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Authors Interviewing Characters: Namrata Patel

June 1, 2022 | By Women Writers Women Books | Reply More

Namrata Patel interviews Neha Patel from The Candid Life of Meena Dave

About THE CANDID LIFE OF MEENA DAVE

A woman embarks on an unexpected journey into her past in an engrossing novel about identity, family secrets, and rediscovering the need to belong.

Meena Dave is a photojournalist and a nomad. She has no family, no permanent address, and no long-term attachments, preferring to observe the world at a distance through the lens of her camera. But Meena’s solitary life is turned upside down when she unexpectedly inherits an apartment in a Victorian brownstone in historic Back Bay, Boston.

Though Meena’s impulse is to sell it and keep moving, she decides to use her journalistic instinct to follow the story that landed her in the home of a stranger. It’s a mystery that comes with a series of hidden clues, a trio of meddling Indian aunties, and a handsome next-door neighbor. For Meena it’s a chance for newfound friendships, community, and culture she never thought possible. And a window into her past she never expected.

Now as everything unknown to Meena comes into focus, she must reconcile who she wants to be with who she really is.

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Namrata Patel interviews Neha Patel from The Candid Life of Meena Dave.

Namrata: Um, it’s a little weird to do this interview.

Neha: You’re the one that showed up at my door. I never asked for this.

Namrata: Fair point. In my defense, I thought it would be nice to get your perspective since the story starts after you’re already…you know.

Neha: Dead. Now, get on with it. I’m busy. Eternity feels like just enough time to read all the books ever written.

Namrata: As a lexicographer, that’s an odd way to define the word.

Neha: I’m trying something new. When I was alive, I had to stick to the common use of words. I was a descriptivist. So, I thought I’d play around.

Namrata: How does that feel? Doing something different.

Neha: I don’t like it.

Namrata: I see. Anyway, I came to ask you a few questions about the Engineer’s House and specifically why you left your apartment to a stranger. Though, I’m a little distracted because we’re in your apartment right now. Are you haunting the place?

Neha: Do I look like I have time for that? The books on these shelves replace themselves. I’ve read thousands, tens of thousands since I’ve been here. When I finish, they disappear, and new ones take their place.

Namrata: So you’re living in your old apartment.

Neha: I’m dead.

Namrata: Right. I mean, your version of heaven is to be in your apartment reading books.

Neha: Did you even do basic research before you bothered me for this interview? I’m Hindu.

Namrata: Of course. Which is even more confusing because shouldn’t you have reincarnated into another being by now?

Neha: God tried. I told the Almighty, I’d cross over when I’ve finished my books.

Namrata: Then why did you say eternity in the beginning?

Neha laughs: That look on your face? Frustration. Confusion. A little anger. A little fear. That’s what I most miss about my mortal life. People are malleable and I find that flaw entertaining. You want to understand me, but do you? Or is it that you need me to fit into whatever you’ve decided I should be? I’m not governable. I will do as I please and my motives are my own.

Namrata: And even God can’t force your soul to move on to another life.

Neha: Now you’re getting it.

Namrata: Since this is your afterlife, and no I’m not interested in defining it, what is it that you liked about living in the Engineer’s House?

Neha: It’s the only place I’ve ever known. My first and only home. It belonged to my grandfather and then my father, then me. There’s history and while I’m not partial to people, I do like that there are threads that connect us from the past and well into the future.

Namrata: Is that why you left Meena Dave this apartment, is she the future?

Neha: Let me ask you, what is your history? Where is your place, somewhere that you feel like you belong?

Namrata: I’m interviewing you.

Neha: (crosses arms, raises eyebrow)

Namrata: Fine. I guess I’m still figuring that out. I mean, of course I have history. I was born in India, immigrated here when I was a child with my family, and grew up in New Jersey. But then I also travelled, a lot. It’s a privilege and a passion. There are places in the world like London, Edinburgh, Boston, and of course, NY/NJ that feel like mine. Others are great to visit, but not for me. I often wonder if there is such a thing as home and I’m not sure if that’s tied to leaving my birth country at such an early age or having moved to different towns during my school years. I guess I’ve leaned into a nomadic life, though I live in Boston.

Neha: You could have said no. It would have taken less of my time.

Namrata: It’s not that definitive. It’s complicated.

Neha: Because you’re making it that way.

Namrata: Let’s get back to you. What about your neighbors at the Engineer’s House? I understand you have a contentious relationship with them.

Neha: Incorrect.

Namrata: Can you expand?

Neha: (sighs) I’ve known them all their lives, the women at least, not so their husbands. There are times they made my life easier, cooked or shopped for me. They were in an out of my place at will and frankly, that’s also true for their homes. At the Engineer’s House there was only the front door. The apartments were rarely locked to people in the building. Even if, say Sam, who lives across the hall, was not home, I could go there and see if he has any milk if I need some.

Namrata: Like one big family.

Neha: That’s what they want out of it. I don’t mind if it’s useful to me.

Namrata: (murmurs) I should have picked Tanvi to interview.

Neha: Agreed. That one will talk your ear off.

Namrata: Anyway, is there something you want Meena to know?

Neha: (Pauses) I suppose this is posthumous sentimentality, but I’d want her to know, I’m sorry.

Namrata: For?

Neha: None of your business! She’ll know.

Namrata: I guess we’re done here. Thank you, for your time even though you have an eternity.

Neha: Don’t fool yourself into thinking you’re clever.

BUY THE CANDID LIFE OF MEENA DAVE HERE

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Namrata Patel is an Indian American writer who resides in Boston. Her writing examines diaspora and dual-cultural identity among Indian Americans and explores this dynamic while also touching on the families we’re born with and those we choose. Namrata has lived in India, New Jersey, Spokane, London, and New York City and has been writing most of her adult life.