We Live in Water
In "We Live in Water," Jess Walter weaves together a tapestry of interlinked stories set in Spokane, Washington, exploring the lives of characters struggling with addiction, poverty, and the search for redemption. The river serves as a powerful metaphor for their interconnected lives, flowing through their struggles and dreams. Each character, from a homeless man to a troubled poet, brings a unique perspective to the harsh realities of life, inviting readers to empathize with their journeys. With poignant prose and a touch of dark humor, Walter captures the beauty and tragedy of human existence. This gripping collection challenges us to consider the unseen currents that shape our lives and the lives of those around us.
By Jess Walter
Published: 2013
"In the depths of despair, we often find the clarity of our choices, as we navigate the murky waters of life."
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What Readers Say About This Book
From New York Times bestselling author, the first collection of short fiction from Jess Walter—a suite of diverse and searching stories about personal struggle and diminished dreams, all of them marked by the wry wit, keen eye, and generosity of spirit that has made him a bookseller and reader favorite Stories in We Live in Water range from comic tales of love to social satire and suspenseful crime fiction. Traveling from hip Portland to once-hip Seattle to never-hip Spokane, to a condemned casino in Las Vegas and a bottomless lake in the dark woods of Idaho, this is a world of lost fathers and redemptive con men, of personal struggles and diminished dreams. In title story “We Live in Water”, a lawyer returns to his corrupt hometown to find his father, who disappeared 30 years earlier. In “Thief,” a blue-collar worker turns unlikely detective to find out which of his kids is stealing from the family fund. “Anything Helps” sees a homeless man try to raise money to buy his son the new Harry Potter book; and in “Virgo,” a newspaper editor attempts to get back at his superstitious ex-girlfriend by screwing with her horoscope. Also included are “Don’t Eat Cat” and “Statistical Abstract of My Hometown, Spokane, Washington,” both of which achieved cult status after their first publication online.
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About the Author
Jess Walter
Jess Walter is an acclaimed American author known for his engaging storytelling and sharp wit. His notable works include the bestselling novels 'Beautiful Ruins,' which explores love and ambition against the backdrop of the Italian coast, 'The Financial Lives of the Poets,' a darkly comedic take on the American Dream, and 'Citizen Vince,' which won the Edgar Award for Best Novel. Walter's writing is characterized by its rich character development, a blend of humor and pathos, and a keen insight into the complexities of human relationships.
Book Details
Key information about the book.
- Authors
- Jess Walter
- Published
- February 2013
- Publisher
- Harper Perennial
- ISBN
- 0061926620
- Language
- English
- Pages
- N/A
- Genres
- Contemporary FictionFiction
Purchase Options
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View Collection“In the depths of despair, we often find the clarity of our choices, as we navigate the murky waters of life.”
We Live in Water
By Jess Walter
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