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Disasters in the First World
Disasters in the First World | Olivia Clare
4 posts | 2 read | 7 to read
Olivia Clares delightfully strange and tender debut traces the intersection of larger-than-life forces--natural and otherwise--in our daily lives. From siblings whose relationship is as fragile as glass, to a woman grappling with both an emotional and physical drought, to a superstitious spouse fearful of misfortune,Disasters in the First World explores the real and the fantastical, environmental and man-made calamities, and the human need to comprehend the possible, the probable, the unknown. Deeply nimble and perceptive, Clare delves into the tumultuous depths of human emotion as well as the messiness of relationships, unmasking the most revealing moments of connection--no matter how fleeting. In "Pittsburgh in Copenhagen, a man and a woman confront infidelity and estrangement as they share one last night together. "P?tur tells the tale of a son who takes his mother on an Icelandic vacation only to be trapped together in close quarters by a volcanic eruption. "Rusalkas Long Legs follows a young girls treacherously long walk through the woods with her unpredictable mother. And in "The Visigoths, an older sister finds a way to break through to her brother who struggles to fit in. With outstanding precision and grace, the thirteen stories in this collection uncover truths beneath both actual and imagined disasters. They each exist as exquisite and mysterious universes--and through their intimate, profoundly moving worlds, Clares clarity of voice rises as a distinctive and masterful new talent.
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PandaPanda
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For #1, something from my #TBR! I really want to read this collection of short stories.

#NovemberByTheNumbers @JoeStalksBeck @Tiffy_Reads

BibliophileMomma 👏🏻 6y
62 likes1 stack add1 comment
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EvieBee
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Barnes and Noble treat! I left town for a short weekend convention, but made sure to pick up my Barnes & Noble hold! Just checked in and now to unwind! #bookhaul #shortstories

EvieBee @BarbaraTheBibliophage Thank you! ❤️💜 7y
63 likes2 comments
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ingredientx
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Perfect Sunday

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Well-ReadNeck
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Mehso-so

#netgalley

The stories in this collection vary in topic, length and strength. Clare is at her best selecting mental illness and her dialogue is a strong suit. Her conversations feel authentic. However, the collection as a whole lacks any unifying principle or form and was a little hit or miss for me.