Scan barcode
mohawkm's review against another edition
2.5
These stories are OK, but they are repetitive, often centering on a couple who worries intensively (with reason or without) about their only child a son; and musing or participating in infidelity. There's also a lot about the discrimination and harassment experienced by immigrants in Italy. It gives the impression that Lahiri is no longer enjoying Italy and wasn't that enjoyable to read because of that overall feeling.
indofreezer's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-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
4.0
jordanian_reads_'s review against another edition
4.0
Happy publication day to Jhumpa Lahiri, whose new collection of short stories releases today!
Roman Stories is for anyone who loves for the sense of place to be so strong that it's practically a character. It's for travelers, expats and immigrants - anyone still grappling with the meaning of "home." These stories are about belonging and wanting to belong, about insiders and outsiders.
Roman Stories is also for readers who are interested in the art of translation and what it means to think and create in foreign languages. Lahiri who moved to Italy in 2013, wrote Roman stories in Italian, and then translated it, with the help of Todd Portnowitz, to English. Interestingly, the language has a different feel than that of her last novel Whereabouts - also written in Italian and translated by the author to English. The prose in Roman Stories is simpler and less meandering, but no less enjoyable.
I always enjoy seeing what Lahiri does next with her writing and translation and Roman Stories was no exception. Thank you to Knopf and Netgalley for the advanced readers copy!
Roman Stories is for anyone who loves for the sense of place to be so strong that it's practically a character. It's for travelers, expats and immigrants - anyone still grappling with the meaning of "home." These stories are about belonging and wanting to belong, about insiders and outsiders.
Roman Stories is also for readers who are interested in the art of translation and what it means to think and create in foreign languages. Lahiri who moved to Italy in 2013, wrote Roman stories in Italian, and then translated it, with the help of Todd Portnowitz, to English. Interestingly, the language has a different feel than that of her last novel Whereabouts - also written in Italian and translated by the author to English. The prose in Roman Stories is simpler and less meandering, but no less enjoyable.
I always enjoy seeing what Lahiri does next with her writing and translation and Roman Stories was no exception. Thank you to Knopf and Netgalley for the advanced readers copy!
mrs_brands's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
rucha_s's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
There is a certain meditative quality to Lahiris writing, which I found to be quite soothing. Her range as a writer is exceptional, especially seeing as these stories were first written by her in Italian and then self translated to English.
My personal favourites were - The Boundary, The Steps and Dante Alighieri. The last one, Dante Alighieri, made me go back to the book the next day and re-read some of my favourite parts. It's staying with me for a long long time <3
I have however knocked off a star as some of the stories didn't quite do it for me (The Procession for example). Overall, I loved meandering through the streets of Rome, people watching, just as Lahiri has intended.
My personal favourites were - The Boundary, The Steps and Dante Alighieri. The last one, Dante Alighieri, made me go back to the book the next day and re-read some of my favourite parts. It's staying with me for a long long time <3
I have however knocked off a star as some of the stories didn't quite do it for me (The Procession for example). Overall, I loved meandering through the streets of Rome, people watching, just as Lahiri has intended.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Xenophobia
rosmarus's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
ems888's review against another edition
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
cocochlo_'s review against another edition
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
3.5
l_walkes's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
kkayla113's review against another edition
3.0
Would like to rate 3.5 tbh. Sometimes the writing while beautiful felt very flat to me. Liked the themes of feeling like an outsider. Favorite stories: the boundary, notes, Dante alighieri