Lauren Groff's latest short story collection 'Brawler' explores women's lives with intensity, while Beth Ann Fennelly's 'Heating & Cooling' offers micro-memoirs on family and marriage. Both works highlight Southern perspectives from Florida and Mississippi authors. The books draw praise for their depth and brevity.
Lauren Groff, a three-time National Book Award finalist based in Gainesville, Florida, has released 'Brawler' (Riverhead Books, $29). She and her husband operate the independent bookstore The Lynx. The collection features short stories centered on women across all ages, emphasizing autonomy amid domesticity. These narratives often incorporate religion, contrasting with the unapologetically natural style of her novels such as 'Fates and Furies,' 'Matrix,' and 'Florida.' The stories build tension through pivotal moments, revealing complex character compositions. One tale portrays a mid-50s woman in a violent marriage, while another follows a teenager's escape from institutional life. Groff's writing mounts immersive moments between imagined lives, helping readers grasp resourceful female experiences.
Beth Ann Fennelly, from Oxford, Mississippi, presents 'Heating & Cooling' (W.W. Norton, $22.99, 2018), a volume of micro-memoirs and essays. Married to author Tom Franklin, Fennelly explores motherhood, long-term marriage, and family dynamics with provocative, light-hearted prose. Her pieces, often a single sentence long, evoke quality reads that leave lasting impressions, blending humor and profundity. Essays cover topics from childhood to adulthood, including a prickly relationship with her older sister and reflections on college environments. Fennelly's work transforms warm welcomes into radical perspectives, prompting questions about long-held memories. The collection demonstrates sharp brevity, slicing against emotional enemies with vivid demonstrations.
Both collections pack emotional punch, illuminating diverse hopes and fears in women's experiences.
