In the sense that all stories have been written before, a truly startling piece of fiction may be the greatest literary feat possible. Enter Stacey Richter, a virtuoso contender for that very prize, whose offbeat characters manage to toe the line between eccentricity and banal daily life. Each story is organized around a pair of characters, and these characters are permitted to reach their full bizarre potential against mundane backdrops. The result is fiction that drives toward a place of surreal revelation, in these sometimes disturbing, often funny, short pieces. In Twin Study, Richter beautifully captures -- albeit through unlikely exemplars -- the essential experience of humanity.
If you enjoy the wit and originality of contemporary authors like Budnitz, Bender and Burroughs then you'll not want to chow down on this delicious twelve pack of stories but rather covet like you would on "Friday only" dessert day. My favorite indulgence was "The Cavemen in the Hedges" because of it's smooth vanilla prose and fudgey irony. It was also coincidentally my twin sister's favorite story. We can't wait to read more from Stacey Richter, seriously we want to make a twin sandwich.
Another great collection from Stacey Richter
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 17 years ago
Just turned the last page and I feel like reading it again. The stories are beautifully complicated, carefully drawn, and utterly original. I had read a few of them in magazines before, but upon reading them again, I only found them more intruiging. "The Cavemen in the Hedges" is nothing short of a classic, bizarre, but somehow grounded in basic humanity. Most disturbing is "Blackout," which allows the reader into the mind of an insecure sorority girl who finds herself in a disgusting situation. I read a lot of short fiction, and Stacey Richter's stories are at the top of the heap.
Stunning, exuberant, funny
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 17 years ago
I love the way Stacey Richter looks at the world. Her work is utterly unique, exquisitely funny and sharp, and at the same time quite moving. It's like getting all your vitamins but in the most delicious chocolate torte imaginable. With a Maraschino cherry on top, absolutely. This book is a must have for all serious-fun readers.
Overcome with glee.
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 17 years ago
I enjoyed Stacey Richter's Twin Study so much that after I finished reading it, I rubbed the book all over my body. Then I ate it. The woman is a genius.
Imaginative and Moving
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 17 years ago
This is the second brilliant book of short stores by the Pushcart Prize winning author. The stories are incredibly imaginative and beautifully written. The subjects are unique, humorous and moving, with contemporary themes that get right to the heart of the matter. Most significantly to me, these stories are memorable -- they are powerful and poignant, and so unusual that you will remember them for years to come and pick up the book again and again and share it with your friends. Don't miss it.
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