Joseph Scapellato creëert verhalen die de verontrustende dimensies van de menselijke ervaring verkennen. Zijn schrijven wordt gekenmerkt door scherp psychologisch inzicht in personages, waarbij vaak thema's als isolatie en identiteit worden onderzocht. Door zorgvuldig geconstrueerde zinnen en vernieuwende beelden bouwt Scapellato werelden die zowel vertrouwd als vreemd aanvoelen. Zijn werk zet lezers aan tot nadenken over de complexiteit van verbindingen en de zoektocht naar betekenis in het alledaagse.
This debut story collection showcases a unique blend of inventive narratives, drawing comparisons to literary greats like Wallace Stegner and Nathanael West. The stories explore themes of exploration and transformation, reflecting a deep connection to the American landscape and culture. With a distinctive voice and imaginative storytelling, the author invites readers on a journey that intertwines personal quests with broader existential themes.
Existential noir meets absurd comedy when a young man reluctantly enlists as source material for an art project.
Stanley had known it was a mistake to accept his uncle Lech's offer to apartment-sit in Prague - he'd known it was one of Lech's proposals, a thinly veiled setup for some invasive, potentially dangerous performance art project. But whatever Lech had planned for Stanley, it would get him to Prague and maybe offer a chance to make things right with T after his failed attempt to propose. Stanley can take it. He can ignore their high jinks, resist being drafted into their evolving, darkening script. As the operation unfolds it becomes clear there's more to this performance than he expected; they know more about Stanley's state of mind than he knows himself. He may be able to step over chalk outlines in the hallway, may be able to turn away from the women acting as his mother and the men performing as his father, but when a man made up to look like Stanley begins to play out his most devastating memory, he won't be able to stand outside this imitation of his life any longer. Immediately and wholly immersive, Joseph Scapellato's debut novel, The Made-Up Man, is a hilarious examination of art's role in self-knowledge, a sinister send-up of self-deception, and a big-hearted investigation into the cast of characters necessary to help us finally meet ourselves.