Disconnection and Lonliness in Stephanie Bishop's Novel the Other Side of the World

Nand Lal¹, P. K. Jain²

¹Research Scholar, Department of English, A.P.S.U. Rewa, M.P.

²Professor Department of English, Govt PG College, Satana M.P.

*Corresponding Author E-mail:

ABSTRACT:

Disconnection and Loneliness: "The Other Side of the World" portrays a sense of disconnection and loneliness experienced by the characters, particularly Charlotte. Moving to a new country isolates her from her familiar support system, and she grapples with feelings of estrangement and longing for her home country. The novel delves into the theme of place and how it shapes a person's sense of identity. It follows the journey of Charlotte and Henry, a couple who emigrate from England to Australia in the 1960s, searching for a new beginning. The novel examines their struggle to adapt to their new surroundings and the impact it has on their individual identities. Motherhood and conflict. The theme of motherhood is central to the story. Charlotte, the protagonist, grapples with the expectations and responsibilities of being a mother while also longing for her own independence and fulfillment. The novel explores the complexities of maternal duality and the societal pressures surrounding motherhood

KEYWORDS: Longing, Motherhood, Migration, Duality.

INTRODUCTION:

The Other Side of the World" is a novel by Australian writer Stephanie Bishop, published in 2015. The novel explores themes of motherhood, marriage, migration, and identity, set against a backdrop of colonial India and 1960s England.

The story centers around the lives of Charlotte and Henry, who are struggling with the challenges of marriage and parenthood. In 1963, the couple relocates with their two young daughters from their comfortable life in England to Perth, Australia, in search of a fresh start. Henry is a struggling artist who hopes to find inspiration in the Australian landscape, while Charlotte, who is originally from India, is homesick and struggles to adjust to the new culture.

As Charlotte becomes increasingly homesick, she reminisces about her childhood in India and the memories of her mother, whom she believes abandoned her family. Meanwhile, Henry becomes increasingly distant, spending more time in the studio and neglecting his family. The couple's relationship becomes strained, and they drift further apart.

As the novel progresses, we see Charlotte's struggle with her identity as a mother and a wife, as well as her longing for her homeland. She becomes increasingly drawn to an Indian émigré in Perth, whose presence provides a sense of familiarity and comfort for her.

"The Other Side of the World" is a beautifully written novel that captures the complexities of human relationships, the challenges of migration, and the complexities of identity. Stephanie Bishop's evocative descriptions of the Australian landscape and the lush imagery of India make the novel a sensory delight. Overall, "The Other Side of the World" is a poignant exploration of family, love, and the search for belonging.

CONCLUSION:

The Other Side of the World" does not offer a traditional resolution or a definitive answer to all the conflicts and dilemmas presented. Instead, it prompts readers to reflect on themes such as identity, motherhood, and the complexities of human relationships. The novel encourages contemplation on the complexities of life and the ongoing search for personal fulfillment in the face of challenges and societal expectations.

By the end of the novel, Charlotte's internal journey remains ongoing. She continues to question her choices and wrestles with the tension between her desire for personal fulfillment and her commitment to her family. The novel concludes with a sense of uncertainty about the characters' future and whether they will find the sense of belonging and purpose they seek.

Throughout the book, Charlotte and Henry face numerous challenges as they navigate their new lives in Australia. Charlotte, in particular, grapples with feelings of isolation, longing, and the conflict between her roles as a wife, mother, and individual with personal dreams.

REFRENCES:

1. Bishop Stephanie 2015 The other side of the World Hachette Australia.

2. https://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/02/books/review/stephanie-bishop-other-side-of-the-world.html

3. https://www.johnpurcellauthor.com/the-other-side-of-the-world-by-stephanie-bishop.html

4. Manguel, A 1996 A History of Reading, Harper Collins, London return to text

Received on 19.06.2023 Modified on 05.07.2023

Res. J. Humanities and Social Sciences. 2023;14(3):135-136.

DOI: 10.52711/2321-5828.2023.00027