Looking for a good collection of short stories to read on the beach for vacation? How about Interpreter of Maladies? This is a collection of short stories by American author Jhumpa Lahiri, whose parents are from India.

I've run into a few people who have also read this book, and they exclaim how much they enjoyed the stories. I concurred with them. Each story deals with immigrants from India as they adjust to life within the United States. The stories are quiet and unassuming at first, but after reading each one, a powerful wave of realization hit me each time.

Publishing companies do not usually publish a series of short stories by an unknown author. After reading Interpreter of Maladies, I can see why they made an exception. Many of these pieces are bound to become classics. I enjoyed each without exception.

Lahiri is so gifted, it's almost criminal. In few words and pages, she firmly brings her characters to life - typically Indians residing in America, wanting to come to the US, or, in the title story, visiting the land of their ancestors...as fully-integrated Americans. The story of Mrs. Sen - a thirty-something Indian lady married to a professor of mathematics at the nearby university who takes cares of 11 year old Eliot - was particularly touching, both in the odd blossoming of their friendship and, despite the details and particulars, the universal ways that we all often feel alienated from life.

I didn't realize this book consisted of a collection of short stories, even though the title claims as much. I was pleasantly surprised. Great stories, overall! I was immediately captivated by the stories and found the characters to be very interesting. The stories were written from a different cultural perspective, one that I'm not too familiar with, but that was what made the stories appealing, different. My only complaint is that many of the stories seemed to end abruptly, without closing. Nonetheless, I highly recommend this book.

This is a powerful book. The stories have insinuated themselves into me and the ones I connected with are continuing to pull at me, almost weighing me down, as if I've added something to myself. I'm not meaning to sound all philosophical, but I'm having a hard time explaining how these stories make me feel so I hope you'll forgive me if I don't make much sense.

Read my complete review here.

Beautiful, lyrical collection of stories, with images that will occur to you unexpectedly for years afterwards.

I had to read some of these stories for a class I was in and I was engaged from the beginning. After the semester was over, I read the rest of them. What a great book! The title doesn't fo it justice at all. Even if you think you don't like short stories, you will change your mind. This is a wonderful book, and I can't wait to read "Unaccustomed Earth" her new short story collection..too bad they can't come up with better titles for her books. She is a treasure to read.

Beautifully written, engaging stories

The author is an amazing story teller. Travel to India and live through the eyes of another without leaving home.

I read this book before traveling to India. It had been suggested by my college travel office. Particularly liked the short story about the newlyweds.

One of the most beautiful collection of short stories.

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Beautiful thought provoking book / short stories. Will make you change the way you look at people, especially those who are indigent or of another culture than yours.

LOVED this collection of stories. Jhumpa's ability to express the thoughts of her characters is outstanding. Young, old, Indian or American, she captures the human spirit of her characters with sympathy and superb writing style. I highly recommend this book!!

Exquisite stories rendered with a skill that's absolutely amazing.

I'm disappointed to say I didn't really like this book. To me it felt a little cliched and heavy-handed. I didn't really care for the author's slow, plodding writing style either. I guess it just wasn't my cup of tea--I was hoping for the moving experience others had, but it just felt like a chore to read.

Great book but different.

A great book of short stories. Heartfelt, very real, and well-written. A pleasure to read.

A good collection of stories. Interesting insight into Indian culture, and interpersonal relationships in general.

Brings you into the lives of various characters for a brief glimpse of their lives. The last short story is the best I thought, and gives the book a more satisfying ending than I expected. Overall a quick read that really brings the reader in for every story.

Excellent short stories!

The stories were stunted and the writing mediocre at best.

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