Indian-American author Jhumpa Lahiri believes that American literature is massively overrated and that current reading habits are transformed by the mainstream.
“Our reading habits are transformed by the mainstream and to be frank, I find American literature massively overrated,” the author said at the ongoing Jaipur Literature Festival on Saturday.
Lahiri was in conversation with American author Jonathan Frazen, British writer Jim Crace and Chinese author Xiaolu Guo.
“It is shameful that there is lack of translation in the American market. I know I am making a judgment, but I guess that is what it is. Living out of the US gives you a completely different perspective,” she said.
Outlining the journey of her books, beginning with an initial rough idea to the ultimate draft, Lahiri said she never knew how a book would eventually turn out or what its climax entailed.
“I never have an idea in my mind beforehand. I just expect to be happy and satisfied when I am finished with the book,” she said.
