In the latest collection of short stories, “Moderate to Poor, Occasionally Good,” author Eley Williams takes readers on a journey through the quirky and introspective minds of her characters. From a courtroom artist seeing her date’s features in a defendant, to a woman stranded by malfunctioning doors finding a doppelganger in a restaurant reflection, each story provides a unique and subjective perspective on the world.
Williams masterfully crafts each brief tale from the inside out, immersing readers in the thoughts and experiences of her characters. Themes of language, symbols, and the uncertain relationship between signifiers and signifieds weave throughout the collection, leaving readers intrigued and contemplative.
In one particularly memorable story, a character’s meandering thoughts on a cryptic note left by an absent partner lead to a series of chaotic and hilarious events. This tale, like the others in the collection, showcases Williams’ skill in creating discombobulating and thought-provoking narratives.
While certainty remains elusive in these stories, Williams invites readers to explore the complexities of language and meaning in a world that is often disorderly. With no neat endings or easy solutions, readers are left to interpret and construct their own understanding from these intriguing and beautifully written stories.
“Moderate to Poor, Occasionally Good” by Eley Williams is a must-read for those who appreciate literary fiction that challenges and delights in equal measure.
Source
Photo credit www.theguardian.com