What do you think?
Rate this book
The Faces of Strangers
The highly acclaimed author of Where Earth Meets Water returns with an arresting exploration of family and culture.
When native New Yorker Nicholas Grand applies for an international student exchange program, he thinks it's an opportunity to broaden his horizons and meet some interesting people. He never imagines that a single year would have repercussions that would follow him throughout his lifetime.
Nicholas is sent to Estonia, where he meets shy, sensitive Paavo, his beautiful sister, Mari, and their gruff father, Leo, a family grappling with the challenges of life in a small country struggling to assert its post-Soviet identity. Nicholas sets off on an unforgettable journey through a foreign landscape that ultimately teaches him that some bonds can never be broken.
Bridging two uniquely captivating cities, The Faces of Strangers traces the intertwined lives of two seemingly symmetrical families from extraordinarily different worlds. This compelling odyssey through friendship and self-discovery illuminates the universality of how deeply we are defined by our connections with others.
When native New Yorker Nicholas Grand applies for an international student exchange program, he thinks it's an opportunity to broaden his horizons and meet some interesting people. He never imagines that a single year would have repercussions that would follow him throughout his lifetime.
Nicholas is sent to Estonia, where he meets shy, sensitive Paavo, his beautiful sister, Mari, and their gruff father, Leo, a family grappling with the challenges of life in a small country struggling to assert its post-Soviet identity. Nicholas sets off on an unforgettable journey through a foreign landscape that ultimately teaches him that some bonds can never be broken.
Bridging two uniquely captivating cities, The Faces of Strangers traces the intertwined lives of two seemingly symmetrical families from extraordinarily different worlds. This compelling odyssey through friendship and self-discovery illuminates the universality of how deeply we are defined by our connections with others.
320 pages, Paperback
First published March 29, 2016
About the author
Pia Padukone
3 books82 followersPia Padukone was born, raised and continues to live in New York City. A graduate of Stuyvesant High School and the London School of Economics, Pia has worked as a copywriter in healthcare advertising. In their spare time, Pia and her husband write Two Admirable Pleasures (http://twoadmirablepleasures.com/), a blog that combines their shared passions for books and the culinary dishes that are inspired by them. Pia debuts with Where Earth Meets Water and is working on her second novel.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
March 24, 2016
The Faces of Strangers is what you'd call quiet contemporary. There's no grand overture of a story. And it's fairly short. But what I found surprising was that despite bouncing between five different points of view, it did a surprisingly good job. Each character's plights were foreign from each other but were done in such a way that they seemed totally relatable. I've (obviously) never had to deal with the issue of finding childcare while going out on modeling gig. I've never been bullied by white supremacists. I've never had a head injury that made me forget everyone's faces.
Fact is, if this isn't your thing it's going to be a boring read. You know from the get-go how the story is going to end up, and there isn't any secret revealings. But it still kept me interested. I really enjoyed the different stories, even if Nico seemed a little too full of himself. Probably my favorite influence on him was Pyotr, who shoved it in his face how his American elitism was misplaced.
Mari seemed just a little too out there, though. Her aloofness didn't really seem to make any sense; she was just aloof for the sake of being aloof until she seduced Nico. Just too random. But I liked getting to see how it got to that point, and how each person found out about the pregnancy. Each revelation was perfectly placed.
Fact is, if this isn't your thing it's going to be a boring read. You know from the get-go how the story is going to end up, and there isn't any secret revealings. But it still kept me interested. I really enjoyed the different stories, even if Nico seemed a little too full of himself. Probably my favorite influence on him was Pyotr, who shoved it in his face how his American elitism was misplaced.
Mari seemed just a little too out there, though. Her aloofness didn't really seem to make any sense; she was just aloof for the sake of being aloof until she seduced Nico. Just too random. But I liked getting to see how it got to that point, and how each person found out about the pregnancy. Each revelation was perfectly placed.
