Gary Shteyngart, novelist and author of the memoir Little Failure

April 5, 2016
interview by Alison Brown, PhD

Gary Shteyngart immigrated from Leningrad to Queens at age seven. His novels include The Russian Debutante’s Handbook, Absurdistan, and Super Sad True Love Love Story. His memoir, dedicated to his analyst, was described by Michiko Kakutani of the New York Times as a “keenly observed tale of exile, coming-of-age and family love: It’s raw, comic and deeply affecting, a testament to Mr. Shteyngart’s abilities to write with both self-mocking humor and introspective wisdom, sharp-edged sarcasm and aching—and yes, Chekhovian—tenderness.”

Learning Objectives: After attending this event, participants should be able to:

  • Describe analytic techniques that fostered the creative process of the presenting writer.
  • Discuss the roles of memory and autobiographical writing about cultural translocation in the development of identity.