A review by beefmaster
Onlookers: Stories by Ann Beattie

4.0

It feels like Beattie is back, baby! This a collection of linked stories, but not in a showy or gimmicky way. Each story does stand on its own. Instead of the coolness, the disaffection of her most famous era, "Onlookers" is a bit more contemplative, much more interested in interiority. Each story is more of a character piece rather than an amusing or odd situation populated by odd characters such as her first six or so collections of stories. A couple stories could have been tightened a bit; the final story switches POV and doesn't quite earn the ending it thinks it does. However, hhe central piece, "Alice Ott," is hands down my favourite of the bunch. The kind of highwire act where you feel butterflies in your stomach as the story unfolds and the master's skills are displayed. Truly one of tht finest moments in her illustrious career. You may have forgotten why you read fiction; Beattie is back to remind you exactly why.