January 19, 2016
I love novels that show me a glimpse into everyday life in another culture. I have very little knowledge of Estonia, so I really enjoyed the sections of the book depicting a typical family there. The characters felt a little flat at times, but not enough to turn me off the book. The main issue I have with this book is the overall structure. The story begins at the end, then jumps back about a decade and tells the story to the present. At first I really liked this approach, but after I finished I realized that there was really no build up to the end because you already know what happens. Basically the story plays through rather predictably and since you already know the "big twist" there's nothing left to do at the end of the book. It's just over. And yet I still thought it was a good story. But I wonder if the author had put the ending at the end if it would have been stronger still. It might have had more tension and build up. We might have been pondering Paavo's riddle of an email just as much as Nico was. But we weren't. Because we already knew the ending.
April 14, 2016
All in all it's a good read; something you could easily digest when traveling or on a rainy afternoon. My only problem is that a lot of the novel is centered around change and how these characters deal with the decisions, or accidents, in their lives and at the end I think the apology is given to the wrong character. That, for me, was not well thought-out and I was surprised. I think two of the characters absolutely deserved an apology, but I think the anger presented by the one character that got it wasn't developed. If a knowingly neglectful act had been committed I could see familial injustice but as it stands I think the ending was far the weakest part of the book.
April 14, 2016
This novel attempted to be literary, with chapters in different POVs and lots of metaphors. Many of the metaphors were laughable. A typical example: "her fringe spread across her forehead like a windshield wiper."
Each character had a problem - bullying, an accident that cause face blindness, a single mother trying to be a supermodel, alcholism. And each problem was solved, sometimes with a paragraph. And why did the main character apologize to the brother of the woman he made pregnant and not to her (this isn't exactly a spoiler since you know about the pregnancy in the first chapter.) Totally weird.
I will admit the setting in the first part - Estonia - was interesting, although very secondary in a novel that claims to be about the effect of one culture on another - two of the main characters were in a student exchange program.
I guess if you are interested in Estonia or want simple solutions to very real problems, you might like this. If failed entirely for me.
Each character had a problem - bullying, an accident that cause face blindness, a single mother trying to be a supermodel, alcholism. And each problem was solved, sometimes with a paragraph. And why did the main character apologize to the brother of the woman he made pregnant and not to her (this isn't exactly a spoiler since you know about the pregnancy in the first chapter.) Totally weird.
I will admit the setting in the first part - Estonia - was interesting, although very secondary in a novel that claims to be about the effect of one culture on another - two of the main characters were in a student exchange program.
I guess if you are interested in Estonia or want simple solutions to very real problems, you might like this. If failed entirely for me.
May 7, 2016
this book is not about a boy who is doing an exchange semester in estonia..at least not in the first place.
it is about a man who is going his way into politics. just before the elections a long kept secret find its way into the news and to Nicholas, the main character. to explain this secret, the story is going back to the time when Nicholas did his semester abroad in Tallinn. actually there is not much information what is happening there, how he find this way into estonian culture and so on..after a few chapters the time in estonia is over...so for me its not the main thing what the book is about.
it is a short read, and i think that the author could have made much more out of that story then she did. and thats a pity.
it is about a man who is going his way into politics. just before the elections a long kept secret find its way into the news and to Nicholas, the main character. to explain this secret, the story is going back to the time when Nicholas did his semester abroad in Tallinn. actually there is not much information what is happening there, how he find this way into estonian culture and so on..after a few chapters the time in estonia is over...so for me its not the main thing what the book is about.
it is a short read, and i think that the author could have made much more out of that story then she did. and thats a pity.
June 22, 2018
This coming-of-age story involves a student exchange program that would change the lives of two young men. Nico is sent to Estonia to stay with Paavo and his family for a semester. In a country struggling with its post-Cold War identity, Nico learns a great deal about himself and his host family. Patriarch Leo is a brusque Russian with an impenetrable façade while his wife is as motherly and kind as they come. Paavo is insecure but bright, while his sister Mari, a model, is the polar opposite, bursting with confidence and a sharp wit. One afternoon in Paavo’s house would change the course of all of their lives forever.
