Interpreter of Maladies
17 journalers for this copy...
From bn.com...
Since the release of Interpreter of Maladies, Jhumpa Lahiri has won almost every award bestowed on a first book of fiction. The nine stories in this stunning debut collection unerringly chart the emotional journeys of characters seeking love beyond the barriers of nations and generations.
With accomplished precision and gentle eloquence, Lahiri traces the crosscurrents set in motion when immigrants, expatriates, and their children arrive, quite literally, at a cultural divide. A blackout forces a young Indian American couple to make confessions that unravel their tattered domestic peace. An Indian American girl recognizes her cultural identity during a Halloween celebration while the Pakistani civil war rages on television in the background. A latchkey kid with a single working mother finds affinity with a woman from Calcutta who, among other things, is struggling to learn to drive. In the title story, an interpreter guides an American family through the India of their ancestors and hears an astonishing confession.
Imbued with the sensual details of Indian culture, these stories speak with passion and wisdom to everyone who has ever felt like a foreigner. Like the interpreter of the title story, Lahiri translates between the strict traditions of her ancestors and a baffling new world. Interpreter of Maladies introduces "a wonderful new voice in American fiction. Jhumpa Lahiri is a sensitive chronicler of the immigrant experience. Interpreter of Maladies is a wise and sophisticated collection" (Bharati Mukherjee).
Since the release of Interpreter of Maladies, Jhumpa Lahiri has won almost every award bestowed on a first book of fiction. The nine stories in this stunning debut collection unerringly chart the emotional journeys of characters seeking love beyond the barriers of nations and generations.
With accomplished precision and gentle eloquence, Lahiri traces the crosscurrents set in motion when immigrants, expatriates, and their children arrive, quite literally, at a cultural divide. A blackout forces a young Indian American couple to make confessions that unravel their tattered domestic peace. An Indian American girl recognizes her cultural identity during a Halloween celebration while the Pakistani civil war rages on television in the background. A latchkey kid with a single working mother finds affinity with a woman from Calcutta who, among other things, is struggling to learn to drive. In the title story, an interpreter guides an American family through the India of their ancestors and hears an astonishing confession.
Imbued with the sensual details of Indian culture, these stories speak with passion and wisdom to everyone who has ever felt like a foreigner. Like the interpreter of the title story, Lahiri translates between the strict traditions of her ancestors and a baffling new world. Interpreter of Maladies introduces "a wonderful new voice in American fiction. Jhumpa Lahiri is a sensitive chronicler of the immigrant experience. Interpreter of Maladies is a wise and sophisticated collection" (Bharati Mukherjee).
Waiting on address from Lpree.
[08/03/05] Sent.
[08/03/05] Sent.
This arrived in yesterday's mail. Perfect timing since I was just finishing up the latest Harry Potter book. So I've already started it and should be done in a few days. I'm really looking forward to reading this!
I'll go ahead and PM the next person in line so hopefully I can mail this out next weekend.
I'll go ahead and PM the next person in line so hopefully I can mail this out next weekend.
What an interesting group of stories... a lot of them end on a sad note, but all were a fascinating look at Indian culture. I don't really have a favorite, but enjoyed all of them.
Thanks much to gaysocialworker for starting this ring. I will get this back out in the mail as soon as I can!
Thanks much to gaysocialworker for starting this ring. I will get this back out in the mail as soon as I can!
Just received this in the mail! Thanks so much--will read and pass along shortly.
Journal Entry 6 by -Psyche- at A fellow bookcrosser in By mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Monday, September 5, 2005
Released 18 yrs ago (9/5/2005 UTC) at A fellow bookcrosser in By mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases
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I will release this book some time this week, depending on when I am out of school before the post office closes! Gotta love first weeks...
I will release this book some time this week, depending on when I am out of school before the post office closes! Gotta love first weeks...
Journal Entry 7 by wyldewomin from East Bridgewater, Massachusetts USA on Tuesday, September 20, 2005
Just arrived today .. looks great!
