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A review by thebobsphere
Strangers I Know by Claudia Durastanti
4.0
Can a book be about everything and nothing at the same time? To a certain extent Claudia Durastanti’s novel Strangers I Know toes this line. I mean there is a plot but it’s done in a semi fragmented way. In a way I was reminded of a more polished Sebald in places.
The main focus is that the narrator’s focuses on the fact that she was brought up by deaf parents. As the narrative proceeds the books idea begin to expand: the couple divorce and move to different countries: Italy and the U.S., thus the book evolves into an emigrant narrative. The author then expands on linguistic differences between Italy and the States. Then more is thrown in as the narrator then describes how she found solace in books and punk.
Like I said this is an everything book – trivia, facts about deaf people, music and authors plus some very witty observations. Despite the serious themes it a breezy read and oddly humorous and I loved how the book’s title has it’s roots in a Beverly Hills 90210 episode, which then leads to a greater meaning within the book . It’s a solid and entertaining read and since I rarely read Italian fiction it was good to read about certain passages which take place there. Strangers I Know is a fine read and there’s nothing wrong with that.
The main focus is that the narrator’s focuses on the fact that she was brought up by deaf parents. As the narrative proceeds the books idea begin to expand: the couple divorce and move to different countries: Italy and the U.S., thus the book evolves into an emigrant narrative. The author then expands on linguistic differences between Italy and the States. Then more is thrown in as the narrator then describes how she found solace in books and punk.
Like I said this is an everything book – trivia, facts about deaf people, music and authors plus some very witty observations. Despite the serious themes it a breezy read and oddly humorous and I loved how the book’s title has it’s roots in a Beverly Hills 90210 episode, which then leads to a greater meaning within the book . It’s a solid and entertaining read and since I rarely read Italian fiction it was good to read about certain passages which take place there. Strangers I Know is a fine read and there’s nothing wrong with that.