The following semester, it is Paavo’s turn to join Nico’s family in New York City, which gives Paavo a much needed boost to his self-esteem. An accident left Nico’s sister Norah with prosopagnosia, or face blindness, and Paavo helps her come to terms with the inability to recognize friends and family. As the two teenagers become successful men, they must come to terms with the results of what Paavo considers Nico’s betrayal. Despite this, their invaluable experiences in the exchange program will shape their destinies.
Once I became familiar with the tone and pace of the book, I was really captivated by Nico’s immersion into Estonian culture. But it was the dynamic between the characters that was really at the heart of this novel, and I appreciated the distinct voices that were portrayed.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.
The following semester, it is Paavo’s turn to join Nico’s family in New York City, which gives Paavo a much needed boost to his self-esteem. An accident left Nico’s sister Norah with prosopagnosia, or face blindness, and Paavo helps her come to terms with the inability to recognize friends and family. As the two teenagers become successful men, they must come to terms with the results of what Paavo considers Nico’s betrayal. Despite this, their invaluable experiences in the exchange program will shape their destinies.
Once I became familiar with the tone and pace of the book, I was really captivated by Nico’s immersion into Estonian culture. But it was the dynamic between the characters that was really at the heart of this novel, and I appreciated the distinct voices that were portrayed.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.
August 12, 2019
In her second novel, Padukone explores what is means to be connected to humanity, both near and far. The theme of universality despite cultures and health is meaningful to readers, and Nora's condition brings an intriguing aspect to the novel. However, the beginning feels disjointed from the rest of the book and there are parts that seems to drag on, leaving readers wondering where these parts of the story are going. Still though, the story has the ability to resonate with readers longing for a deeper human connection.
SUMMARY: Nico Grand has no idea that the four months he spends in Estonia for a study abroad high school program will change his life forever. Forced to figure out who he is, Nico matures in those four months in ways that propel him into the public forum, fighting for those who are less fortunate than himself. However, ten years later Nico finds himself at the most important day of his life- his probable election to mayor- in a relationship with a woman he doesn't love, wondering if he is beginning to slide down the wrong path. Then he gets a phone call that changes his entire life and brings everything back into perspective.
SUMMARY: Nico Grand has no idea that the four months he spends in Estonia for a study abroad high school program will change his life forever. Forced to figure out who he is, Nico matures in those four months in ways that propel him into the public forum, fighting for those who are less fortunate than himself. However, ten years later Nico finds himself at the most important day of his life- his probable election to mayor- in a relationship with a woman he doesn't love, wondering if he is beginning to slide down the wrong path. Then he gets a phone call that changes his entire life and brings everything back into perspective.
February 15, 2019
Another mediocre novel that sounds like something out of a creative writing class. The different POVs, the email excerpts with cutesy screen names, a whole section where one character narrates the last few years of her life in the guise of a therapy session. The whole concept, in fact, of the exchange program from which everyone goes on to become super successful. I read it in preparation for a trip to Estonia, and it did portray a few interesting aspects of the country but not really much. I wouldn't recommend it.
June 6, 2016
Pia Padukone presents us with five people in two different countries and weaves their lives together in The Faces of Strangers.
Two teenage boys enroll in an exchange program where their experiences will be something that, for better or worse, will shape the rest of their lives. Paavo from Estonia, a small country near Russia, and Nicholas, from New York City are paired together. Each has a few months to live with the other’s family and attend a semester at school.
The story unfolds from the viewpoints of Paavo, his father and sister, and Nicholas and his sister. The author does a decent job of alternating between each of the characters and their voices.
