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kathshiroma's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
4.25
cwalsh's review against another edition
5.0
The Interpreter of Maladies is one of the most accessible collections of stories that I have ever read. Lahiri's writing is so simple yet dutiful; she succeeds in getting readers to examine the experiences of a diverse array of Indian immigrants and question the nuances of human nature. Each story examines the lives of a unique Indian family assimilating in the US (I believe most of these are in Massachusetts and Connecticut) alongside their observations and interactions with new culture. As mentioned in most reviews of Lahiri's works, one of the most impressive aspects of her craft is how she gently engages her audience, gradually builds a plot with beautiful character development, and gracefully leaves the reader with an outcome that requires some critical thinking.
Most short stories work well as a collection, but in this case, almost each one of the nine could be published individually. On a very petty note, I found myself so invested in each of the families - especially Shukumar and Shoba in A Temporary Matter - that the only criticism I have is that I wished each story was longer.
Highly recommended.
Most short stories work well as a collection, but in this case, almost each one of the nine could be published individually. On a very petty note, I found myself so invested in each of the families - especially Shukumar and Shoba in A Temporary Matter - that the only criticism I have is that I wished each story was longer.
Highly recommended.
brothena's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I've resolved to read more backlist, but have recently been so distracted by front-list that I decided to aggressively self-correct with this title I put on my TBR in 2015. Consumed on audio, but wish I'd done print as I don't save quotations when I do audio and there was so much I would have highlighted.
I was nervous as soon as I started as I realized the first story as it details life after a pregnancy loss, which I have been through and is still a heightened subject for me . That said, this story (and I found all those after as well) was told... I had trouble finding the word-- It's not done "beautifully", I'd say "tenderly". While firmly centered around the Indian identity, the themes are very universal, delicately told, and I'd recommend this widely.
I was nervous as soon as I started as I realized the first story as it details life after a pregnancy loss, which I have been through and is still a heightened subject for me . That said, this story (and I found all those after as well) was told... I had trouble finding the word-- It's not done "beautifully", I'd say "tenderly". While firmly centered around the Indian identity, the themes are very universal, delicately told, and I'd recommend this widely.
georgiarybanks's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
laurenisallbooked's review against another edition
5.0
Every single one of these stories is beautiful and humbling. I read this collection slowly, over a few months, and these characters have stayed with me. I highly recommend this to people interested in reading about humanity, life, love and travel.