People Who Live Alone Talk Too Much

by Sofi Stambo

Winner of the 2024 Restless Books Prize for New Immigrant Writing, People Who Live Alone Talk Too Much pulls at the threads of daily life, unwinding the ordinary into scenes of humor, introspection, and surprising connection.

Bursting with wit and unexpected warmth, Sofi Stambo's debut welcomes readers in the the vibrant immigrant enclaves of New York, a city of many Little Italy, Little Odessa, Little Sofia. . . Here, transplants dance and laugh their way out of absurd situations and into even messier ones. As they pass through diners, offices, and painter’s workshops, they cast about for new words to match their new realities, reshaping the English language with fresh purpose and greeting chaos with a grin.

Nimble and daring, Stambo's stories lean into curiosity, family, and the old-world bonds that draw her motley characters together.

304 pages, Paperback

Expected publication May 26, 2026

Reviews

[Nicki Markus · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first requested a review copy of People Who Live Alone Talk Too Much to cross one more country off my Around the World Reading Challenge. However, I ended up enjoying this lovely collection of tales with their quirky, memorable characters and wry commentary on various issues of modern life, past bonds and immigration. There were moments of humour and moments of compassion, and I loved the inclusion of cute little illustrations between the stories. I am giving this one 4 stars. Recommended for fans of contemporary short stories.

I received this book as a free eBook ARC via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.