While the story centers around the boys, I felt the real story was with Nicholas’ sister Nora. Nora has lasting trauma from a car accident and suffers from prosopagnosia, a disorder which causes her to forget faces. She does not recognize even her closest loved ones and given the title, The Faces of Strangers, I really wanted more from Nora’s story. I think the author missed an opportunity by giving Nora’s voice such a small role.
I particularly liked the chapters set in Estonia and exploring the foreign history and way of life. The novel is pretty straight forward - no twists or big reveals to keep the reader flipping pages but the story is compelling with enjoyable characters. Overall a decent read especially if you’re looking for something a bit off the beaten path.
Check out more of my reviews at www.sassycatchat.com
Two teenage boys enroll in an exchange program where their experiences will be something that, for better or worse, will shape the rest of their lives. Paavo from Estonia, a small country near Russia, and Nicholas, from New York City are paired together. Each has a few months to live with the other’s family and attend a semester at school.
The story unfolds from the viewpoints of Paavo, his father and sister, and Nicholas and his sister. The author does a decent job of alternating between each of the characters and their voices.
While the story centers around the boys, I felt the real story was with Nicholas’ sister Nora. Nora has lasting trauma from a car accident and suffers from prosopagnosia, a disorder which causes her to forget faces. She does not recognize even her closest loved ones and given the title, The Faces of Strangers, I really wanted more from Nora’s story. I think the author missed an opportunity by giving Nora’s voice such a small role.
I particularly liked the chapters set in Estonia and exploring the foreign history and way of life. The novel is pretty straight forward - no twists or big reveals to keep the reader flipping pages but the story is compelling with enjoyable characters. Overall a decent read especially if you’re looking for something a bit off the beaten path.
Check out more of my reviews at www.sassycatchat.com
April 12, 2016
This novel was set up similarly to a lot of novels I've read and enjoyed recently, jumping time and going back and forth between different characters' perspectives. I thought it worked well here. I was an exchange student once and thought back fondly on what I learned from that experience; I found the story very realistic from that regard. I actually liked that the shocker was at the beginning because it wasn't the most important part of the story, in my opinion. I felt it was more about setting up how it came to happen and what the impact was, not as much build up to the surprise itself. I heard the author say :) that she left it unresolved at the end because that is how life is. I am actually someone who likes more of a bow tie on stories but I appreciated this open end because it really did reflect how life is, and didn't just seem to be for the sake of it. I'm still interested in seeing what happens to these characters though so I'll take a sequel! I recommend this is an enjoyable and easy read, and a thought provoking one particularly if you've had any experiences abroad.
June 2, 2016
Nicholas has been accepted for the international student exchange program. He finds himself in Estonia living with a small family. We bounce between the different characters and the different trials they face. You will experience bullying, the inability to recognize people’s faces, or trying to find child care. Follow along as each finds their place in the world and works through their troubles.
This story starts with the ending then backs up ten years and starts again. I have read another story that worked like this, the ending to the start, and for that book it worked really well. This one was disappointing. You know how the story is going to end so there is no surprise to the end of the book. Sadly the rest of the story was slow going.
If you like contemporary stories I think you may like this story. I’m sorry to say that it wasn’t my cup of tea. The story was written well, it’s just not one that really peaked my attention.
I received The Faces of Strangers for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This story starts with the ending then backs up ten years and starts again. I have read another story that worked like this, the ending to the start, and for that book it worked really well. This one was disappointing. You know how the story is going to end so there is no surprise to the end of the book. Sadly the rest of the story was slow going.
If you like contemporary stories I think you may like this story. I’m sorry to say that it wasn’t my cup of tea. The story was written well, it’s just not one that really peaked my attention.
I received The Faces of Strangers for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
March 4, 2016
There was so much to this book I'm not sure where to start a review. The characters are all really well developed through different chapters. While the characters may not all live in the same city their lives are all intertwined. Through a student exchange program they learn so much about different cultures and themselves. They see their strengths and weaknesses and that even weaknesses can be strengths in some instances. Beautifully written, you grow up with Nico and Paavo as they move through adolescents and into adulthood.
