Laughing Without an Accent
by Firoozeh Dumas
Published by Villard Books
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Reviewed by Maria Hoeffer
Humor isn’t usually the first thing that comes to mind when talking about Iranian Americans, but Firoozeh Dumas may just change that! Each vignette highlights the craziness both of her family and of various culture: American, Iranian and French. She writes with such conversational ease, as if telling you a funny story over a cup of tea. Each family member is drawn with clarity, as if you’ve known them all along. Her family is like a favorite sitcom family – familiar, funny and slightly over the top. The reader can imagine them getting into all kinds of wacky situations and can’t wait to tune in for more.
Part of Dumas’ great writing skill lies in the simplicity of her descriptions. She is able to set a scene with few words, but provide such keen observation that she cuts right to humor of the moment. She illuminates the humor of cultures and personalities with lightheartedness and respect. She seems to find idiosyncrasies to be both precious and maddening. She clearly loves her family very much, and is able expose the absurdity of their everyday lives. Her command of humor makes even the most mundane of subjects like oversized desks, 10 lb. bags of rice and the “Midnight Chocolate Buffet” on a cruise, a cause for chuckles.
Laughing Without an Accent has plenty of laugh-out-loud moments for readers of any accent. Dumas’ keen observations expose the silliness of herself and those around her with an endearing grace and genuineness, causing the reader to embrace her every word and yearn for just one more story.
Armchair Interviews says: Humor lies all around this talented writer.
Author’s Web site: http://www.FiroozehDumas.com