A review by emilyinherhead
Other People We Married by Emma Straub

lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

After reading and loving many of Emma Straub’s more recent novel-length books, I’m not surprised that her debut story collection is also very solid. Here, as in her other work, she mainly focuses on her character’s inner lives and relationships to each other. I could feel a bit of clunkiness in certain places, some spots that could have been better polished, but overall her writing is clear and a pleasure to read.

Some favorite stories:

• “Some People Must Really Fall in Love”
• “A Map of Modern Palm Springs”
• “Pearls”
• “Marjorie and the Birds”