Book critics hail Sheila Sundar’s debut as ‘genius’ and ‘inspiring’
by Edwin Smith
A University of Mississippi English professor’s debut novel is earning universal praise from critics.
Habitations (Simon & Schuster), by Sheila Sundar, tells the story of a Vega Gopalan, a young sociologist who leaves south India in the 1990s to pursue a graduate degree and career in academia. As Gopalan grieves the loss of a younger sister, the story follows her journey in the United States, including the development of familial and romantic relationships, motherhood, and finding what is ultimately home.
“I’ve long been interested in questions of migration and home,” said Sundar, assistant professor of English. “I’m also drawn to female protagonists who are smart, incisive critics of the world around them.”
When Sundar began writing the novel in 2019, she had a woman like Gopalan in mind – someone who crosses borders and carries with her a tendency to critique the social order, particularly in terms of caste, gender, class, and race.
“As I got to know her, I realized that alongside these convictions was a lack of awareness in other areas of her life,” she said. “She often wasn’t able to value relationships until they were over, or to be honest and vulnerable with people she loved.”
Reviewers have lavished praise on the book in several national publications.
In a recent profile in Vanity Fair, Faith Cummings wrote, “Through Vega, Sundar zeroes in on what it takes for a woman to create her path, while telling the story of an Indian immigrant jostling with caste, a human exploring her sexuality, and a student managing sociology coursework as her view of the world starts to blossom.”
Caroline Wigginton, Ole Miss chair and professor of English, said the success of Sundar’s novel comes as no surprise.
“Sheila Sundar is a brilliant author, and her first book is both moving and gorgeously written,” Wigginton said. “The Department of English at the University of Mississippi is proud of her achievement and delighted to have her as a colleague and teacher of creative writing.”
