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A review by mimi_whimsy
Calypso by David Sedaris
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
This collection of essays is my first foray into the world of David Sedaris. I'm already queuing up my next. ;o)
I love how his family is featured so prominently in his work. Yet, there is no tedium to the stories like I would imagine my own set of essays might suffer from if I focused on me and mine so much. Maybe it is because he has a way of gently landing on a highlighted moment for one family member, then on to tumor-ridden snapping turtle, a stop by a "did he/she just say/do that" public moment, and back to a family member. The essays have the open, easy feel of conversation, but there is a masterful structure to them. Bones, that you don't see but can just feel below the surface.
I walk away hearing David's father saying "Fantastic." It leaves me with a sweet, sad smile. So much is shared here, and I cherish it all.
I love how his family is featured so prominently in his work. Yet, there is no tedium to the stories like I would imagine my own set of essays might suffer from if I focused on me and mine so much. Maybe it is because he has a way of gently landing on a highlighted moment for one family member, then on to tumor-ridden snapping turtle, a stop by a "did he/she just say/do that" public moment, and back to a family member. The essays have the open, easy feel of conversation, but there is a masterful structure to them. Bones, that you don't see but can just feel below the surface.
I walk away hearing David's father saying "Fantastic." It leaves me with a sweet, sad smile. So much is shared here, and I cherish it all.
Content Warnings
Minor: Alcoholism and Suicide