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A review by joshgauthier
There are Little Kingdoms by Kevin Barry
4.0
I've decided that I prefer Barry's novels over his short stories, but I think this is partly a reflection of my own reading preferences. But, even in shorter form, there is something about Barry's writing that draws me back to it time and again.
So much about his work is subdued - the humor, the tone, the pacing. Not that it's slow, and it's certainly not always quiet, but there is a... thoughtfulness that permeates his work. And whether Barry is writing about partying teenagers or overworked genies, there is a strength and distinctiveness to his voice and style that I absolutely love.
As with any collection, some of the stories contained here are better than others, but all of them are the work of a highly skilled writer. Peering into some of the grittier aspects of life, these stories rarely feel as though they provide complete closure. Rather, with dark humor and striking insight, they carry the narrative through enough of an arc so as to complete the story without closing the door on the story completely, so to speak. These characters, and their stories, are bigger than the world in which they themselves exist - as is the case with all great stories.
Displaying Barry's range in terms of tone and content, "There are Little Kingdoms" is a collection that showcases Barry's talents - holding treasures of greatness within Irish culture and beyond.
So much about his work is subdued - the humor, the tone, the pacing. Not that it's slow, and it's certainly not always quiet, but there is a... thoughtfulness that permeates his work. And whether Barry is writing about partying teenagers or overworked genies, there is a strength and distinctiveness to his voice and style that I absolutely love.
As with any collection, some of the stories contained here are better than others, but all of them are the work of a highly skilled writer. Peering into some of the grittier aspects of life, these stories rarely feel as though they provide complete closure. Rather, with dark humor and striking insight, they carry the narrative through enough of an arc so as to complete the story without closing the door on the story completely, so to speak. These characters, and their stories, are bigger than the world in which they themselves exist - as is the case with all great stories.
Displaying Barry's range in terms of tone and content, "There are Little Kingdoms" is a collection that showcases Barry's talents - holding treasures of greatness within Irish culture and beyond.