My Roman Year by André Aciman is a poignant coming-of-age memoir that transports readers to 1960s Rome. Through the eyes of a teenager, Aciman recounts his family’s journey of exile from Alexandria, where his father remains, to a new life in the Italian capital. With 32 suitcases containing their entire world, André takes on the role of head of the family, guiding his mute mother and younger brother through this unfamiliar adventure. Aciman beautifully captures the fragility and emotion of living in exile, exploring themes of identity, family, and the longing for belonging.
