Little Failure, Gary Shteyngart

Personally, I really enjoyed reading this memoir - probably because I understood the Russian terminology and was able to relate to the author on numerous levels. I have to say that for those whom do not speak the Russian language, cannot fully engage in, or attach to this book; even though Shteyngart translated each Russian word and phrase that he used, they sort of lost their meaning; written in English, the words and phrases were more bland and dull. In my opinion, the translation kills the emotion, emphasis, and humor behind it. From a Russians point of view, the translations do not do the words and phrases justice; I'd say that if i were a non-Russian speaking reader i would be rather bored, and confused because i cannot fully understand what is being said, even with the translation. On the other hand, I credit Shteyngart for his unique way of writing; Shteyngart achieved a sense of isolationism and confusion for many of the non-Russian readers, and that is what he felt most of his life. Shteyngart felt out of place, left out, like he did not belong. Through his writing he is able to replicate this feeling for the readers, to put them into his shoes. However, he doesn't completely block out the readers; Shteyngart allows for the confusion to be present, but he attempts to smooth it out by giving the translation.  

Class and the Politics of Writing

In the text the author states, "I was writing to resist all the socialization I had received in a religious, southern, working-class, patriarchal home that tried to teach me silence as the most desirable trait of womanliness. Writing about the ways I was often punished, particularly for the offense of talking back, I shared in published work both the pain and isolation I felt as a girl dreaming about ideas and writings as well as the punishment I received for refusing to be silent" (page 100-101). This particular excerpt caught my attention because the author was basically taught her whole life that silence is appealing, and that she would be frowned upon for talking back or speaking up. I found this very ironic considering that nowadays, starting from a young age, girls are taught to stand up for themselves, to be heard, to voice their opinions. Young girls are told to dream big, to hold on to that dream and push for it to come to reality. Yet here, the author find herself feeling pain and isolation for dreaming and having ideas. Nevertheless, I am fond of the author for refusing to be silent, for dealing with the punishments and not allowing them to discourage her motivation; For this truly portrays the author's strength and bravery to go against the majority in order to do what she loves.