A review by jennareadsbooks
House Gone Quiet: Stories by Kelsey Norris

emotional funny mysterious reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

 House Gone Quiet by Kelsey Norris was one of my most anticipated books this year and it delivers! This short story collection comes out on October 17 from @scribnerbooks. Every story in this collection is a hit. These stories have so much range, from unsettling magical realism to outrageous satire. I’m always in awe of writers who can create so many distinct worlds - each story strongly stands on its own. Some of my favorites were about a support group for runners who have found dead bodies, a town that takes down a Confederate monument and allows residents to take turns on its empty pedestal, and a boy that drinks seawater that is full of stars. My emotions varied with the stories, from deep melancholy to cackling at the absurd. On top of the creativity and variety of the stories, this collection gleams with shimmering prose and sharp observations of human nature. This book is not to be missed - a standout for me this year. Can’t recommend highly enough!