The book was well-received by critics and was a financial success. The Lowland debuted at #5 on the New YorkTimes Best-Sellers list for print and digital on October 13, 2013. The book was also ranked third in the hardback category.

The Lowlandwas named to the Man Booker Prize shortlist in September 2013, however, the prize went to Eleanor Catton's The Luminaries.The next month, it was long-listed for the National Book Award for Fiction, and on October 16, 2013, it was confirmed as a finalist.. It was shortlisted for the Baileys Women's Prize for Fiction in April 2014. It received the DSC Prize for South Asian Literature (2014).

In a review for the book, Vogue said Lahiri was 'at the pinnacle of her craft.' The book was dubbed 'intriguing' by O, The Oprah Magazine, and she was dubbedThe Chicago Tribune called him 'a brilliant American writer.'

'Memorable, powerful,' USA Today remarked of the novel, adding, '(Lahiri) has attained literary high ground with The Lowland.'