This novel, by Anne Tyler, captured my interests immediately. I have only read one other book by her: The Amateur Marriage, which is a favorite of mine. I know she is most famous for Breathing Lessons (Pulitzer Prize) and The Accidental Tourist.
This work follows two families who are drawn together because of their simultaneous adoption of Korean babies. This singular event, leads to shared holidays, child rearing and two families that become intertwined through friendship. It also reflects a great deal on what it means to be American, to be included, and examines the various degrees to which people give up their culture, or hold themselves separate.
I was struck by the similarities to The Namesake. Although the focus in that book was on Indian immigrants, and this one features Iranian immigrants. Still, the struggle to fit in, to know what to let go and what to keep, to recreate traditions in a new country, to watch a new generation become solidly American are all represented in both works.
Anne Tyler does a wonderful job of giving her characters voice. She creates a world of imperfect people who are very careful with one another, lest they give offense. This is the heart of the story: how being so careful keeps them from expressing their truth to each other.
Tyler has a wonderful sense of narrative and quickly drew me in with her uncomplicated language and deft story telling.
PS: Short Straw by Stuart Woods. He never fails- good, dependable, fun mystery- easy to enjoy!
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