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A review by hernamewaslily
When You Are Engulfed in Flames by David Sedaris
3.0
In this collection of essays, radio contributor and humourist David Sedaris strikes a fine balance between poignant reflection and darkly sophisticated humour.
‘When You are Engulfed in Flames’ was my first introduction to Sedaris (a recommendation from the brilliant Ana Wallace Johnson on YouTube) and I can certainly see why he is so popular. The pieces in this collection remind me of something you’d read in a creative writing class in that they are brilliant examples of the form: masterful in their simplicity, cleverly and clearly structured, and satisfyingly concluded. They are the sort of pieces that you (I) wish you (I) could write.
As with most essay collections, the text contains weaker pieces that whilst were still objectively ‘good,’ failed to evoke the same emotional resonance that the stronger and more poignant examples – such as those about is long-time partner, Hugh, or his reflection in quitting smoking after half-a-lifetime of addiction.
Clearly, Sedaris’s strongest pieces concern topics that he is closest to. However, overall this is a solidly good collection that was enjoyable to read.
‘When You are Engulfed in Flames’ was my first introduction to Sedaris (a recommendation from the brilliant Ana Wallace Johnson on YouTube) and I can certainly see why he is so popular. The pieces in this collection remind me of something you’d read in a creative writing class in that they are brilliant examples of the form: masterful in their simplicity, cleverly and clearly structured, and satisfyingly concluded. They are the sort of pieces that you (I) wish you (I) could write.
As with most essay collections, the text contains weaker pieces that whilst were still objectively ‘good,’ failed to evoke the same emotional resonance that the stronger and more poignant examples – such as those about is long-time partner, Hugh, or his reflection in quitting smoking after half-a-lifetime of addiction.
Clearly, Sedaris’s strongest pieces concern topics that he is closest to. However, overall this is a solidly good collection that was enjoyable to read.