Journal Entry 8 by wyldewomin at Post Office in a RABCK, By Mail/Post/Courier -- Controlled Releases on Saturday, October 1, 2005
Released 18 yrs ago (10/1/2005 UTC) at Post Office in a RABCK, By Mail/Post/Courier -- Controlled Releases
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What a positively fantastic book! This blessed house reminded me of cleaning out my auntie kay's and finding all the bits of religious kitsch she had gathered throughout her life.
Thank you for sharing this book!
What a positively fantastic book! This blessed house reminded me of cleaning out my auntie kay's and finding all the bits of religious kitsch she had gathered throughout her life.
Thank you for sharing this book!
Arrived today. One other ring to read before it, but I'll get to this one shortly.
I enjoyed these stories. The writing was very "pretty", even though most of the stories had a sad feeling to them. I'm an immigrant to the US, but unlike a lot of the characters in this book, the cultural change wasn't very significant for me (I'm Canadian). I can't even imagine what it must be like to make such a huge change in your life. Several of these stories brought that point home very clearly for me.
Thanks for giving me a chance to experience this book gaysocialworker. I'll drop it in the mail to Pooker3 on Monday.
Thanks for giving me a chance to experience this book gaysocialworker. I'll drop it in the mail to Pooker3 on Monday.
Arrived in today's mail! I was starting to get anxious, wondering how long it would take to get here from Connecticut. Now I know. Will dive in tonight.
What a fine collection of stories! This book is why I love short stories. This is how short stories should be written. A review by the Minneapolis Star Tribune suggests that the stories unfold in a style reminiscent of Alice Munro. I think that's true, athough I easily recognize Munro's writing and voice immediately when I read it and do not think I would immediately recognize Lahiri's. I would like to though and will be looking for more of her work.
Each story is like a precious stone or a treasured keepsake wrapped lovingly in cotton (or perhaps in the fine fabric of Mrs. Sen's saris) to be carefully unwrapped and enjoyed.
I think my favourite is the first in the book, "A Temporary Matter" and that may be because as soon as I started reading it, I recalled reading it once before. I did not remember the exact details of the story but did remember that the story ended in sadness and I felt that sadness as the story unfolded a second time for me. But that sorrow was not diminished in any way for having read the story previously. It was true and exquisite even a second time.
I was ( and still am) somewhat intrigued by "This Blessed House". While I could easily empathize with both Twinkle and Sanjeev and their respective abilities and desires or lack thereof to fit in/adapt/adopt to western culture, I wonder if I am missing something. Why did the Christian bric a brac become more valuable with the silver Jesus?
I especially like the last sentence of the last story in the book, "As ordinary as it all appears, there are times when it is beyond my imagination." That is how I feel about this book. I think that I will seek it out to buy for myself to keep so that I can unwrap and enjoy each story again and again.
I am wrapping this book up now for Nell-Lu, not in silk or jeweller's cotton, but in a plain old bubble-wrap envelope and will drop it off in the post this afternoon or tomorrow morning.
Sent November 17/05
Each story is like a precious stone or a treasured keepsake wrapped lovingly in cotton (or perhaps in the fine fabric of Mrs. Sen's saris) to be carefully unwrapped and enjoyed.
I think my favourite is the first in the book, "A Temporary Matter" and that may be because as soon as I started reading it, I recalled reading it once before. I did not remember the exact details of the story but did remember that the story ended in sadness and I felt that sadness as the story unfolded a second time for me. But that sorrow was not diminished in any way for having read the story previously. It was true and exquisite even a second time.
I was ( and still am) somewhat intrigued by "This Blessed House". While I could easily empathize with both Twinkle and Sanjeev and their respective abilities and desires or lack thereof to fit in/adapt/adopt to western culture, I wonder if I am missing something. Why did the Christian bric a brac become more valuable with the silver Jesus?
I especially like the last sentence of the last story in the book, "As ordinary as it all appears, there are times when it is beyond my imagination." That is how I feel about this book. I think that I will seek it out to buy for myself to keep so that I can unwrap and enjoy each story again and again.
I am wrapping this book up now for Nell-Lu, not in silk or jeweller's cotton, but in a plain old bubble-wrap envelope and will drop it off in the post this afternoon or tomorrow morning.
Sent November 17/05
This arrived this morning. Thanks to: Pooker3 for the fast airmail postage and the lovely card; gaysocialworker for starting the ring; and everyone else for continuing it. I've just finished a book, so will start this one today.
