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A review by jpbehrens
The Art of the Short Story by R. Gwynn, Dana Gioia
3.0
So, my rating is entirely based on the job the editors did. The fiction is masterful, a glance down the Table of Contents will affirm that.
My issues with this collection are these:
The authors are arranged alphabetically. Normally this would not be an issue, however, the book’s stated purpose is to show the art of the short story. Most of the bios reference other authors featured in the book as influential to how later authors write. It’s jarring to bounce through time. The works should have been arranged chronologically. If you pick up this book, go by the dates and bounce around in the book. You will learn more.
Next, the author’s perspectives at the end of each section are not as informative, inspirational, or useful as one would hope. Most are interesting as a look into an authors personal perspectives, but few have any real advice for writers.
Finally, the end matter of the book is directed at college students and reads as a 101 level writing textbook.
All of the collected authors should be read, only this collection is organized is a way that causes confusion at times and deep shifts is readability slipping from modern Magical Realism to turn of the century dark parables and back.
My issues with this collection are these:
The authors are arranged alphabetically. Normally this would not be an issue, however, the book’s stated purpose is to show the art of the short story. Most of the bios reference other authors featured in the book as influential to how later authors write. It’s jarring to bounce through time. The works should have been arranged chronologically. If you pick up this book, go by the dates and bounce around in the book. You will learn more.
Next, the author’s perspectives at the end of each section are not as informative, inspirational, or useful as one would hope. Most are interesting as a look into an authors personal perspectives, but few have any real advice for writers.
Finally, the end matter of the book is directed at college students and reads as a 101 level writing textbook.
All of the collected authors should be read, only this collection is organized is a way that causes confusion at times and deep shifts is readability slipping from modern Magical Realism to turn of the century dark parables and back.