Fiction – Page 41 – Southern Review of Books

A Tale of Two Realities in “Working It Off in Labor County”

By: Michel Sabbagh February 15, 2021July 12, 2021

ReviewsFiction, Short Stories, Working It Off in Labor CountyLeave a Comment

Larry D. Thacker’s short story collection “Working It Off in Labor County” is tender in its depiction of rural American ennui and mordant in its portrayal of colorful go-getters in a patch of coal country.

‘Testimony’ Highlights Making Difficult Choices in an Unjust System

By: Don J Rath February 12, 2021February 12, 2021

ReviewsFiction, Paula Martinac, Testimony1 Comment

Paula Martinac’s new book, “Testimony,” explores the tension between security and living as one’s authentic self in an oppressive society.

A Golden Ticket to Prosperity in “The Fortunate Ones”

By: Michel Sabbagh February 3, 2021July 12, 2021

ReviewsEd Tarkington, Fiction, The Fortunate Ones1 Comment

Ed Tarkington’s new novel “The Fortunate Ones” points out the chinks in the gilded armor adorning – and weighing down – followers of the cult of wealth.

Sticky-Sweet Summers in “So We Can Glow”

By: Allison Manley February 1, 2021July 6, 2021

ReviewsFiction, Leesa Cross-Smith, Short Stories, So We Can GlowLeave a Comment

Addictively readable, Leesa Cross-Smith’s short story collection “So We Can Glow” is the literary equivalent of someone biting their lip and looking up at you.

Wrestling with the Angel in “Hallelujah Station”

By: Rachael Greene January 29, 2021July 12, 2021

ReviewsFiction, Hallelujah Station and Other Stories, M. Randal O'Wain, Short StoriesLeave a Comment

M. Randal O’Wain’s “Hallelujah Station and Other Stories” play out across a range of Southern urban settings from Memphis to Asheville and feature a cast of modern misfits encompassing diverse voices.

Grief and Compassion in “The Collected Breece D’J Pancake”

By: Justin William Evans January 25, 2021July 12, 2021

ReviewsBreece D'J Pancake, Fiction, Short Stories, The Collected Breece D'J PancakeLeave a Comment

“The Collected Breece D’J Pancake,” a new edition from The Library of America, contains the complete collection of stories along with story fragments, selected letters, and a new introduction by Jayne Anne Phillips.