The Imperfectionists: A NovelFrom the author of The Italian Teacher, this acclaimed debut novel set in Rome follows the topsy-turvy lives of the denizens of an English language newspaper. NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY Janet Maslin, The New York Times • The Economist • NPR • Slate • The Christian Science Monitor • Financial Times • The Plain Dealer • Minneapolis Star Tribune • St. Louis Post-Dispatch • The Kansas City Star • The Globe and Mail • Publishers Weekly Look in the back of the book for a conversation between Tom Rachman and Malcolm Gladwell Fifty years and many changes have ensued since the paper was founded by an enigmatic millionaire, and now, amid the stained carpeting and dingy office furniture, the staff’s personal dramas seem far more important than the daily headlines. Kathleen, the imperious editor in chief, is smarting from a betrayal in her open marriage; Arthur, the lazy obituary writer, is transformed by a personal tragedy; Abby, the embattled financial officer, discovers that her job cuts and her love life are intertwined in a most unexpected way. Out in the field, a veteran Paris freelancer goes to desperate lengths for his next byline, while the new Cairo stringer is mercilessly manipulated by an outrageous war correspondent with an outsize ego. And in the shadows is the isolated young publisher who pays more attention to his prized basset hound, Schopenhauer, than to the fate of his family’s quirky newspaper. As the era of print news gives way to the Internet age and this imperfect crew stumbles toward an uncertain future, the paper’s rich history is revealed, including the surprising truth about its founder’s intentions. Spirited, moving, and highly original, The Imperfectionists will establish Tom Rachman as one of our most perceptive, assured literary talents. |
Contents
WORLDS OLDEST LIAR DIES AT 126 | |
EUROPEANS ARE LAZY STUDY SAYS | |
U S GENERAL OPTIMISTIC ON WAR | |
THE SEX LIVES OF ISLAMIC EXTREMISTS | |
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
Abbey Annika anymore Anyway apartment April 24 arrives Arthur asks Atlanta Aventine Hill Boyd calls can’t cellphone checks Clint Oakley copy copydesk Dario desk didn’t dinner doesn’t don’t want door Drakkar Noir drink editor Erzberger eyes father feel floor going hair hand hang happened Hardy he’d he’s headline Herman Cohen I’ve Imperfectionists isn’t Italian Jérôme Jimmy Jimmy’s Kathleen says kids kisses kitchen laughs leave living Lloyd look Malcolm Gladwell Marta mean Menzies never newspaper newsroom okay opens Ornella Ott Group Ott’s paper pulls remember reporter responds Rome Rory Rubik’s Cube Schopenhauer she’s sits smiles Snyder someone Sorry sort stop story stuff takes Taliban talk tell Thanks there’s thing tomorrow Tooly turns Visantha wait walks wasn’t watch What’s window Winston won’t wouldn’t write Yeah You’re