The book Interpreter of Maladies is a collection of short stories about Indian-Americans, focusing heavily on the cultural conflicts of its characters. Many of the characters have to face the difference between the culture of India and the United States as some choose to keep their traditions while others adapt. 

In the story “Mrs. Sen’s,” one of the main characters (Mrs. Sen) displays a strong attachment to Indian traditions. The two most significant symbols are the knife and her fondness of whole fish, both of which are incredibly common in India. Throughout the story, many details show that Mrs. Sen is not accustomed to the American way of life. For example, Mrs. Sen doesn’t wear shoes indoors, which contrasts with how Eliot’s mom wears boots everywhere. Also, she says that the fish at the supermarket can satisfy a cat 39 different ways but none appeal to her. Ultimately, she is in a car crash, which is a metaphor representing the cultural conflict she experiences. Not being able to deal with the different cars shows her inability to cope with the conflicting cultures.

On the other hand, the main character in “The Third and Final Continent” adapts well. He starts eating cereal, which is extremely American, almost every day. When his wife comes over, he even persuades her to not wear the sari as if she is in India. Similarly in the story “Sexy,” the man who Mirando is with is Indian. However, he seems like a complete American. Both cases are examples of people well-adjusted to American culture. 

Furthermore, this book also heavily deals with the idea of communication. Many of the characters have somewhat unsuccessful marriages. The husband and the wife lack the crucial communication that brings the family together. Members of the marriage are either not compatible or almost like strangers. 

In the story “A Temporary Matter,” the couple barely talks to each other at all. The husband, Shukumar, eats his dinner in front of his computer, while the wife, Shoba, spends her time analyzing textbooks. Although they are married, Shukumar feels their relationship drifting apart. According to the description, Shukumar probably talks more with his colleagues than his wife. When the electricity issue arises, they are forced to eat together in the dark. Without the distraction of other things and the excuses they bring, the couple is forced to face the gap between them. Eventually they begin talking about things that they have never told each other before. Although the story ends with Shoba moving out, their relationship does improve considerably by the end. 

In the book’s title story “Interpreter of Maladies,” Mr. Das and Mrs. Das never really care for each other. Mr Das spends his time buried behind a guide book while Mrs. Das hides behind her sunglasses. Not only do they not talk, Mrs. Das' secret also separates her from her family. She never tells anyone about the affair she had 8 years ago. The lack of communication, which forces her to stay silent, gives her immense pressure. Another main character in the story, Mr. Kapasi is the tour guide. He also works as an interpreter for the doctor. He lives in an arranged marriage and never loves his wife. His wife never considers his job as a translator important, rather just complain that he needs to earn more money. That’s why when Mrs. Das displays interests in and admits that his work is of crucial importance, Mr. Kapasi is extremely flattered and thinks specially of Mrs. Das. 

In conclusion, Interpreter of Maladies is as much about culture, ethnicity, and race as it is about the power of talking. It presents problems immigrants face while also showing problems in many families.