A perusal of the back of More of This World or Maybe Another, a novel in stories, doesn’t offer up character names or any of the details typically emphasized in book descriptions. It makes simple statements about four people who are coming together and forming friendships- that I might add don’t necessarily make sense on paper- but that grow naturally as they make their way through lives which are equal parts tragic, surprising, and just as they expected them to be.
I like that I didn’t have any information beyond that very brief synopsis because that is truly all that you need to know before beginning this marvelous and emotionally present set of stories. As soon, and I really really mean as soon, as I started reading these stories I was touched by the emotions experienced by these characters- they are almost tangible. I was a girl on the brink of exploring her sexuality, a woman trapped in an unsatisfying relationship and a boy going against what’s in his nature to meet the requirements of family. Startling in her ability to portray feelings, as well as evoke them from the reader, Johnson had me wound around her finger in every moment.
Set partially in New Orleans and surrounding rural communities, More of This World or Maybe Another is a quiet gem that delves deeply within human experience and emotion to expose the fine weave of delicate, sheltered psyches and even more fragile relationships. As spare as it is rich and complete, I read this book in one sitting and still think about the people I met within its pages.
Other reviews and posts:
- In A Perfect World, by Laura Kasischke – Book Review
- Delicate Edible Birds: And Other Stories, by Lauren Groff – Book Review
- People of the Book, by Geraldine Brooks – Book Review
- Down to a Sunless Sea, by Mathias B. Freese – Book Review
- Zora Neale Hurston: Stories – Book Review & Classics Circuit Tour
This sounds like a wonderful book of stories. I love character-driven novels and stories. I’m adding this one to the list! Thanks Nicole…
.-= Kathleen´s last blog ..Sunday Salon – A Great Start to 2010 =-.
Sounds like a really good book and one I would want to read.
.-= Louise´s last blog ..WWW Wednesdays =-.
Your review of this is fantastic! I love books that take me into another world, and you’ve made this one sound like it does.
.-= Kathy´s last blog ..Wondrous Words Wednesday =-.
Have I told you lately what a wonder writer you are? You do such a great job of communicating the essence of a book, and you have been on a real roll lately! I should just automatically get my pen and rag-tag TBR list when I open your post. This sounds amazing. Thank you!
.-= Sandy´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday – Christmas in Indiana #1 =-.
I have been looking for books about New Orleans and thanks to your post and the links underneath, I now have four to add. Thanks Nicole.
.-= vivienne´s last blog ..Journal Your Christmas Part 3 =-.
Hi Nicole, I came over from Beth Fish. I’m glad she mentioned you because now I have one more GREAT blog to follow! I’m going to try looking for this book at my bookstore. Good short stories are so hard to find. Plus this is a good one for my American Journey challenge!