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annalaytham's review against another edition
4.0
I loved the passive tone and writing style and felt so drawn to the melancholy longing of the stories. It felt like I was traveling in Europe (enjoying food and the scenery), while also sensing the loss of so many different parts of our lives.
ciarafrances's review against another edition
dark
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.75
jillyjo's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
karenna_renee's review against another edition
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Jhumpa Lahiri has done it again, beautiful writing. Not usually a fan of of short stories but each one of these pulled me in, simple but moving - favourite was “Dante Alighieri”.
katlib's review against another edition
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
The stories in this collection are painstakingly precise portraits of life in Rome, usually from the margins. I really admired how clear and gut-wrenching they were. A couple were a little more predictable, but still brilliant. My favorites were "A Well-Lit House," "Notes," and "Dante Alighieri."
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infidelity, Racism, Xenophobia, and Islamophobia
jaclyncrupi's review against another edition
4.0
I don’t know how to talk about these stories except to say I feel like I was inhabiting them as I read them. I am so hungry for short stories of this calibre. This is the Rome of foreigners and migrants, of women and stairs, of class and race and dreams. At one point I had to lie down because I felt lightheaded – this book had that effect. Lahiri goes from strength to strength and her unassuming prose will knock you out. I had forgotten how much the short form suits her (Unaccustomed Earth was 2008!) and I read this at the perfect moment. The story ‘P’s Parties’ will live inside me forever.
elleherrera's review
4.0
I love Jhumpa Lahiri. Her short stories feel like hearing about friends. These are no different. The bigotry was really difficult to stomach, but I’m glad she included it.
thetbrstack's review
4.0
Delightful collection of stories about people and the places they live, and how they affect each other