The Imperfectionists by Tom Rachman


Everyone loves this book; it's been favorably reviewed everywhere. It is intricately woven, sad, funny, and complex. Nevertheless, I was less than captivated as I read each piece (although the headlines as chapter titles were entertaining). The book often feels like a series of short stories all related to the paper in some way - a bit like Olive Kitteridge with less lovable characters. If you are a journalist or have lived in Rome as an expat it will satisfy. Click here to read my friend Brendan Kiley's review or here for an interview with Rachman.

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