Neel Mukherjee's 'Choice' Examines Ethical and Political Dilemmas in Modern Society
Neel Mukherjee's new novel, Choice, explores contemporary ethical and political dilemmas in a formally innovative manner. The British-based Indian writer, known for his acclaimed debut, A Life Apart, employs a unique structure akin to a triptych, splitting the narrative into three distinct parts.
First introduced to readers in the prologue is Ayush, an Indian-born academic turned editor in London, grappling with the repercussions of climate change. The protagonist's obsession with reducing his family's carbon footprint leads him to extreme lengths, such as limiting their water usage and installing timers on their electricity. This sets the stage for the first part of the triptych, examining the private versus public good and individual versus collective responsibility.
The second part introduces a short story within the narrative, following an unnamed woman who finds herself in an ethical quandary after getting into an Uber, which then hits a boy before driving away. Unbeknownst to her, the driver is an Eritrean migrant trying to make ends meet. This section examines the implications of everyday actions and the reverberations they may have on those around us.
The third part takes readers to rural Bengal, following a family that receives a charitable donation of a cow in hopes of improving their livelihood. However, the family's fortunes unravel despite sincere efforts, raising questions about the unintended consequences of benevolent actions and the complexities of alleviating global poverty.
Mukherjee's narrative is a thought-provoking meditation on the existential nature of moral decisions. By the novel's conclusion, readers are left with more questions than answers, compelled to reconsider their own beliefs and actions in this nuanced exploration of contemporary society.
In a world where religion and traditional structures are no longer the primary guides for moral decision-making, Choice presents a nuanced and thought-provoking exploration of ethics in the 21st century. By deftly navigating complex themes such as climate change, poverty, and unintended consequences, Mukherjee challenges readers to delve deeper into the intricacies of human existence and the profound meaning embedded in our choices.
Ultimately, Choice is a captivating and innovative work of literary fiction that invites readers to reflect on the intricate interplay between personal choices, societal pressures, and the perpetual search for moral clarity in our uncertain world.