When Mr Pirzada Came To Dine Summary

Ever wonder what it was like to experience a bit of another culture right in your own living room? Well, that's pretty much what happened when Mr. Pirzada came to dine! It's a story by Jhumpa Lahiri that’s both sweet and a little bit sad, all wrapped up in candy wrappers and TV news.

A Stranger Becomes Family

Imagine being a kid and suddenly having a grown-up from far away sharing your dinner table almost every night. That's Lilia's life when Mr. Pirzada, a family friend from East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), comes to stay with her family. He's there because his own family is stuck back home, and he's waiting for news.

He becomes a fixture, almost like another relative. He carved pumpkins with Lilia's family during Halloween. He brings gifts, and mostly, he watches the news about the war in his home country.

Tick-Tock Goes the Worry

The thing is, Mr. Pirzada is incredibly worried. The war between East and West Pakistan is raging, and he hasn't heard from his wife and daughters. Can you imagine how agonizing that must be?

He keeps a special watch, which is very important in the story. Every hour, he sets his alarm to remind himself of his daughters back home, thousands of miles away. It's like he's trying to connect with them through time and space.

Halloween and Candy: A Sweet Escape

Amidst all the worry, there are these little moments of childhood wonder. Lilia, the little girl narrating the story, becomes fascinated with Mr. Pirzada. And especially with the candy he brings!

She hoards the candy every night. But here's the cutest part: Lilia prays for Mr. Pirzada's family every night, and eats a candy each time as a way to somehow help them. It’s like a child’s magical thinking, believing that sweetness can somehow bridge the distance and danger.

News From Afar and a Bittersweet Goodbye

The story unfolds against the backdrop of the 1971 war, so the news plays a big role. Lilia and her family follow the events closely, even though they are safe and sound in America. Mr. Pirzada, of course, is completely consumed by it.

Eventually, the war ends, and Mr. Pirzada finally gets news from his family. They're safe! It's a huge relief, and soon after, he returns to Dacca, his hometown.

What It All Means

So, what's the big deal about Mr. Pirzada coming to dine? It's about connection, really. It's about a family opening their home to someone in need and a little girl's innocent empathy for a faraway tragedy.

It's about how even small gestures, like sharing a meal or offering a piece of candy, can make a big difference to someone who's scared and alone. It's also about understanding that the world is bigger than just your own backyard.

More than just dinner

"When Mr. Pirzada Came to Dine" isn't just a story about someone eating at someone else's house. It's a peek into the human heart, a reminder that even when things are tough, kindness and connection can shine through.

It shows how something as simple as sharing your life with a stranger can create lasting memories. And how even in the midst of global events, personal stories and connections matter the most. So, the next time you share a meal with someone, remember Mr. Pirzada and the power of human connection.

A quote from the book: "For a man who carried his grief so solemnly, Mr. Pirzada seemed able to smile easily, and he did so now, leaning back in his chair, his eyes shining as if he had suddenly grown younger."