Unaccustomed Earth: Stories (Vintage Contemporaries)
by Jhumpa Lahiri
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Book Summary Information
Author: Jhumpa LahiriEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Original Language); English (Unknown); English (Published)
Published: 2009-04-07
ISBN: 0307278255
Number of pages: 352
Publisher: Vintage
Product features:
- ISBN13: 9780307278258
- Condition: NEW
- Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
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Book Reviews of Unaccustomed Earth: Stories (Vintage Contemporaries)
Book Review: Sequel is not as good as original 'Interpreter of Maladies'
Summary: 3 Stars
No writer I know (other than Graham Greene, of a earlier era) is able to convey simple reminders of the most profound human truths than Ms. Lahiri - especially her 'Interpreter of Maladies'.
that said, Unaccustomed Earth is not up to this mark, the stories dont seem as deeply felt, and sort of thrown together and have abrupt, unfulfilling endings, even by short story standards.
I also have complaints about her writing style and subject matter: For one, her stories and characters are always a little TOO lonely, disaffected or just plain sad to be credible. We all know that nearly all peopele - even non-Bengali immigrants to the US East Coast - having occasionally trying lives, but it seems to me that she emphasizes the underlying sadness or meaninglessness of human existence a little too much. After all, there are millions of immigrants who live happy, fulfilled lives and mostly satisfying relationships - does she need keep trying to be the Dostoyevsky (or Coetzee) of Bengali immigrants. I know Tolstoy said that happy families are all the same, but unhappy families are all interesting, but come on...!
speaking of Bengalis - everything is Bengali this or Bengali that in her writing. here is a little newsflash - Bengalis, despite what many Bengalis like Lahiri might think, are not that different from other Indians - Bengal only being one of India's 25+ states for over 60 years. Ms. Lahiri seems to keep referrring to Bengalis as if it were some special, poetic corner of Indian society. Maybe she is thinks that Indian might be too bland and Bengali has more cachet, but problem is that every Bengali is 95% like every other Indian - good or bad. Try writing your next novel with "India" replacing 'Bengal' - it wouldnt hurt it a bit, might even be more authentic.
Summary of Unaccustomed Earth: Stories (Vintage Contemporaries)
These eight stories by beloved and bestselling author Jhumpa Lahiri take us from Cambridge and Seattle to India and Thailand, as they explore the secrets at the heart of family life. Here they enter the worlds of sisters and brothers, fathers and mothers, daughters and sons, friends and lovers. Rich with the signature gifts that have established Jhumpa Lahiri as one of our most essential writers, Unaccustomed Earth exquisitely renders the most intricate workings of the heart and mind.United States Books
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