Shannon Sanders's Company: Stories is a captivating debut collection that weaves a richly detailed tapestry of the Collins family's lives across generations. Winner of the 2023 Los Angeles Times Art Seidenbaum Award for First Fiction, this multigenerational saga unfolds through thirteen interconnected stories, each centered around a home visit that reveals intimate truths and familial dynamics. From Atlantic City to Washington D.C., spanning decades from the 1960s to the 2000s, we meet lawyers, drag performers, and matriarchs, witnessing their joys, struggles, and secrets. With vibrant prose and emotional depth, Company explores themes of inheritance, societal pressures, and the enduring bonds of family, showcasing Sanders's remarkable talent and announcing her as a significant new voice in fiction.
Review Company
Oh my goodness, Company: Stories completely blew me away! I genuinely didn't expect to be so captivated by a short story collection, but Shannon Sanders’ debut is something truly special. From the very first page, I was drawn into the intricate tapestry of the Collins family and their extended circle. It’s not just a collection of individual stories; it's a multi-generational saga, a sprawling family portrait painted with remarkable skill and sensitivity.
What struck me most was Sanders’ ability to create such richly realized characters. Each person, from the fiercely independent matriarch to the struggling young adults, felt authentic and complex. They weren't simply archetypes; they were fully formed individuals with their own hopes, dreams, fears, and flaws. I found myself deeply invested in their lives, their triumphs, and their struggles, often feeling as if I knew them personally.
The structure of the book, using the recurring motif of guests arriving at a home, was brilliantly executed. This simple device served as a powerful entry point into each story, highlighting the complexities of family relationships and the weight of unspoken expectations. It subtly underscored the themes of intimacy, obligation, and inheritance that thread throughout the collection.
The stories themselves were diverse in tone and style, ranging from moments of buoyant humor to passages of profound sadness. Sanders masterfully navigated these shifting emotional landscapes, keeping me completely engaged. One moment I might be laughing at a witty exchange between siblings, and the next, I’d be deeply moved by a poignant reflection on loss or regret. This ability to elicit such a wide range of emotions is a testament to her skill as a writer.
The settings – Atlantic City, New York, D.C. – felt vividly real, adding another layer of depth and texture to the narrative. The descriptions were precise and evocative, bringing these places to life in my imagination. The historical context, spanning several decades, also enriched the stories, providing a sense of continuity and revealing the ways in which societal changes impacted the family's lives.
I wholeheartedly agree with the praise I've seen online. This book is expertly written, beautifully crafted, and profoundly moving. It's a testament to Sanders' talent, and it's astonishing to think this is her debut. The fact that our book club enjoyed it so much, and that we had the opportunity to discuss it with the author, only enhanced the experience. I truly believe Company: Stories will resonate with readers of all backgrounds. It's a celebration of family, a meditation on the human condition, and an unforgettable reading experience. I cannot recommend it highly enough. I’m already eagerly anticipating whatever Sanders writes next. This is a writer to watch!
Information
- Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.5 x 8.2 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 208
- Publication date: 2024
- Publisher: Graywolf Press
Book table of contents
- Good, Good Men
- Bird of Paradise
- The Gatekeepers
- Rule Number One
- Rioja
- La Belle Hottentote
- Mote
- Dragonflies
- Amicus Curiae
- The Opal Cleft
- Three Guests
- Company
- The Everest Society
Preview Book
