bermudaonion (Kathy)
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S. Krishna
Unaccustomed Earth – Book Review
Unaccustomed Earth by Jhumpa Lahiri
I feel like I’m pretty far behind the curve reading this latest collection of Lahiri’s stories. “Unaccustomed Earth” came out during a time when I wasn’t really buying new books. I asked the people at Half Price Books to notifiy me if a copy came in and I kept telling my husband that it would be a great ‘I love you’ gift, but he never took the bait. FINALLY, a couple weeks ago, I walked into a Barnes and Nobles with a gift card and made a beeline for “Unaccustomed Earth.”
After all of that waiting and anticipation, I was a little afraid that “Unaccustomed Earth” would be a bit of a let down for me. Evidently I forgot I was dealing with Jhumpa Lahiri.
“Unaccustomed Earth” is a masterful work of storytelling, one that eclipses even the fantastic “Interpreter of Maladies.” I was extremely disappointed when I reached the end of the book and realized that there were no more stories for me to read. Like “Interpreter of Maladies,” “Unaccustomed Earth” is comprised of stories about Indian immigrants. The second half of the book actually contains what is essentially a small novel in stories. Actually, each story felt more like a novel than a short story. Most were perhaps closer to novella length and told a very complete story with much depth.
If you like high quality fiction, you will love Unaccustomed Earth.
Buy Unaccustomed Earth through Amazon.
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Now you made me realize I don’t have any short story collections in my book-buying for the holidays meme. I’d like it if you want to play! See the meme at http://necromancyneverpays.blogspot.com/2008/12/book-buying-meme.html
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Better late than never! I loved this one and am so glad you did too.
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I know I have either this book or Interpreter of Maladies, but I can’t remember which. LOL Well, if I don’t have this one, I’ll have to get it.
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Like you, I am behind the curve with this book. I loved Interpreter of Maladies, and I hope to read this one soon. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
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This is a great book. Jhumpa Lahiri is a masterful storyteller! Loved it!
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I have read it! It is an awesome read… and I went ahead and bought another copy for my friend
as a gift!
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This was my first Lahiri when I read it earlier this year, and I loved it. I’m hoping to read Interpreter of Maladies by the end of the year, and The Namesake is on my list for next year. I’m glad you liked it, too.
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ha ha, “evidently.” miss you, nen
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Great review! I really want to read this one but am waiting for it to come out in paperback.
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I read Interpreter of Maladies earlier this year and am still waiting to get my hands on both The Namesake and Unaccustomed Earth. I can’t wait much longer!
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I’m hoping my husband takes the bait, I’ve even put it on the hook for him by filling his shopping cart at Amazon. We’ll see ….
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Hopefully you’ll have better luck than I did, Dawn!
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Thanks for posting the link to this review. I AM planning to read more of Lahiri’s work – I was very intrigued by Interpreter of Maladies (as you know from my review). Her writing really drew me in, and even days later I still find myself thinking about the stories and I’m still unable to put into words exactly how they make me feel.
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I enjoyed this too! I’m linking to your review on my post about this. (Since I just finished this, you’re not behind the curve – I thought the same thing!)
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