yanulya's review against another edition
4.0
This is a charming book of semi-autobiographical short stories by a new young author, a Russian from Latvia now living in Toronto. I absolutely adored the first story, "Tapka," which i will remember for a long time, as well as the story about the Strongman. However, the stories did become slightly less enchanting as the book went on. I suppose this is because the stories follow episodes from the protagonist's life, in chronological order, from childhood through adulthood, and I guess its much more fun to read about the world through the childish wonder of a 9-year old's eyes than to read about a cocky slavic teenager masturbating in his basement. Oh well. Still worth the purchase for the first few stories alone.
biglibraryenergy's review against another edition
4.0
I wasn't sure about this book at first, but the feeling and emotion in the stories captured me. I was amazed that this is the author's first book. A quick and excellent read.
stephenl's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
exurbanis's review against another edition
5.0
This book was the winner of several literary prizes and on the shortlist for many more. I was swept away by these stories of the Latvian Jewish immigrant experience. Watch this young man.
anatomydetective's review against another edition
2.0
An uninspiring book of short stories. At least it was a quick read.
cloudslikethis's review
4.0
These were terrific. I don't read short stories that often but I think I'll have to change that. Also, now I'm ahead on reading for this class which is good because I'm doing nanowrimo.
thebobsphere's review
4.0
A series of loosely connected short stories about a Russian Emigrant called Natasha who integrates herself with her Canadian relatives. As you can guess the stories features culture clashes but it also serves a funny coming of age novel int he process.
leymut's review
4.0
Some noir, sometimes hilarious, Jewish realism right here. Four stars for the Natacha story, three for the rest.
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