Collected Stories
Back of the Book
Amy Hempel is a master of the short story. This celebrated volume gathers together her complete work -- four short collections of stunning stories about marriages, minor disasters, and moments of revelation. With her inimitable compassion and wit, Hempel introduces characters who make choices that seem inevitable, and whose longings and misgivings evoke eternal human experience. For readers who have known Hempel's work for decades and for those who are just discovering her, this indispensable volume contains all the stories in “Reasons to Live,” “At the Gates of the Animal Kingdom,” “Tumble Home,” and “The Dog of the Marriage.” No reader of great writing should be without it.
We Love It Because
Amy Hempel’s voice is one to reflect the preoccupation of the times whilst also being classic, and timeless. Hempel’s short stories are wondrous explorations of love and loss, grief and desire, boredom and apathy in the mundane lives of her characters, whose extraordinary interiorities inspire both delight and envy.
Memorable Passage
Does it take its toll in silence? Do you get angry with yourself? Are you, like me, your own worst critic? How do you let something out into the world when it’s a sure thing someone out there won’t like it?
About the Author
Amy Hempel, born on December 14, 1951, is an American short story writer celebrated for her succinct yet emotionally charged narratives that explore the complexities of human relationships and the profound impact of small moments. Renowned for her mastery of the short story form, Hempel's works, including "Reasons to Live" and "The Collected Stories," have earned her acclaim for their precision, wit, and the depth of emotion conveyed in a limited space. Worth knowing for her ability to distill powerful insights into the brevity of her prose, Hempel's stories often touch on themes of loss, resilience, and the beauty found in life's fleeting moments. Her influence extends beyond her own work, as she has inspired countless writers to embrace the art of concise storytelling. Amy Hempel stands as a literary figure whose impact is felt not only in the elegance of her narratives but also in her profound contribution to the evolution of the short story genre.
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