A young doctor tends to an older couple burdened by physical ailments. The husband and wife engage in a daily ritual of petty bickering. Friends from college maintain their connections over the years, gradually revealing underlying issues. The characters in Anu Kandikuppa’s short story collection, The Confines: Stories, are trapped in moral stagnation, emotional paralysis, and stifling societal expectations—both imposed by others and self-inflicted—making the ordinariness of their lives feel unbearable. This collection features twelve thought-provoking stories that explore the cultural expectations, taboos, and hierarchies that impact the Indian diaspora in both the United States and India.
As part of the Filipino diaspora, I found the characters in Kandikuppa’s stories to be relatable and often pitiable. For instance, there is a woman who spends much of her time longing for unrequited love. On the other hand, some characters are truly despicable, such as a grown man who remains silent and passive while witnessing his friend mistreat his wife and daughter.
Kandikuppa sets a high bar with this debut offering, which effectively captures the complexities of human relationships and the silent struggles individuals face. I was particularly struck by the author’s skillful and unabashed depiction of the nuances of Indian culture and identity. The characters are well-developed as they confront both internal and external conflicts while dealing with societal pressures and unspoken personal desires.
Editor's Note: This review was originally published in Chicago Book Review.
