Books matching: expatriate experience
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- #1
'Gringos' by Charles Portis is a humorous and witty novel that follows the adventures of Jimmy Burns, an ex-Marine living in Mexico, as he navigates through a series of misadventures involving a diverse cast of characters including hippies, archeologists, and UFO enthusiasts. The plot revolves around Jimmy's search for a young man named Rudy Kurle, leading to unexpected encounters and challenges in the Mexican jungle. Portis' writing style is described as clear, insightful, and filled with dry humor, offering a satirical take on American expatriates living in Mexico.
CHRISTMAS AGAIN in Yucatán. Another year gone and I was still scratching around on this limestone peninsula. I woke at eight, late for me, wondering where I might find something to eat. Once again the... - #2
In "The Expats" by Chris Pavone, Kate Moore, a former CIA agent, relocates to Luxembourg with her husband Dexter, who works in banking security. As Kate becomes increasingly suspicious of her husband's true activities and the people around them, a web of deceit and espionage unfolds. The story is filled with twists and turns, exploring themes of trust, betrayal, and the complexities of marriage against the backdrop of expat life in Europe. Pavone's writing style mixes suspense with psychological depth, keeping readers engaged as secrets are gradually revealed and tensions escalate.
Katherine didn’t know how to react to this. So she decided on the default response, deflection via ignorance. “Where is Luxembourg?” Even as she was asking this disingenuous question, she regretted th... - #3
'I'm a Stranger Here Myself' by Bill Bryson is a collection of weekly columns that the author wrote for a British newspaper upon returning to the United States after living overseas for two decades. The book delves into Bryson's humorous and insightful observations as he navigates the changes in American culture and lifestyle. Readers are treated to a series of short stories that offer a retro take on US life, filled with interesting historical references and quirky commentary on everyday experiences, such as American customer service and the peculiarity of Christmas tree stands.
Bryson's writing style is characterized by his unique observations, eccentric humor, and use of language that often leads to bursts of laughter. The book captures his perspective as an outsider in his native country, providing readers with a blend of funny and poignant moments that shed light on the cultural differences between the UK and the US. Despite some outdated references, 'I'm a Stranger Here Myself' remains relevant and engaging, offering a delightful read that explores American peculiarities through Bryson's self-deprecating humor and sharp wit.
I once joked in a book that there are three things you can’t do in life. You can’t beat the phone company, you can’t make a waiter see you until he is ready to see you, and you can’t go home again. Si... - #4
'Women of Sand and Myrrh' by Hanan Al-Shaykh is a collection of stories that delve into the lives of women living in an unnamed Middle Eastern country, believed to be Saudi Arabia. The book explores the struggles and adaptations these women make within the constraints of their society, focusing on themes of oppression, censorship, and rebellion. Through the intertwined narratives of Suha, Nur, Suzanne, and Tamr, the author sheds light on the complexities of female experiences in a conservative Muslim culture, showcasing the different ways these women navigate their lives under patriarchal norms. The writing style is described as intimate, engaging, and offering a rare glimpse into a world often misunderstood in the West, with a lyrical language that conveys the emotional depth of the characters' experiences.
I looked at the pale curtains the colour of apricots, and at the glass tops of the little tables, and at the water-colours on the walls, and wished I could stay in this house all the time, just me and... - #5
Paris to the Moon by Adam Gopnik is a collection of essays that offer a glimpse into the life of an American family living in Paris in the late 1990s. The author, a writer for The New Yorker, shares his experiences of adjusting to life in a foreign country, exploring the nuances of French culture, and raising a young son in a new environment. The book captures the challenges and joys of expatriate life, with insightful observations on topics ranging from French bureaucracy to food, fashion, and daily life in Paris.
Not long after we moved to Paris, in the fall of 1995, my wife, Martha, and I saw, in the window of a shop on the rue Saint-Sulpice, a nineteenth-century engraving, done in the manner, though I’m now ... - #6
'The Comedians' by Graham Greene is a novel set in Haiti during the 1960s, portraying the lives of three apathetic and unheroic men, Brown, Smith, and Jones, amidst the oppressive regime of Fran ois Papa Doc Duvalier and his secret police, the Tonton Macoute. The narrative delves into themes of distrust, deception, and identity, exploring the complex relationships and personal struggles of the characters against the backdrop of political turmoil and social unrest in Haiti. Greene's writing style is described as dense, with a compelling sense of place that immerses the reader in the dark, violent, and oppressive atmosphere of Duvalier's Haiti.
WHEN I think of all the grey memorials erected in London to equestrian generals, the heroes of old colonial wars, and to frock-coated politicians who are even more deeply forgotten, I can find no reas... - #7
"Cleanness" by Garth Greenwell is a beautifully written novel that delves into the life of a gay English teacher living in Sofia, Bulgaria, a city where being gay is dangerous and not openly accepted. The protagonist navigates his love life, insecurities, desires, and observations of the city, all while trying to support a gay student and exploring his own emotional journey. The writing style of the book is described as brilliant, honest, and nakedly truthful, with vivid descriptions that bring the experiences and emotions of the narrator to life.
We had agreed to meet at the fountain in front of the McDonald’s in Slaveykov Square. By my American standards G. was late, and as I waited for him I browsed the book stalls the square is famous for, ... - #8
'Prague' by Arthur Phillips is a novel that follows the lives of five American expatriates living in Budapest in the spring of 1990 after the Velvet Revolution. The book delves into themes of ennui, homesickness, culture shock, and the complexities of being young and restless in a foreign country. The writing style of Arthur Phillips is described as exquisite, evocative, and expertly weaving the story of Budapest's past into the lives of the characters.
- #9
Christopher and His Kind is an excellent autobiography covering the years 1929 to 1939, focusing on the life of the famous English novelist Christopher Isherwood during a significant period in his life. The memoir provides a candid and informative account of Isherwood's experiences in England and Germany, his relationships with notable figures like W. H. Auden and Erika Mann, and his reflections on his homosexuality and efforts to save his German lover from the Nazi regime. The narrative style, often written in the third person, adds a unique perspective, separating the author from his younger self and creating a sense of introspection and mystery.
The book delves into Isherwood's literary world, offering glimpses of his famous characters like Sally Bowles and providing insight into the historical and cultural milieu of the 1930s. It is praised for its engaging storytelling, the exploration of Isherwood's personal and professional relationships, and the blend of memoir and historical context that encourages readers to revisit his other works from the same period, such as the Berlin Stories, with added depth and understanding.
There is a book called Lions and Shadows, published in 1938, which describes Christopher Isherwood’s life between the ages of seventeen and twenty-four. It is not truly autobiographical, however. The ... - #10
'The Japanese Mind: Understanding Contemporary Japanese Culture' by Roger J. Davies and Osamu Ikeno is a collection of essays written by undergraduates studying Japanese culture. Despite low initial expectations, readers found the book to be insightful, thorough, and informative, providing a deep understanding of Japanese culture and social behavior. The essays are organized alphabetically by topic, each authored by different individuals and overlapping at times, offering multiple perspectives and a comprehensive view of Japanese culture. The chapters are rich in detail, with strong conclusions that leave readers feeling like they have truly learned something valuable about Japan after each chapter.
Ambiguity, oraimai, is defined as a state in which there is more than one intended meaning, resulting in obscurity, indistinctness, and uncertainty. To be ambiguous in Japanese is generally translated...