Romulus, My Father
Romulus, My Father
Nonfiction | Biography | Adult | Published in 1998
Book Brief
207
Biography • Nonfiction
Victoria, Australia • 1950s
1998
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Romulus, My Father by Raimond Gaita narrates the life of Romulus, a principled Romanian man who immigrates to Australia in the 1950s. Despite suffering from mental illness and the challenges of raising his son Raimond following Christine's suicide, Romulus remains a moral beacon. Their lives intersect with significant immigrant experiences, local friendships, and Romulus's eventual struggle with mental health. The memoir explores themes of resilience, belonging, and the immigrant experience. Sensitive topics include suicide and post-partum depression.
Melancholic
Contemplative
Emotional
Nostalgic
Reviews & Readership
2,810 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Romulus, My Father by Raimond Gaita has received wide acclaim for its poignant storytelling and deep introspection. Readers praise its emotional depth and lyrical prose, though some find the pacing slow. Its exploration of familial bonds and mental health resonates with many, though the bleakness may be off-putting for some. A compelling memoir that leaves a lasting impression.
Who Should Read Romulus, My Father?
Readers who relish introspective memoirs with themes of family, immigration, and mental illness, similar to Frank McCourt's Angela's Ashes or Jeannette Walls's The Glass Castle, will appreciate Raimond Gaita's Romulus, My Father. The narrative's emotional depth and exploration of cultural displacement appeal to those drawn to profound, reflective stories.
2,810 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
207
Biography • Nonfiction
Victoria, Australia • 1950s
1998
Adult
18+ years
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