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A review by jamesdanielhorn
Evening in Paradise by Lucia Berlin
4.0
A Manual for Cleaning Women was so unbelievably good I thought Lucia Berlin could do no wrong. There was no way this secondary collection could let me down. Unfortunately, this collection was a bit lackluster in comparison.
Intact is Berlin’s knack for prose at once beautiful and devastating, yet gone from many of these stories are the depth and tension. There are enough moments where her wistful nostalgic magic sparkles to get you through, and at least 2 stories (maybe 3 or 4 if I’m feeling generous) could have made the cut for AMFCW. Sadly though, the worst bits were utterly dull and unmemorable.
As many others have noted this is clearly the leftovers from compiling the other book, so for those looking for another fix, by all means read this, but be prepared to chase the dragon.
Intact is Berlin’s knack for prose at once beautiful and devastating, yet gone from many of these stories are the depth and tension. There are enough moments where her wistful nostalgic magic sparkles to get you through, and at least 2 stories (maybe 3 or 4 if I’m feeling generous) could have made the cut for AMFCW. Sadly though, the worst bits were utterly dull and unmemorable.
As many others have noted this is clearly the leftovers from compiling the other book, so for those looking for another fix, by all means read this, but be prepared to chase the dragon.