She is one of those writers I forget about. I read her stories in The New Yorker and am blown away and then forget her. But she actually writes novels and there are books of her short stories...who knew? I purchased one of these books Sunstroke, and other Stories and was once more---blown away.
In just one story she can move you through so many emotions that you feel like you've been spun around and around until you're dizzy. She breaks your heart and then picks it up and glues it back together for you.
My particular favorite in this collection is Buckets of Blood. Two sisters, in a family of nine children, bond together in their revulsion for their mother; "she was fearless in the mornings about stalking around the house in her ancient baggy underwear, big pants and maternity bra, chasing the little ones to get them dressed, her older children fled the sight of her." The older sister is off in college and her younger sister goes to visit for a week. Buckets of blood ensue.
As good as Alice Munro. I'll say no more.
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