In our afternoon reading: an interview with Kate Zambreno, fiction from Alexandra Chang, and more.
Morning Bites: Brian Evenson Fiction, Irreversible Entanglements, Alexandra Chang Interviewed, Fiona Apple, and More
In our morning reading: short stories by Brian Evenson and Julio Cortázar, an interview with Alexandra Chang, and more.
Uncanny Fiction in the Wake of Unspeakable Violence: On Natanya Ann Pulley’s “With Teeth”
At what point does fiction become horror fiction? Is there some immutable border, some checklist of elements to be tallied, that propels a particular story or novel out of the realm of the disconcerting and into that of the outright horrific? Certain notable collections, including Jac Jemc’s False Bingo and Amelia Gray’s Gutshot find a balance between deft narrative construction and something both ineffable and unspeakable. That’s the space in which Natanya Ann Pulley’s new collection With Teeth occupies as well: meticulously written, while all the while abounding with glimpses of the bizarre and brutal.
Morning Bites: Meng Jin, Gabriel García Márquez’s Journalism, Jeet Thayil, Brian Evenson on Film, and More
In our morning reading: thoughts on books by Meng Jin and Jeet Thayil, a film adaptation of a Brian Evenson story, and more.
Morning Bites: Richard Chiem Fiction, Gary Lutz Interviewed, Brian Evenson, Chinese Speculative Fiction, and More
In our morning reading: new fiction by Richard Chiem, interviews with Gary Lutz and Scott Snyder, and more.
Philosophy, Horror, and Denial: Brian Evenson on Uncanny Fiction
Brian Evenson isn’t an author that fans of Cormac McCarthy, Stephen King, or Chuck Palahniuk typically know, but he certainly should be, as his work is every bit as apocalyptic, surprising, and haunting. For years, Evenson’s readers have been slipping copies of his books into the hands of friends, students, and family members. When travelling, I often keep a copy of Contagion (which Evenson graciously allowed my small press, Astrophil Press, to reprint) and drop it into neighborhood lending libraries, and I must admit that I find a little thrill in knowing that I’ve done my small part in introducing people to this pitch perfect collection of stories. I am not alone in this; many of Evenson’s readers border on evangelicals, spreading the dark word of Evenson. This enthusiasm for Evenson’s work is understandable considering his ability to publish tightly wrought, layered stories that often stick with us long after having read them. There are very few authors I can think of who have a catalog as strong as Evenson; his stories feel entirely new and each of his sentences feel entirely necessary.
Afternoon Bites: Toni Morrison Remembered, Brian Evenson’s Latest, Sarah Weinman Nonfiction, and More
In our afternoon reading: looking back at the life and legacy of Toni Morrison, reviews of books by Brian Evenson and Jess Row, and more.
Afternoon Bites: Nina MacLaughlin’s Latest, Brian Evenson on Howard A. Rodman, Revisiting The B-52s, and More
In our afternoon reading: thoughts on books by Nina MacLaughlin and Howard A. Rodman, previewing the most exciting books of the second half of 2019, and more.