In Mary Miller's 'Big World', readers are transported into the lives of ordinary individuals grappling with love, loss, and the search for meaning in a vast universe. The rich tapestry of interconnected stories reveals the profound impact of seemingly mundane moments. Each character's journey offers a glimpse into the complexities of human emotions and relationships, leaving a lasting impression. With Miller's signature sharp wit and poignant observations, the narrative unravels the beauty and messiness of life. This compelling collection invites readers to reflect on their own experiences and the world around them.
By Mary Miller
Published: 2009
"In a world that feels vast and indifferent, finding our place often means embracing the messy beauty of the journey."
Fiction. Mary Miller's BIG WORLD is the second book and first work of fiction to come out of Short Flight/Long Drive Books, a publishing arm of the independent literary journal Hobart. The characters in Mary Miller's debut short story collection BIG WORLD are at once autonomous and lonesome, possessing both a longing to connect with those around them and a cynicism regarding their ability to do so, whether they're holed up in a motel room in Pigeon Forge with an air gun shooting boyfriend as in "Fast Trains" or navigating the rooms of their house with their dad after their mother's death as in "Leak." Mary Miller's writing is unapologetically honest and efficient and the gut-wrenching directness of her prose is reminiscent of Mary Gaitskill and Courtney Eldridge, if Gaitskill's and Eldridge's stories were set in the south and reeked of spilt beer and cigarette smoke.
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“In a world that feels vast and indifferent, finding our place often means embracing the messy beauty of the journey.”
Big World
By Mary Miller
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Mary Miller is an acclaimed American author known for her distinctive voice and poignant storytelling. Her notable works include 'The Last Days of California', 'Big World', and 'Biloxi', which explore themes of loss, isolation, and the complexities of human relationships. Miller's writing style is characterized by its sharp prose and deep emotional resonance, often blending dark humor with profound insights into everyday life.
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