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4.11 AVERAGE
4.11 AVERAGE
I can't believe Goodreads still doesn't have half-stars. Frown frown frown.
Loved the first two stories, and loved the last four, but felt (mostly) indifferent about the middle ones.
Loved the first two stories, and loved the last four, but felt (mostly) indifferent about the middle ones.
"A sunset was nothing, Harris knew, dust particles, pollution, sunlight prismed by the slant of the world. Still, it was pretty."
Stories I admired, but with which I felt very little emotional connection. Exceptional technique, but curiously absent of heart. The characters were distant, disheartened, sad creatures, dried up, like hollows in the desert where water once stood.
Highlights included Ghosts, Cowboys, a channeling of Watkins' family history, when her father sat at the right hand of Charles Manson; Rondine Al Nido, the collection's most true and fragile, about two young girls gambling their innocence in Las Vegas, although the use of "our girl" to refer to the story's central character felt like a writing workshop affectation; Man-O-War, exquisite in its pain and loveliness.
It is impossible to remain unaffected by Watkins's astonishing skill. She coaxes and teases the short story into doing her will. But the hard iron that becomes pliable under her pen too often remains cold to the touch.
Highlights included Ghosts, Cowboys, a channeling of Watkins' family history, when her father sat at the right hand of Charles Manson; Rondine Al Nido, the collection's most true and fragile, about two young girls gambling their innocence in Las Vegas, although the use of "our girl" to refer to the story's central character felt like a writing workshop affectation; Man-O-War, exquisite in its pain and loveliness.
It is impossible to remain unaffected by Watkins's astonishing skill. She coaxes and teases the short story into doing her will. But the hard iron that becomes pliable under her pen too often remains cold to the touch.
Meh. Ironically, I decided to read this BECAUSE Watkins practically denounced it in that Tin House essay that broke the internet (and delivered absolutely no new information--to me or any of my feminist peeps, anyway). I really enjoyed the first story, "Ghost, Cowboy," and the weird gold rush story "The Diggings", and "The Archivist." But many of the rest just read as dated now: oh, hey, look, another "moment of realization" short story. Whatever to the "moment of realization" story, especially because they often skip the moment of realization. So, why did I read this story when nothing happened? What is so bad about plot structure? Why have contemporary short story writers ditched the climax?
Also, I'm pretty over rape and/or sexual abuse as a big reveal or as the climax (oh, ugh, oh). So that kind of killed a few stories for me. Really, once the rape went down in whatever story that was--hold on, lemme look--"Rondine Al Nido," I was kind of over it and distrustful. Turns out Watkins DID write this book for white men. Or at least her suggestion that she did, combined with my inherent distrust of rape as a plot device, distanced me from a lot of these stories.
Also, I'm pretty over rape and/or sexual abuse as a big reveal or as the climax (oh, ugh, oh). So that kind of killed a few stories for me. Really, once the rape went down in whatever story that was--hold on, lemme look--"Rondine Al Nido," I was kind of over it and distrustful. Turns out Watkins DID write this book for white men. Or at least her suggestion that she did, combined with my inherent distrust of rape as a plot device, distanced me from a lot of these stories.
Claire Watkins is the daughter of Paul Watkins, right hand man and procurer of women for Charles Manson. This collection of short stories contains a fascinating story about growing up in "The Family". It is a powerful collection of stories all set in the American West. Her characters endure hardship and violence and somehow manage to survive and overcome. From the Gold Rush to Vegas, to a story set at a desert brothel, Watkins' storytelling is powerful and moving. This is definitely an adult collection, but it is well worth reading and thoroughly enjoyable.
http://cdnbookworm.blogspot.ca/2017/08/battleborn.html
4.5--Exquisite prose, the very definition of writing "place." Plus, things actually happen. This is not a situation of all ponder no plot. Claire Vaye Watkins writes women of all kinds and I think she's at her best when these flawed characters interact within motherhood, sisterhood, and friendship. My only critique is that not all of the stories are equally memorable. The California landscape began to paint each one with a familiar brush and I was craving a bit more individuality. Still, this is one of the best contemporary short story collections I've read, ticking all the boxes for concinnity and sincerity. My favourite stories: "Ghosts, Cowboys," "The Last Thing We Need," "Rondine Al Nido," "Wish You Were Here," and "The Archivist."
Mostly set around Reno. Lots of video poker, a generous smattering of unwelcome pregnancies and a fair old amount of gold prospecting. Not terrible, but hardly comparable with Cormac McCarthy as the cover quote claimed.
This collection was absolutely incredible. Almost all the stories are set in Nevada and the landscape and environment play prominent roles in the lives of the characters and the psychological issues they are trying to resolve. If you are familiar with the importance nature plays in the writings of Pam Houston or Ron Carlson, the same is true for Watkins. The first six stories were very diverse with characters ranging from men to teenage girls, to a foreigner visiting a bunny ranch. But, then, you get to "The Archivist." This story was one of the best stories I have read in an extremely long time. And I read my share of short stories. This year alone I have been reading some of my favorites again like Richard Ford, Barthelme, Carver. I would place "The Archivist" alongside names like these. The story centers around Nate and Carly as young adults, still trying to cope with the tragic death of their alcoholic mother. It reminded me of some of the stories by Jhumpa Lahiri or Lorrie Moore. Also, Robert Olen Butler talks a lot about writing as an art form. Watkins certainly demonstrates her ability as an artist of the short form. This collection is certainly near the top of my list this year along with The Chaperone. What a great collection.
Battleborn is a remarkable collection of short stories by the incredible young writer, Claire Vaye Watkins. Believe all the reviews – these stories are true and fierce and grab you instantly and completely. Set in localities around Nevada, each story is perfect window: the history is fascinating, the people are real, the heat is palpable, the sexuality is tangible, and the sunsets are gorgeous.
Ms. Watkins is the daughter of Paul Watkins who was one of Charles Manson’s followers. This family history is used a bit for marketing the book and is even featured in the first story of her collection. Do not let this color your perceptions negatively. Claire Vaye Watkins can proudly stand with any writer working today - I can’t wait to see what she publishes in the future. If I would ever want my own life chronicled by a writer, she would be my top choice.
Ms. Watkins is the daughter of Paul Watkins who was one of Charles Manson’s followers. This family history is used a bit for marketing the book and is even featured in the first story of her collection. Do not let this color your perceptions negatively. Claire Vaye Watkins can proudly stand with any writer working today - I can’t wait to see what she publishes in the future. If I would ever want my own life chronicled by a writer, she would be my top choice.