Interpreter of Maladies By: Jhumpa Lahari

This story took a bit to lure me in but once I was lured, I was in. This is a finely detailed story on how a interpreter spends a day driving around an American couple with their children. He soon begins to create feelings for the wife who gives him the attention he lacks in his own life. Mrs. Das' curious questions and praise on his other job as a doctor's office translator makes him feel like a proud man, a man he has not felt like in a while. He soon begins to think of all his failures in life; his own wife who he has no spark with anymore, his failed ideal career plans, and his deceased son, who he still feels responsible in some ways for his death. Mrs. Das is Mr. Kapasi's golden ticket for an ego boost for the day until he hears of her not so perfect life. She confesses that one of her sons is not biological to her husband. She has kept this a secret from her husband. Mr.Kapasi then views her as a disgraceful woman. She is not special, her day of enchantment was not real, she is just another broken soul, just like him. His fantasies go down the drain with Mrs.Das and he is left with dealing with his own life all over again, coming to terms with his failures and unbeknownst accomplishments. I believe the message behind this story is that no one lives a perfect life. The millionaire person you hear of may have the saddest heart out there, yet one may never know. Be grateful and accepting of yourself, and maybe, just maybe you will be more at peace. I would totally recommend this eyeopening short story to a friend.