New novel explores young Indians' political views in changing nation
Devika Regeʼs “Quarterlife“ dives into the minds of young Indians born around Indiaʼs economic shift. The story follows characters navigating political changes and personal challenges in a rapidly evolving society
Devika Reges debut novel “Quarterlife“ takes readers on a journey through the complex world of young Indians born around the time of their countrys economic shift. The story kicks off with Naren Agashe a 31-year-old Wharton grad‚ buying coffee at a zoo in Nebraska to avoid a racist encounter (this detail sets the tone for the books exploration of identity and belonging)
The novel‚ set to hit US bookstores in about 11 months centers on Naren and his peers as they navigate Indias changing political landscape. After a right-wing party wins a landslide victory promising to end corruption and boost the economy‚ Naren returns to New Delhi seduced by the prospect of new opportunities
Rege paints a vivid picture of the Agashe family - newly rich upstarts living in a place called Imperial Heights. Through their interactions and debates‚ she explores the contradictions within Indian society: leftists supporting right-wing policies‚ environmentalists benefiting from mining deals‚ and young people grappling with their colonial past and globalized present
The Bharat Party cares for all Hindus
The book introduces a diverse cast of characters including: a lower-caste filmmaker‚ a marginalized Muslim woman‚ a liberal mocked as “sickular“ and a Zoroastrian facing unexpected discrimination. Their stories intertwine highlighting the complexities of caste‚ religion and class in modern India
Amanda an American NGO worker‚ provides an outsiders perspective as she experiences Mumbais stark contrasts between luxury and poverty. Her relationship with Narens brother Rohit becomes a lens through which to examine cultural differences and shared global experiences
Reges novel doesnt shy away from heated debates‚ with characters engaging in verbose arguments that reveal their inner struggles and aspirations. Through these discussions‚ the author explores how political identities have become all-encompassing in India since roughly a decade ago and the implications for the spread of Hindu nationalism
“Quarterlife“ ultimately paints a picture of a generation caught between tradition and modernity‚ grappling with their place in a rapidly changing world. While not without flaws‚ the novel captures the fundamental truth that life in our globalized era is filled with conflicts and contradictions‚ both close to home and far away
