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A review by awebofstories
Whereabouts by Jhumpa Lahiri
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Sometimes you realize that something is in your wheelhouse, even though it doesn't sound like it should be. For me, it is these little vignette collection novels that don't seem to be about anything. I've read enough of them now to know that it is something I quite like...and this was no exception.
I have read Jhumpa Lahiri in the past and knew how beautiful her writing was. I've enjoyed what I read, but I prefer her short stories to her novels. Because this is sort of a hybrid between the two, it worked very well for me.
It's easy- and misleading- to say this is just a book about a woman wandering around town. On a very superficial level, that would be accurate. But it is more about a woman who is very comfortable in her own small world but has realized that she needs to expand her borders. The actual intent behind the book sneaks up on you, and you won't realize until the end that you've read a fully-realized novel.
I read this slowly, and I would recommend it. Because of its nature, trying to read it in one to two sittings (which is completely possible with this slim volume) would be a mistake, and you will miss the nuances.
I get that the vignette-collection-novel may not be everyone's cup of tea, but I love a big old mug of it, which I got with this book.
I have read Jhumpa Lahiri in the past and knew how beautiful her writing was. I've enjoyed what I read, but I prefer her short stories to her novels. Because this is sort of a hybrid between the two, it worked very well for me.
It's easy- and misleading- to say this is just a book about a woman wandering around town. On a very superficial level, that would be accurate. But it is more about a woman who is very comfortable in her own small world but has realized that she needs to expand her borders. The actual intent behind the book sneaks up on you, and you won't realize until the end that you've read a fully-realized novel.
I read this slowly, and I would recommend it. Because of its nature, trying to read it in one to two sittings (which is completely possible with this slim volume) would be a mistake, and you will miss the nuances.
I get that the vignette-collection-novel may not be everyone's cup of tea, but I love a big old mug of it, which I got with this book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent