The State We're In: Maine Stories

Ann Beattie

The State We're In: Maine Stories
Format
Paperback
Publisher
Granta Books
Country
United Kingdom
Published
24 February 2016
Pages
224
ISBN
9781783782918

The State We’re In: Maine Stories

Ann Beattie

The State We’re In is the first new collection in a decade from the writer that John Updike credited with creating ‘an entirely different kind of short story’. Cool, ironic and witty, these stories are sharply observed, but underpinned with a quiet tenderness.

Told through the voices of vivid and engaging women of all ages, The State We’re In explores their doubts and desires and reveals the unexpected moments and glancing epiphanies of daily life. Some of Beattie’s idiosyncratic and compelling characters have arrived in the coastal state of Maine by accident, while others are trying to escape.

The collection is woven around Jocelyn, a disaffected teenager living with her aunt and uncle for the summer, forging new friendships, avoiding her mother’s calls, taking writing classes, and encountering mortality for the first time. Beattie’s voice is mesmerising and her keen insight into the human heart cuts through our preconceptions and prejudices. The State We’re In is a pitch-perfect meditation on the singular strangeness of life.

This item is not currently in-stock. It can be ordered online and is expected to ship in 4-5 weeks

Our stock data is updated periodically, and availability may change throughout the day for in-demand items. Please call the relevant shop for the most current stock information. Prices are subject to change without notice.

Sign in or become a Readings Member to add this title to a wishlist.