” offers a poignant and nuanced exploration of life in Assam, India. Published in 2008, this critically acclaimed work introduces readers to a talented new voice in Indian literature.

The collection comprises 11 stories set against the lush backdrop of Assam, with its tea gardens, the mighty Brahmaputra River, and the looming presence of political insurgency. Barua’s prose is lyrical and evocative, painting vivid pictures of the landscape and its people. Her use of Assamese words, while potentially challenging for non-native speakers, adds authenticity and flavour to the narratives. Barua excels in crafting complex characters and exploring the intricacies of human relationships. From the family struggling with emotional tensions in “The Magic Spell”, then the retired government official in “The Patriot” who finds unexpected fulfillment in helping an injured insurgent, to the four sisters grappling with their mother’s impending death in “The Favourite Child,” each story delves deep into the emotional landscape of its protagonists. “Sour Green Mangoes” highlights another world of a desolate teenage girl. Each story is unique in its presentation of a new theme and interpretation.

The author doesn’t shy away from difficult themes. She addresses the violence against northeastern students in other parts of India in “Awakening,” and touches on adolescent sexuality in “Tiger.” The ongoing insurgency in Assam is a backdrop to many stories, adding tension and depth to the narratives.

What sets “Next Door” apart is Barua’s ability to balance the particular with the universal. While the stories are firmly rooted in Assamese culture and geography, the emotions and experiences they portray are deeply human and relatable. Love, loss, longing, and the search for identity resonate regardless of the reader’s background.

The collection’s strength lies in its subtlety. Barua doesn’t rely on dramatic plot twists or sensationalism. Instead, she crafts quiet moments of revelation and transformation, allowing her characters’ inner lives to unfold naturally.

“Next Door” is a literary work and a window into a part of India that is often underrepresented in mainstream literature. Barua’s intimate portrayal of Assam, its people, and its challenges offers valuable insights into the region’s culture and socio-political landscape.

Alvina’s verdict:

While the pacing may be slow for readers accustomed to more plot-driven narratives, those who appreciate introspective, character-driven stories will find much to savor in this collection. Barua’s debut announces the arrival of a thoughtful and skilled writer, one who brings a fresh perspective to Indian literature in English.