A new Ann Beattie title is always an interesting read. Her stories are a mix of comedy, drama, irony, and memorable characters. No matter the setting, it is well-drawn and influences the characters.. Her stories are always a good tool in the classroom to teach these literary traits. Highly recommended!

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a sneak peek and an honest review.

Anne Beattie was a favorite decades ago, and this collection reminds me of why. Set in Charlottesville post 2017, these linked stories portray a city that has experienced a change of perception thanks to the notorious riots of April of that year, and the protests regarding monuments honoring heroes on the Southern side of the Civil War. Each story could stand on its own, but read as a whole presents a comprehensive picture of life under COVID, in a small city, in the American south, as perceived by a member of the liberal faction.

Unfortunately, I did not love this collection of short stories. To be fair, I'm not a big short story fan so possibly not the best reviewer. The stories did do a decent job of presenting "in the moment" descriptions of people's lives in contemporary Charlottesville. I did like the first story, which was more of a novella, about a woman living with her prospective father-in-law during the covid lockdowns while her fiancee was in Japan, but like many short stories it felt like it just ended with no real resolution. Beattie's style is a little too wordy for me as well. Sorry!