The Buddha of Suburbia

While reading this novel, I had a difficult time figuring out whether I liked it or not. The Buddha of Suburbia brings up a lot of controversal issues and uses language I normally do not like to read, but I loved the situations and humor Kureishi used. I always found myself waiting for the next thing to happen and wanting to see how Karim would handle it. In my opinion, it was very entertaining to read.

The issue of cultural identity is extremely important within this novel. Karim can not clearly identify himself as either British or Indian. There are many reasons for this lack of identity but I think the relationships Karim has directly effect why he can not identify with one culture over the other. I think that if Karim had a reliable, strong relationship with someone in either culture, he would be able to identify with that culture more easily. Instead, all of his relationships, with people from both cultures, end up disappointing him. For example, Karim does not have a strong relationship with his parents. His English mother is not treated fairly and most times complains about the life she lives while his Indian father is in love with another woman and most times does not talk while he is at home. Neither represent a positive cultural figure to Karim. Karim hates to be in his house because it feels so depressing. I believe that if Karim's parents were truly happy to be together and Karim had an actual relationship with his father, he may identify more with his Indian heritage. He would be around his family more and learn about their culture, but Karim does not have this positive relationship with his parents. He hates his father for leaving the family and tearing everything apart. As a result, Karim desires to leave, to go to the city and to do anything possible that's different or exciting. His relationship with his father turns him off of Indian culture and throws him into British culture leaving him even more confused about his identity.

Another example is the relationship Karim has with Eleanor. Eleanor represents British culture. She is a young, attractive actress in London who is from a weathy family. She had a normal childhood in London and still has status within the city. Karim falls in love with Eleanor and for the first time believes it is true love. But Eleanor is attracted to director Matthew Pyke and continues to have a sexual affair with him. When Karim finds out that she is attracted to Pyke more than him, he leaves her. I think that if Karim's relationship with Eleanor had in fact been healthy and based on true love, he would identify with British culture. A successful relationship between the two of them would have meant happily ever after in the city of London. Karim would have continued to act and be in shows while experiencing life at the top of British society. The fact that the relationship ended badly leaves Karim disappointed and still confused. He has no one who can be a cultural role model for him.

Ultimately, I believe one's cultural identity has a lot to do with the people that surround them. The people that have influence in one's everyday life hold the most significance. I believe that if Karim had more positive realtionships with Indian individuals, he would feel closer to the Indian culture. The relationships he has with his father, Anwar, and Jamila are all rocky and disappointing at times. There are none that he can rely on. The same goes for the relationships he has with British individuals including his mother, Charlie, Ted and Jean, and Eleanor. By the end of the novel Karim finds himself back in his old neighborhood. I think he is just starting to figure out that his identity is defined by those around him and he finally accepts where he wants to be.