One Out of Many
Novel • Fiction
Washington, D.C. • 1960s
Adult
18+ years
In "One Out of Many" by V.S. Naipaul, a domestic servant joins his employer, an Indian diplomat, in the United States. The story explores themes of identity and displacement as the servant navigates unfamiliar cultural landscapes, grappling with isolation and self-discovery in a foreign land.
Challenging
Mysterious
Contemplative
Melancholic
Gritty
76 ratings
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Mixed feelings
Not a fan
One Out of Many by V.S. Naipaul has been praised for its insightful portrayal of cultural displacement and identity struggles. The narrative delves deeply into the immigrant experience, offering a poignant exploration of isolation. Some critics, however, have noted the limited character development and the story's somewhat bleak tone. Overall, it remains a compelling depiction of alienation.
Readers who appreciate complex narratives of identity and cultural displacement will enjoy One Out of Many by V.S. Naipaul. Similar to The Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri, it appeals to those interested in immigrant experiences and personal transformation within the backdrop of societal change.
76 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
One Out of Many was first published in 1971 as part of the collection titled In a Free State, which won the Booker Prize that same year.
V.S. Naipaul expressed that he found inspiration for his writing from his experiences as an immigrant himself, shaping the perspectives he explores in stories like One Out of Many.
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The novella examines themes of immigration and identity through the lens of its protagonist, a domestic servant, highlighting Naipaul's keen interest in personal and cultural displacement.
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Novel • Fiction
Washington, D.C. • 1960s
Adult
18+ years
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