“They laughed the laugh of two people who had known each other a long time but were still uncomfortable with the vast gulf separating one's silver-spoon upbringing from another's fast improving but modest existence.”
The short stories explore the caste system in Nepal through the point of view of characters from both lower and higher castes. In “Let Sleeping Dogs Lie” the protagonist is a paanwalla in Kalimpong who comes from a lower caste and has to deal with the social challenges. He has to deal with persons from higher castes who take advantage of his inability to thwart their actions or confrontations. The quote is the decorum that people from lower castes have to extend to those of higher statuses regardless of their behavior. He is unable to take any action against the high-caste shoplifter who steals from his premises. Furthermore, he is berated with insults by Mrs. Gurang for apparently falsely accusing the girl even though she is the culprit. Therefore, demonstrates how defenseless individuals from lower social statuses are against the influence of high-caste families.
“When I told people I was of Nepalese origin, they instinctively asked me if I had climbed Mount Everest. When I answered no, I hadn’t and no, I did not know anyone who had, they were disappointed.”
“The Immigrants” explores the adjustment and challenges Nepalese face in the diaspora as they balance both their identity and the new culture. In the story two Nepali strike a friendship even though the circumstance that brings them together is that of an employer-servant relationship. In the quote, Amit alludes to the ignorance that they face from people tagging stereotypes on foreign cultures and immigrants. Consequently, the sense of alienation that is harbored by immigrants trying to fit in a new culture. Sabitri and Amit are aware of the estrangement that accompanies living in the diaspora and their shared experience nurtures a connection.
“Yes we are the best, the very best. You should be proud you were born a Brahmin.”
“A Father’s Journey” tackles the generational disconnect between the older and younger generation through a father-daughter relationship. The father, Prabin, is frustrated by his daughter’s obliviousness to the caste system that determines the social movement in their culture. It illustrates the generational gap that exists between them because the younger generation does not regard the caste system as vital. Or rather they do not appreciate it as much as the older generation would. Thus, he constantly reminds her that she should be honored to be born in a higher caste as she becomes the prize on the social strata.
