Miguel Street
Fiction | Short Story Collection | YA | Published in 1959
176
Short Story Collection • Fiction
1959
YA
16+ years
Miguel Street by V.S. Naipaul is a collection of interconnected short stories narrated by an unnamed character who recounts his childhood in war-torn Trinidad and Tobago. Each story focuses on a different protagonist whose ambitions and failings reflect broader themes of broken dreams and harsh realities, with the narrator's observations linking the chapters together. The book contains depictions of domestic violence and sexist attitudes.
Humorous
Melancholic
Nostalgic
Bittersweet
Contemplative
5,412 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
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Miguel Street by V.S. Naipaul masterfully portrays the colorful life of a Trinidadian urban neighborhood, blending humor, melancholy, and detailed character sketches. While praised for vibrant storytelling and authentic cultural capture, some critics suggest the episodic structure lacks cohesion. Overall, a compelling, evocative read that offers rich, slice-of-life vignettes.
Readers who enjoy Miguel Street by V.S. Naipaul are typically those who appreciate rich, character-driven narratives set in vibrant locales. Fans of works like Ernest Hemingway's The Old Man and the Sea or Gabriel Garcia Marquez's One Hundred Years of Solitude might find similar enjoyment in Naipaul's keen observations and storytelling.
5,412 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
176
Short Story Collection • Fiction
1959
YA
16+ years
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