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A review by adamcagey
The Science of Herself by Karen Joy Fowler
3.0
A great series from an amazing publisher, PM Press’s Outspoken Author series are short books that adhere to a strict formula: each book focuses on a single writer. They contain a number of short stories from that author, an essay, and an interview focusing on craft.
I’ve never read any of Karen Joy Fowler’s novels, but I love her short stories. The three stories on display here show why. Each one concentrated on the characters involved, is generous and humane. Her language is lush without being overwrought. And each exists on the edge of the weird without ever tipping over into a reality that’s unrecognizable to our everyday lives.
The weakest element here for me is the interview. I wish that series editor Terry Bisson had remained focused on the craft elements and stayed away from the frivolous which I image he thought was funny. But this wasn’t enough to detract from the owner all power of this short collection.
I’ve never read any of Karen Joy Fowler’s novels, but I love her short stories. The three stories on display here show why. Each one concentrated on the characters involved, is generous and humane. Her language is lush without being overwrought. And each exists on the edge of the weird without ever tipping over into a reality that’s unrecognizable to our everyday lives.
The weakest element here for me is the interview. I wish that series editor Terry Bisson had remained focused on the craft elements and stayed away from the frivolous which I image he thought was funny. But this wasn’t enough to detract from the owner all power of this short collection.