The Impressionist
| Author | Hari Kunzru |
|---|---|
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Historical novel |
| Published | 2002 Plume |
The Impressionist is Hari Kunzru's debut novel, first published in 2002. Kunzru received the Betty Trask Award and the Somerset Maugham Award for the book's publication.
The novel concerns Pran Nath (known throughout the book by several other names), the child of a one-time affair between an English father and an Indian mother, and his life from birth to roughly the age of twenty-two, as he travels from India to England to Africa while colonialism begins to come to a close. As the narrative evolves, Pran takes on different personalities—some given to him by others, some willingly picked up to his advantage—as he seeks a permanent identity.
The book was well received by critics, with praise for its prose. Kunzru's characterization of Pran was, however, faulted, with some considering him a "hollow" character.
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