Fireflies (novel)

Fireflies, also sometimes referred to as Jugnu, is a novel written by Indian author Shiva Naipaul, published in 1970. The book is a satirical and often darkly humorous exploration of the decaying lives and aspirations of an Indo-Trinidadian family, the Khojas, living in Trinidad.

The narrative centers on the extended Khoja family, particularly the brothers Anand and Romesh. Anand, portrayed as an idealistic and somewhat naive individual, attempts to find meaning and purpose in a society he struggles to understand. Romesh, on the other hand, is more pragmatic and focused on material success. The novel chronicles their different paths, the disintegration of traditional values, and the challenges faced by the Indian diaspora in a post-colonial Caribbean society.

Key themes explored in Fireflies include identity, cultural displacement, the impact of colonialism, social class, and the clash between tradition and modernity. Naipaul's writing is noted for its sharp wit, critical observations, and nuanced portrayal of characters. The novel offers a complex and often unflattering portrait of a community grappling with its past and uncertain about its future. It is considered a significant work of Indo-Caribbean literature.