GREAT LINES:

On the third night, she told him that once after a lecture they’d attended, she let him speak to the chairman of his department without telling him that he had a dab of pâté on his chin. She’d been irritated with him for some reason, and so she’d let him go on and on, about securing his fellowship for the following semester, without putting a finger to her own chin as a signal.

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This is a beautiful collection of short stories by Jhumpa Lahiri about the lives of immigrants and first generation Americans. The plot-lines play second fiddle to the character developments, which are exquisite. Lahiri is genius at showcasing universally felt emotions – her prose is restrained yet carries tremendous weight in its simplicity. Even though her characters are mostly of Indian descent, any person who has ever felt like a foreigner or out-of-place will be able to relate. The stories can be at times sad or heavy, but Lahiri’s insights into what it is to be human make it worth it. It is ultimately a celebration of the fullness of life. If you are looking for a deep, emotional read, this is the book for you!

Check the BPL catalog for this title: The Interpreter of Maladies