Estoy bien
by David Sedaris, BiblioBazaar
- First published 2013
- 336 pages
- Spanish
David Sedaris presents a new collection of personal essays, offering a look into his life during a period of significant upheaval. The book navigates the final years and eventual death of his elderly father, Lou, alongside the unprecedented experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic. Sedaris chronicles his observations of a changing America as he returns to touring, encountering a landscape marked by both weariness and contradictory messages.
Through these stories, Sedaris employs his characteristic wit and keen eye for the absurd, blending humor with moments of profound sincerity and poignancy. He delves into family dynamics and personal reflections, exploring what it means to enter a new phase of life while grappling with loss and the shifting world around him. This collection offers insights into both public and private upheavals, inviting readers to find connection in his candid and often hilarious navigation of challenging times.
Through these stories, Sedaris employs his characteristic wit and keen eye for the absurd, blending humor with moments of profound sincerity and poignancy. He delves into family dynamics and personal reflections, exploring what it means to enter a new phase of life while grappling with loss and the shifting world around him. This collection offers insights into both public and private upheavals, inviting readers to find connection in his candid and often hilarious navigation of challenging times.
What readers say
4.16
52K ratings across the web 8 in 10 readers loved it
Reviewers widely praise David Sedaris's latest collection for its characteristic wit, keen observations, and unique blend of cynicism and humor. Many long-time fans found glimmers of the "old Sedaris," appreciating his ability to find absurdity in everyday life and transform it into entertaining stories. The book is noted for its self-deprecating style and clever storytelling, with some essays offering touching and poignant moments, particularly those exploring complex family relationships. The author's narration of the audiobook is frequently highlighted as a significant positive, enhancing the experience with his distinctive voice and delivery.
Despite its strengths, the book receives considerable criticism, with some readers expressing disappointment over a perceived shift in the author's tone. Several reviewers found the author's persona to be more grumpy and less relatable than in previous works, occasionally coming across as elitist due to frequent mentions of his wealth and high-end lifestyle. Concerns were also raised about his handling of sensitive topics, including his portrayal of family members, particularly his father and a deceased sister, which some found lacking in compassion or overly focused on airing "dirty laundry." Additionally, his commentary and personal anecdotes regarding the pandemic and social unrest were viewed by some as tone-deaf, self-centered, or out of touch with reality. A common sentiment among critics is that the book is not as consistently funny as his earlier collections.
Overall, "Happy-Go-Lucky" elicits a mixed response, marking a departure for some readers while still satisfying others. While it contains moments of the author's signature humor and offers a more introspective and at times darker look into his life, it may not appeal to everyone. Many reviewers strongly advise new readers to start with his earlier works to understand his established style before approaching this collection. This book is best suited for established fans who are prepared for a more serious and sometimes challenging exploration of personal and societal issues, and who appreciate an author's frankness, even when it delves into uncomfortable territory.
Despite its strengths, the book receives considerable criticism, with some readers expressing disappointment over a perceived shift in the author's tone. Several reviewers found the author's persona to be more grumpy and less relatable than in previous works, occasionally coming across as elitist due to frequent mentions of his wealth and high-end lifestyle. Concerns were also raised about his handling of sensitive topics, including his portrayal of family members, particularly his father and a deceased sister, which some found lacking in compassion or overly focused on airing "dirty laundry." Additionally, his commentary and personal anecdotes regarding the pandemic and social unrest were viewed by some as tone-deaf, self-centered, or out of touch with reality. A common sentiment among critics is that the book is not as consistently funny as his earlier collections.
Overall, "Happy-Go-Lucky" elicits a mixed response, marking a departure for some readers while still satisfying others. While it contains moments of the author's signature humor and offers a more introspective and at times darker look into his life, it may not appeal to everyone. Many reviewers strongly advise new readers to start with his earlier works to understand his established style before approaching this collection. This book is best suited for established fans who are prepared for a more serious and sometimes challenging exploration of personal and societal issues, and who appreciate an author's frankness, even when it delves into uncomfortable territory.
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Details & editions
- This edition
- BLACKIE BOOKS, 2024
- ISBN
- 9788410025141
- Language
- Spanish
Original edition Happy-Go-Lucky Originally published in 2013 · English · Nabu Press
