Homesick for Another World

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Dark, confident, and prickling, the stories in this collection utilize ugliness as an intellectual and moral tool, drawing comparisons to writers like Angela Carter, Flannery O'Connor, and Katherine Dunn. Moshfegh's command is wickedly engaging, with her sentences electrifying like a mildly charged fence. The humor present can be unsettling, akin to witnessing a grin marred by blood. As a deeply talented artist, Moshfegh has quickly emerged as a significant voice in literature, reflecting on the isolation of those marginalized in society and within their own bodies, echoing predecessors like Mary Gaitskill and Christine Schutt. The collection explores the paradox of seeking national character and the elusive American dream by delving into the darker aspects where that dream fades. On repeated readings, the stories reveal tightly woven narratives that transform from disorienting to hymnal, worthy of memorization. Moshfegh's debut showcases her remarkable skill in short fiction, with impeccably shaped stories that surprise through their ferocity and casual violence, all while maintaining a dark humor that ranges from absurd to bone-dry. The collection arrives at a time of societal upheaval, capturing the chaotic intersection of class and power through vividly flawed characters. Moshfegh's piercing wit and compassion shine through her unlovely yet irresistible characters, making this collection a stunning and entertaining read.