FIREFLIES

by Shiva Naipaul ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 1, 1970

Dynastic illusions glare against dim future prospects as the Jhoja family braces itself and bears a third generation. The leading clan of Trinidad's Hindu community, with a stagnating fortune and an amended ancestry to back their claims, the Khojas pride themselves on being the guardians of Brahmin tradition. By the time we see them they're hopelessly ingrown, imperious in their prejudices, absurdly committed to a pretense of noblesse oblige political duty. Miss Naipaul parades them without mercy: Govind Khoja, the patriarch, who fancies himself the heir to Rousseau and Gandhi while reserving all the privileges of his station; his tyrannically ignorant sisters who beat their children on principle (""Too much talk and joke does lead to you know what"") and compete in sniffing out and snuffing out modern notions. Stinging caricatures all, save for Mrs. Lutchman who is the real heroine and only a niece to the great ones, and her husband and sons who bear the brunt of the family's folly. There's much to laugh at in the elaborate mockery of this comedy of manners, but too much conviction and detail for the bitter ending to be dismissed. A clear, close view through a jaundiced eye, and unexpectedly engrossing.

Pub Date: Feb. 1, 1970

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Knopf

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1970

Categories: FICTION