This is by far the author’s best work yet. I’ve read his previous two and while they were entertaining and enjoyable, this one is a genuine and brilliant story. Amir feels like an honest portrayal of a boy in the middle of self-discovery, coming to grips not just with what’s expected from him, but also with how he has envisioned himself and his own life.
After a classmate threatens to blackmail him, he takes an impromptu trip to Italy where he befriends a group of older characters. He is initially blinded by their perceived put together lives and overall exemplary outward appearances, hesitant yet excited to hang out with them. As he grapples with his place in the group and developing flirtations, his family attempts to locate him. This all culminates in the title of the book and in a series of interviews between Amir, his family members and a US Customs officer.
The author brilliantly bounces between heavy and lighthearted interactions. Many of the interviews with their not so veiled stereotyping are rage inducing (though his younger sister may be my new favorite literary sibling) and show how some biased the interviewing process can be. This is especially evident in the interviews with his parents, where every small action and photo has to be explained, while making it clear that no answer will ever be quite right for the interrogator. This is contrasted with younger sister’s interviews and her no BS take on life.
This was a heartwarming story with characters you wished you could reach out and hug. The Italian setting played magnificently with Amir’s internal struggles, because if you’re going to run away and figure out life, why not do it where you’ll be surrounded by gorgeous architecture, sublime food, and handsome men?
After a classmate threatens to blackmail him, he takes an impromptu trip to Italy where he befriends a group of older characters. He is initially blinded by their perceived put together lives and overall exemplary outward appearances, hesitant yet excited to hang out with them. As he grapples with his place in the group and developing flirtations, his family attempts to locate him. This all culminates in the title of the book and in a series of interviews between Amir, his family members and a US Customs officer.
The author brilliantly bounces between heavy and lighthearted interactions. Many of the interviews with their not so veiled stereotyping are rage inducing (though his younger sister may be my new favorite literary sibling) and show how some biased the interviewing process can be. This is especially evident in the interviews with his parents, where every small action and photo has to be explained, while making it clear that no answer will ever be quite right for the interrogator. This is contrasted with younger sister’s interviews and her no BS take on life.
This was a heartwarming story with characters you wished you could reach out and hug. The Italian setting played magnificently with Amir’s internal struggles, because if you’re going to run away and figure out life, why not do it where you’ll be surrounded by gorgeous architecture, sublime food, and handsome men?