Plot Summary

Little Failure

Gary Shteyngart
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Little Failure

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2014

Book Brief

Gary Shteyngart

Little Failure

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2014
Book Details
Pages

368

Format

Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction

Setting

Soviet Union • 1970s-1980s

Publication Year

2014

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Little Failure by Gary Shteyngart is a 2014 memoir detailing the author's experiences as a Russian-Jewish immigrant in America, filled with poignant, humorous reflections on family dynamics, cultural assimilation, and his journey to becoming a writer. Sensitive topics include family trauma, illness, and cultural dislocation.

Humorous

Nostalgic

Bittersweet

Contemplative

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

3.8

8,968 ratings

63%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

12%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Gary Shteyngart's memoir Little Failure offers a humorous yet poignant recount of his life as a Russian immigrant. Readers appreciate his sharp wit and heartfelt honesty, though some find the narrative occasionally disjointed. Shteyngart’s ability to blend self-deprecation with deep reflection is widely praised, making this a memorable, if sometimes uneven, read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Little Failure?

Readers who enjoy humorous, yet poignant immigrant memoirs like Gary Shteyngart’s Little Failure would also appreciate works such as Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt and Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris. This book appeals to those interested in exploring themes of cultural identity, family dynamics, and personal growth with a sharp, satirical edge.

3.8

8,968 ratings

63%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

12%

Not a fan

Fun Facts

The memoir Little Failure by Gary Shteyngart gets its title from the author's nickname given by his mother, translating from "Failurchka" in Russian.

Little Failure discusses the author's early life experiences, including his family's emigration from the Soviet Union to the United States when he was a child.

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The book was a finalist for the 2014 Thurber Prize for American Humor, highlighting its comedic elements interwoven with poignant storytelling.

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Book Details
Pages

368

Format

Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction

Setting

Soviet Union • 1970s-1980s

Publication Year

2014

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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