I thought this was fabulous. I'm not generally a huge fan of short stories (I always want to know more about the characters), but when well-written and self-contained they can be a joy. These were all gorgeous. Each story was thought-provoking and compelling, and each set of characters interesting and individual. I will be recommending this book to friends, and probably buying it as a Christmas present for someone.
I hadn't heard of Jhumpa Lahiri before joining this bookray, but picked up - and enjoyed - The Namesake from my local library while waiting for this to come through. Thank you so much, gaysocialworker, for introducing me to a new author.
I'm waiting for Simmer to get back to me with a postal address, so will pass this on as soon as I hear.
I hadn't heard of Jhumpa Lahiri before joining this bookray, but picked up - and enjoyed - The Namesake from my local library while waiting for this to come through. Thank you so much, gaysocialworker, for introducing me to a new author.
I'm waiting for Simmer to get back to me with a postal address, so will pass this on as soon as I hear.
I have Simmer's address, so have packaged this up ready to take to the Post Office this afternoon. Happy reading, Simmer!
Loved them. These are very different to the kind of stuff I would normally read so they really were a refreshing change. My favourite was "A Temporary Matter" too! Thanks for sharing this with me, will PM buffra for her address to continue the ring.
In the mail to lolamarie.
Received over the weekend. I have one book to finish up before starting this one.
I enjoyed this collection of short stories. I'm not usually the biggest fan of short stories, but these were satisfying. I also read The Namesake while waiting for this bookring. I enjoy this author and will keep an eye out for anything else she writes.
On its way back to gaysocialworker. Thanks for the sharing the book!
On its way back to gaysocialworker. Thanks for the sharing the book!
Arrived back home today. Thanks to all who participated!
These short stories are wonderfully written and very moving. Jhumpa Lahiri captures the essence of real life. Sometimes there is no resolution, or the resolution is not always what we would expect. A fantastic read.
Returned to gaysocialworker :-D
CAUGHT IN FORT WORTH TX USA
Returned to gaysocialworker :-D
CAUGHT IN FORT WORTH TX USA
last journal entry was mine
Looks like everyone enjoyed this one, for the most part. I'll be reading it myself shortly, then sending it back for a 'second round' bookring. Thanks to all who participated the first time around.
Feeling like a stranger in a foreign land is certainly an experience common to many. In this collection of short stories, Pulitzer Prize winning writer Jhumpa Lahiri delivers an excellent variety of stories on the Indian or Indian-American experience. While I enjoyed several of the stories, my favorites were “Mrs. Sen” and “The Third and Final Continent.”
“While the astronauts, heroes forever, spent more hours on the mood, I have remained in this new world for nearly thirty years. I know that my achievement is quite ordinary. I am not the only man to seek his fortune far from home, and certainly I am not the first. Still, there are times that I am bewildered by each mile I have traveled, each meal I have eaten, each person I have known, each room in which I have slept. As ordinary as it all appears, there are times when it is beyond my imagination” (p. 198).
This book encourages the reader to step out of his world, step out of his home, and experience the world.
Really a cool book.
“While the astronauts, heroes forever, spent more hours on the mood, I have remained in this new world for nearly thirty years. I know that my achievement is quite ordinary. I am not the only man to seek his fortune far from home, and certainly I am not the first. Still, there are times that I am bewildered by each mile I have traveled, each meal I have eaten, each person I have known, each room in which I have slept. As ordinary as it all appears, there are times when it is beyond my imagination” (p. 198).
This book encourages the reader to step out of his world, step out of his home, and experience the world.
Really a cool book.
Now that I've finally read the book (hey, what better way to screen a potential read?), Interpreter of Maladies is ready for it's second bookring journey. The book has already gotten it's money's worth already, as I bought it for $2 at a used book store. :)
Sending next to Wistroll in Wisconsin. Enjoy!
Sending next to Wistroll in Wisconsin. Enjoy!
Arrived safely today. Will probably(hopefully) be able to read over the weekend. Looking forward to this as I read The Namesake by her also and enjoyed that.
