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.