A classic short fiction writer, Wade Bell lets his characters do the talking for him, electing to stay in the background. His style is simple but he's not afraid to pry open the heart of a character and expose it for all the world to see. Bell's latest collection features a young wife who deliberately sets up her husband to kill or be killed; a struggling artist who is picked up by a mysterious six-foot woman at a bar; a girlfriend called Jupiter Moon; and a drill instructor who gets his kicks ordering a seven-year-old to march.
She was pinch-mouthed, somewhat paranoid and -- or, at least, as she'd often been told -- completely inconsiderate of anyone's feelings except, at times, those of her son ...
From the first paragraph of Wade Bell’s new short story collection,
Tracie’s Revenge, I knew I was reading a gifted writer. Bell’s authenticity and artistry carried me through darkness and light towards a crescendo in two brilliant final stories … Bell’s been compared to Carver and Munro. But his gift is unique, starting with his hard-earned authenticity, and his mastery of the craft, especially of the classic short story.
Bruce Hunter, Author of In the Bear's House
In this stunning book, Wade Bell writes on the level of Raymond Carver and Roberto Bolaño. He knows exactly what to leave out to make a short story great. This is a book everyone who loves great fiction and short stories will want to read. He is the master of endings and like Alice Munro keeps us guessing until the final sentence. These are stories to dwell on and ravish in. Read just one and you will be hooked!
Robert Hilles, Author of A Gradual Ruin
Awards
- ReLit Award (shortlisted)