The way Lahiri has written this ordinary collection is compelling. She uses language which makes one both sympathetic and detached from her characters at the same time. The book makes one think, but not over-think, by gently guiding its readers to take on new perspectives. I particularly liked “Mrs. Sen” which has so much to say about American society, personal isolation, and our modern culture.

What a quick read. I bought this book eight hours ago at a used book sale and I sure haven’t spent the entire past eight hours reading it. I may have spent four hours total reading this book – that’s probably a generous estimate. This might be the record holder for Book Most Quickly Finished By Stacey Since About Middle School. I would say it almost wasn’t worth me buying it, but then again, I bought it at a used book sale for 50 euro cents, so I won’t say that.

Interpreter of Maladies is a collection of short stories about Indian people in various circumstances and situations. Very good short story writing. I found each of the stories to be kind of sad in their own way, but not depressing enough to make me stop reading or anything. I also thought that each story had some wonderful character development. Lahiri is definitely a talented writer. Anyone who enjoys good short story writing will definitely enjoy this book.

Well i read it first in 2001 .. but then i was a whole different person then besides i dun even remember a wee bit about the ne of the stoires .. i wanna see the book with the new me .. with my my perpective about things .. also i wanna buy the namesake .. so im kinda reading this n deciding if i like her writing ..

I like Lahiri’s writing, but I am not that into short stories. Also, I find her approach quite character-centered, so short stories by her seem prematurely ended just as I get interested in a character. I also agree with the previous reader who said the themes are similar throughout the stories.

Lahiri is a good writer, she knows how to tell a story and most of these stand well on their own. As a collection, however, it presents the same themes over and over again and becomes a bit dull. In the end, I found myself frustrated with the lack of variety in characters and settings.

An enjoyably, colourful read all the way. A must-read for those who want to explore indian lit.

Excellent writing!

On loan from Hal, something I’ve been meaning to read for ages. I can’t remember the last time I read a short story collection.

On loan from Hal, something I’ve been meaning to read for ages. I can’t remember the last time I read a short story collection.

The short stories in this book are so captivating and portray sensitivity as it is known in human reality.

Beautiful short stories.. I could very well relate with the stories because of an inherent non resident indian connection in each of them..

fantastic short stories

07/30/03
Great book of short stories.

Turns out we couldn’t get the author to come to the school, so instead the freshmen have to have discussion groups about this book. It’s not as cool as meeting the author, but it’s still an excellent book.

I FINISHED!!!! Great book..I will have to read it again.

I enjoyed each of these short stories very much.