Lola's Luck: My Life Among the California Gypsies Paperback – January 1, 2009

The author spent much of her life as the lover of a married Romany man, the close friend of an elderly Romany woman, the friend of many others, as nearly as possible a non Romany participant in Romany culture. The book does not say much about the formal structure of Romany society but gives a vivid picture of the culture seen from the inside.

Book Review on Carol Miller's Lola's Luck​Lola's Luck sets off at an alarming pace, partially hinting at adventure and a poignant narration. Indeed, both two assumptions are correct and certified. The text primarily journeys the reader through the Gypsy community and its respective cultures, packed in a wonderful pair of twists, pure insight, and know-how. It also premises on a first-person narration by Carol Miller, whose life and livelihood unfold more similarly to a film as the plot advances or picks in a steady motion. The reader is intrigued by the author's ability to explore an impressive grammatical touch across the novel, from a positive thematic venture to an appropriate incorporation of stylistic devices. Nevertheless, the book is quite likely to spark heavy criticism from people who value morality and are judgmental about love outside wedlock. Nonetheless, it is more or less an accurate representation of society without any shades of immoral concealment. This review seeks to unwind the contents of Carol Miller's text-Lola's Luck, from a scholarly point in a book review that is ready to understand not just the stylistic devices and thematic interests of the novel but also the underlying critiques.About the Book; History, Author, and Background Details​Lola's plot houses both an impressive historical reception and background. The book takes the readers on a one-on-one ride on a rollercoaster across the subtle environs of Machvaia, where most of its narration takes place. In the course of reading, the author tours readers through places of prestigious culture such as California, popularly known for its vastness in ethnicity, as is partly discussed by the text, and the environs of Seattle, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. At one point, however, the narrator feels that since she had taken too long doing her Master's and was away from home for quite some time, her Machvaian family and overseers may hint that she was within the intentions of "going native" (Miller 52). This statement lets the readers understand that the narrator was pleased with travelling but took a moment to reflect. In a different supporting scenario, she feels "betrayed by the hours spent apart and the moments "not shared with a wedlock lover Stevo, though amidst other reasons, her adventurous nature (Miller 212). The background of this scholarly text and the setting is mainly within California among the Romanian people. The book takes an exciting turn in exploring the gypsy culture while giving the bookworm enough thrill about their culture.About the Book (Summary)​At the onset of Lola's Luck, the reader is granted the rare chance to peer at the ending while looking through the beginning, practically possible with an open-ended cylinder. This implies that the sorrowful prologue of the text, including the mention of Lola's death at the front in a rather profound manner, dawns an understanding that such a great connection exists between the narrator and the character Lola. The pages then flap, one tumbling over another, creating a tale of Gypsy decency, terming it as an underground culture that includes faint hints of witchcraft and false fortune-telling. Miller quotes that in her stay with the Gypsies, she "learned, fortune telling was mostly guessing" (127). The practice is shared among the Romani people, and hardly anyone knows that the promises given are not tied to reality an inch long but are only remains of a scheme designed to survive in a harsh world while imposing faith in desperate, hopeless casuals. The author goes on to inform that fortune telling "sometimes seemed like inspired guessing" and would sometimes only require the seer to tap into their customers'" familiar values" (Miller 127). This was the livelihood of the Machvaia people, who paid their dues and gave them a penny or two to survive each day. The novel explores these cultures determinedly while introducing characters like Lola, Katy, and Zoni, who play the most prominent role in aiding the narrator in understanding the Gypsy culture. Characters like Stevo also bring to life other aspects of the controversy, including moral decadence. Within this text, we explore a Romanian life, moving inch by inch with the narrator along her line of study into a fully certified and knowledgeable anthropologist well informed about a culture other than her of her upbringing.Plot and Flow (arrangement)​Lola's Luck is arranged in a seamless manner adjourning at various sections in unnamed chapters. The text assumes a complete flow from the beginning to the end such that the branches do not interfere with narration or break the happenings of one event at the cost of hastily venturing into another. It is, however, observable that other than chapters remaining unnamed, they are relatively short and encouraging to read. The text suggests that the reader bookmarks progress through page numbers and on-current topics of discussion than through chapters. To enable smooth reading, narration per chapter is vested on a constant topic of discussion. The novel's plot is flawless and appears to mature as the pages pile up on the left side. In the beginning, the author is in an introductory mood; she observes the use of simple essential phrases, especially when it's necessary to introduce the characters. As she is introducing Katy, for instance, a phrase like "she was a woman who made her living "reading" people and their motives" gets us to know her deeper and is best applicable in the introductory part of the text (Miller 2). As the plot matures, the reader learns that the practice is false. At the text's peak, the author intrudes that even "Katy once admitted it was "craziness in a crazy world" (Miller 123). Therefore, the plot's flow observes the correct introduction and gains momentarily to the peak until it is time to harvest from the conclusion both the bitter and the sweet remains of narration.ThemesAlienation​Alienation is an overarching theme that encompasses the overwhelming aspects of loneliness. Often, alienation instills the notion that the victim is regarded as an outcast in a society of interest. Lola's Luck turns steadily towards this theme, which began as an optimistic subject of love and affection. In the late introductory segment of the novel, the narrator meets Stevo, a married man with several children. The author narrates that in the face of "Stevo's inspired sleeping tactics," she "was quietly, readily wooed and won" (Miller 33). This became the beginning of the narrator's indulgence in misery. A kind of misery that later brought such great dread between her (the narrator) and Stevo's first wife, Tutsi. Later in the novel, the theme of alienation advances steadily as Tutsi tries, by all means, to get hold of this new chick in a brood that deserves no more. The longing and the depth of loneliness brought by the realization that Stevo would only remain a lover's name in the past bring us to the theme of alienation. She (the narrator) quotes, "betrayed by the hours spent apart and the moments we didn't share, the wails of the lost and lonely, I am besieged by premonitions of a future, black and bleak without him." These words indicate the depth of loneliness in the author's heart. Through such instances in the text, the theme of alienation finally gains a voice.Love and Friendship​Further, love occurs quite evidently within the text. Love signifies two people in intimate love or two or more people within a triangle of love that does not include anything suggesting intimacy, such as friendship love. The case of Stevo and the narrator is one evident scenario of love and affection. The author admits that while observing Stevo's sleep, she "was quietly, readily wooed and won" (Miller 33). In this case, the author can heavily advance the theme of love and affection through this scenario. In a different matter, the author notes that "just a few hours after" she met Lola, the latter "announced with an abrupt decision that we were bound to be best friends" (Miller 7). This kind of love is built on a friendship pedestal. These two instances, therefore, advance the theme of love and friendship from different angles in Lola's Luck.Redemption​The theme of redemption in Lola's Luck appears foremost in the title before gaining further meaning as the text advances in the plot. Towards the novel's end, the reader understands the title's significance as a form of redemption for the author. In response, Miller quotes, "rescuing me from my existential pit, Lola's ghost offered the gift of wisdom" (208). Lola's Luck is, therefore, a title of redemption, redemption from life failures but, most importantly, redemption from Stevo's affection and longing, whose absence the author could not entirely handle. I had been to Seattle to visit my family over the holidays. The narrator quotes that she hoped on "the unlikely chance that the phone might ring and hear the sound of his smooth cello-like voice wishing" her" the standard good health and good luck; Sastimasa tai BaXtasa" (Miller 209). Later in the novel, at an event, the narrator meets Stevo after a long time and is glad that the feelings she once deeply had, had grown shallow for him. This order of events sires the theme of redemption, particularly from a contemporary outlook instead of a religious one. Redemption; therefore, is a well-developed theme that aids in setting a compelling flow of events across the entire plot.Stylistic DevicesVivid Description​The essence behind vivid description goes beyond the mere intentions of the author to convey meaning and understanding to the reader. This device frequently occurs in Lola's Luck to bring the events of Machvaia to life; almost vision-able, tangible and appealing to life. Through vivid descriptions, people can tell one writer's style of writing apart from another. When the author describes Stevo, she reveals that she had time to appreciate what she saw "the buff, adorable form; the in-and-out surrender of his breath; the dark, near-black curls; the perfect fringe of lashes resting on his smooth broad cheeks" (Miller 33). The ability of such narration to spell life within every facet of human understanding is what vivid description refers to. In a different instance, when the author is describing Katy's storefront, she says it "was a dark, two-storied Oriental box designed to gobble up" her "courage"; "only the walls at the front and back had windows, doors, and access to outside air and natural light" (Miller 1). This kind of description gives us a vivid picture of events and the appearance of things. The vivid description sets one author apart from another; as is the case with Miller, she responds perfectly to this stylistic device.Anachronism​The device allusion exists as the entire text in general. In the present day, and in complete understanding of the harsh economic times, people would wonder about matters revolving around any possibility of solving marital issues from a sorcerer's perspective. The text quotes that while "approaching a loan officer," Lola hands "him a business card that read, Mrs. Johnson, Famous Expert on Love and Business" (Miller 13). The world today borrows the meaning of civilization as occurrences provable by science or mathematics and instead only habits the dusty possibility that the unseen forces might indeed control certain matters but if it is not religion, faith or belief, then why hold on to just a chance? Mostly, only in societies where people have grown to believe and practice sorcery that off-springs grow to become convinced adults accepting it as an authentic practice; even these (believers) are viewed in such a judgmental outcast manner from their opinions alone by society that some point they begin doubting what they grew up seeing or hearing. As a 2009 published text, the contents of the novel remain an Anachronism such that the beliefs of sorcery and the likewise form of dressing by Romanians do not conform to civilization as a facet of provable Science or mathematics today. Phrases like Gypsies believed in "rituals that protect" their "family's health and luck" leap forth to confirm the device allusion (Miller 63). Anachronism in this text has therefore been used to establish Lola's Luck foundation and yet gone a notch higher to serve as a necessary topping though not in absolute clarity.Cliffhanger​A literary text specially written with the intention of entertainment can only sound so vague if it does not habit a proper use of the cliffhanger. This device builds necessary suspense such that the reader remains glued to the text after each chapter's end. It is the sauce of any excellent cuisine within a literary understanding. Lola's Luck is one of those texts that take a glimpse on the cliffhanger every once in a while, mainly to build suspense and advance various themes within the text's plot. A case in the text is when Zoni passes on, and the readers are left to discover it from the following statement, which comes after a threatening shock and the possibility that the victim's ailment will not get better. The events here take place so fast that there exists not a hint of the possible sad mood about to kidnap the author's narration. At one point, the narrator attempts to advise Zoni, whose car they are in, to take her instructions not to miss a turn; she screams, "turn, Zoni! Wait, Zoni!" then concludes that "something was wrong," earlier on they had "blamed the headache medication, not knowing about the tumor" (Miller 184). At this point, a heavy cloud of suspense envelopes the novel; the reader is uninformed about such a remarkable turn of events and is impatient to know what measures will be carried on next. This defines the term cliffhanger. Unfortunately, the following statement is, "we found zoni's burial dress in the first few minutes of our search at a new boutique on union square" (Miller 184). The author's wise mention of Zoni's death without practically mentioning it adds to the reader's brilliant choice of words as a better tag-along to the cliffhanger. Among more within the novel, the mentioned instance adds the necessary taste to the book, serving the purpose of a cliffhanger.Likable Aspects of the Book​The book projects several likable aspects in the course of the plot. The proper use of grammar to create an admirable flow across the text is one agreeable aspect that might have drawn it closer to the readers. Any literary text must command correct and proper grammar usage, especially if the target is a knowledgeable audience. Peering into the book's contents, readers are thankful that Miller chose a path that demands living a life different from her normal one. Through the author's search for knowledge and pursuit of anthropology, readers can understand in a more profound and more comprehensible manner the practices and beliefs of the Roma people. As Lola informs the narrator, it is widely known that "Gypsy things are secret" (Miller 58). However, the knowledge shed by this text puts everything plainly as it is, pouring just enough light to anyone interested in understanding the Roma culture, livelihood, and history. What is most pleasant about the text is that all this information is brought about in such astounding; intrigue that monotony becomes an understatement. In addition, Miller carries with her narration the magic of proper thematic build-up and employment of literary devices. Themes such as love and friendship are dominant, and more than one instance exists where characters are almost "going crazy for love." (Miller 147). These themes and stylistic devices prop the novel, making it admirable to most readers.Conflict/Criticism​Nevertheless, there exists no room for perfection in this world. Otherwise, people would be immortal. That said, Lola's Luck habits minor critiques from readers. Most readers are likely unhappy with the author's decision to settle with Stevo, a man whose charm grasps the narrator by the collar. "I sensed the danger, the loss of self, the life death;" these are the words spoken by the author when she began falling for Stevo, knowing vividly that he was married with several children. In Roma's culture, such an affair was regarded as shame and had they not kept it as a secret though walls later had ears, it was customary that they answer before the Roma court. The author goes forth to report that "before long," their "connection had become the crime of the century" (Miller 34). This affair landed the book critiques from several readers who wished that the narrator would remain unengaged to any man. The results of a mortal man are, however, imperfections either close to looking like perfection, averagely perfect, or deviating from this term in every aspect. Stevo's out-of-wedlock love showed that he was human and to be human is to err. Reality is pronounced by the flow of Lola's Luck plot; other than that, this text might appear fictional and un-relatable to the readers. The death of major characters like Lola, who served as the steering to the mood and insight of the novel, also played a significant part in attracting critiques if the text is especially fictional based rather than an exact genuine encounter (though not the case; non-fiction). Lola's Luck is well-crafted, except for a few pardonable hitches.​Altogether, Lola's Luck is a fascinating narrative composed with both an informative and entertainment intent. Little is known about the Gypsies and the Roma culture; however, readers can bask in the light of knowledge impressively shed by Miller Carol. The book deserves recognition for good narration and the knowledge shared from one's livelihood. In the interest of entertainment, Lola's Luck text is a refreshing read. In the interest of education and reference; however, the novel remains viable. The ability of the author to incorporate proper grammar usage, themes, and literary techniques adds to intrigue when reading the book. As such, reading fanatics remain glued to this literary piece from the first to the last page.

knew the author when she was in s.f. shame on you carol for carrying on the way you did with that married rom! how come you couldn't keep your panties on and just done your anthropology work? no wonder the kalderash wouldn't associate with you! glad you didn't feel compelled to put me in your book. want you to know that the rroma still don't have respect for you till this day. this is written about carol miller , author of lola's luck that i purchased through amazon. mai som o doug.

Hate it. Just like her other book. Why did this woman do her research on her back with a married Rom? I found it so insulting. I wanted to give her a break but I just can't. The worst part of this book is the way she treated a poor married woman. Did Carol Miller have to sit out in the freezing cold to sell flowers or sell her daughters? The people in her books sound lust driven and hard up. I vomit in my mouth every time she goes on about how exotic Rom are. She said in her other book the females need to be separate from Rom because the men are so sex driven, lustful & exotic. Carol Miller maybe going through some mid life crisis but who thinks about sex all the time? Would she speak this way about any other culture & make them sound so National Geographic? Hate I wasted my valuable time reading this fluff.

I started reading this book several months ago and then dumped it in the "for sale" pile. After finishing Carol's second book, "The Church of Cheese" the other day, I thought, "Maybe I just wasn't ready for [Lola's Luck]. Maybe I ought to try again."It wasn't too long before I remembered why I didn't like Lola's Luck in the first place. After a few pages, it changes from "Lola's Luck" to "How I Dated a Machvano". YIKES! I'm no anthropologist, but I'm pretty sure you're NOT supposed to date one of your subjects! In fact, when I realized that would be like Temperance Brennan dating one of her "clients" (were he still alive), it turned me off completely.Considering that The Church of Cheese was much more like what I was expecting from this book, I'd have to chock the situation up to "the first time isn't always perfect".

I didn't care for this book. It was basically the story of Carol Miller's romance with a peripheral character. While Lola was a fun and lovable character, it didn't address some of the important issues of Gypsy culture that needed to be addressed for context. The romance part was sleazy and I didn't have much faith in the author's academic integrity because of it. It just seemed rather shallow.

I have been searching for a long time for books about Roma life. This book offers a look at a California community (I wish that more communities would share their lifestyle and culture with those of us who want to learn more) and the woman who shared a part of it.

Not as good as I'd hoped. Seemed she was frustrated in her own life searching for a sense of community.