The Blue Bedspread

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The Blue Bedspread has drawn numerous comparisons to Raymond Carver, as it tells a poignant tale of a poverty-stricken family where love and torment coexist. The father is an alcoholic, the mother is absent, and the siblings find solace in each other. Jha's voice is a striking blend of affectless and passionate, reminiscent of Carver’s best work, presenting the harsh realities people inflict on one another. However, while Carver depicted the American West, Jha sets his narrative in Calcutta, offering a fresh perspective through a cool, concise, and beautifully observed style, contrasting the florid prose often associated with Indian literature. The narrative unfolds as an unnamed man receives a late-night call informing him of his estranged sister's death during childbirth, with the baby's adoptive parents arriving the next day. Throughout the night, he writes the family's history, revealing painful truths of abuse and incest with careful tenderness. He reflects on his sister's departure from their childhood home, noting, "In a way, it was essential that one of us should leave never to return." This acknowledgment of their shared past highlights the complexities of their relationship. Amidst the sorrow, Jha weaves moments of redemption for these troubled characters, providing a sense of relief.