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[REVIEW] “Rediscovering Prajwal Parajuly’s The Gurkha’s Daughter: A Journey Through Identity and Displacement” by Abhinav Tulachan

Prajwal Parajuly, The Gurkha’s Daughter, Quercus, 2012. 272 pgs.

This is a book my father gifted to me more than a decade ago, during a particularly uneventful winter holiday, when I asked him for an “engaging story to read.” At that time, the eleven-year-old version of myself read through it, thought some of the stories were sad, and eventually left it on my shelf, where it remained largely forgotten as time went on.

Years later, after moving to Hong Kong for my undergraduate studies, I rediscovered the same book among my luggage, having packed some novels from my collection to read while trapped in quarantine. In the midst of my 21-day mandatory isolation, I revisited this forgotten gift and found myself profoundly moved by the stories within. The Gurkha’s Daughter has since become an annual read, with newer details, themes, and moments emerging with each passing year—details my younger self could scarcely have grasped.

Perhaps it is because I have grown older, or because I have spent more time on foreign soil, but I find myself increasingly able to relate to the struggles and challenges Nepali people face as depicted in Parajuly’s stories. Of course, I do not claim to have endured the same level of conflict, but I resonate with the sense of displacement, the struggle for identity, and the deep longing for home that feels simultaneously close and distant.

Prajwal Parajuly’s book is a collection of eight stories. Each tells its own tale but remains connected by the overarching theme of the Nepali diaspora and the struggles faced by my countrymen regarding identity both within and beyond Nepal. These issues, while generally acknowledged, have rarely been showcased in such a “raw” and “emotional” manner, conveying the true challenges of displacement.

Most of these stories are told from the perspectives of those on the lower rungs of the social ladder, offering poignant commentary on their lives. One standout story, “The Cleft,” centres on Kaali, who embodies those striving to rise above societal constraints. Toiling as a child servant, her dreams of stardom are thwarted at every turn. She endures verbal abuse from her mistress, Parvati, and falls victim to manipulation, as seen in her exchanges with a man promising to fulfil her dreams but ultimately intending to exploit her for prostitution.

Similarly, “Let Sleeping Dogs Lie” addresses social and religious discrimination through the experiences of Munnu, a Bihari Muslim shop owner in Kalimpong, whose store is frequently shoplifted by the daughter of a high-caste family. Munnu’s attempts to protect his business and expose the theft are met with hostility and prejudice. For speaking the truth, he is forced to apologise to his “higher-ups” for daring to report an act he was fully justified in addressing.

The endings of these stories are deliberately ambiguous. Parajuly never reveals whether Kaali escapes her mistress or if Munnu finds justice. Readers are left to ponder the unresolved fates of these characters, mirroring how the real-life struggles of those they represent often remain unacknowledged and incomplete. These tales drift into obscurity, joining the abyss of similar narratives that surface all too frequently.

Parajuly does not limit his scope to Nepal or its immediate surroundings. The final story in this collection, “The Immigrants,” initially felt the most distant from my own experiences but has now become the one I resonate with most deeply. Watching Amit and Sabitri—an IT engineer and a student—navigate the tension between preserving their heritage and adapting to a new society parallels my own initial struggles in Hong Kong. The experience of being caught between two worlds while striving to maintain cultural roots is poignantly captured in this narrative.

Prajwal Parajuly’s ability to capture these nuanced experiences is what makes The Gurkha’s Daughter such a compelling collection. Each of the eight stories is unique in its setting and characters, yet they are united by themes of identity, displacement, and resilience in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges. The raw emotions and unfiltered portrayals offer readers a rare glimpse into the lives of the Nepali diaspora, often overshadowed by global concerns.

The beauty of Parajuly’s writing lies in his ability to evoke empathy and understanding in his readers. For me, my most recent reading served as a reminder to consider the hidden struggles of those on the margins of society. Every individual, regardless of their social standing, harbours dreams, fears, and a deep yearning for a place where they truly belong.

The Gurkha’s Daughter is a profound exploration of the human condition. Parajuly’s penmanship brings to light the voices of those who are often unheard and offers readers a poignant, sad, yet powerful commentary on the enduring spirit of the Nepali people.

While I have not mentioned all the beautiful, heart-wrenching stories in this collection, I strongly recommend that readers explore and witness these tales for themselves. This book has become a cherished part of my own literary journey—a reminder of my roots, where I come from, and a source of inspiration as I continue my journey in a foreign land.

How to cite: Tulachan, Abhinav. “Rediscovering Prajwal Parajuly’s The Gurkha’s Daughter: A Journey Through Identity and Displacement.” Cha: An Asian Literary Journal, 19 Jan. 2025, chajournal.blog/2025/01/19/gurkha.

Abhinav Tulachan is an undergraduate student in the Department of English Language and Literature at Hong Kong Baptist University. He loves reading, writing, and sharing the knowledge he has gained through his academic journey. [All contributions by Abhinav Tulachan.]