Freshly translated from Italian by Todd Portnowitz and Lahiri herself, “Roman Stories” is an anthology about belonging, memory, and hope in the changing tides of the modern city.
“This city is shit,” says an unnamed character in “Dante Alighieri,” the final story of Jhumpa Lahiri’s freshly translated new anthology, Roman Stories, before adding the final, concluding sentiment, “but so damn beautiful.” The character, a surrogate I assume of Lahiri herself, is speaking about Rome, but the sentiment could apply to basically any city in the world. It could apply to my own hometown of Mumbai—humid and overcrowded, but always relentlessly, beautifully alive.
In “The Procession,” the city becomes a home that one can never fully return to; in “P’s Parties” it is a place and a state of being to get away from; in “Well-Lit House” it is a fantasy and a cage. In “The Reentry,” she takes us to a family-owned trattoria, describes the odd architecture, the relative dullness of the interiors, and suddenly you realize you’ve probably been to an establishment exactly like this in your hometown, wherever that is in the world.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
‘Roman Stories’ Review: Eternal, Uncertain CityIn Jhumpa Lahiri’s short stories, the question of who belongs on Rome’s ancient streets is not easily answered.
Read more »
‘I’ve always known I was different’: Four trans people share their storiesMost trans people say transitioning made them feel more satisfied in their lives,, even though many lost friends or family after they come out.
Read more »
Roman bus tells story of boy who escaped Nazis by hiding onboard tram for two daysToday's Video Headlines: 10/14/23
Read more »
Roman Reigns Returns to WWE SmackDown and Finally Comes Face to Face with LA KnightRoman Reigns returns and confronts John Cena and LA Knight, and the Reigns vs Knight feud has officially begun
Read more »
WWE Teases Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes WrestleMania Rematch on SmackDownCody Rhodes and Jey Uso retain their Tag Titles, and WWE teases Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes WrestleMania rematch
Read more »
Sparks in the stands and dizzy bat proposals: Your Phillies love storiesAs the Phillies barrel through another playoff run, we asked our readers: How did the Phils help you fall in love? The answers include dizzy bat, tall boys, and many proposals.
Read more »