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Unaccustomed Earth
Unaccustomed Earth: Stories | Jhumpa Lahiri
Knopf Canada is proud to welcome this bestselling, Pulitzer Prizewinning author with eight dazzling stories that take us from Cambridge and Seattle to India and Thailand as they explore the secrets at the heart of family life. In the stunning title story, Ruma, a young mother in a new city, is visited by her father who carefully tends her gardenwhere she later unearths evidence of a love affair he is keeping to himself. In A Choice of Accommodations, a couples romantic getaway weekend takes a dark turn at a party that lasts deep into the night. In Only Goodness, a woman eager to give her younger brother the perfect childhood she never had is overwhelmed by guilt, anguish and anger when his alcoholism threatens her family. And in Hema and Kaushik, a trio of linked storiesa luminous, intensely compelling elegy of life, death, love and fatewe follow the lives of a girl and boy who, one fateful winter, share a house in Massachusetts. They travel from innocence to experience on separate, sometimes painful paths, until destiny brings them together again years later in Rome. Unaccustomed Earth is rich with the authors signature gifts: exquisite prose, emotional wisdom and subtle renderings of the most intricate workings of the heart and mind. It is the work of a writer at the peak of her powers.
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Anna40
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Pickpick

I loved the title story:a retired&widowed father visits his grown daughter who is pregnant with her second child,her husband is on a business trip&it‘s told alternating from father then daughter perspective.I loved the metaphor of the garden&how beautifully Lahiri writes feelings,relationships,domestic scenes.Overall though I found myself bailing on many of the other stories precisely because of that.I wanted a bit more variety in plot.Soft pick.

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SheilaChew
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A beautiful morning, finishing a beautiful book. 💚

Bookzombie Looks so relaxing! 2y
29 likes2 stack adds1 comment
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SheilaChew
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A nice way to start the day 📖+☕️

Daisey Looks like perfection! 2y
28 likes1 comment
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Blackink_WhitePaper
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I couldn‘t think of many books starting with #LetterU This book is ok , I liked few stories in this.

#alphabetgame

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Thank you for playing 📚 2y
32 likes1 comment
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Hamlet
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Pickpick

This collection of stories was my first foray into the writing of Lahiri; when I neared the end, I headed to my favorite Boulder book store for more by her. These tales of immigrant families are humane, complex, & riveting. This book became a book-club pick because there is so much to discuss: a richness of relations & moments that made me set aside other story collections I was reading as dun colored in comparison. I enjoyed every page.

IuliaC Stacked! I read "Interpreter of Maladies" by the same author and loved it 3y
Hamlet @IuliaC I‘ll put it on my TBR list! She‘s a wonderful writer. 3y
Suet624 This is going to sound super-goofy because I know Boulder is large, but you wouldn‘t know Ellen Orleans would you? 3y
Hamlet @Suet624 No, not goofy… it‘s fun to question and imagine far-off connections! But sorry, no, I don‘t know her. 3y
10 likes1 stack add4 comments
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anxious_bibliophile
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Pickpick

A perfect "khichuri" (porridge) of love, loss and longing.

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SanjanaGhosh
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Pickpick

I loved this one. I loved how she shows the real, raw side of human emotions!

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anushareflects
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Pickpick

This book was just phenomenal. I loved the writing and stories so much, if you‘re looking for short stories that make you feel, pick this up. My full review in my blog, link in bio.

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anushareflects
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I realised recently I don‘t read as many short stories but I‘ve been really enjoying this one by Jhumpa Lahiri. I can‘t wait to pick up her more acclaimed, Pulitzer winner Interpreter of Maladies soon.

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Thousand-Lives
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Pickpick

I don‘t usually like short stories, but this collection is truly excellent. Each story feels complete and meaningful.

Finished my November #doublespin just in time!

48 likes2 stack adds1 comment
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Thousand-Lives
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Breakfast with my #doublespin read. I‘m loving this one so far.

violabrain This book is amazing! 4y
Thousand-Lives @violabrain It really is! I‘m only three stories in, but I love it so much I want to finish it slowly. You are the one who nudged me to read this collection after I loved The Lowland, so thank you! 🙂 4y
violabrain @Thousand-Lives Yay!!! I‘m so glad you are enjoying it! I‘ve read everything she‘s written and it‘s all amazing and beautiful. 4y
47 likes3 comments
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mrp27
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#augustauthors #jhumpalahiri

Oops. Looks like I mixed up yesterday‘s and today‘s authors. Either way, Lahiri is most certainly a favorite author though my collection is small.

