Book Review: ‘Quarterlife’ by Devika Rege is an attempt to tell the truth of postmodern India

Published : Sep 21, 2023 11:00 IST - 6 MINS READ Before we begin this review, a small disclaimer. Quarterlife: A Novel By Devika Rege Fourth Estate India Pages: 420 Rs.599 After reading Quarterlife, I can say for sure that the author has indeed made an attempt to incorporate all the aforesaid elements into this book, thus tackling a task of Atlassian proportions that almost proves to be the novel’s undoing. Even as Amanda is exposed to the brutal realities of the caste system through her work in India, Rohit’s rather underwhelming “roots tour” leads to a chance encounter with a brash young filmmaker named Omkar Khaire, whose idea of making a short film on Ganeshotsav impresses Rohit no end. But Devika Rege’s novel is an assured debut and an admirable attempt to tell the truth of postmodern India. When questions arise about the proto-fascist tendencies of the newly elected government, he is more than willing to look the other way and harp about “development” and “demographic dividend”—so long as there is money to be made riding on the government’s promises of being “pro-business.” Rohit too shows little to no reluctance when it comes to associating with members of Hindu nationalist organisations for the sake of his proposed collaboration with Omkar, so enamoured is he by the prospect of reaching new audiences.