I really enjoyed this, I think more than her book The Namesake. When I finished the story, This Blessed House, I thought it was the story I liked the best, until I read the last. The last story, The Third and Final Continent was my favorite of all.
I hope I can find other books this author will write in the future.
Thanks so much for including me in this ring, it was a very fast read when I was actually able to GET the time to be able to read!
Off to katiesmama tomorrow!
I hope I can find other books this author will write in the future.
Thanks so much for including me in this ring, it was a very fast read when I was actually able to GET the time to be able to read!
Off to katiesmama tomorrow!
Rec'd in mail today. Can't wait to get into this. I already have The Namesake on my TBR list. I'm reading one bookring now, almost finished, and then I'll start in on this. Will PM next in line as well for her address. Thanks, Gaysocialworker for this ring.
I loved this book. And usually I don't like short stories. Lahiri writes beautifully and some of the stories I didn't want to end. My favorites were When Mr. Pirzada Came to Dine, Sexy and The Third and Final Continent. I'll definitely be looking for her other books. Also, for anyone else who loved her style of writing, I recommend Chitra Divakaruni (Sister of My Heart and The Vine of Desire).
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Book leaves today to Jnpert's home :) Thanks again for this ring!!
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Book leaves today to Jnpert's home :) Thanks again for this ring!!
Received the book today in the mail. I am in the middle of another book, but this one will be the next one up.
Thanks all!
Thanks all!
I took this with me as I was traveling to NY this weekend. While on the plane, I finished my previous book and opened up Interpreter of Maladies to start reading. Enjoyed the first story, but it seemed slightly familiar. By the second short story I realized I had already read the book! But I was trapped on the plane with nothing to read! I did read all the stories again and they were still enjoyable.
I didn't expect to get done so quickly (it's a lot easier to read fast when you've read it before) but will PM for an address today and get it moving ASAP.
Thanks!
I didn't expect to get done so quickly (it's a lot easier to read fast when you've read it before) but will PM for an address today and get it moving ASAP.
Thanks!
Mailed this to sistert via media mail.
Happy reading!
Happy reading!
Received. I'm currently reading another ring book now but I'll get this read shortly and on to the next person.
An excellently written series of short stories; my only personally issue was that so many of them were depressing. I think this effected me only because it was a timing issue, as work was extraordinarily stressful when I started reading it. It made it very hard for me to want to continue reading for awhile but I'm pleased I did.
Contacting Sobergirl now.
Contacting Sobergirl now.
Sobergirl is currently swamped and has asked to be skipped so I'm now contacting ThursdayN.
Journal Entry 36 by sistert at BookRing in Bookring, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Monday, November 13, 2006
Released 17 yrs ago (11/10/2006 UTC) at BookRing in Bookring, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases
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On its way to ThursdayN. Enjoy!
On its way to ThursdayN. Enjoy!
It has arrived in the post today, thank you sistert! I will read it asap.
What a great book! I'm usually not that keen on short stories, but this one I liked! My favourite story was the last one 'The Third and Final Continent', it really touched me. Thank you gaysocialworker!
I will send it to bluehawaii218 asap (I'm home sick so it will be a few days before I can go to the post office...)
I will send it to bluehawaii218 asap (I'm home sick so it will be a few days before I can go to the post office...)
Released 17 yrs ago (2/11/2007 UTC) at
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It's finally on it's way! Enjoy!
It's finally on it's way! Enjoy!
Journal Entry 40 by bluehawaii218 from Washington, District of Columbia USA on Monday, February 19, 2007
Just received it yesterday! Thanks so much for sending it and sharing it :) I'm finishing up another bookring book right now but will get to this one soon.
Journal Entry 41 by bluehawaii218 from Washington, District of Columbia USA on Friday, July 27, 2007
Sorry for the extreme delay! I was taking the bar this summer and well, it rather ate up my time... But I'm ready to send this book back to you! Thank you so much for sharing it. I enjoyed reading it!
The Delivery Confirmation Number: 0103 8555 7490 8114 0395
http://www.usps.com
The Delivery Confirmation Number: 0103 8555 7490 8114 0395
http://www.usps.com
Arrived safely back home in Texas. Thanks!
Sending to pbswap member...
