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wdudley89's review against another edition
4.0
Although I've spent precious little time in West Virginia, these stories gave me an appreciation for its condition in the early 21st century. Modern industry and land use have destroyed the natural habitat for many native creatures, and in the process disrupted the traditional ways of life for people in the region, which included farming, hunting, and fishing. The demise of mining and manufacturing has now left many of those people without meaningful employment, consigning them to low-end service jobs and poverty. Despite the book's unflinching presentation of these often bleak prospects, it is enjoyable and compelling to read. I consumed it easily in a weekend. The author's love for his home state, its people, and its animals is evident and his writing is masterful. I plan to read his novel.
jodyjsperling's review against another edition
4.0
The logging story, the bear story, and the other bear story with the murderer were all amazing works of art. "In the Second District" is unforgettable. The tone of that story is different than each story in the book with crisp clean lines and vivid imagery. The narrator felt so personal and so real.
davenash's review against another edition
2.0
West Virginia is trendy now. I thought that there was too much detail and trying too hard to be real West Virginia, it got in the way of the story. The stories and characters are good, but they could be cut in half and be more powerful.
expendablemudge's review
5.0
My new review! ALLEGHENY FRONT by Matthew Neill Null http://tinyurl.com/hfaqot4
My first monthly short-story collection review for The Oak Wheel! Since this is National Short Story Month, a few other favorites might appear as well. Sarabande Books and Matthew Neill Null collaborated to produce a beautiful book, and a beautiful literary work. Lydia Millet deserves our thanks for selecting ALLEGHENY FRONT as the 2016 Mary McCarthy Prize for Short Fiction.
I'll post the whole review next week sometime, but go look now!
My first monthly short-story collection review for The Oak Wheel! Since this is National Short Story Month, a few other favorites might appear as well. Sarabande Books and Matthew Neill Null collaborated to produce a beautiful book, and a beautiful literary work. Lydia Millet deserves our thanks for selecting ALLEGHENY FRONT as the 2016 Mary McCarthy Prize for Short Fiction.
I'll post the whole review next week sometime, but go look now!
greenblack's review
5.0
This book was excellent. Gritty and dark and believable.
When I finished the final story, I wished for a dozen more.
When I finished the final story, I wished for a dozen more.
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