Same story, but not same old story

The new geometry mirrors a universe that is rough, not rounded, scabrous, not smooth. It is a geometry of the pitted, pocketed, and broken up, the twisted, tangled, and intertwined.

James Gleick, Chaos

          In regards to immigration, which isn’t its only limitation, this statement is perfect. Living in a country far removed from the “homeland,” moving to America is quite the experience. Different paces of life, language, and social customs are just some of the possible challenges that face an immigrant.

            Additionally, problems stem from the established citizens, which always seem to find ways to exploit the new and eager individuals. The Irish, Italians, Sicilians, Mexicans, Chinese, and Africans are just some of the many exploited ethnicities/races this country has taken advantage of. Nothing is grunted or for certain or easy to navigate. Jasmine, by Bharti Mukherjee, expertly depicts this experience. Unfortunately for Mukherjee’s cause, her preface (listed above) gives the impression that this a new kind of immigrant-I’m sure that there are a great deal of immigrants who would like to interject.

            One central aspect that runs throughout Mukherjee’s novel is that Jasmine, the main character, changes names several times for several reasons. In each case, the change in name is a result of someone else bestowing it upon her. Jasmine, Jyoti, Kali, Jazzy, and tornado are just some of the names she takes throughout her journey. Unique, one might think.

                                                         Immigrant Family

         Unfortunately, this challenge of new identities for the immigrant is not a new experience. In my family, which immigrated in the 60’s, Hay-zinch (that’s the pronunciation) became Resendes. This was accepted in an effort to Americanize and fit in. It was given by customs agents who couldn’t pronounce Hay-zinch.

            Another aspect of the novel that is highlighted is the willingness of some people to take advantage of the needy and vulnerable immigrants. Seeing that they are placed in a position that is of no return and high stakes, corrupt souls will exploit the newly immigrated. In the novel, this is explored best in the scene where Jasmine comes to America. Unfortunately for Jasmine, she is brutally raped by a man who it appears regularly exploits fresh immigrants. “ ‘No way you goin stuff one more body into 201, Bubba. You caint stuff even one mo mouse into dat room!’, ” was the observation one regular lent at the hotel where Jasmine first stayed in America. Obviously, taking advantage of immigrants had become quite a hobby for Bubba, who Jasmine refers to as “Half Face.”   

        While this event is highly traumatic and troubling, it isn’t unique only to new waves of immigrants. The idea of exploitation and rape has plagued many immigrants’ minds for centuries. The uncertainty of finding some measure of success in such a new environment is difficult for immigrants, which lends them to dregs to exploit. To say that Jasmine’s rape is horrible is correct-100%. To think of exploitation of immigrants as a new concept  is wrong-100%.

          With these points in mind, it is easy to become discouraged and view Mukherjee’s novel as nothing more than a stale account of an old story.  Worry not, because Mukherjee’s writing, in its non-linear fashion, is anything but stale or conventional. Her characters and style are extremely vivid, with every word seemingly chosen and crafted for its role. The novel is a great read.  Just don’t be fooled by the preface into thinking that it’s a new story.       

                                                     Muhkerjee