Emerald City and Other Stories

This book contains 11 short stories which have in common that the narrators have something to hide, to reveal or were once struggling a personal failure in their relationships. Each story is written like a story within a story. As a reader I always had the feeling that it starts very harmless - nothing to worry about the narrators or their surroundings but with the time being I was surprised what kind of history the narrators had to tell and with each new story I couldn't wait what kind of human fate would be released.

11 excellent short stories that show the power of Egan's words! The first, "Why China?" just blew me away with its stark emotions and beautiful words! And really, the 10 stories that follow echo that style! I really connected with all the characters, settings, and images - especially the San Francisco scenes. A vivid look at the entire human condition! Bravo!

I'm not really a short story kind of person but I really enjoyed Egan's "A Visit from the Goon Squad" so I thought I would try this book. While the stories are well-written and interesting I found them all a little depressing and sad. And, as tends to be the problem for me with short stories, I wanted to know so much more about the characters than could be learned in 10 or 20 pages.

For book club

Each story is so good from the first sentence onward that they suck you in like a fairy tale. Settings range from foreign beaches to big cities to the American Midwest; characters are male and female, old and young, sometimes first person and sometimes third. Many characters observe others, usually those in positions of lesser power observing those with more (siblings, spouses, photographers and models).

Quotes

And it struck him that this was New York: a place that glittered from a distance even when you reached it. ("Emerald City," 53)

It's amazing, she thinks, how lust and aggravation will combine to push you toward someone. ("The Stylist," 63)

[Alice] looks at Jann and Bernadette with the sad, fierce look of someone who sees show more a thing she knows she cannot have. ("The Stylist," 69)

I should say how the worst things happen sometimes on purpose but they're not your fault. I should say the truth wouldn't matter even if I knew what it was. ("One Piece," 81) show less

I like Egan's writing, and short stories are starting to grow on me. Maybe I'm too busy to focus nowadays, and they work better for that. As for every collection, not all of them are great, but overall an interesting collection nonetheless.

This is a collection of short stories by Jennifer Egan, the author famous for "A Visit from the Good Squad." Although I am usually not a fan of short stories, I have greatly enjoyed Ms. Egan's other books so I thought I would read this one as well. Generally, the stories were interesting, as most took place in obscure locations and various countries. However, the themes of the stories were dysphoric. There weren't any happy endings to these stories and the characters were left with melancholy feelings about their lives and situations. Overall, I thought her stories were interesting enough for me to read the book quickly, but this was not really a fun read.

I don't really know how to start. I found this book on the ground outside of work and decided to take it rather than throw it away or leave it there.

A collection of short stories which all deal with an aspect of someones life, none of which seem very upbeat. I had a feeling of unease reading these stories and had to take them in doses of only one or two at a time. At times I felt like a voyeur becoming privy to things that'd best be kept private.

The stories are well written and do hold your attention while reading. For a few tho I was actually wishing I could know more about the people involved.