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A review by whogivesabook
Anthropology: and a hundred other stories by Dan Rhodes
5.0
Another re-read to cheer my spirits, without resorting to spirits. One of my favourite books.
I've gifted this book to so many people over the last fifteen years. I first started reading it when I was waiting for a date. The date went great; but follow up dates... not so well. The theme of the collection went perfectly with the theme of my life at the time. Girlfriends.
Anyway. The stories are an absolute blast. Perfect to read a few between bus stops. Each is only 101 words. Which must have been a fantastic challenge for the author. One that I've occasionally picked up for myself. When I've needed to distill the essence of someone down into a single, short glimpse of them.
Sort of like literary Polaroids.
It's sweet and dark and funny and touching in equal parts. I've read the author's other books, because there's a light playfulness to a lot of it that I admire. He can handle exploring characters in a way that sneaks up on you. Clocking you upside the head with a realisation that feels natural and obvious now you have all the pieces.
There's also a wonderful book called Timoleon Vieta Come Home which dips into the lives of those crossed by a dog in search of its master across Italy.
Maybe I just love short story writers. Because that's really a short story collection too, if I think about it.
Anyway. I wholeheartedly encourage you to nab a copy.
I've gifted this book to so many people over the last fifteen years. I first started reading it when I was waiting for a date. The date went great; but follow up dates... not so well. The theme of the collection went perfectly with the theme of my life at the time. Girlfriends.
Anyway. The stories are an absolute blast. Perfect to read a few between bus stops. Each is only 101 words. Which must have been a fantastic challenge for the author. One that I've occasionally picked up for myself. When I've needed to distill the essence of someone down into a single, short glimpse of them.
Sort of like literary Polaroids.
It's sweet and dark and funny and touching in equal parts. I've read the author's other books, because there's a light playfulness to a lot of it that I admire. He can handle exploring characters in a way that sneaks up on you. Clocking you upside the head with a realisation that feels natural and obvious now you have all the pieces.
There's also a wonderful book called Timoleon Vieta Come Home which dips into the lives of those crossed by a dog in search of its master across Italy.
Maybe I just love short story writers. Because that's really a short story collection too, if I think about it.
Anyway. I wholeheartedly encourage you to nab a copy.