The weakest points to the book were that the ending was told at the beginning so the end while still good was not as strong as it could have been. I think not knowing what the answer to Paavo's riddle was at the beginning or even having been presented with his riddle at the beginning would have made for a stronger book.
Overall it is a good read and would make for great summer beach reading.
The weakest points to the book were that the ending was told at the beginning so the end while still good was not as strong as it could have been. I think not knowing what the answer to Paavo's riddle was at the beginning or even having been presented with his riddle at the beginning would have made for a stronger book.
Overall it is a good read and would make for great summer beach reading.
July 9, 2016
The author did a fairly good job with the prose of the story. All the words flowed really well, and she even managed to pull off changing between multiple character perspectives without making the story seemed disjointed. As you have probably seen in other reviews, there is a bit of a debate on whether the author should have told the story chronologically, or leave the reveal in the beginning like she did. Given that the reveal wasn't that much of a reveal to begin with, I think it was okay to have it where it was. We would have lost the perspective of the person with the reveal, and that would have taken some of the story away.
Basically, the story itself was not necessarily epic, life changing, or inspiring; but it was a nice one. A shorter read made sure you didn't really get tired of it, so the book is perfect to enjoy on a short trip or a commute.
Basically, the story itself was not necessarily epic, life changing, or inspiring; but it was a nice one. A shorter read made sure you didn't really get tired of it, so the book is perfect to enjoy on a short trip or a commute.
December 18, 2016
Well-written and interesting
October 9, 2016
"The Faces of Strangers" tells the story of Nicholas Grand who spends a semester as an international exchange student in Estonia. When he returns home from his time abroad, the young high school student has undergone significant personal growth and maturity. At the beginning of his time overseas, he is an insecure 17 year old and he returns with the confidence to run for office as a student politician. His time with the Sokolov family and their teenage children, Mari and Paavo results in some changes with a long lasting impact. He learns of one significant impact almost 10 years after his time in Estonia, which has a serious repercussions on his current political aspirations.
Overall, the book is a good read ! Thank you GoodReads for the book.
Overall, the book is a good read ! Thank you GoodReads for the book.
August 19, 2016
I read another review of this book that described its type as "quiet contemporary" and it couldn't be more fitting. Any negative connotations of that term need be discarded, as it doesn't denote negativity or shrewdness - on the contrary, the story still swam to certain depths that afforded it a good amount of sensitivity to place, to the imperfectly human spirit, and to the complicated nature of interpersonal + international relationships. Smooth, watery, easy to tread through, making a small, refreshing splash like a professional diver from the high board.
February 9, 2020
I wanted so badly to love this book but I just couldn’t. The concept and storyline were intriguing, but I often felt it moved too fast and didn’t stop to really connect with any of the characters. While the story is told from the point of view of many characters throughout, it only connects with the feelings of one, Nico. Leo’s point of view was basically forgotten halfway through and Mari and Paavo’s skipped around so much that it left holes in the believability.
March 14, 2016
Upon reading the first chapter, where a 20-something, rising star politician was about to meet with an embarrassing sex scandal due to a high school dalliance with a now-famous Russian model, the book struck me as being a bit too pulpy and low-brow for my tastes. There were moments throughout where the credibility was being tested a bit much for my liking.
April 7, 2016
This had the makings of a really great novel until it abruptly ended without any type of resolution to the problem that the book sets up in the beginning! I wish the author had taken her time with the ending. Also, full disclosure, I received this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
Read
April 26, 2016"...the story has the ability to resonate with readers longing for a deeper human connection" (RT Book Reviews).
August 22, 2016
A very beautiful, thoughtful story that is weaved together with much craft. Really enjoyed it. Good pacing, characters I got to know and subsequently fall in step with, lyricism.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews