Thank you for these and also linking to your newsletter about Free Therapy because I have been looking for the right book to gift my sister who is turning 40 next month and just moved back home to Ireland after 20 years. I think it will be absolute perfection for her 💛💛
Pandora, have you ever read Ted Chiang’s short stories? His most famous short story is “Stories of Your Life” which was made into the beautiful movie “Arrival”, but both his collections are exquisite. I feel like the Sci-Fi label he is given is to try and pop him into a genre, but his work is so broad and the way his mind works is breathtaking. I call it “literary sci-fi” - which sounds pretentious doesn’t it? His output is limited and every year or so rumours about that a new collection will be released, but in the meantime he writes articles for The Atlantic. He converted me to the short story format, and I in turn always recommend him when short stories are in the conversation. The format certainly suits my “fluttering mind”. Thank you for that.
Thank you for your article. I am now off to investigate your list!
I ADORE Curtis. I thought her short stories were good but I prefer her novels - conversely, for Katherine Heiny, I prefer her short stories over her fiction (I’m annoyed Single Carefree Mellow isn’t better known!)
Your review of Brawler is so good that it has left me in the worst possible position: I desperately want to read Brawler and desperately want to avoid it at the same time.
Pandora, I'm a huge fan of short stories and I've no idea why they don't fly off the shelves! The luxury of being enthralled for a limited time is a big sell for me. I bought 'An arrow in flight' by Mary Lavin last time I was home. I just dip in now and again and it's such a treat. Wonderful writing. You've totally sold 'Brawler' to me 👌
Brilliant opener imaging you writing this with sunglasses on like a cut price Anna Wintour lmao. My fave short story collection is Every Drop is a Man's Nightmare by Megan Kamalei Kakimoto. I highly rec. Will try find a love story from the end of the world!
Thank you for these and also linking to your newsletter about Free Therapy because I have been looking for the right book to gift my sister who is turning 40 next month and just moved back home to Ireland after 20 years. I think it will be absolute perfection for her 💛💛
I really love the Carys Davies short story collection 'The Redemption of Galen Pike' - it's on my re-read pile.
Noted, thank u!
Brawler is a marvel!!
Love this. Wondering have you read the latest Lucy Caldwell collection? I know you, like me, loved Intimacies
I have it beside my bed! Is it gr8? I adored Intimacies, yes, up there with my faves of all time
Pandora, have you ever read Ted Chiang’s short stories? His most famous short story is “Stories of Your Life” which was made into the beautiful movie “Arrival”, but both his collections are exquisite. I feel like the Sci-Fi label he is given is to try and pop him into a genre, but his work is so broad and the way his mind works is breathtaking. I call it “literary sci-fi” - which sounds pretentious doesn’t it? His output is limited and every year or so rumours about that a new collection will be released, but in the meantime he writes articles for The Atlantic. He converted me to the short story format, and I in turn always recommend him when short stories are in the conversation. The format certainly suits my “fluttering mind”. Thank you for that.
Thank you for your article. I am now off to investigate your list!
I haven't! thank you for the tip - will check him out and his Atlantic articles too
Timing! I’ve just seen that a new Atlantic article dropped this week. Happy reading.
I second your recommendation - his short stories are wonderful!
I found it interesting that you're first two pull quotes used the word "slick." I feel like that word, anecdotally, is everywhere right now.
V interesting observation!
I first fell in love with Laurie Colwin’s books through her short story collection The Lone Pilgrim. Passion and Affect is great also!
Also love Curtis Sittenfeld’s Show Don’t Tell which I think maybe you covered awhile back
I ADORE Curtis. I thought her short stories were good but I prefer her novels - conversely, for Katherine Heiny, I prefer her short stories over her fiction (I’m annoyed Single Carefree Mellow isn’t better known!)
Oh have you tried Blindboys short stories? All quite mad. He's read a few of them on his podcast.
Oh great tip! No! He’s ace
Your review of Brawler is so good that it has left me in the worst possible position: I desperately want to read Brawler and desperately want to avoid it at the same time.
Yes I can see this conundrum. It is not feel good, it’s true, but it will… rearrange your soul?
Pandora, I'm a huge fan of short stories and I've no idea why they don't fly off the shelves! The luxury of being enthralled for a limited time is a big sell for me. I bought 'An arrow in flight' by Mary Lavin last time I was home. I just dip in now and again and it's such a treat. Wonderful writing. You've totally sold 'Brawler' to me 👌
I’m with you!! And thank you so much for the tip, never heard of her before
Brilliant opener imaging you writing this with sunglasses on like a cut price Anna Wintour lmao. My fave short story collection is Every Drop is a Man's Nightmare by Megan Kamalei Kakimoto. I highly rec. Will try find a love story from the end of the world!
oooh thank you (what a title), i will investi 😎