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A dozen new stories by the acclaimed "minimalist" writer introduce more of her plucky, hardworking, slightly askew characters--losers, absconders, plotters, ponderers, and pontificators
A collection of short stories captures the fragmented lives of individuals navigating personal instability and social alienation. The protagonist in each narrative grapples with the mundane pressures of daily existence, often finding themselves at odds with their own choices or the expectations of those around them. These characters, ranging from drifters to those stuck in stagnant routines, operate within a world defined by subtle shifts in perspective and quiet desperation. The narrative framework relies on sparse prose and elliptical dialogue to reveal the internal states of these figures without relying on heavy exposition.
Discussion often centers on the author's ability to convey significant emotional weight through highly economical language. Readers frequently highlight the specific, slightly askew nature of the characters, noting how they embody a particular brand of modern malaise. Critics often point to the pacing as deliberate and measured, allowing the reader to inhabit the quiet spaces between the characters' actions. The collection is frequently cited for its consistency in tone and its refusal to provide easy resolutions to the problems presented in each story.
Page Count:
146
Publication Date:
1989-01-01
Publisher:
Collier Books
ISBN-10:
002036380X
ISBN-13:
9780020363804
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