Terroir: Love, Out of Place by

Natasha Sajé's 'Terroir' delves into the concept of terroir, not just as it applies to agriculture but as a metaphor for the environments that shape our identities. Through a series of essays, she revisits her life's journey, from her childhood as the child of European refugees in suburban New Jersey to her experiences in Switzerland, Baltimore, and Salt Lake City. Each location and relationship becomes a fertile ground for her exploration of nationality, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and class. Sajé's prose combines poetic lyricism with incisive commentary, making 'Terroir' a profound meditation on the constant change and growth that define our lives. The book is not just a personal narrative but also a broader commentary on the immigrant experience and the complexities of identity. Sajé's use of language as her most fertile ground highlights the power of words in understanding and expressing our multifaceted selves. 'Terroir' is a compelling read for anyone interested in the intersection of personal history, cultural identity, and the environments that shape us.

Reviews

Missouri Review · Lisa Katz · 2025-10-23

good 4.00

The memoir-in-essays combines poetic lyricism with incisive commentary on various social issues, offering a unique and timely perspective on identity. The reviewer praises the book for its depth and relevance.

Lisa Katz from the Missouri Review highlights 'Terroir: Love, Out of Place' as a standout work that combines poetic lyricism with profound commentary on nationality, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and class. Katz appreciates how Sajé's personal experiences as an immigrant and outsider add a timely and relevant dimension to the discussions on identity and belonging. The reviewer finds the book to be both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant, praising Sajé's ability to weave together personal narratives with broader societal observations. They commend the book for its depth and relevance, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in issues of identity and intersectionality.

Quick quotes

This memoir-in-essays combines poetic lyricism with incisive commentary on nationality, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and class.

Natasha Sajé's ranging essay collection explores the nature of the self while shedding light on race, sexuality, and other critical issues.

Captivating reading... Natasha Sajé's ranging essay collection explores the nature of the self while shedding light on race, sexuality, and other critical issues.

The Storygraph · 2025-10-23

mixed 3.00

The book presents many interesting thoughts and concepts, but the essays felt disjointed and left the reader chasing crumbs. The reviewer found the writing style engaging but the overall structure lacking.

The reviewer at The Storygraph acknowledges that 'Terroir: Love, Out of Place' is filled with fascinating ideas and concepts, and Natasha Sajé is undoubtedly a captivating writer. However, they found the essays to be somewhat fragmented, making it feel like the book was a collection of loosely connected thoughts rather than a cohesive narrative. The reviewer appreciates Sajé's unique perspective and the depth of her insights but feels that the book could have benefited from a more structured approach. They admire the poetic lyricism and the personal touch in the essays but wish for a more seamless flow between the different themes and ideas.

Quick quotes

There are so many interesting thoughts and concepts in Terroir, and Sajé is surely a fascinating woman.

Reading these essays felt like chasing crumbs on a table after a meal, trying to piece together what was there.

The writing is engaging, but the overall structure left something to be desired.

Goodreads · 2020-11-10

insightful 4.50

The essays offer incisive commentary on various social issues, presenting a unique perspective on identity and belonging. The writing is poetic and thought-provoking, making it a captivating read.

Natasha Sajé's collection of essays in 'Terroir: Love, Out of Place' delves deeply into themes of nationality, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and class. Each essay is a poetic exploration of personal experiences and societal observations, offering a rich tapestry of insights. The reviewer appreciates the depth and lyricism of Sajé's writing, which makes the book both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant. They highlight how Sajé's unique perspective as an immigrant and outsider adds a timely and relevant dimension to the discussions on identity and belonging.

Quick quotes

Sajé's essays offer incisive commentary on nationality, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and class.

Hers are not tales of melancholy but rather celebrations of the complexity of human experience.

The essays are poetic and thought-provoking, making it a captivating read.

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