Habitations

Sundar’s intimate debut examines the life of Vega Gopalan, a sociology student who has moved to New York from her home in South India. As her world expands, she engages in a fleeting relationship with a professor, friendships with two international students, and a burgeoning romance with her roommate Naomi. Vega later pursues graduate studies in India, marries, returns to the U.S., has a child, and divorces. Throughout her circuitous journey, she continues to work through the grief of losing her younger sister, who died when Vega was a teenager. Sundar’s slice-of-life portrait of Vega meditates on the challenges of navigating grief, marriage, academia, and single motherhood as an Indian American woman in a privileged, white society. Priya Ayyar narrates with a subtle, even approach that allows the nuances of Vega’s emotions to come through. Ayyar’s thoughtful presentation, enhanced by carefully modulated accents and voices, makes for an immersive listening experience.