A review by carrynlund
You Are Not a Stranger Here by Adam Haslett

4.0

I don't think I've ever used the phrase "beautifully tragic" before...ever...but I can think of no other phrase. Each story, mere pages long, is overwhelming with the amount of complexity, relationship, psychological challenge, and tragedy. It's hard for me to even form coherent thoughts on this book. I wish I could just show you my face (an equal mix of heartbroken and compassionate) and have you hear the sound I let out at the close of each story (a sad "ughhhh....").

The characters are somehow fully developed through these brief snapshots. His characters are sympathetic, flawed, and everything is not necessarily going to be okay. Correction: absolutely, everything is not okay. In fact, things are awful for his characters. And yet, they survive.

I found myself also feeling a lot of compassion for Haslett himself. The stories he constructs full of identity crisis, lost love of family or lovers, mental illness, and death are raw.

Anyway, read if you love short stories but just be prepared for your heart to hurt. Big time.