I asked ‘What’s a Jeet Thayil?’ then I read The Elsewhereans
A chance encounter with Jeet Thayil, introduced by a friend, sparked curiosity about his works. Despite previous disinterest in one of his books, "Narcopolis," the introduction to "The Elsewhereans" changed the perspective entirely. The novel, a documentary-like account of a father and son's journey across continents, captivated the reporter with its unique storytelling style.
The reporter admired Jeet's way with words, realizing that his poetry was not forced, but rather an organic result of his experiences and perspectives. Despite the labels attached to his works, the reporter found enough humor and relatable elements to enjoy and appreciate Jeet Thayil's literary contributions.
Written by urgent.news from The Indian Express's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.