This is an eclectic collection of short stories that sits somewhere between the unsettling and the tender, weaving together moments of everyday life tThis is an eclectic collection of short stories that sits somewhere between the unsettling and the tender, weaving together moments of everyday life that have the power to devastate in quiet, profound ways. As someone whose track record with short stories is hit or miss, I approached this collection with some hesitation but Carson largely delivered. While not every story resonated, many captured my attention with their delicate blend of the uncanny and the poignant, offering a series of small but deeply affecting devastations.
Carson's stories frequently dabble in the uncanny, a thread that runs through the collection and creates an atmosphere that feels slightly off-kilter, but never too far removed from reality. The title story, Quickly, While They Still Have Horses, along with Grand, So and A Certain Degree of Ownership, stood out as particularly affecting. These stories left a lasting impression, likely because of Carson's ability to infuse ordinary moments with deeper emotional undercurrents. These stories excel because they balance the strange with the relatable, grounding their more surreal elements in the lived realities of the characters.
However, as with most short story collections, there were a few pieces that didn’t fully grab my attention. Some stories felt less urgent or impactful, and I found myself skimming a few of them, searching for a stronger connection. The uncanny elements, while fascinating, sometimes made the narrative feel a bit distant, which in some cases weakened the emotional punch I was looking for.
That being said, what Carson does well—really well—is capture those “little devastations” that accumulate over time, a thematic thread that runs throughout the book. Her characters are often caught in moments of transition, grappling with change, regret, or loss in ways that feel both deeply personal and oddly universal. It’s this combination of the familiar and the strange that gives the collection its weight, even when some individual stories fall flat.
While not every story hit the mark for me, the ones that did made the entire collection worth it. If you're drawn to stories that play with the uncanny and explore the slow build-up of emotional turmoil in everyday life, Carson's latest work is well worth the read....more
I usually enjoy stream-of-consciousness novels, but they really shine when the protagonist is intriguing and compelling. Unfortunately, that wasn’t thI usually enjoy stream-of-consciousness novels, but they really shine when the protagonist is intriguing and compelling. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case with "The Italy Letters". The narrative felt monotonous, with no real plot to hold onto—just a series of disconnected thoughts and vibes. I kept waiting for something to grab me, but I struggled to find any point or deeper meaning in it all. Ultimately, it left me feeling bored and disconnected....more
"So Late in the Day" by Claire Keegan is a well composed short story about a bitter, misogynistic, and stingy man trapped in a monotonous life. Throug"So Late in the Day" by Claire Keegan is a well composed short story about a bitter, misogynistic, and stingy man trapped in a monotonous life. Through precise prose, Keegan explores the emptiness and isolation that result from his negative traits. This compelling story leaves a lasting impression, highlighting the consequences of a life devoid of empathy and generosity....more
"The Most" by Jessica Anthony was a contemplative exploration of the intricacies of marriage and the weight of unfulfilled dreams. This domestic drama"The Most" by Jessica Anthony was a contemplative exploration of the intricacies of marriage and the weight of unfulfilled dreams. This domestic drama unfolded primarily through flashbacks, offering a dual perspective on the lives of a wife and her husband. The narrative delved deep into their relationship, exposing the secrets and choices that had shaped their paths.
Anthony's writing captured the subtle, often unspoken nuances of a long-term partnership, painting a vivid picture of a couple bound by routine yet haunted by what might have been. The alternating viewpoints between the husband and wife provided a good understanding of their individual and collective disappointments.
The book's tone was pervaded by a quiet melancholy, reflecting the characters' introspective journeys and their grappling with lost opportunities. The domestic setting served as a backdrop for the unfolding drama, emphasizing the themes of regret and the roads not taken.
However, the story's progression felt static, with much of the narrative devoted to building the characters' backgrounds and emotional landscapes. While this offered depth and insight, it also meant the plot didn't advance significantly. I found the lack of resolution and forward momentum frustrating, as the story seemed to linger in the realm of possibilities rather than moving towards a definitive conclusion.
Despite this, "The Most" was a poignant and thought-provoking read, capturing the essence of unfulfilled hopes and the bittersweet reality of lives constrained by choices made and not made. It was a reflective piece that resonated with the inherent complexities of human relationships, even if it left me yearning for a more conclusive ending....more
"Foster" by Claire Keegan is a beautifully written novella set in rural Ireland. The story follows a young girl sent to live with distant relatives, w"Foster" by Claire Keegan is a beautifully written novella set in rural Ireland. The story follows a young girl sent to live with distant relatives, where she experiences warmth and kindness contrasting with her own family's hardships. Keegan's poetic yet understated prose captures the nuances of childhood innocence and the search for belonging. The novella is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and human connection, leaving a lasting impression with its quiet, evocative storytelling....more
Oh, how I wish this was longer.. A captivating short story that explores themes of communication, empathy, the profound connections between all living Oh, how I wish this was longer.. A captivating short story that explores themes of communication, empathy, the profound connections between all living beings and the possibilities that arise when we finally start to listen to the voices of nature....more
T. Kingfisher's "What Moves the Dead" sets out to reimagine Edgar Allan Poe's classic tale, but ultimately falls short of its eerie and atmospheric prT. Kingfisher's "What Moves the Dead" sets out to reimagine Edgar Allan Poe's classic tale, but ultimately falls short of its eerie and atmospheric predecessor. The story's length feels unwarranted given the limited plot, and the narrative is bogged down by extensive passages about the fictional country of Gallacia. These sections, along with the elaborate focus on different pronouns, came across as unnecessary filler that detracted from the main story.
While Poe's original story masterfully evoked a sense of creeping dread, Kingfisher's retelling fails to deliver the same level of discomfort. Despite a commendable effort, the story lacks the haunting quality that made Poe's work so memorable. "What Moves the Dead" is an interesting read but ultimately does not leave a lasting impression....more
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