Overview
Not long after winning the Booker Prize for her second novel, The Inheritance of Loss, Kiran Desai began crafting her third book, titled The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny. Desai envisioned a “modern-day romance that wasn’t necessarily romantic,” focusing on societal forces such as class, race, nationality, and family history that separate individuals. Remarkably, writing the book took almost two decades.
Why It Matters
Desai shares a humorous reflection on the challenges that come with such a long writing process, noting how friends and neighbors began to worry for her well-being. “People begin to wonder what’s wrong. Are you really working on something?” she laughs. Her dedication drove her to write for hours on end, maintaining an isolated lifestyle that became the subject of concerned interventions from others.
Despite these concerns, Desai found comfort and fulfillment in her absorbed routine. She acknowledges the absurdity of the situation but insists that this solitary life was her choice—“It was becoming absurd!” she admits—but it was also a source of joy and commitment to her craft.
Key Takeaways
As Desai’s writing evolved, she became perplexed by its length, ultimately compiling around 5,000 pages of notes. She questioned how to weave these thoughts into a cohesive narrative while exploring the lives of various characters intertwined with Sonia and Sunny’s journeys. “It was just a stubbornness that I cannot explain,” she said, showcasing her determination despite feeling isolated.
Desai’s struggles reflect a broader theme in her work—many of the relationships depicted in the novel are complex and fraught with challenges. Artistic pursuits often become both a refuge and a source of exploitation for her characters. Despite the darkness, Desai highlights resilience through art and the complexities of love.
Final Thoughts
Desai’s reflections on her life and career reveal the intricate balance between personal experience and storytelling. As she steps into the subsequent chapters of her life post-publication, she carries with her the weight of ambition, artistry, and a nuanced understanding of identity shaped by her journey. With The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny poised to make its mark upon release, it’s evident that Desai has poured her essence into this remarkable work.