OriginalCyn620 👍🏻📚👍🏻 4y
TheKidUpstairs Have you read The Namesake? If not, I highly recommend it!!! 4y
mrp27 @TheKidUpstairs Yes! So far it‘s my favorite of her titles and I really liked the movie too. 4y
31 likes3 comments
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MallenNC
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Generally, I am not a fan of short stories, so when a friend loaned this one to me, I hesitated to read it. I am so glad I trusted her reading judgment because I ended up loving this collection. #AugustAuthors

OriginalCyn620 Short story collections are often hit or miss for me too! 4y
27 likes1 comment
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GatheringBooks
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Pickpick

#AugustAuthors Day 12: Iphigene reviewed #JhumpaLahiri‘s book: “Lahiri‘s previous novel dabbled on the experiences of 1st generation immigrants, it is only in this book that she began to look on the 2nd and 3rd generation, which makes this collection of stories seemingly more Western that it is Indian. While I haven‘t read her other books I think this is a wonderful turn and perspective to take.” Full review: https://wp.me/pDlzr-1MF

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks 👍🏻📚🙌🏻 4y
OriginalCyn620 👍🏻📚👍🏻 4y
52 likes3 stack adds2 comments
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ephemeralwaltz
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#currentlywatching Sex Education ✨📖 So happy to see Jhumpa Lahiri in Maeve's stack!

Tanisha_A That stack! 🥰 5y
Tanisha_A Loveee Lahiri! 5y
55 likes2 comments
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Blackink_WhitePaper
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It was a rainy day ...When you have the excuse of not moving out, you can stick to a place and enjoy the rain. Time for some snacks, tea and books.🥰

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bookishbitch
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Pickpick

Overall I enjoyed it. I did hate the ending of the last story however.

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alisonrose
Pickpick

Truly beautiful collection of stories. I appreciate how she can make the characters‘ experiences both specific & particular but also universal, the effects & emotions easily empathized with even if the details are unfamiliar to your own life. These are quiet, character-focused stories, with well drawn familial relationships of all kinds. I admit a few of the male characters bugged me and I was like “Girl DTMFA” but overall this was strong. 4/5 ⭐️

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alisonrose

And yet she could not forgive herself. Even as an adult, she wished only that she could go back and change things: the ungainly things she‘d worn, the insecurity she‘d felt, all the innocent mistakes she‘d made.

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alisonrose

After the chorus of Amens, Gene raised his glass and said, “Forgive me, but I never thought I‘d have the opportunity to say this: Here‘s to Thanksgiving with the Indians.” Only a few people laughed at the joke.

[Mighty white of you, Gene. Oy.]

31 likes1 comment
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alisonrose

When he was away Ruma did not hear from him. Each time, she kept the printout of his flight information behind a magnet on the door of the refrigerator, and on the days he was scheduled to fly she watched the news, to make sure there hadn‘t been a plane crash anywhere in the world.

[It me.]

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alisonrose
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Had the day off from work today—not for anything fun, had something decidedly unfun to do this morning. But it‘s done with and I‘m glad for that, and now I‘m reading this and have already loved the first story. #nowreading

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Monpetitoiseau
Pickpick

Was so grateful I had this on hand after finishing Interpreter of Maladies. Jhumpa‘s voice rings like a bell and leaves you craving more. Having a longer collection like this was a perfect immersion. And the ending left me weeping. A must read. (Note to self: A December 2018 read, don‘t count toward 2019 tally)

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Preyroy
Mehso-so

The book has two parts to it.
The first part presents a collection of short stories spiralling through the lives of Indian immigrants. Through simplicity of the narrative as well as the circumstances lived by the characters, I was able to relate to the complexities and hardships produced. However for me these stories were not very engaging.

Second part is engaging. Leafing through the pages to know the culmination of first love was enthralling.

RaimeyGallant Nice review. And welcome to Litsy! #LitsyWelcomeWagon Some of us put together Litsy tips to help new Littens navigate the site. It's the link in my bio on my page in case you need it. Or if you prefer how-to videos, @chelleo put some together at the link in her bio. @LitsyWelcomeWagon 6y
Preyroy Thank-you! 6y
Eggs Welcome to Litsy 👋🏻🎈 6y
Preyroy @Eggs Thank-you! 6y
StillLookingForCarmenSanDiego Welcome to Litsy 📖💙 6y
2 likes5 comments
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BookPolygamist
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Pickpick

Having already read The Interpreter of Maladies, this was the second book of Lahiri that I picked up, with In Other Words probably next in line. As an Indian who recently moved to the US, I can, for the most part, relate to the stories weaved together beautifully in this book, pulling me closer by staying true to its title. With each passing story, the book left me wanting more and feeling heavy all at the same time the second I finished it.

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BookPolygamist
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On a mission to complete at least one book a month in 2018, I'm happy to share I've successfully completed five so far this year and starting off with the sixth one! #ReadingChallenge2018 #JhumpaLahiri #UnaccustomedEarth

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Bevita
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Another spectacular book of short stories by Jhumpa Lahiri. These were grouped into two sections, with each of the stories in the section related to the others. So memorable, I love to have the characters floating around in my head. 5 out of 5.

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youneverarrived
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Blueberry Don't we all feel that. 7y
Cathythoughts Good quote ❤️ 7y
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Lupita.Reads
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Pickpick

Normally when I come across an author I love, I‘ll read everything and anything they have written as quickly as possible. However with Jhumpa, I‘ve tried to slow myself down and read tiny bits at a time to truly enjoy all her brilliance. In every one of her stories I‘ve found myself at home and there‘s nothing more or less I can say about her work. I never tire of her themes or characters- her words just speak to my soul.

