Essay Questions

How does the theme of racism manifest itself in the novel Family Life by Akhil Sharma?

The United States of America is perceived to be the land of opportunities and that is why people from all corners of the world are dreaming to live there. Ajay’s family is not an exception to this perception of the American dream. Ajay’s family relocates to the United States of America looking forward to getting a better life. However, the family is welcomed by a rude shock because things do not go according to their expectations. Opportunities and good jobs are reserved for the locals and immigrants are only subjected to doing manual jobs. Racism is the order of the day in America. Ajay’s family is discriminated from accessing good healthcare. Immigrant families are discriminated in almost every aspect of life. Despite this, Ajay is optimistic that he will become successful and he continues to work hard and pursue his dream.

What is the irony of Ajay’s father?

In the novel, Ajay postulates that his father remains at home when his mother goes to work. The reader finds this ironic because fathers are the ones who are supposed to toil harder to provide for their families. The reversal of duties in this novel sounds paradoxical to the reader. There is no place where the reader sees Ajay's father making any effort to go to work. His mother is getting a little salary which she has to utilize in meeting all the family's needs.

Why did the author choose the title The Family?

The whole of the author’s narrations in this novel revolves around Ajay’s family. The novel discusses the various family relations related to Ajay’s family. Akhil also talks about the challenges that families go through to make it in life. For instance, Ajay’s family relocates to the USA to search for greener pastures because the parents are after giving their children the best. Ajay is also doing his level best to contribute positively to his family.