BarbaraBB Great review. I must read more by her, you‘re right. I‘ve got the tagged book on my TBR shelves. (edited) 7y
78 likes11 stack adds1 comment
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ephemeralwaltz
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Pickpick

I recently read the story thats gives this collection its title and it was AMAZING! If you like short stories about family, people, culture differences, loss, home, etc I highly recommend this. Looking forward to reading the whole collection 💕

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

47 likes1 stack add
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RandomPirate
Pickpick

🦉1/2009

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BooksForYears
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#JuneBookBugs Day 28 - Planet in the Title

Surprisingly, this is the only book on my shelves with a true planet titular named!

[DELETED] 206653737 Nice pic! 7y
RealLifeReading Cute ring! 7y
117 likes3 stack adds2 comments
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MallenNC
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I was very late in reading this story collection but it was the best book I read last year. I don't love short stories usually, but these were great -- although often heartbreaking. #THISISTHEEND. Thanks, @Liberty

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violabrain
Pickpick

I've never liked short stories much, but I absolutely love Jhumpa Lahiri's short stories. Like Interpreter of Maladies, each story is a mini novel, filled with beautiful, clean prose. The cover of this book didn't make sense until the very last page, but then it broke my heart. So very highly recommended.

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mrp27
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#marchintoreading

Love Lahiri, she is always an #autobuy

22 likes2 stack adds
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krismlars
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14 likes1 stack add
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CarolynOliver
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This is what happens when I go to the library booksale . . .

47 likes1 stack add
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ReadinginBhutan
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Current read

LauraBeth Nice view 😀 8y
Dragon Nice watch and gorgeous view 😀 8y
Bookzombie Beautiful view! 8y
42 likes5 stack adds3 comments
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8little_paws
Pickpick

This was a pretty good selection. A lot of the stories just focused on the same themes over and over, but she is such a good writer and they are enjoyable to read.

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8little_paws
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Jhumpa Lahiri, I totally get you here.

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8little_paws

PREACH, Jhumpa Lahiri.

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mllemay
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Pickpick

Amazing short story collection! The writing is beautiful, and each story feels like a novel (in a good way) even though it's only a few dozen pages long. Jhumpa Lahiri clearly masters this genre. I found the last three stories, which are interconnected, especially well done - they were extremely moving, and the emotions they stirred up completely surprised me.

susanw I love everything she writes! 8y
mllemay @susanw this was my first experience with her writing and I'm 100% sold!! 8y
squarepeginroundhole Her SS are wonderful. I liked both her collections but I actually prefer Maladies. You should check it out. Love to hear what you think. And I just finished Namesake recently. Great as well. 8y
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mllemay @squarepeginroundhole I'm glad to hear you enjoyed her other works as well. I will definitely be reading more from her soon! 8y
KVanRead Good to know! I loved 8y
KVanRead And the movie was good too. 8y
40 likes6 stack adds6 comments
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mllemay
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Done with day 2 of #biblioweekend - I didn't read as much as I wanted 😒 still, I finished a novel, read one short story from the Lahiri collection, and a few more chapters of the other book. My brain wants to keep reading but my eyes have had enough 😴 more reading tomorrow!

BookishFeminist I know the feeling. I've read nowhere close to what I usually do and I've spent much more time trying. I've got the opposite problem- my eyes want to read but my brain doesn't. 8y
mllemay @BookishFeminist oh no! I think that feeling is even more frustrating! Sometimes taking a deliberate break helps though...it's kind of like sleep, the more you try to do it, the less you're able to lol 8y
45 likes1 stack add2 comments
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8leagueboot
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Stepped out for the thing on the left and came back with that + both things on the right. $4 for both! How could I say no?

Reader24601 I'm a book hog as well... can't help it. Got my eyes on Unaccustomed Earth... hope to read it soon! 7y
15 likes2 comments
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MarieA
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MrBook Nice! I have the one in the upper-left corner on my living room coffeetable 😎👍🏻. 8y
MarieA @MrBook have you read it? It's so good! 8y
PNWBookseller85 I love it! It's so fun getting a glimpse of other libraries. Is that Hemingway too? 8y
MarieA @BeckyMerilatt yup! I'm a huge Hemingway nerd- I got a really varied taste in books 8y
MrBook Not yet 😊. 8y
8 likes5 comments
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MarieA
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Starting off good so far!

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MallenNC
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Pickpick

I usually have a hard time with story collections so it took me much longer than it should have to read this. I regret that now because this was excellent.

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Bookish_penguin

"In November, wandering through the National Gallery, she met a man."
Isn't this really the dream? That or meeting someone in a bookstore.

ShelfSpaceLimited Definitely my fantasy ❤️❤️ 9y
Megabooks Yes!! ❤️❤️❤️ 9y
jmkeene Heck yeah! 9y
Viji A post on Facebook recently suggested that, instead of buying a woman a drink in a bar, a man should walk up to a woman browsing in a bookstore and offer to buy her a book. Love it! 8y
14 likes4 stack adds5 comments